Queenstown's most expensive accommodation

Let’s get serious about spending. Let’s say you’re looking for the best Queenstown hotel room that money can buy. Make no mistake: along with all the other extremes on offer here, extreme luxury is readily available. There are some truly extraordinary Queenstown hotels – but choosing will be difficult, as many of them are simply unique.

So, let’s take a quick look at some of the best (and priciest) beds in town. To keep things unbiased, we’ve listed them in alphabetical order, and divided them into two categories: hotels and luxury lodges.

The prices quoted are for double occupancy. They are approximate only and intended as a general guide.

Stay in a superior hotel

Azur: Total luxury in nine beautiful, private villas with fireplaces, sun deck and uninterrupted views of mountains and lake. Hilltop location, five minutes from central Queenstown by complimentary transfer. Tariff includes airport and town transfers, pre-dinner drinks and canapés, breakfast, afternoon tea. Over $1000 per night.

Eichardt’s Private Hotel: Unique, historic; an enduring Queenstown landmark. Absolutely central, absolutely lakefront and absolutely luxurious. Five superbly decorated suites with fireplace, living room, dressing room. Over $1000 per night. Note: four lakefront apartments also available.

Queenstown Park: Contemporary and eco-friendly boutique hotel an easy walk from the town centre. Luxurious rooms and suites with views of the gondola or Remarkables. Around $300 per night.

Sofitel: International, five-star luxury hotel and spa with choice of spacious rooms and suites, all with double spa and Sofitel MyBed. Day spa and fitness centre; café, restaurant. Central location. Winner NZ city hotel of the year in 2006. Around $300 per night.

The Spire: Contemporary luxury; ten super-chic rooms, all with a stone fireplace and large balcony. Bar, restaurant. Central location. Complimentary offsite gym access. Over $1000 per night.

St Moritz: Superb lake and mountain views, central location and range of facilities including gym, bar, restaurant, library and hot tub garden. Rooms and suites. Short walk to the lakeside; easy walk into the heart of town. Around $250 for lake views.


Lodging in the lap of luxury

Blanket Bay: Highly acclaimed; magnificent scenic location near Glenorchy, 47 km from Queenstown. Mountain and lake views, superb accommodation. Lakeside rooms, three suites and very spacious chalets. Rates include use of sporting equipment, breakfast, dinner (a la carte; fine cuisine) and pre-dinner cocktails. Spa pool, gym, private jetty, heated lap pool. Complimentary horse riding, mountain biking and canoeing. Price guide: over $1000.

Matakauri Lodge: Small lakeside lodge with splendid mountain views, seven minutes’ drive from central Queenstown on the famous Glenorchy Road. Rooms and suites; all with private balconies overlooking the lake, fireplace and sitting area. Spa, gym, pool. Tariff includes breakfast, pre-dinner drinks and hors d’oeuvres, gourmet dinner and use of lodge facilities. Price guide: from under to over $1000.

Remarkables Lodge: Rural setting at the foot of the towering Remarkables Range. Two room types, Lodge and Premier. Premier are larger, with balcony or patio; all rooms offer the same amenities. Large, mature gardens. Tariff includes breakfast and dinner; resident chef specialises in fine, fresh cuisine. Ten minutes by road from town centre. Price guide: around $900+.

Before you make your choice, remember that Queenstown accommodation is in peak demand between late December and mid-February (summer) and June-October (ski season).