Ultimate guide: The 7 best places to stay in Queenstown
Just in time for the ski season.
Here's our pick of the best hotels in Queenstown on New Zealand's South Island.
FOR FAMILIES
Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa: Even the smallest lodgings at this five-star property are 44 square metres in size and feature separate sitting areas, private balconies, and ensuites with twin sinks and bath tubs. But if you're travelling with kids and want more space, book one of the two-bedroom residences, which are 100 square metres, and feature microwaves and full-sized refrigerators. An onsite restaurant, an indoor pool, a well-equipped gym as well as a spa add to the appeal. The hotel is about 15 minutes' drive from the town, which means you'll either have to hire a car or rely on cabs, but its waterside location and pocket-friendly rates more than make up for that. From $139 per room, per night, or from $257 for a two-bedroom residence; hilton.com
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FOR CENTRAL DIGS
Sofitel Queenstown: Located in the heart of Queenstown, just a two-minute walk from Fergburger (the legendary hamburger eatery), Sofitel evokes a sense of French decadence with plush drapes in the rooms, Balmain amenities in the ensuites, and staff trained to greet guests with bonjours and bonsoirs. There are three excellent eateries on site: head to Left Bank Bistro for breakfast or brunch; have a drink at Le Salon Rouge, a Prohibition era-themed speakeasy with striking red couches; then make your way to Jervois Steakhouse for house-cured meats and butter-soft Wagyu. From $304 per room, per night; sofitel-queenstown.com
FOR OLD-WORLD GRANDEUR
Eichardt's Private Hotel: There are apartments, a three-bedroom Residence and a bank-breaking Penthouse at Eichardt's Private Hotel, located right on Lake Wakatipu on Queenstown's Marine Parade, but nothing quite beats the magnificence of the seven suites housed in the original 160-year-old building. One of the Lake View Suites with a separate living room, plush rugs and throws, and a heated balcony overlooking the lake would be our pick. From $1392 per suite, per night (minimum two nights); eichardts.com
FOR TOP-NOTCH DESIGN
QT Queenstown: Radical design follows QT wherever it goes and Queenstown is no exception. So prepare yourself for bright-coloured couches in the lobby, striking rugs in the guestrooms, and bold graphic motifs at the onsite watering hole, Reds, which the hotel's website calls "Queenstown's sassiest little bar". From $358 per room, per night; qthotels.com/queenstown
FOR LUXURY
Rosewood Matakauri: If the large living rooms, open fireplaces and private balconies in the Rosewood Matakauri suites don't knock your socks off, the standalone bath tub in the ensuite - plonked next to a massive window with Lake Wakatipu and mountain views - will do the trick. The land of the long white cloud is famous for luxury lodges and this property - just 10 minutes' drive from the centre of Queenstown - lives up to the hype, with lavish lodgings and a heavenly restaurant where chef Jonathan Rogers serves up exquisite modern New Zealand dishes. A world-class spa and staff who can organise all sorts of local immersive experiences - from heli-skiing to golfing - complete the picture. From $1985 per suite, per night (for two adults, inclusive of breakfast, pre-dinner aperitif and dinner); rosewoodhotels.com
FOR LONGER STAYS
The Rees Hotel: From sweeping lake views and an excellent onsite restaurant, The Rees Hotel ticks a number of boxes, but the one that truly takes the cake is the exhaustive range of accommodation options it offers. Check in to the entry-level Superior room if you're travelling solo or with a special someone, or opt for one of the two- or three-bedroom apartments, if you're in Queenstown with friends or family. And if an extended stay is what you're after, nab the Lake View One Bedroom Apartment, with a specious living room, indoor/outdoor dining areas and fully-equipped kitchen. From $314 per room, per night; therees.co.nz
FOR BOUTIQUE LOVERS
Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel: There are just 19 rooms at this gem of a hotel, with stunning views in every direction. Check into Remarkables room or junior suite for mountain vistas, or make yourself comfortable in one of the peaceful Gondola rooms, with glass-walled ensuites, private courtyards and views of the town's famous gondola. From $411 per room, per night; queenstownparkhotel.co.nz
Akash is the Deputy Travel Editor for Australian Community Media. He has lived and worked in four cities around the world – Sydney, London, New Delhi and New York – and, at last count, travelled to 42 countries.
My all-time favourite destination is ... New York. You can drop a pin anywhere in Manhattan and start walking in any direction, and the sights and sounds of the city that never stops will begin to stimulate all your senses in an instant.
Next on my bucket list is … Scandinavia - at the peak of summer, when the sun almost never sets.
My top travel tip is … If you’re flying to Sydney from anywhere in the world, pick a window seat far from the wing on the left-hand-side of the aeroplane. If the weather gods and flight path align, you’ll have the most incredible views of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House.
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