Name: Driftaway Queenstown
Rating: 10

Question 1

What is the best area to stay in Queenstown?

Accepted Answer

The best area to stay in Queenstown is the Town Centre, especially for those who appreciate convenience and immediate access to everything.

The Town Centre is the beating heart of Queenstown, located right alongside Lake Wakatipu. It's compact and very walkable, with most hotels, restaurants, and activity providers within a few minutes' stroll. You'll find yourself close to the Botanic Gardens, the iconic gondola for stunning views, and the main pier where many lake cruises and adventures depart. Shotover Street and Beach Street are central to the retail and dining scene.

For couples, the Town Centre offers an ideal blend of romantic lakefront dining, easy access to evening entertainment, and the convenience of booking excursions right from your doorstep. You can enjoy a leisurely dinner with a view, then take a short walk back to your hotel, making for a relaxed and enjoyable stay.

Solo travellers will also find the Town Centre particularly appealing. Its central location makes it simple to join group tours, meet other travellers at various eateries, and feel connected to the buzz of Queenstown.

Question 2

What are the best hotels in Queenstown that travellers recommend?

Accepted Answer

Several highly-rated hotels in Queenstown consistently receive excellent recommendations from travellers, including Azur Luxury Lodge, The Spire Hotel Queenstown, Kamana Lakehouse, The Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments, and Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa.

The 5-star Azur Luxury Lodge, with an exceptional 10.0 rating, offers a truly luxurious experience. Guests can enjoy private indoor hot tubs, champagne service, and stunning lake and mountain views. The lodge features fireplaces and Egyptian cotton sheets for ultimate comfort, and guests frequently praise the delicious breakfast and friendly staff. It is located 1.2 km from Mt Crichton Loop Track.

Another excellent option is The Spire Hotel Queenstown, a 5-star hotel with a 9.8 rating. This hotel provides elegant accommodation with fireplaces and designer toiletries. Valet parking is available, and guests can arrange private winery tours. It is conveniently located near Queenstown Gardens (0.5 km) and Skyline Queenstown (0.7 km). Travellers often highlight the excellent staff, fantastic breakfast, and great location.

Kamana Lakehouse, a 4.5-star hotel rated 9.4, is known for its beautiful rooms and convenient location. Amenities include private outdoor hot tubs, rainfall showerheads, and premium bedding. Guests can also enjoy mountain and lake views and private winery tours. It is situated 0.7 km from Mt Crichton Loop Track and 2.1 km from Queenstown Gardens.

The 5-star The Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments, with a 9.4 rating, offers comfortable rooms and great service. Guests can enjoy private outdoor hot tubs, fireplaces, and lake views. The hotel provides 24-hour room service and private winery tours. It is located 11.2 km from Lake Wakatipu.

Finally, the 5-star Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa, also rated 9.4, provides luxurious and comfortable rooms with a great location. This hotel features a Turkish bath or hammam, rainfall showerheads, and designer toiletries. Guests can also enjoy club level rooms with lounge access and mountain views. It is very close to TSS Earnslaw Steamship (0.2 km), Skyline Queenstown (0.4 km), and Queenstown Gardens (0.7 km).

Question 3

What are the best family hotels in Queenstown?

Accepted Answer

For an excellent family stay in Queenstown, consider The Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments, Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, Mercure Queenstown Resort, Hotel St Moritz, Queenstown - MGallery, or Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel.

The 5-star The Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments, with a 9.4 rating, offers connecting rooms, on-site babysitting services, and a children's menu at the restaurant. Guests often praise the friendly and helpful staff, comfortable rooms, and good breakfast.

The 4-star Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, rated 8.8, provides child-friendly window designs, free cribs, and complimentary breakfast for children. It is conveniently located near Queenstown Gardens, Skyline Queenstown, and the TSS Earnslaw Steamship. Guests appreciate the excellent location and comfortable, clean rooms.

Another great option is the 4-star Mercure Queenstown Resort, which has an 8.6 rating. This hotel features a children's pool with a gate, kids' meals, connecting rooms, and free cribs. It is a good choice for families looking for a range of facilities.

