James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor Wellington Exterior photo The photo is a wide, high-angle shot of a vibrant city skyline nestled along a beautiful harbor. The city sprawls across the foreground and midground, featuring a mix of modern and older buildings of varying heights and architectural styles. Many of James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor Wellington Interior photo The photo shows a brightly lit hotel lobby with a modern and welcoming atmosphere. The lobby has a curved walkway made of light-colored tiles, leading towards a reception desk on the left side of the frame. The reception desk is made of dark wood witJames Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor Wellington Exterior photo The photo shows a well-lit buffet area, likely in a hotel or restaurant. The buffet is arranged on a sleek, curved black countertop with stainless steel serving dishes. 

On the left side, there's a refrigerated display case filled with various salad
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Check-in
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

147 The Terrace, Wellington, New Zealand, 6001
-
Near the Wellington Museum
Great
8.5
8.6
/10
3.8
3.6
/5

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor - A 5-star eco-conscious hotel with harbour-view suites, conference facilities, and central Wellington access

Located on The Terrace, James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor offers 269 rooms, including fully refurbished Executive King, Executive Twin, and Deluxe suites with walk-in showers and Forest & Bird amenities. Deluxe guests on the 26th floor access the Harbour View Lounge, featuring 24-hour non-alcoholic beverages and city or harbour views. Whitby's Restaurant on the 17th floor serves buffet breakfasts, Friday-Saturday buffet dinners, and à la carte menus with Wellington Harbour vistas. The hotel's conference floor accommodates up to 300 delegates, equipped with AV systems by Streamliner, while its gym provides rowing machines, treadmills, and free weights. Key landmarks like Civic Square, Te Papa, and Lambton Quay's retail district are within a 1km walk. Complimentary access to Les Mills Lambton Quay and a sustainability partnership with ZEALANDIA eco-sanctuary are available.

Pros

Deluxe rooms include access to the Harbour View Lounge with complimentary snacks and beverages.

Renovated Executive and Deluxe suites feature walk-in showers and city/harbour views.

Central location places guests within 1km of Te Papa, Wellington Botanic Garden, and Lambton Quay shopping.

Conference facilities support events for up to 300 attendees with dedicated AV services.

Cons

Limited twin-bedded rooms require 24-hour advance notice.

Higher-floor suites may incur noise from Wellington's frequent wind gusts.

Must-do experiences

  • Visit Te Papa Museum for an immersive look at New Zealand's culture.
  • Try the iconic pavlova dessert at Sweet Mother's Kitchen downtown.
  • Explore the scenic Wellington Botanic Garden; take the cable car up!
  • Don't miss the farmer's market at Harbourside on Sundays for local flavors.
  • Wander through Cuba Street for unique shops and vibrant street art.
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Select your room type

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
The Terrace Double or Twin Room
2 persons
260 sq. feet 
2 Double beds
Shower
Heating
Family Room
2 persons
520 sq. feet 
2 Double beds
Shower
Heating
Newly Refurbished Executive King Room
2 persons
305 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Newly Refurbished Executive Twin Room
2 persons
305 sq. feet 
2 Double beds
Shower
Heating
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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

This grand hotel provides facilities designed for comfort and memorable stays.
Facilities: Great
8.6/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Lift
  • Coffee shop
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Tours/Ticket assistance

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Babysitting/Child services
  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Jacuzzi

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Mini-bar
  • Sitting area
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Dining table
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Bathtub
  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • Direct dial telephone
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

Whitbys Restaurant at James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor offers an inviting dining experience featuring international cuisine with a focus on inclusivity, accommodating halal, vegetarian, and gluten-free preferences. This family-friendly venue serves tantalizing meals throughout the day, perfect for travelers seeking both comfort and culinary adventure.
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor Wellington Restaurant photo The photo shows a spacious room set up for a formal event, likely a wedding reception or a banquet. The room has a high ceiling with recessed lighting, and the walls are draped with sheer, light-colored curtains. 

