❤️ Where to Stay in Queenstown, New Zealand
Welcome to Tāhuna Queenstown!
I've been travelling to Queenstown for years and it's one of my favourite places in New Zealand. There is a reason the mountain range is called The Remarkables! This area of the South Island is so stunning and definitely remarkbale.
Queenstown has been rapidly developing over the years and the accommodations are really spread out. When I stay in Queenstown I like to be within walking distance of the charming orginial town. But if you're coming to Queenstown to ski or snowboard you might prefer being closer to the mountains, as the traffic is terrible getting out of town.
So here is my selection of the best hotels to stay in for your next visit to Queenstown.
Best luxury hotels in Queenstown
There are many luxury lodges around Queenstown. These are the most centrally located.
* Eichardt's Private Hotel
Eichardt's is one of the most exclusive hotels in Queenstown with an incredible waterfront location. It has a fabulous bar and restaurant. It is rather pricey but if this is in your budget you can't go wrong here.
* The Spire Hotel
This upmarket boutique hotel is the sister property Eichardt’s Private Hotel. The spacious rooms have designer Eames loungers, Philippe StarckIt lamps and gas fireplaces. It's located right in the heart of the town, one block back from the lake and is surrounded by many bars and restaurants.
The best boutique hotels
* Kamana Lakehouse
I haven't stayed here yet, but it's on my list for my next Queenstown visit! It's 3km from town but the views from the soak tubs look amazing.
* The Central Private Hotel by Naumi Hotels
Quirky and stylish hotel is in a central quiet location. I love hotels that host an evening cocktail hour with complimentary drinks and snacks. Plus there is a self-serve espresso machine with sweets.
* The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi Hotels
Another quirky hotel Naumi Hotels. This chic and sophisticated boutique hotel has House of Hackney wallpapers featured throughout. It also has the complimentary cocktail hour and as well as complimentary sweets.
* Hulbert House
This award winning Victorian villa has just 6 beautifully designed suites.
The best boutique large hotels
* Hotel St Moritz Queenstown
I've stayed at the Hotel St Moritz and several times. It's so cosy, the views from the room (lakeside rooms) are gorgeous and it feels like a true alpine lodge.
* QT Queenstown
* Sofitel Queenstown Hotel
This French inspired Sofitel is in an excellent location, right in the heart of town. Walk out the door to shops, bars and restaurants.
Modern Apartments
* Scenic Suites Queenstown
This is a centrally located option if you're looking for apartment style accommodation.
* The Rees Hotel, Luxury Apartments & Lakeside Residences
The Rees is situation on Frankton Road so not walkable but great for families or for those travelling with others.
* Oaks Queenstown Shores Resort
This is another option on Frankton Road so it will take at approx 30 minutes to walk to town but they do have a shuttle bus service. I've stayed in one of the rooms with a spa on the terrace and it was fantastic. Note this is currently undergoing renovation so not reopening until 2025.
Kelvin Heights Hotels
There are hotels popping up all over the place in this area. Whilst it doesn't come close to rivalling the heart of Queenstown, it's an idea location if you are going to be spending a lot of time up the mountains. There are plenty of shops, bars and restaurants in this area.
* Sudima Queenstown Five Mile
The Sudima is a stylish hotel surrounded by bars and restaurants and has free parking.
* Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa
This Hilton is a great location for accessing the ski fields, particularly The Remarkables. You can take the water taxi from outside the hotel to Steamer Wharf.
* DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Queenstown
This hotel is next to the Hilton and you can use their facilities.
Other Brand Hotels
There are plenty of big chain hotel options in Queenstown and many of these were amongst the first hotels built here so they are in great locations and within walking distance to town. These are solid options but won't win any awards for interior design.
* Crowne Plaza Queenstown
The Crowne Plaza has a great location opposite Steamer Wharf.
* Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
This Novotel sits right on the waterfront and steps from town.
* Rydges Lakeland Resort Queenstown
* Heritage Queenstown
This has a similar feel to the St Moritz but it's a bit further from town and up a hill. You can still walk to town from here which will take approx 15 minutes.
* Millennium Hotel Queenstown
A 10 minute walk stroll to town, the Millennium is in a prime location. The rooms have been updated and it's currently undergoing refurbishment to the facilities which is good.
* Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown
This is a newer hotel that is modern and contemporary, walking distance to town.
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Hopefully this guide will save you hours of your time researching through the hundreds of hotel options in Queenstown!
Thanks for your support!
Anna
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