As a women only guesthouse, The Mermaid provides elegant and comfortable accommodation within easy access to the city center and Te Papa, the national Museum. Rates include breakfast.

The individually decorated rooms have robes, hairdryers, soaps and large towels!

The Mermaid is situated in Wellington's inner city Aro Valley, an historic area with picturesque Victorian Villas gracing the bush covered hillsides. The guesthouse itself is a turn-of-the-century character building, which has been lovingly preserved and completely restored. It is also minutes from Wellington's theatres, cinemas, cafes, offices, university, major shopping centers, Te Papa (National Museum) as well as suburbs such as Kelburn, Mt Victoria and Thorndon - noted for restaurants and coffee houses that are as cosmopolitan as anything in the northern hemisphere.

Aro Valley has an eclectic collection of local shopping. A Swiss bakery and patisserie, a superette, fruit and vegetable store, the Aro Street Cafe and Restaurant, Wellington's finest video shop, Tzar hairdressing, Ron Barber's originally designed frames and furniture and Brown Paper Bag with a wide selection of NZ and imported wines, are all within seconds of The Mermaid.

From the airport it is a 15 minute drive by shuttle or Taxi. Approaching Wellington by state highway (the only freeway into the city) the Mermaid is 4 minutes drive from the last exit.

Arriving from the South Island by ferry, take a free bus to the railway station, then the number 8 bus to Aro Street. The No 8 bus from the railway station stops directly outside The Mermaid. After 8pm when the service ceases a taxi will be quite affordable.

The Guesthouse:

A guest lounge with library, comfortable furniture, and a wide range of CDs is provided where you will be welcomed on arrival with a glass of complimentary wine.

The Mermaid is also a tribute to some of the world's most interesting interior decor styles. The rooms border on glamorous and consequently, are just lovely to be in. The vibrancy of Polynesia, the cool elegance of Deco, the passion of Latin, and the splendor of Bengal are themed in the four guest rooms. All have views, either of the tree lined garden and deck or the surrounding hillsides.

One room has private facilities, while the others share a bathroom with a tub, shower and a mosaic tiled mermaid adorning the wall. All have luxurious robes, towels and fragrant soaps for your extra comfort.

The kitchen is fully facilitated for your use. The patio deck which opens out from the French doors is pure contemporary New Zealand in its combination of honey-blond wood, a multitude of flowering potted plants and clematis on a trellis - even a hammock. A luscious continental breakfast with a selection of prepared seasonal fruits, cereals, yoghurt, freshly baked breads, various cheeses, avocado, sun-dried tomatoes and home-made jams is included in the room rate and is served at your requested hour of the morning.

Whether your need is to do some extra shopping, have a late business meeting, or if your plane leaves early evening, wherever possible The Mermaid offers late checkouts.

Location:

The Mermaid is situated in Wellington's inner city Aro Valley, an historic area with picturesque Victorian Villas gracing the bush covered hillsides. The guesthouse itself is a turn-of-the-century character building, which has been lovingly preserved and completely restored. It is also minutes from Wellington's theatres, cinemas, cafes, offices, university, major shopping centers, Te Papa (National Museum) as well as suburbs such as Kelburn, Mt Victoria and Thorndon - noted for restaurants and coffee houses that are as cosmopolitan as anything in the northern hemisphere.