Description: Stepping out of my taxi after 24 hours of traveling on foot, subway, plane, and car, I went from feeling like a rumpled mess to feeling like I’d died and gone to, well, Mollies.
Miss Joanna was expecting me and immediately whisked me into my duplex villa, a bright space filled with the notes of Pavarotti, the glow of an electric fireplace, and room after room of exquisite but comfortable décor. As soon as she left, I ran around the place like a candy-crazed kid, my jet lag a thing of the past before I even stepped into the amazing shower, tucked into the plush bed, or became an actual candy fiend at the complimentary mini-bar.
I paused for a while on the upstairs balcony, where I would watch the sun rise over Auckland the next morning, captivated by the perfect outline of the city. Inside, the view was even better, because Mollies has thought of everything a traveler might want: two flat-screen TVs, wireless Internet, DVD players, robe, slippers, snacks, alarm clock, flashlight, books, magazines, CDs, that day’s
Herald. The attention paid to the details in each of the 14 suites is incredible. My room (number 13) featured a living room, dining nook, bedroom, bathroom, and walk-in closet downstairs, and a daybed and desk in the upstairs loft. All of this was accented with a chandelier, antiques, paintings, layers of pillows, marbled walls, huge mirrors, and global influences.
But I came closest to singing hallelujah with the Pavarotti CD in the bathroom. Its spotless, heated tiles; towel warmer; Jacuzzi; two-headed shower; Molton Brown bath products; hairdryer; and sleek sinks were enough to bring a weary traveler to tears.
The bathroom didn’t remain my favorite thing at Mollies for long, though; it didn’t stand a chance next to the spa, gym, dining room, or reading room. And outside, where I took my breakfast and coffee, was just as beautiful, with views of perfect Ponsonby streets and the Harbour Bridge beyond. Mollies’ location is a huge draw; the hotel is tucked into a trendy, residential neighborhood away from the city center, but only a 15-minute walk to the heart of Auckland. And any member of the personable staff will point you where you want to go, marked-up map in hand.
The staff, in fact, is what really differentiates Mollies. Led by the opera-industry husband-and-wife-team Frances Wilson and Stephen Fitzgerald, the staff runs the place beautifully but without pretension. The night I was there, they were hosting a wedding party’s rehearsal dinner, and were so warm in their encouragements for me to stop by that I actually did. I’m glad I took their advice, because two of the talented hotel staff entertained us with arias by the piano (which they do nightly around 8pm).
Though a night of Mollies’ luxury starts at approximately $495, it’s easily one of the world’s best boutique hotels, and if you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or to recover from traveling, it’s worth every penny.
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