Auckland Favorites: Hotel deBrett and Flat Whites
Hotel deBrett in Auckland, New Zealand is the hottest new hotel in the city, according to Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure (three times!) and Vogue Magazine , and we couldn’t agree more. Perfectly located in the center of downtown, it’s a boutique hotel with just 25 stylish rooms. It was the city’s first hotel that was used commercially in the 1840’s. Now new management has restored Hotel deBrett to be the ultimate in contemporary and retro urban décor but with certain touches of salvaged heritage remaining.
But of course, no trip to Auckland would be complete without a trip to a café. New Zealanders, much like Europeans, meet at cafés to catch up with friends, conduct business meetings, and experience family outings. However, New Zealand cafés are unique to those in Europe for the types and versions of coffees offered. Within a short taxi ride of Hotel deBrett is my personal favorite New Zealand café – Circus Circus – located in the neighborhood of Mt. Eden. Opening early and closing late, it’s perfect for hipsters and families alike with its toys, books, light seasonal menu (such as warm orzo, mushroom and walnut salad, bagel towers, lime and chili chicken, and rhubarb apple crumble) and to-die-for coffee drinks. Make sure to try New Zealand’s national coffee drink, a flat white, which is somewhere between a latté and a cappuccino but with foam so smooth and thick it coats your lips. The New Zealand word for “coffee” might as well be “flat white” because they’re so popular (although one of our clients prefers a “long black” every times she’s there – an espresso with hot water or what’s commonly called an “Americano” elsewhere.) Despite all this, the best part about Circus Circus is its décor, with old circus statues, vintage diner bar and plenty of neon to light up the night.
Spending time at a café on holiday is a great way to slow down, feel like a local, and drink like a local – if you order a flat white in New Zealand.
Circus Circus is my favorite café. What’s your favorite world café?
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Posted by Rachel Haile at 7/2/2010 1:43 PM 
Categories: New Zealand, travel agent, Luxury Travel, Insider Tips
Categories: New Zealand, travel agent, Luxury Travel, Insider Tips
Traffic Cafe in Queenstown!! Wooohoooo!!
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Woohoo for hearing from an old client out of the blue! This is Rachel Haile... now working at a different company than MoonRings, one dedicated to sending folks to Down Under. Great to hear from you! Hope you and Katy are well. I can't help but wonder how you found my post... Hm.. Stalker maybe?
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