GayStayNZ

Wellington

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 centres, 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. Wellington City - Oriental Bay Aro Valley has an eclectic collection of local shopping.Try DeliAro for superb coffee and breakfast, buy fresh fruits and vegetables at stores nearby, Dine at the Aro Street Cafe and Restaurant or visit Aro Video, Wellington's finest video shop. Tzar hairdressing is recommended and a must to visit is Ron Barber's Studio with originally designed wooden frames, Art works and furniture.
	The Guesthouse The Mermaid welcomes women travellers from all over the world 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 splendour of Bengal are themed in the four guest rooms. All have views onto the 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 at breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Mermaid provides cereals for self catering at breakfast and provides an extensive range of condiments. 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. 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. Internet facilities are close by on Cuba Street. Local calls are free of charge.
About us Francesca Francesca started The Mermaid Guesthouse back in 1995, having arrived in Wellington after 20 years living in Greece. Inviting Travellers into her home was a way of experiencing the world and at the same time providing an interesting environment for her and daughter Phaedra. Passionate about travel and experiencing other cultures Francesca has a love of cooking and exploring food, photography, design, eco friendly options in life, animals and music. Dreams of having a house on a Pacific Island! Her and partner Kate currently run Pacific Perfumes, a highly successful business creating Cream Perfumes for the gift and souvenir market around NZ and the Pacific. Joyce Joyce keeps her finger on the pulse at The Mermaid Guesthouse and brings her dry sense of humour, practicality, wisdom, and love of history to the daily running of the Guesthouse. She has an amazing memory for detail, especially about the eras pre- through to post- War New Zealand. She's started several businesses (restaurant and wholesale) and holds the fort at Pacific Perfumes while the bosses are away on business! Joyce has a love of exotic and unusal treasures. She can also be seen each year with a gorgeous array of wares at both the Gay and Lesbian and Tinakori Christmas Fairs. Joyce is Francesca's mother.

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