There are numerous round tables arr
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor Wellington Restaurant photo The photo shows a bright and airy restaurant dining area. Large windows dominate the background, offering a view of tall buildings and suggesting an urban setting. The interior features a modern and clean design with light-colored walls and a pattern

Whitbys Restaurant

International fare with a focus on fresh vegetables
Ambiance
Warm and family-friendly setting, ideal for both casual meals and special gatherings
Key Offerings
Highlights include an antipasto platter paired with an assortment of seafood, featuring steamed prawns, marinated mussels, and smoked salmon blinis, creating a vibrant and delightful dining experience
Reservation
Recommended
Monday to Friday: 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM, Saturday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Sunday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor Location

147 The Terrace, Wellington, New Zealand, 6001
Map view
147 The Terrace, Wellington, New Zealand, 6001
Nearby
63 Boulcott St Lambton Quay Area
Antrim House
1100 ft
Church
St Mary of the Angels
1600 ft
Event hall
Wellington Town Hall
2000 ft
Gallery
New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts Academy Galleries
1100 ft
Lambton Quay
1200 ft
Restaurants
Sojourn Cafe & Bar
0 ft
147 The Terrace
Whitby's Restaurant & Bar
1300 ft
147 The Terrace
Concrete Bar & Restaurant
2000 ft
Lambton Quay Level 1 Cable Car Lane
Jasmin Licensed Chinese Restaurant
1900 ft
294 Lambton Quay James Cook Arcade Level M
Caucus Restaurant & Bar
1900 ft
133-137 The Terrace
Boulcott Street Bistro
800 ft
99 Boulcott Street
Funicular
2000 ft
1st Floor
Spring Kitchen
2000 ft
203 Lambton Quay
Verve Cafe
1700 ft
250 Lambton Quay
Frank's
500 ft
116 The Terrace
Steps Restaurant Travelodge Hotel
900 ft
Gilmer Terrace
Cafe Mamba
900 ft
2 Gilmer Terrace
Explore Wellington
Local Experiences Near James Cook Hotel
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
15 minutes' walk
National museum showcasing New Zealand's history and culture with interactive exhibits and free admission.
Wellington Botanic Garden
Wellington Botanic Garden
16 minutes' walk
Beautiful gardens featuring native and exotic plant species, along with walking trails and free guided tours.
Wellington Museum
Wellington Museum
10 minutes' walk
Museum dedicated to Wellington's rich maritime history, featuring interactive exhibits and local artifacts.
Cuba Street
Cuba Street
16 minutes' walk
Vibrant street known for its eclectic shops, street performances, and lively atmosphere perfect for casual strolls.
ZEALANDIA Sanctuary
ZEALANDIA Sanctuary
7-minute drive
Wildlife sanctuary promoting conservation; offers guided evening tours ideal for thrill-seekers and nature lovers.
Wellington Waterfront
20 minutes' walk
Scenic walking path with stunning harbor views, featuring art installations and relaxation spots to unwind.
Sojourn Cafe & Bar
Sojourn Cafe & Bar
1 minute' walk
Contemporary café known for its delicious brunch options and specialty coffee; ideal for a casual meal.
Whitby's Restaurant & Bar
Whitby's Restaurant & Bar
5 minutes' walk
Sophisticated dining experience featuring local ingredients and a fine selection of wines; reservations recommended.
Concrete Bar & Restaurant
Concrete Bar & Restaurant
8 minutes' walk
Casual eatery offering a diverse menu; popular for its vibrant atmosphere and creative cocktails.
TSB Bank Arena Wellington
TSB Bank Arena Wellington
13 minutes' walk
Major event venue hosting concerts and sporting events; lively atmosphere great for all ages.
The Wellington Opera House
15 minutes' walk
Historic theatre presenting opera, ballet, and live performances; an epicenter for culture and arts.
Transportation and Accessibility
City Centre
Wellington11 min  ·  3000 ft
Airports
Wellington (WLG)12 min  ·  4.6 mi
Kapiti Coast (PPQ)82 min  ·  33.7 mi
Train
Wellington Railway Station10 min  ·  2700 ft
Train2 min  ·  400 ft
Bus
Bus stop3 min  ·  700 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site at NZD 30 per day.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
At the hotel James Cook Grand Chancellor guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free. 
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Year renovated:
2011
Number of floors:
14
Number of rooms:
106
Former name
James Cook Hotel Grand

