NZAA/AKL - Auckland - Pullman Hotel - March 2025

Pullman Hotel AKL is located next to the bus stops outside the international terminal.

I had room 815, rooms x14 to x24 look towards the runway.  There's a little bit of remote parking visible but mainly requires aircraft to move to be visible.  There is a 9th floor above but I think that is executive/premium rooms. 

There are no views from within either the international or domestic terminals.  A walk to the far end of the domestic terminal will show some freighters, ANZ and Air Chathams turboprops. The biz and GA ramp is further away but walkable, or if you have a car there's also a viewing area that also requires most aircraft to move to see them.

There is a Novotel next door that is perpendicular to the runway but would allow movements to be seen, and will usually be cheaper than the Pullman.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/CUqTB96m5bQr3eU7A

YSSY/SYD - Sydney - Rydges Hotel - March 2025

Currently sitting on Room 703 of the Rydges hotel with a view of all the runways and the domestic terminal.  Some of the international stands are blocked by the terminal.  Rydges has two eateries - I uses Smithy's Bar during my stay.  Prices are reasonable for the quality and quantity of the meals.  There is also a rooftop bar with views out across the airport.  Parking is in the airport parking, with a 50% off if the hotel validates your ticket.  I noticed that they also have a machine giving 100% rebate, but don't know what you need to qualify for that.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/38dqyd3UUNUibn1G9

Credit: Steve Mitchell

Above: View from roof top bar.

Above: View from airport view room.

Above: View from airport view room.

NZAA/AKL - Auckland - Novotel - March 2025

Arrived on Tuesday afternoon and checked in at the Novotel Auckland Airport – a high room had been requested and I was given 916, which did the trick.  I reckon x06 to x23 on either the 8^th or 9^th floors should have decent views of the runways, but limited views of the terminal stands.  

Be aware that the sound proofing is too good – you don’t hear any noise so have to keep a constant view of the runways. No parking with the hotel and just an expensive restaurant. Szimpla café near the IBIS Budget is recommended.

Credit: Steve Mitchell

https://maps.app.goo.gl/j2rowL2wKgTcBL177

YMML/MEL - Melbourne - Park Royal Airport Hotel - March 2025

Stayed in the Park Royal Airport Hotel, chosen for the view. From an Airport View room (sorry forgot the number).  All runway movements can be seen, although most of the stands are blocked by the terminal.  This has an expensive restaurant and parking is AUD40 a night – in the public car park and then validated by the hotel.

Credit: Steve Mitchell

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZdH2Yd4VM7vCq5gcA

YBBN/BNE - Brisbane - Pullman - October 2023

Location

The Pullman is one of the only two on-site hotels at Brisbane, a short walk from the Domestic Terminal and adjacent to the Ibis.

Rooms / View

There are ten floors, floor 10 is the executive floor with access to the executive lounge on this floor. I stayed in room 1001 which is a deluxe executive room with two double beds. The room faces south east towards the International Terminal and the approach to 01R / 19L climb out. 

Room plan showing lounge and room location

Inside the lounge

View from the room towards the International terminal

View from the lift lobby, over the car park, towards the north east, 19L and 19R approaches.

Lounge

The lounge is next door to room 1001 with a similar view. It is unattended and I assume open 24/7. I spent several hours there and never saw anyone else apart from the hotel staff topping up the soft drinks and snacks. The lights could be dimmed at night allowing a better view.

The newer runway 01L/19R is behind both the room and the lounge but any action behind can be seen easily as there are windows at all ends of the corridor. While you can see all movements, most of the domestic terminal is obscured.

Summary

The Pullman isn’t cheap, but the facilities and lounge is superb. In addition to the hotel restaurant and room service, there is a reasonably priced restaurant open to all at the Ibis next door. Even without the lounge access, the windows at the end of the corridor will ensure you won’t miss anything on the move.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/76vdyWitALp4ujXE9