Empire Apartments

3.0 star property
Guesthouse with a restaurant, steps from University of Auckland

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Empire Apartments

Efficient laundry facilities with washing machines and a functional layout.
Standing tall, the Empire building showcases its striking architectural design with vertical lines and rectangular windows.
Modern kitchen with microwave, oven, and sink, featuring a large window and mounted TV.
Stylish hallway leads to a dining area with a table and chairs.
Welcome to our reception area, featuring a curved counter, digital display, and cozy seating area with comfortable chairs and tables.

Popular amenities

  • Laundry
  • Restaurant

Explore the area

Map
21 Whitaker Place, Grafton, Auckland, Auckland, 1010
  • University of Auckland
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Sky Tower
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Auckland Ferry Terminal
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Auckland (AKL-Auckland Intl.)
    ‪22 min drive‬

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Room options

Studio Apartment with Two Single Beds

  • 291 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

2 Bedroom 2 Level Apartment With Own Entrance

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Double Lockable Room with Private Bathroom in Shared Two-Bedroom Apartment (No self isolation)

  • 108 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Apartment, 3 Bedrooms

  • 614 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Double Beds and 2 Twin Beds

Twin Lockable Room with Private Bathroom in Shared Two-Bedroom Apartment (No self isolation)

  • 108 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

3-Bedroom Apartment with 3 Double Beds

  • 614 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Double Beds

2-Bedroom Apartment with 1 Double and 2 Single Beds

  • 431 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

  • 431 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Studio Apartment with One Double Bed

  • 291 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Twin Studio Apartment

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Three Bedroom Apartment with Two Double and Two single Beds

  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Double Beds and 2 Twin Beds

Double Studio Apartment

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Three Bedroom Apartment with Three Double Beds

  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Double Beds

Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Two Bedroom Apartment

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom Apartment with 1 Double and 2 Singles

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds

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About the neighborhood

Auckland

Located in Auckland Central Business District, Empire Apartments is adjacent to University of Auckland and within a 10-minute walk of other popular attractions like Queen Street Shopping District. This 50-room, 3-star guesthouse welcomes guests with conveniences like a restaurant, express check-out, and laundry facilities.

What's nearby

  • University of Auckland - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Sky Tower - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • SkyCity Casino - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Spark Arena - 20 min walk - 1.1 miles
  • Auckland Ferry Terminal - 3 min drive - 1.2 miles

Getting around

  • Auckland Remuera Station - 4 min drive
  • Gaunt Street Tram Stop - 5 min drive
  • Auckland Intl. Airport (AKL) - 28 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Le Royal Home Bakery - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Kebab King Grafton - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Chadam - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Mojo Aut - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬6 min walk

About this property

Empire Apartments

Guesthouse with a restaurant, steps from University of Auckland
At Empire Apartments, guests have access to express check-out, laundry facilities, and a reception hall. You'll find limited parking. The front desk has multilingual staff that can help with luggage storage, and offer advice about sights and eateries nearby.
Guests can stay connected with WiFi and wired internet. Other standard amenities include refrigerators, microwaves, and stovetops. Housekeeping is available once per stay.

Languages

Chinese (Mandarin), English, Japanese, Korean

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: WiFi (NZD 10 per week); wired internet (surcharge)

Parking and transportation

  • Limited onsite parking

Food and drink

  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Empire Foodcourt

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (once per stay)
  • Multilingual staff

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 12 steps to reach entrance
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only

More

  • Reception hall
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop

More

  • Desk
  • Fan
  • Heating
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 2 percent for credit card payments
The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
The shared apartment accommodation is not suitable for guests who are required to quarantine, due to the apartment's communal areas.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Deposit: NZD 100 per accommodation, per stay

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Fee for in-room wireless internet: NZD 10 per week (rates may vary)
  • Fee for in-room wired internet: NZD 10 per week (rates may vary)
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 2 percent

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
  • Check-in: 2 PM
  • Check-out: 10 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours, and checking out is easy with express services. Driving? This property offers limited parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a smoke detector.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

National rating

For the benefit of our customers, we have provided a rating based on our rating system.

Property is also known as

Empire Apartments Auckland
Empire Auckland
Empire Apartments Auckland
Empire Apartments Guesthouse
Empire Apartments Guesthouse Auckland

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at Empire Apartments?

Empire Apartments provides free cancellation on certain room rates. For more details, look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at Empire Apartments?

As of Aug 3, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Empire Apartments on Aug 13, 2025 start from $61.59, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What can I see within easy reach of Empire Apartments?

This guesthouse is situated in Auckland Central Business District within a short 9-minute walk of Queen Street Shopping District and also 17 minutes on foot from Sky Tower. You'll also find SkyCity Casino and Princes Wharf within a short drive.

