15 Of The Best Hotels In Queenstown Whatever Your Budget

A one-of-a-kind, boutique luxury hotel The Carlin is one for the bucket list. Perched up on Hallenstein Street in the centre of Queenstown, its elevated location provides nothing less than an elevated accommodation experience.

With design cues and features similar to those of five and six-star hotels across Europe, step inside this masterpiece for an escape in true grandeur (including cocktails on arrival #sold). Privacy is paramount at this ‘beyond five-star’ hotel, with private butlers, chefs, massages and entrances available—oh and a private jet if you need one.

The one to four-bedroom suites range from 88 to 500 square metres and if you want something extra-luxe the penthouse is the largest in Australasia—with seven bedrooms and three levels connected by a private lift. We could go on, but we suspect we've said enough. 

If you're looking for a hotel with one of the best views in town, look no further than QT Queenstown which is the pinnacle of Queenstown cool. Sitting pretty in nature’s playground, this lush lakeside resort emulates a nostalgic alpine and après-ski ambience.

Live your best life while taking in the views of Lake Wakatipu with a glass of bubbly or carefully crafted cocktail at the in-house Reds Bar with views to die for. After a blissful night's sleep pop down to the buzzy on-site Bazaar Marketplace—breakfast here is nothing short of spectacular. Extra points for direct access to the lakefront by walking through sister hotel Rydges.

For a relaxed and completely unique place to unwind, settle into The Sherwood. Set on three acres of alpine hillside overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range, the hotel is slightly removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown Queenstown (but still only a short nip down the road).

The Sherwood has a laid-back "summer camp" feel to it—but with better views, amenities, and of course gourmet food. The sustainably led, in-house restaurant grows the majority of its produce in its organic kitchen garden and the rest comes from local growers and producers—meaning you won’t have to travel far to dine in one of the best places for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Queenstown. 

Seeking something super spesh? We’re partial to the luxurious Eichardt’s Private Hotel, which is conveniently situated in the heart of Queenstown right on Lake Wakatipu's doorstep and offers some seriously luxe living.

This Queenstown icon is home to gorgeous suites, apartments, residences, and a penthouse, which has 24-hour butler service, a private chef and its own elevator to the hotel’s restaurant, which also happens to be one of the best in Queenstown. 

If you're keen to activate holiday mode without the mega price tag, the Holiday Inn Express is well worth a squiz. It offers uber-comforable rooms in the heart of Queenstown—whether here to ski, mountain bike or chill.

It’s also the perfect spot if you’ve got little ones in tow, with a playroom and TVs with Chromecast—meaning you can pop on Disney+ and enjoy your Central Otago wine in peace... And located just a skip, hop and a jump from the heart of town you couldn’t be in a more prime position for your stay. 

The high altitude and freshly renovated Kamana Lakehouse is the perfect setting to immerse yourself in everything Queenstown has to offer. The boutique retreat is an ultra-luxe lakehouse and an inspiring place with iconic views to match.

Book a night in the lake house itself or one of the upmarket motel rooms at the rear and make sure to treat yourself to dinner at the in-house restaurant, Nest.

Get on board with the small hotel trend and book a stay at mi-pad in the heart of Queenstown. This smart, sustainable hotel has everything you need and nothing you don’t. Your mobile phone acts as a digital concierge.

All you have to do is download the app, mia to check in, access your room and speedily change the lighting and temperature. Everything is consciously designed and carefully considered with perfectly compact rooms and spectacular views.

The Swiss-style Heartland Hotel, with its classic A-line chalets (synonymous with ski towns and pretty magical when dusted in snow), and stunning vistas across Lake Wakatipu, is the perfect place to get away and relax.

It’s close enough to town to feel included in the hustle and bustle (if you choose), but it’s also far enough away to feel cosy and completely relaxed as you sit tucked up in the hillside. Christen your stay with a tipple and a bite to eat at the on-site restaurant, Hillside Brasserie and enjoy your beautiful surroundings.

A short 20-minute drive from the centre of Queenstown you’ll find this peaceful stay, featuring its own on-site restaurant and a tempting day spa for pampering. Bag yourself one of the 24 private villas at Gibbston Valley Lodge and Spa and prepare for vineyard and mountain views, plus your very own private deck and sun-soaked courtyard.

Book yourself a bike ride along the Kawarau River (you can set off right from the door of your villa) before treating those muscles to a long soak in the on-site hot tub. Later, you can head put your glad rags on and head to the Lodge Bar for a complimentary pre-dinner wine tasting. Win!

If you’re after a little peace and tranquillity the Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa is an ideal spot for your stay in Queenstown. With an award-winning spa, heated indoor pool, fabulous restaurant and sleek and contemporary rooms, you’ll instantly want to extend your leave.

Location is a top selling point for this slice of paradise—boasting the best of both worlds with a 15-minute drive or short (and ever-so-scenic) water taxi to town in one direction and for the ski-bunnies among us, a 16km drive to The Remarkables in the other #bliss. 

If you're looking for five-star luxury, check out The Rees Hotel, which is conveniently situated right next to Lake Wakatipu. It's the ideal place to soak up all of Queenstown's alpine vistas.

Consisting of 60 rooms and 90 luxury apartments, The Rees also has its own fine-dining restaurant, wine cellar and private library. There's also a shuttle service that will transport you downtown and back, so you don't even have to worry about parking.  

Perched on a hilltop in Fernhill, the Rendezvous Heritage Hotel boasts some of the most impressive views of the towering Remarkables mountain range.

This charming hotel, crafted from centuries-old schist stone and cedar, screams alpine-chic and the relaxed Queenstown vibe can be felt throughout—from the friendly service to the comfortable rooms with views of either the surrounding forest, towering mountains or Lake Wakatipu. Just a short three-minute scenic drive or a 15-minute walk around the lake to the heart of town, location is just one of the many perks of staying at the Heritage. 

Always fancied taking a ride on Queenstown’s famous gondola? Book a stay at Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel and you can wander to it in just two minutes. It’s just one of the reasons we love this boutique hotel, which is surrounded by parkland five minutes from the centre of town.

Another reason? Pre-dinner drinks and canapes are included in the price of your room, and the restaurant here offers gourmet brekkies and picnic packs so you can lock in a lakeside lunch with your loved-one.

This four-star hotel gets five stars for its location. Just minutes from the heart of the action, you’ve got the adrenaline capital of the world at your fingertips when you stay at the Millennium Hotel Queenstown.

With 220 warm and relaxing guest rooms that offer scenic views of Queenstown and its magnificent mountains, a formal restaurant with a roaring fireplace (cue the ambience) and a hot tub and sauna to ease the aches and pains from a day shredding the slopes, hiking the hills or biking the wineries—you’ll have everything you need, plus plenty more.

Fancy yourself your very own self-contained suite during your epic Queenstown getaway? Stay of Queenstown offers a range of options for two to four guests. Expect lake and mountain views and (helpfully) a complimentary car parking space for the duration of your stay.

The suites come with a fully-equipped kitchenette, a modern bathroom and a living and dining space, and the hotel vibes come courtesy of the fresh brekkie provisions and snacks provided. Another plus? You’re just a 200-metre toddle from the spectacular Lake Wakatipu where you can easily while away a few hours just gazing at the view.