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor enjoys a great location in the heart of Wellington's CBD, with easy access to shopping and the harbor. Guests appreciate the modern, clean rooms and comfy bedding, as well as features like the harbor view from the club lounge. Direct access to the city center is available via a convenient elevator and paid parking is available at the hotel for around 30-35 NZD per day. While the rooms are generally comfortable, some guests have found them a bit small for families.
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Review score
Based on 3544 verified reviews
8.4/10
Great
88%
Recommend
Location
9.4/10
Staff
9.1/10
Breakfast
8.0/10
Facilities
8.6/10
Pros
City views
Comfy bed
Easy access
CBD location
Cons
Outdated rooms
Unfriendly staff
Bad breakfast
Guest reviews
based on 3544 reviews
8.4/10
based on 6918 reviews
8.5/10
Isaac from Israel
Family with children
Family Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:February 01, 2026
7/10
central locationcomfortable sleepfriendly staffexpensive parkingbathroom hairdirty window
The hotel is conveniently located. The central location aided quick trips. The bed was warm. It offered a comfortable sleep. The staff were friendly!
The parking cost $30 per night. I found this excessive. There was hair on the bathroom floor. It was also on the towels. The window was dirty! it obstructed the view.
0 Helpful
Ethan from United States
Single
Newly Refurbished Executive King Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 18, 2026
9.5/10

Fantastic Central Stay

perfect locationhelpful staffquality toiletriesworn carpet
The location was perfect for exploring the city (everything was within easy walking distance!). The staff were very helpful. They extended my check-out time when I arrived late. I also loved the toiletries provided. They were high quality.
The carpet in my room could have used a deep clean. It looked a little worn.
Dining
9/10
The hotel restaurant offers city views, a detail I particularly noted during breakfast. The food options were diverse, including a fixed-price breakfast buffet. This provides a convenient start to the day before exploring the city.
Service
10/10
The staff was friendly and accommodating (a welcome experience after a long trip). Check-in was efficient. The team addressed all questions promptly and ensured all my requests were met quickly.
Rooms
9/10
My room included blackout curtains which worked effectively. It was also very clean and well-kept. The king-size bed was comfortable, made for restful sleep.
Location
10/10
Lambton Quay shops and eateries are nearby. The location made it easy to explore the waterfront and other local attractions.
0 Helpful
|
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Nathaniel from Australia
Family with children
Family Room
2 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 13, 2026
9.0/10

a good stay overall

helpful staffharbour suitefree drinkscold room
The reception staffs were friendly, very helpful, and professional. i stayed two nights in a Harbour suite. the Harbour lounge is a very nice touch. It provides free tea, coffee, various juices, sodas, and snacks.
the room was a bit cold and i did not sleep WELL because I was cold. There is not ability to adjust the heating in the room. it was not what i expected.
Facilities
9/10
The hotel includes a harbour lounge. It features complimentary tea, coffee, juices, and sodas. parking is available beneath the hotel for 30 NZD, offering convenient access.
Location
8/10
the hotel offers great location, very close to the cable car stop. many shops and restaurants are a short walk, and the waterfront is nearby. businesses around the hotel also make it QUITE.
Service
10/10
the staffs at the front desk showed excellent SERVICE. the staffs were very cute, and the room service lady provided immediate delivery of a memory pillow. overall service.
0 Helpful
|
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anthony from united kingdom
Family with children
family room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 25, 2025
6/10
dated roompoor heating
the room felt quite dated and did not match the pictures online i had seen. it was a bit cold, and even with an extra blanket, i didn't sleep well at all. there was no way to adjust the heating in the room at all.
0 Helpful
Mia from Sweden
Newly Refurbished Premium King Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 15, 2025
9/10
city centerpleasant accommodation
the location is in the city center and accessible to many eateries. i stayed for three nights and found the accommodation very pleasant.
My room did not have a view. The windows were dirty.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
What are the check-in and check-out times at James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor?
Check-in is at 14:00 and check-out is at 11:00.
How far is James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor from Wellington International Airport?
The hotel is 8 km from Wellington International Airport, which is approximately a 20-minute drive.
Is there a parking facility at James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor?
Public parking is available on-site for 35 NZD per day without the need for a reservation.
What dining options are available at James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor?
The hotel features Whitby's Restaurant offering buffet and à la carte dining with stunning harbour views, as well as Sojourn Café for quick snacks and beverages.
Are there any family-friendly services at James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor?
The hotel offers babysitting services and a children's menu.
What fitness amenities are available at James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor?
Guests have access to a fitness centre located within the hotel as well as complimentary access to the Les Mills fitness centre nearby.
Does James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor offer free Wi-Fi?
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
What popular attractions are near James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor?
Nearby attractions include Te Papa Museum (1 km), Cuba Street (1 km), and Lambton Quay shopping district (0.5 km).
What room amenities can guests expect at James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor?
Rooms come equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, and some offer city or harbour views.
Is it possible to have breakfast at James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of 38 NZD.
Does James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor have any special accessibility features?
The hotel provides wheelchair access and other features to assist guests with limited mobility.

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