Is there parking available at Empire Apartments?

Yes, though parking is limited.

Does Empire Apartments feature a casino?

No, Empire Apartments doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Empire Apartments?

No, there is no indoor pool at this guesthouse.

Does Empire Apartments have a hot tub?

No, this guesthouse doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Empire Apartments have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

No, Empire Apartments doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does Empire Apartments allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Empire Apartments.

Are there connecting rooms at Empire Apartments?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this guesthouse.

Where is the closest airport to Empire Apartments?

The closest major airport to Empire Apartments is Auckland Intl. Airport (AKL), which is 16.6 mi away (28 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Empire Apartments?

No, there aren't any accommodations with balconies at Empire Apartments.

Empire Apartments Reviews

Reviews

6.6
Rating 10 - Excellent. 35 out of 234 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 73 out of 234 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 66 out of 234 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 32 out of 234 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 28 out of 234 reviews

6.6/10

Cleanliness

6.8/10

Staff & service

6.0/10

Amenities

6.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

5.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Te Puawai

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Morghan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Mateata

Disliked: Cleanliness
No car park on property Stained bedsheet.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ma-tou

Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

calem

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Farida

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Clean comfortable apartments in a great location

Nice spacious and clean rooms and bathroom, there are all necessary kitchen utensils. Excellent location. Quiet, comfortable, friendly staff. There is a laundry room on the ground floor.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Fatu

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Value for money.

Value for money. We stayed here for two nights. Overall, good accommodation and clean rooms. Tea, coffee, towels, linen, soap and shampoo are provided. There is a convenient shop next to the building but closes at about 9pm. Restaurants and other shopping places are little bit far – about 15 to 20 min walk. Train stations including “The Strand Station” are little bit far and need taxi. Only street parking is available and free between 6pm and 8am. All other time need to pay for parking (about 4NZD per hour). Very helpful reception and accommodate late check-in (about 10pm). Reception staff given us good useful information about the area. Wifi is available but need to pay to use. I will use them again.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shay

Traveled with group, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great apartment for what we needed giid price too!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

DAN

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The only downfall was that the bathroom was falling apart. Other than that it was an excellent stay. Everyone was super friendly including guests and it was a very convenient location for what we needed having small children with us. They thought they were queens being on the top most floor!! Brilliant!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

2/10 Terrible

JaznJo

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Looked like the building was crying it's that sad. Stayed in backpackers better.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness
You get what you pay for with this accommodation—ideal for budget travelers looking for a no-frills room with a bed. The area primarily caters to students, so it has a bit of a dormitory vibe. The bed was decent, but the shower was small and had a curtain instead of a door. The room could have used an extra cleaning, as there was a strange smell that required us to open the windows for ventilation. That said, for a one-night stay at this price, I can't complain. The location in Auckland is excellent, close to Queen Street.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Mel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ghulam Rasul

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

4/10 Poor

Lonappan jacob

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is mainly for university students and working people who are in college or university. Not good for the families. Very noisy outside at night
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eric

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great central location, walkable to downtown Auckland and all it has to offer... However, lots of hills, so bring your good legs lol... Parking is kinda spendy, be prepared... Staff was very helpful and friendly, room was clean and welcoming and nicely appointed... Vending machines as well as a convenience store and burger restaurant on site... Enjoyed my stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nigel

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
My needs as a Customer are pretty minimal, but Empire Apartments meets those needs every time. The staff who greeted me were kind and polite and informative. People in and around the place were also friendly who speaks of their clients and reputation. Will stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Helen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Suited for a boys trip
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

6/10 Okay

Ford

Property was ok for the night, but room was very basic and quality of the bed was average. Loud drunk neighbours at 1am, with occasional yelling. But I do realise that the apartment is in a student location and designed for that market.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

6/10 Okay

Emma

Traveled with family
Facilities were average but that is reflected in the price and basically what we expected. However, the location is fantastic, easy to walk to town. We did a lot of steps but saved us money!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

4/10 Poor

P

Traveled with family
Liked: Room comfort
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Not a place we would book again.

Cheap accommodation. Insufficient seating or space available for the 6 adults booked. Lounge area that was shown in photos appeared to have been converted to a 3rd bedroom. Beds were cheap, nasty and uncomfortable. There were 2 bathrooms.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Waimatehuirua

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Jeremiah

Traveled with family
Disliked: Staff & service
Very affordable, prefect location, and comfortable. Upgrade bed.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Aifetinai

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Overall the stay was fine. The bed was comfy and place was clean. However, the power outlet in the bathroom kept popping off which was a hazard!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024