Queenstown is one of the most popular tourist destinations in New Zealand, famous for its stunning natural landscapes, adventure activities, and vibrant nightlife. Choosing the right place to stay in Queenstown is crucial for making the most of your trip. In this article, we will highlight the 7 best places to stay in Queenstown, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly accommodations, and everything in between.
1. Introduction
Queenstown is located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Southern Alps. It’s a paradise for adventure lovers, with activities such as bungee jumping, skydiving, skiing, and hiking. Queenstown also has a vibrant nightlife, with a wide range of restaurants, bars, and clubs. With so much to see and do, it’s essential to choose the right place to stay in Queenstown.
2. Central Queenstown
Central Queenstown is the heart of the town, where most of the shops, restaurants, and bars are located. It’s the perfect place to stay if you want to be in the middle of the action. The area offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to backpacker hostels. Some of the best places to stay in Central Queenstown include:
Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
Novotel Queenstown Lakeside is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Queenstown. It’s only a few steps away from the lake and the town center. The hotel offers stunning views of the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu. It has 273 rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and a fitness center.
Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa
Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa is a 5-star hotel located in the heart of Queenstown. It’s only a few steps away from the lake and the town center. The hotel offers luxury accommodation with stunning views of the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu. It has 82 rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and a spa.
Base Backpackers Queenstown
Base Backpackers Queenstown is a budget-friendly hostel located in the heart of Queenstown. It’s only a few steps away from the lake and the town center. The hostel offers affordable accommodation with a wide range of facilities, including a bar, a kitchen, and a lounge area. It’s a great place to meet other travelers and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Queenstown.
3. Kelvin Heights
Kelvin Heights is a suburb of Queenstown located on a peninsula on the southern shore of Lake Wakatipu. It’s a quieter and more peaceful area compared to Central Queenstown, with stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Some of the best places to stay in Kelvin Heights include:
Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa
Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa is a 5-star hotel located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. It’s only a 10-minute drive from the town center. The hotel offers luxury accommodation with stunning views of the lake and the Remarkables mountain range. It has 220 rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a spa, and a fitness center.
Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel is a 5-star hotel located in Kelvin Heights. It’s only a 5-minute drive from the town center. The hotel offers luxury accommodation with stunning views of the lake and the mountains. It has 19 rooms and suites, each designed with a unique theme and style. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, and a spa.
Lakeview Villa
Lakeview Villa is a luxury holiday home located in Kelvin Heights. It’s only a 5-minute drive from the town center. The villa offers stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. It has 4 bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a living room, and a dining area. The villa also has a private spa pool and a BBQ area.
4. Frankton
Frankton is a suburb of Queenstown located on the eastern shore of Lake Wakatipu, about a 10-minute drive from the town center. It’s a great place to stay if you’re looking for more affordable accommodation options. Some of the best places to stay in Frankton include:
Ramada Queenstown Central
Ramada Queenstown Central is a 4-star hotel located in Frankton. It’s only a 5-minute drive from the town center and offers affordable accommodation with stunning views of the Remarkables mountain range. The hotel has 54 rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.
Holiday Inn Express Queenstown
Holiday Inn Express Queenstown is a 3-star hotel located in Frankton. It’s only a 10-minute drive from the town center and offers affordable accommodation with stunning views of Lake Wakatipu. The hotel has 227 rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and a fitness center.
5. Arrowtown
Arrowtown is a historic town located about a 20-minute drive from Queenstown. It’s a great place to stay if you want to explore the surrounding area and experience the charm of a small town. Some of the best places to stay in Arrowtown include:
Millbrook Resort
Millbrook Resort is a 5-star resort located in Arrowtown. It offers luxury accommodation in a stunning setting, surrounded by mountains and golf courses. The resort has 175 rooms, four restaurants, three bars, a spa, a fitness center, and a golf course.
Arrowtown Motel Apartments
Arrowtown Motel Apartments is a budget-friendly accommodation option located in the heart of Arrowtown. It offers affordable accommodation with a wide range of facilities, including a kitchen, a BBQ area, and a laundry room. The apartments are spacious and comfortable, making it a great choice for families or groups.
6. Glenorchy
Glenorchy is a small town located about a 45-minute drive from Queenstown. It’s a great place to stay if you want to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in nature. Glenorchy is surrounded by mountains, forests, and lakes, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Some of the best places to stay in Glenorchy include:
Camp Glenorchy
Camp Glenorchy is an eco-friendly accommodation option located in the heart of Glenorchy. It offers a range of accommodation options, from cozy cabins to luxurious suites. The camp is powered by renewable energy and has a sustainable design, making it a great choice for eco-conscious travelers.
Blanket Bay
Blanket Bay is a luxury lodge located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, about a 40-minute drive from Glenorchy. It offers luxury accommodation in a stunning natural setting, surrounded by mountains and forests. The lodge has 12 rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a spa, and a fitness center.
7. Wanaka
Wanaka is a town located about a 1-hour drive from Queenstown. It’s a great place to stay if you want to explore the surrounding area and experience the beauty of the Southern Alps. Wanaka is surrounded by mountains, forests, and lakes, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Some of the best places to stay in Wanaka include:
Edgewater
Edgewater is a 4-star hotel located on the shores of Lake Wanaka. It offers luxury accommodation with stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The hotel has 104 rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a spa, and a fitness center.
YHA Wanaka
YHA Wanaka is a budget-friendly accommodation option located in the heart of Wanaka. It offers affordable accommodation with a range of facilities, including a kitchen, a lounge area, and a BBQ area. The hostel has private rooms and dormitory rooms, making it a great choice for solo travelers or groups.
Conclusion
Queenstown is a popular tourist destination in New Zealand, offering a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Whether you’re looking for luxury resorts or budget-friendly hostels, there’s something for everyone in Queenstown. From the stunning natural beauty of Glenorchy to the vibrant nightlife of Queenstown town center, there are many different areas to stay in depending on what you’re looking for.
If you’re planning a trip to Queenstown, be sure to consider one of these top places to stay:
- Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa
- Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
- The Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments
- Ramada Queenstown Central
- Millbrook Resort
- Camp Glenorchy
- Edgewater
No matter where you choose to stay, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in Queenstown, New Zealand.
FAQs
- What is the best time of year to visit Queenstown?
The best time to visit Queenstown depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to ski or snowboard, the best time to visit is during the winter months (June-August). If you want to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and mountain biking, the best time to visit is during the summer months (December-February).
- Is Queenstown expensive?
Queenstown can be quite expensive, especially during peak tourist season. However, there are plenty of budget-friendly accommodation options available, as well as many free or low-cost activities to enjoy in the area.
- What are some must-see attractions in Queenstown?
Some must-see attractions in Queenstown include the Skyline Queenstown Gondola, Milford Sound, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkables mountain range.
- Is it easy to get around Queenstown?
Yes, it’s easy to get around Queenstown by car, bus, or taxi. Many of the top attractions are located within walking distance of each other in the town center.
- What is the nightlife like in Queenstown?
Queenstown has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars and clubs located in the town center. Popular spots include The World Bar, The Bunker, and Cowboys Bar.