The 5-star Hotel St Moritz, Queenstown - MGallery, with a 9.0 rating, offers kids' meals, free cribs, child-friendly window designs, and on-site babysitting services. It is situated in a quiet location, close to Queenstown Gardens and Skyline Queenstown. Guests consistently mention the amazing staff and great food.

Finally, the 5-star Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel, boasting an impressive 9.6 rating, provides free cribs, connecting rooms, and on-site babysitting services. It is well-located near Queenstown Gardens and Skyline Queenstown. Travellers frequently highlight the excellent staff, beautiful rooms, and delicious breakfast. Find more child-friendly accommodations in Queenstown

Question 4

What are the best 5-star hotels in Queenstown?

Accepted Answer

For exceptional 5-star accommodation in Queenstown, consider Eichardt's Private Hotel, Azur Luxury Lodge, The Spire Hotel Queenstown, The Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments, and Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa.

The 5-star Eichardt's Private Hotel, with an outstanding 9.4 rating, offers a luxurious stay with amenities such as a deep soaking bathtub, rainfall showerhead, and designer toiletries. Many rooms boast breathtaking mountain and lake views, and some even feature a private outdoor hot tub. The hotel is conveniently located just 0.1 km from Queenstown Beach and 0.2 km from the TSS Earnslaw Steamship.

Azur Luxury Lodge, a 5-star establishment with a great 10.0 rating, provides an indulgent experience with features like a private indoor hot tub, champagne service, and Egyptian cotton sheets. Guests can enjoy stunning mountain and lake views from their rooms, which also include a fireplace.

The Spire Hotel Queenstown, rated 9.8 and holding a 5-star rating, offers comfortable rooms with fireplaces and designer toiletries. Valet parking is available, and guests can enjoy private winery tours. The hotel is well-situated, being only 0.5 km from Queenstown Gardens and 0.3 km from the TSS Earnslaw Steamship.

Another excellent 5-star option is The Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments, with a 9.4 rating. This hotel provides 24-hour room service, premium bedding, and designer toiletries. Some accommodations feature a private outdoor hot tub and a fireplace, alongside lovely lake views.

Finally, the 5-star Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa, rated 9.4, offers a luxurious experience with a Turkish bath or hammam, rainfall showerheads, and designer toiletries. Guests can also enjoy mountain views and a club level room with lounge refreshments. The hotel is close to several attractions, including Skyline Queenstown (0.4 km) and the TSS Earnslaw Steamship (0.2 km). Find more luxury hotels in Queenstown

Question 5

What are the best spa hotels in Queenstown?

Accepted Answer

For the best spa hotels in Queenstown, consider the Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa, The Carlin Boutique Hotel, Sudima Queenstown Five Mile, Azur Luxury Lodge, and Eichardt's Private Hotel.

The 5-star Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa, with an excellent 9.4 rating, offers an extensive spa experience including facial treatments, various massage types such as Swedish and deep tissue, a Turkish bath or hammam, steam room, and couples treatment rooms. It is conveniently located near popular attractions like Skyline Queenstown and the TSS Earnslaw Steamship. Guests frequently praise the luxurious rooms and excellent service.

Another outstanding option is The Carlin Boutique Hotel, a 5-star property boasting an exceptional 9.8 rating. Its full-service spa provides body wraps, sports massage, hot stone massage, and Thai massage, among other treatments. Reviewers consistently highlight the comfortable, super clean rooms and wonderful staff.

The 4.5-star Sudima Queenstown Five Mile, rated 9.4, features a full-service spa with hydrotherapy treatments, body scrubs, and couples treatment rooms. While it is further from the central attractions, its comfortable rooms and friendly staff are often mentioned in positive reviews.

For a truly indulgent experience, the 5-star Azur Luxury Lodge has a great 10.0 rating. Its spa offers Swedish and deep tissue massages, body treatments, and facials. Guests rave about the delicious breakfast and the incredibly friendly staff.

Finally, Eichardt's Private Hotel, a 5-star hotel with a 9.4 rating, also provides excellent spa facilities. These include sports massage, Swedish massage, and deep tissue massage, with dedicated treatment rooms. It is ideally situated close to Queenstown Beach and the TSS Earnslaw Steamship. See all spa hotels in Queenstown

Question 6

What hotels in Queenstown offer free breakfast?

