Name: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Address: 147 The Terrace, Wellington, Wellington, 6001
Price range: US$88+
Rating: 7.9

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor Wellington Exterior photo

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor Wellington Amenities photo

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor Wellington Room photo

Key details

About the Hotel

147 The Terrace, Wellington, 6001

Near the Wellington Museum

Great

8.5

8.6

/10

3.9

3.6

Loved by James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor guests

Refurbished rooms

Central location

Attentive staff

Smooth check-in

"Large spacious room with lovely views to the sea and city"

Judy from Australia

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"The location is incredibly convenient, right off the motorway, but you can also walk through to the main shopping street (Willis St)"

Hipnz from New Zealand

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"There is a lift down to Lambton Quay taking you to the middle of the shopping street."

Grant from New Zealand

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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.

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
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Family Room
2 persons
520 sq. feet
2 Double beds
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Executive King Room
2 persons
305 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details

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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

Public parking is possible on site at NZD 30 per day.

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

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

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

Location

147 The Terrace, Wellington, 6001

Map view

City landmarks

Museum

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

3900 ft

Botanical Garden

Wellington Botanic Garden

4300 ft

Cable Car

Wellington Cable Car

4000 ft

Museum

Wellington Museum

2500 ft

Gallery

City Gallery Wellington

2900 ft

Landmark

Old Government Buildings

2500 ft

Public Building

New Zealand Parliament

2700 ft

Landmark

Turnbull House

2300 ft

Church

Old St Paul's

3700 ft

Planetarium

Space Place at Carter Observatory

4100 ft

Cable Car

Cable Car Museum

2100 ft

Public Building

Beehive

2600 ft

Park

ZEALANDIA Sanctuary

1.8 mi

Landmark

BATS Theatre

1.0 mi

Square

Civic Square

2200 ft

Church

Wellington Cathedral of St Paul

2800 ft

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 Portrait Gallery

1200 ft

Gallery

New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts Academy Galleries

1100 ft

Restaurants

Whitby's Restaurant & Bar

1300 ft

147 The Terrace

Sojourn Cafe & Bar

147 The Terrace

Concrete Bar & Restaurant

2000 ft

Lambton Quay Level 1 Cable Car Lane

Boulcott Street Bistro

800 ft

99 Boulcott Street

Jasmin Licensed Chinese Restaurant

1900 ft

294 Lambton Quay James Cook Arcade Level M

Caucus Restaurant & Bar

1900 ft

133-137 The Terrace

Funicular

2000 ft

1st Floor

Spring Kitchen

2000 ft

203 Lambton Quay

Steps Restaurant Travelodge Hotel

900 ft

Gilmer Terrace

Columbus Coffee

2000 ft

188 Featherston Street

Verve Cafe

1700 ft

250 Lambton Quay

Two Grey Bar and Brasserie

2100 ft

2 Grey Street

Explore Wellington

Local Experiences Near James Cook Hotel

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

16 minutes' walk

Beautiful gardens featuring native and exotic plant species, along with walking trails and free guided tours.

Wellington Museum

10 minutes' walk

Museum dedicated to Wellington's rich maritime history, featuring interactive exhibits and local artifacts.

Cuba Street

16 minutes' walk

Vibrant street known for its eclectic shops, street performances, and lively atmosphere perfect for casual strolls.

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

1 minute' walk

Contemporary café known for its delicious brunch options and specialty coffee; ideal for a casual meal.

Whitby's Restaurant & Bar

5 minutes' walk

Sophisticated dining experience featuring local ingredients and a fine selection of wines; reservations recommended.

Concrete Bar & Restaurant

8 minutes' walk

Casual eatery offering a diverse menu; popular for its vibrant atmosphere and creative cocktails.

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
Wellington 11 min · 3000 ft
Airports
Wellington (WLG) 12 min · 4.6 mi
Kapiti Coast (PPQ) 82 min · 33.7 mi
Train
Wellington Railway Station 10 min · 2700 ft
Train 2 min · 400 ft
Bus
Bus stop 3 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:

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

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.

Review score

Based on 6 verified reviews

7.9 /10

Very good

100%

Recommend

Location

9.3/10

Staff

9.1/10

Value for money

8.5/10

Facilities

8.6/10

Pros

City views

Comfy bed

Easy access

CBD location

Cons

Outdated rooms

Unfriendly staff

Bad breakfast

Zoe from Australia

Family with children

Family Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 27, 2026

7/10

clean room friendly staff covered carpark dark room spoiled view locked toilets

The room was clean and well-presented. The staff members at both arrival and departure were very friendly and efficient. The package I booked included covered parking with easy on-site access (so convenient!).

My room faced the carpark directly adjacent to the hotel. It made the room very dark and spoiled the view somewhat. I also noticed the toilets in the lobby were often locked. You had to request a key each time you needed to use the facilities, a bit inconvenient.

0 Helpful

Isaac from Israel

Family with children

Family Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 01, 2026

7/10

central location comfortable sleep friendly staff expensive parking bathroom hair dirty 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 location helpful staff quality toiletries

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

The hotel features a lift providing direct access to the street. Lambton Quay shops and eateries are nearby. The location made it easy to explore the waterfront and other local attractions.

0 Helpful

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 staff harbour suite free drinks

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. an elevator provides direct access to the city center.

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

anthony from united kingdom

Family with children

family room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 25, 2025

6/10

dated room poor heating

the lift goes straight to the city center, saving stair climbing.

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 center pleasant 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

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