The Best Boutique Hotels in Queenstown, New Zealand
Although dubbed the “adventure capital of the world”, there is a more refined, luxurious side to Queenstown. Summer sees adrenaline-junkies flock here to waterski on Lake Wakatipu and ski the Remarkables mountain range in winter. However, the city’s best-kept secret is its laid-back approach to luxury, best experienced by staying in one of these exquisite boutique hotels in Queenstown.
1. QT Queenstown
Hotel
Creative types will love QT Queenstown’s arty aesthetic, from its suspended matte black fireplace in the foyer to its Scandi-style furnishings. Expect sheepskin throws, hanging lamps and art-clad walls in the rooms. The real star of this hotel in Queenstown, however, is the view of Lake Wakatipu and snow-capped Remarkables through its large windows. Hotel pools are hard to come by in Queenstown, so the outdoor heated option here should be savoured.
2. Matakauri Lodge
Eco-Lodge
With panoramas of the “big three” – the Remarkables, Cecil Peak and Walter Peak – Matakauri Lodge will place you in the very heart of this mountainous region. The rooms at this Queenstown luxury lodge make the most of the views, while the light, airy design is courtesy of interior designer Virginia Fisher. After you arrive, make a beeline to the spa to book a Te Mana Greenstone facial to unwind.
3. Kamana Lakehouse
Boutique Hotel
It’s hard to find a better place to enjoy Queenstown’s views than from one of Kamana Lakehouse’s hot tubs, overlooking the lake and towering mountains. If you’d rather soak in private, opt for the Lakeview Luxe room, with its outdoor bathtub for two under the stars. Downstairs, Nest Kitchen & Bar serves Mediterranean sharing-style dishes paired with the best Central Otago wines.
5. Sherwood
Eco Hotel
The Sherwood has earned its stripes as one of the world’s most sustainable hotels. Its bar operates under a zero-waste policy, while it’s one of the only southern hemisphere hotels running solely on solar power. Also, most of the restaurant’s food comes from the kitchen garden or local area. It helps that the rooms at this hotel in Queenstown are stylish, too, taking inspiration from mid-’80s motor inns and decorated with recycled materials.
6. Heritage Queenstown
Boutique Hotel
Think European-style alpine-lodge when it comes to this Queenstown city centre hotel. Heritage Queenstown sits on the edge of a pine forest, just a short walk from the city centre. Most rooms have views of Lake Wakatipu or the surrounding Remarkables. A booking at Mackenzies Restaurant, with its cosy log fire and menu dotted with local lamb and beef, is a must.
7. The Spire Hotel
Boutique Hotel
For those looking to be in the thick of it, book a room at the Spire Hotel on the pedestrianised Church Lane. There are endless bars and eateries outside the hotel’s door. Most rooms offer views over the lake or neighbouring church spire (hence the name) and feature vibrant hues and rich textures. Stone fireplaces, Kiwi art and expansive balconies are some of the amenities you can expect.
8. Hotel St Moritz
Hotel
The first thing you’ll notice about Hotel St Moritz is its minimalist design of high ceilings adorned with chalet-style wooden beams, staircases made from stone and a few artworks referencing autumn in the region. Rooms at this Queenstown hotel feature feather mattress overlays and walk-in showers. Rub shoulders with local residents in Lombardi, the hotel restaurant that serves up delicious wood-fired pizzas.
9. Azur Lodge
Boutique Hotel, Bed and Breakfast, Hotel, Lodge, Luxury
10. The Rees Hotel
Hotel
11. The Dairy Private Hotel
Hotel
12. Eichardt’s Private Hotel
Hotel
13. Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
Hotel
Looking for a more budget-friendly hotel in Queenstown? Check out our pick of the best hotels in Queenstown for every traveller, bookable with Culture Trip.
Thalita Alves contributed additional reporting to this article.
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