Accepted Answer

For hotels in Queenstown that offer complimentary breakfast, consider the Azur Luxury Lodge, Queenstown House, Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel, The Spire Hotel Queenstown, and The Dairy Hotel Queenstown, A Naumi Chapter.

The 5-star Azur Luxury Lodge, with a superb 10.0 rating, provides free full breakfast and even offers couples dining. Guests consistently praise the delicious breakfast and the friendly staff. It is located near Mt Crichton Loop Track, just 1.2 km away.

Queenstown House, a 4-star hotel rated 9.8, offers free full breakfast and features lovely patios and balconies. Guests frequently comment on the delicious breakfast, the excellent and comfortable rooms, and the superb location. It is conveniently situated near Queenstown Gardens (1.0 km) and Skyline Queenstown (0.6 km).

The 5-star Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel, with a 9.6 rating, includes free cooked breakfast and offers suites, free wired internet in public areas, and a complimentary airport shuttle. Guests highlight the great and delicious breakfast, the beautiful and clean rooms, and the fantastic location. It's very close to Skyline Queenstown, only 0.3 km away.

The Spire Hotel Queenstown, a 5-star establishment rated 9.8, provides free cooked breakfast and is well-suited for ski enthusiasts, with ski shuttle and rental options nearby. Guests consistently mention the excellent and fantastic breakfast, as well as the comfortable linens. It is centrally located, with Steamer Wharf just 0.3 km away.

Finally, The Dairy Hotel Queenstown, A Naumi Chapter, a 4.5-star hotel with a 9.6 rating, offers free continental breakfast. Guests appreciate the nice continental breakfast, the gorgeous and super comfortable rooms, and the superb location. It is within easy reach of Kiwi and Birdlife Park (0.2 km) and Skyline Queenstown (0.3 km).

Question 7

What are the top pet-friendly hotels in Queenstown?

Accepted Answer

For top pet-friendly hotels in Queenstown, consider the Pinewood Queenstown and the Lakeview Colonial Motel.

The 3-star Pinewood Queenstown, with a rating of 7.6, welcomes both dogs and cats and even provides food and water bowls for your pets. Pets stay free of charge. Guests frequently praise the friendly and amazing staff, as well as the clean and quiet rooms. The hotel is conveniently located near Queenstown Gardens, Skyline Queenstown, and the TSS Earnslaw Steamship.

Another excellent option is the 3.5-star Lakeview Colonial Motel, also rated 7.6. This motel is pet-friendly and features a dedicated dog exercise area. Guests appreciate the great location and the free parking. It is situated close to Queenstown Gardens and Queenstown Mall.

Question 8

What are the most romantic hotels in Queenstown for couples?

Accepted Answer

For a romantic getaway in Queenstown, Azur Luxury Lodge, Platinum Queenstown Villas, and Queenstown House are all exceptional choices for couples.

The 5-star Azur Luxury Lodge, with a great 10.0 rating, offers an incredibly intimate experience. Guests rave about the delicious breakfast and the friendly staff. Each villa features a private indoor hot tub, a balcony, and stunning lake and mountain views, with many also having a fireplace. Special couples' dining options are also available.

Platinum Queenstown Villas, a 4.5-star property with a 9.8 rating, provides a luxurious and quiet retreat. These villas boast mountain and lake views, a kitchen, premium bedding, bathrobes, and a fireplace, ensuring a comfortable stay. Guests appreciate the spacious rooms and the peaceful location. It is also conveniently located just 1.5 km from Skyline Queenstown and Queenstown Beach.

Queenstown House, a 4-star hotel rated 9.8, is another highly recommended option. Guests consistently praise the friendly and helpful staff, the excellent and comfortable rooms, and the delicious full breakfast included with your stay. Many rooms also feature a furnished balcony or patio, and it is ideally situated just 0.6 km from Skyline Queenstown and the TSS Earnslaw Steamship. See all romantic hotels in Queenstown

Question 9

What are the best hotels in Queenstown near Queenstown Gardens?

Accepted Answer

For hotels in Queenstown conveniently located near Queenstown Gardens, consider the Queenstown House, Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel, The Spire Hotel Queenstown, or Platinum Queenstown Villas.

