Here's our choices for the best hotels in Queenstown

Are you a first time visitor, needing help finding the best hotels in Queenstown? Don't fear, we can help.

Sitting in the Southern Lakes region on New Zealand's stunning  South Island, Queenstown welcomes tourists from around the world, and offers a huge range of accommodation, with everything from hostels to luxury lodges.

Location here is key, and where you choose to stay will depend on your needs. Close to town, near the airport, wonderful views?

We've chosen some of the best, based on our own experiences, and on a wide range of visitor reviews on respected platform Booking.com.

Queenstown's four accommodation zones

Queenstown hotels are mostly located in one of four locations (see map below). Read on for more information about each zone, plus our recommendations for each zone.

Over the last 30 years we've sampled a wide range of Queenstown accommodation, and we keep coming back to hotels near the town centre.

Being able to walk from your hotel to the shops, bars, pubs, restaurants and tourism businesses is gold. And because free parking is notoriously hard to find in town, we love being able to leave the car in the garage. Not getting any younger, we also opt for hotels that don't involve uphill walks. We don't mind walking down to town, but boy, struggling uphill at night is not much fun!

So when you search for accommodation, filter your search to properties that are "Less than 1 km" from the town centre.

Queenstowns best hotels near the cBD

Pepper's Beacon

Address 34 Lake Esplanade Queenstown

Pepper's Beacon is directly opposite the lakefront, and is a ten minute flat walk to town.

They have everything from hotel rooms to four bedroom fully self-contained apartments, which are fantastic for larger groups.

We've stayed here multiple times and LOVE the lakeview apartments with a balcony, and a cosy gas fireplace for the cooler months.

There are BBQs in the courtyard and a dining room serving breakfast only - we always choose a self contained apartment so we can cook our own meals.

We always try for a room on the top level back from the road as you are up a little higher (for best views) and there's less noise from the road. Highly recommended.

The Waterfront

109 Beach Street Queenstown

The Waterfront is directly opposite the lake, and is only 5 minutes flat walk to town.

Their rooms range from studio to penthouse apartments, and have stunning lake views.

Most have juliet balconies, and the penthouse studios have a deck area.

If you want up close lake views, these could be for you. Modern, clean, comfortable and close to town.

What more could you want.

Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

Address Marine Parade Queenstown

If you want to be close to the action, this is the place. With the bars, pubs and restaurants literally across the road, the Novotel Queenstown Lakeside is ideally located. The rooms offer lake or alpine views, and some have that all important balcony, which we recommend. There's an onsite restaurant, 24 hour room service, a gym, a hot tub, EV charging stations and valet parking (which can be expensive though). Central Queenstown heaven!

Rydges Lakeland Resort

Address 38-54 Lake Esplanade Queenstown

Next door to Pepper's Beacon, Rydges Lakeland Resort has a good range of room types, including one bedroom suites. The lakeview rooms have stunning views, so be sure to book one with a balcony. There's an onsite restaurant, a bar, and they offer room service.

They have onsite parking and EV charging, but you will need to pay extra for both.

Queenstowns best hotels on frankton rd

Oaks Queenstown Shores Resort

Address 327-343 Frankton Rd Queenstown

Oakes Queenstown Shores Resort is located lakefront around five minutes drive from central Queenstown.

They offer a range of one, two and three bedroom apartments, and several four bedroom penthouses. We love the under floor heating, beautiful views, secure parking (additional cost), free wifi, 24 hour reception, and tour desk. The gas fireplaces (included in most rooms) are a nice touch particularly in the cooler months, and in the warmer months we love relaxing with a local wine on the balcony.

Most rooms have a full kitchen, but please check before booking.

Breakfree The Point

Address 239 Frankton Rd Queenstown

Welcome to Breakfree The Point, located on the lakefront, around 30 minutes walk to the town centre.

The resort features a range of accommodation, from studios, to four bedroom apartments, making it a great choice for larger groups. The lake view rooms have a beautiful outlook, and in the cooler months, the view over Lake Wakatipu to the snow covered Remarkables is gorgeous.

There's onsite parking, tennis courts, ski storage lockers, a private jetty and tour desk.

The Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments

Address 377 Frankton Rd Queenstown

The Rees is a five star lakefront hotel offering exceptional facilities and services.

Accommodation ranges from luxurious hotel rooms to apartments, penthouses and residences. As always, we recommend lake view rooms to take advantage of those amazing views.

Facilities include an award winning restaurant, bar, gym, wellness services, mountain bike hire, airport transfers, and a fleet of luxury vehicles for bespoke personal tours. There's also secure parking, and a private beach and jetty.

One unique service is their "Cycle the Rees", a meet and greet at the airport. This is followed by a guided bike ride from the airport to the hotel, along the lakefront trail. When you arrive at the hotel, your bags will be waiting in your room!

Pamper yourself at The Rees.

Fernhill, like Frankton Rd, will require a car, bus, bike, or an energetic walk (particularly heading home). The last kilometer takes you up a VERY steep hill. It's a nice walk into town with beautiful views, but absolutely no fun walking home. There are several great places to stay in Fernhill.

queenstowns best hotels at Fernhill

Mercure Queenstown Resort

 Address Sainsbury Rd, Fernhill, Queenstown

We first stayed here way back in 1998, and remember being blown away at the time by the stunning views through the huge picture window in our room. Being part way up the hill, the views here really are something special.

