Bucket List Hotel Stays in Queenstown
For my money: Queenstown is the best city in all of New Zealand. More than the capital of Auckland, more than Wellington….more than pretty much anywhere! But why? It’s a small enough town to be super-charming, its lakefront position is incredibly gorgeous & surrounded by mountains, & it’s also known as the “Adventure Capital of New Zealand.” Need I say more? If you make it all the way here, it’s worth splurging a little. As such, here are the top “Bucket List Hotel Stays in Queenstown!”
For my money: Queenstown is the most FUN & beautiful city in all of New Zealand…
Bucket List Hotel Stays in Queenstown
VIEWS on a budget….at Kamana Lakehouse. Photo: Booking.com
- Kamana Lakehouse ($146+/night) = Incredible Lake VIEWS on a Budget: A hotel with views this pretty shouldn’t be so affordable! If you want to stay on Lake Wakatipu but still be close to town: this is your best option. Their free breakfast is also easy on the budget, & there’s an on-site restaurant too.
- The Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments ($195+/night) = Wide Range of Room Sizes at a Great VALUE: If you’re traveling as a family or with a large group, & need larger-sized apartments: this is an ideal choice. With 60 hotel rooms, 90 larger apartments (with kitchens), & 5 Private Residences that offer incredible lake views ~ there are a ton of options here. Rooms are comfortable & modern.
- Azur Luxury Lodge ($640+/night) = Great Romantic Couple’s Retreat: If you’re traveling to New Zealand on honeymoon or for a romantic/adventure getaway: Azur is an amazing choice. Being a little further out of town, there’s a sense of privacy & tranquility here that lets the lake & mountain views take center stage. And views from their bath tubs & balconies are INSANE!! This is a very Instagram-worthy hotel….
- Rosewood Matakauri ($845+/night) = An Amazing New Zealand Honeymoon Destination! Even a little further out of town than Azur, the Rosewood is a place where you can really step back from the world & truly unwind. Swim laps in their heated outdoor infinity pool, or try out their world-class spa. Their lake views are also incredible, & can be enjoyed from a relaxing hot tub…
Azur Luxury Lodge ($640)
Kamana Lakehouse ($146)
The Rees Hotel & Apartments ($195)
Rosewood Matakauri ($845)
Photos of Amazing Queenstown Hotels
Below are photos of each incredible Queenstown hotel. These are some of the best hotels in all of New Zealand. To check rates for any property, simply click on the photo…
Kamana Lakehouse is the most budget-friendly hotel listed…but still with AMAZING views.
Stunning views, at The Rees Hotel & Apartments. Photo: The Rees.
“We loved our stay at The Rees. The quality & comfort of the property are 5-star. We had a 2-bedroom apartment overlooking the lake, & it was fantastic. Kitchen is equipped for breakfast and snacks, but we dined out most evenings. There’s parking, & a washer/dryer in the unit. Clean, quiet & beautiful views. Loved it!”
– Kim Fox
This is what makes the Azur Luxury Lodge so special…& very romantic. Photo: Trip Advisor.
Azur Luxury Lodge. Photo: Booking.com
“Azur has all the luxury, elegance, & service of the finest hotels in Europe ~ with none of the pretense. The staff are charming & friendly. There’s nothing stuffy about this place, but that doesn’t detract from the incredible villas & views, well-appointed, comfortable, spacious…we took advantage of in-room dining & breakfast, & it was a real treat. Close enough to everything in Queenstown, but far enough away to have solitude & tranquility. My only regret was not booking a longer stay.
Paradise. Truly.”
– Daniel Turner
Rosewood Matakauri is the height of lakefront luxury. Photo: Rosewood.
Final Overview:
Kamana Lakehouse
Best Lake Views on a Budget- 4-Star
- Stylish Hotel with On-the-Lake VIEWS
- Located just outside of town
- Amazing views from rooms
- Free breakfast, lounge bar, & restaurant
The Rees Hotel
Luxury Rooms & Apartments- 5-Star
- 60 Hotel Rooms, 90 Apartments, & 5 Private Residences Available
- Just outside of town
- Apartments have kitchens, living rooms, & views
- Restaurant, rare book library, private beach & wharf
- Courtesy shuttle to town
Azur Luxury Lodge
The Ultimate Lakefront Lux- 5-Star
- Swanky Lodge with Lake & Mountain Views
- Located outside of town
- Hot tubs & bath tubs with VIEWS!
- Villas have sundecks, fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows & lake or mountain views
- Airport shuttle
Rosewood Matakauri
Amazing New Zealand Honeymoon Getaway- 5-Star
- Amazing Luxury Hotel with Views of Lake & Remarkable Mountains
- Located further outside of town
- Restaurant, outdoor infinity pool, hot tubs, & luxury spa
- Private transfer available for a fee
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Thanks so much for your kind words, Allen! I really appreciate it : ) xoxo Noelia