The 4-star Queenstown House, with an impressive 9.8 rating, is just 1.0 km from Queenstown Gardens. Guests frequently praise the friendly and helpful staff, the excellent and comfortable rooms, and the delicious breakfast. Many rooms also feature a patio or balcony.

Another excellent option is the 5-star Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel, rated 9.6, also 1.0 km from the gardens. This hotel offers amenities such as connecting rooms and on-site childcare. Guests often highlight the excellent and friendly staff, beautiful and clean rooms, and a great breakfast.

The 5-star The Spire Hotel Queenstown, boasting a 9.8 rating, is particularly close to Queenstown Gardens, only 0.5 km away. This hotel provides on-site childcare and guests frequently praise the excellent staff, fantastic breakfast, and comfortable linens.

Finally, the 4.5-star Platinum Queenstown Villas, with a superb 9.8 rating, is located 1.4 km from Queenstown Gardens. This family-friendly accommodation offers highchairs, child-friendly window designs, and complimentary cribs. Guests appreciate the quiet location, excellent service, and super comfortable beds, with many villas offering mountain views.

Question 10

What hotels are near Queenstown (ZQN-Queenstown Intl.)?

Accepted Answer

For hotels near Queenstown International Airport (ZQN), consider the Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park by IHG and the Sudima Queenstown Five Mile.

The 4.5-star Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park by IHG, with a 9.2 rating, is an excellent choice as it is just 0.8 km from the airport. Guests frequently praise its comfortable and clean rooms, friendly and helpful staff, and super comfortable beds. Many rooms offer mountain views, and the hotel is also close to Alpine Aqualand and Frankton Beach.

Another superb option is the 4.5-star Sudima Queenstown Five Mile, which has a 9.4 rating and is located 1.0 km from the airport. This hotel also offers comfortable and clean rooms and is praised for its convenient location and friendly staff. It features mountain views and is very close to Alpine Aqualand and the Queenstown Event Centre.

Question 11

When is the best time to go to Queenstown?

Accepted Answer

The best time to go to Queenstown largely depends on what kind of activities you're hoping to enjoy, with the summer months (December to February) and winter months (June to August) offering distinct experiences.

For those keen on outdoor adventures like hiking, mountain biking, and water sports on Lake Wakatipu, the summer is ideal. The weather is generally warm and sunny, superb for exploring the many trails in the Remarkables mountain range or taking a scenic cruise. You'll find longer daylight hours, allowing more time for activities.

If skiing and snowboarding are your priority, then the winter season is when Queenstown truly shines. The surrounding mountains, including Coronet Peak and The Remarkables ski fields, are covered in snow, offering excellent conditions for winter sports. The town itself takes on a cosy, festive atmosphere with apres-ski options and stunning snow-capped views.

Should you prefer to avoid the busiest crowds and still enjoy good weather, the shoulder seasons of autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November) offer a good balance. Autumn brings spectacular golden foliage, particularly around Arrowtown, and pleasant temperatures for walking.

Question 12

Can I cancel my hotel reservation on Expedia?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, although it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if cancelled within 24 to 48 hours of the scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. If free cancellation is available, you can cancel directly through your Expedia account by logging in, going to ‘My Trips’ and selecting your reservation. To find flexible deals, filter your search by ‘Fully refundable property’ for hotels in Queenstown.

Question 13

How can I save on a hotel booking in Queenstown with Expedia?

Accepted Answer

One Key™ – Expedia’s free travel rewards programme – gives you instant access to perks and Member Prices on Queenstown hotels. Plus, you’ll earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings to use on future trips. Booking an Expedia hotel and flight package is another great way to save, where bundling can result in significant savings.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Question 14

How much is the nightly rate for a hotel in Queenstown?

Accepted Answer

Prices for hotels in Queenstown often vary, but you can find a great deal from NZ$168 on Expedia. All sorts of factors affect price, such as the time of year or the days of the week you choose for your stay. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by ‘Price: low to high’ for our cheapest rates.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	56.5°F (13.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
February	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
March	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	47.7°F (8.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	42.1°F (5.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
June	36.7°F (2.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
July	34.9°F (1.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
August	36.9°F (2.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
September	39.9°F (4.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	44.4°F (6.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
November	49.8°F (9.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	54.5°F (12.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High

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