The Mercure Queenstown Resort has a good range of rooms but be aware that some are garden view and some are lake view. The Mercure offers free parking, an onsite bar and restaurant, a gym, room service, 24 hour reception, and for the warmer months, a pool (quite unusual in Queenstown).

A great mid-range hotel with wonderful views.

Kamana Lakehouse

139 Fernhill Rod, Fernhill Queenstown

Kamana Lakehouse is a luxurious resort perched high on the hill overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.

They have a wide variety of rooms, and their beautiful Tahuna Lakeview and Lakeview Luxe rooms have wonderful lake views. We LOVE the private hot tub in the Lakeview Luxe rooms (see the image below).

There's a popular restaurant with an expansive alfresco area, three resort hot tubs, 24 hour reception and concierge, free parking and wifi, and a dedicated storage area for your winter ski gear.

This is one of those places where you unpack, and just chill.

Beautiful.

Platinim Queenstown

Address 96 Fernhill Rd Queenstown

Platinum Queenstown is a "villa only" complex. All villas have 3 bedrooms and two bathrooms, making them the perfect choice for family or group getaways. In the off season (usually May and October) they offer a 2 bedroom option.

You can choose from alpine view villas or lakeview villas, which have stunning views of Lake Wakatipu. The villa's have heated floors, premium bedding, full kitchen and laundry, and 135 square metres of space. The open gas fireplace ensures a cosy ambience and the spacious living area is the perfect spot to relax with a local wine or brew at day's end.

Highly recommended for that special group holiday.

Airport Accommodation - search here

The area near Queenstown Airport has developed rapidly over the last few years, and now contains several "name" hotels like the Hilton and the Ramada. There's also a large shopping mall at Remarkables Park, and another at nearby Five Mile.

It's also the closest accommodation area to the Remarkables ski field.

Orbus is available, or you can accept the challenge and take the seven kilometer walk into town.

Best hotels in queenstown near the airport

Hilton Queenstown Resort and Spa

Address Kawarau Village, 79 Peninsula Rd, Kelvin Heights, Queenstown

For something a little up market, the Hilton Queenstown Resort and Spa could be the perfect choice.

Quest Queenstown Apartments Remarkables Park

Address 34 Red Oaks Drive Queenstown

Quest Apartments are ideally located

Ramada Suites by Wyndham Queenstown Remarkables Park

Address 24 Hawthorne Drive Queenstown

The Ramada Suites at Remarkables Park (not to be confused with the Ramada in central Queenstown) are ideally located just a few minutes drive from the airport. It's about a 20 minute walk from the airport terminal and there is also a regular bus service.

There's 55 suites, with a mix of studios, and 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments. All have a kitchenette or kitchen, and the hotel has free wifi, a gym, a restaurant, cafe, and parking (available for a fee).

Some other notable Queenstown Luxury hotels

Rosewood Matakauri

Location: 569 Glenorchy Rd Queenstown

Looking for somewhere romantic in Queenstown?

Perched above the shimmering waters of Lake Wakatipu, Rosewood Matakauri is a place for discerning guests.

Allow yourself to be pampered by the wonderful staff, take advantage of the spa and heated pool, work out in the well appointed fitness center, or try one of their special wellness treatments at the day spa.

Relax on the terrace of your beautiful suite or villa and take in the panoramic lake and mountain views. At day's end relax in your spacious lounge, and gaze into the fireplace, recalling the days adventure.

You will love the bathroom (including a bath tub), air conditioning, flat screen TV,  DVD player and ipod dock.

Delight your taste buds with fine food including pre-dinner drinks and hors d'oeuvres, delicious dinners featuring the best locally sourced produce, sumptuous daily breakfasts, and a comprehensive choice of wines, spirits and beers.

If you want to pamper yourself and that special someone, come and visit Rosewood Matakauri. You will love it.

Eichardt's Private Hotel

Location: 2 Marine Parade Queenstown

Eichardt's Private Hotel is a stunning award winning hotel, prominantly located opposite Lake Wakatipu in downtown Queenstown.

It offers you a luxurious escape from normal life, and imerses you in the vibe of central Queenstown.

The on site bar and restaurant feature the best of local produce, and the views of the lake and the Remarkables are sublime.

Their spacious luxury suites feature a fireplace, relaxing lounge and either lake or mountain views.

But if you feel like indulging even further, step up to the apartments and "Residence" which offer superb luxury for that special group of friends or family.

An elevator transports you to the Penthouse, a mesmerising haven that includes a sprawling private roof top deck featuring your own spa, breathtaking views, designer appliances, an outdoor kitchen, and a personal chef.

Your Penthouse tariff includes the use of an SUV, in room pre-dinner cocktails, your own dedicated 24 hour butler service, a sumptuous daily breakfast, and a wonderful selection of fine wines and spirits.

Search for your perfect Queenstown Hotel

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