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Queenstown is one of the most-visited cities in New Zealand and for good reason – there is so much to see and do in Queenstown. It’s also home to loads of great restaurants, relaxing hot pools, and hotels – in fact, Queenstown has some of the best hotels in the country in my opinion.
There’s certainly a hotel for every budget here in Queenstown. Whether you’re planning a luxurious getaway or you’re on a backpacking trip and on a tight budget – there’s definitely a hotel to suit your needs.
In this blog, I list 15 of the very best hotels in Queenstown. I’ve put this blog into three sections to make your search easier – there are 5 Central Queenstown hotels listed, 5 peaceful and relaxing hotels, and not forgetting 5 of the cheapest hotels in Queenstown. So no matter what your idea of a great stay is, you’ll find it in this blog!
Note: Prices in this blog are based on the cheapest available room and can change depending on the season and day of the week. For updated prices click the link to the hotel.
5 Best Central Hotels in Queenstown
Central hotels in Queenstown are the ones conveniently located right in the town center! Believe it or not, there are a few different areas around Queenstown with hotels and when deciding where to stay in Queenstown it is important that you are aware of this. If you want to stay right in the hustle and bustle of town near Queenstown Beach and Shotover Street then your choices are somewhat limited.
These next 5 hotels are the best centrally located hotels in Queenstown.
1. Crowne Plaza Queenstown
Location: The Crown Plaza Queenstown is located on 93 Beach Street just behind the steamer wharf only minutes from the center of town.
Price: Starting from $215 NZD for a standard room to $270 for a suite.
Type of rooms available: Lakeview room; Balcony view room; Mountain view room; Courtyard view room; Suite.
Who will love this hotel: Couples, luxury travelers, if a central location is important to you, anybody looking for a great night’s sleep!
Why it’s a top choice: This hotel offers gorgeous views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountains. There’s also 24-hour room service available as well as larger rooms than average and plush bathrobes in every room. Plus, there’s a fully equipped gym! The Crowne Plaza also offers a Sleep Advantage Program which offers an aromatherapy kit, a pillow menu, as well as premium bedding to every guest. Given all of the above, you’re bound to get a good night’s sleep here and that’s one of the reasons I recommend it to those who have trouble sleeping.
Important info to note: During the winter the hotel offers complimentary heated storage for your skis and snowboards. Parking here is expensive at $23 NZD per day and the common areas of the hotel are a little outdated.
You can book Crowne Plaza Queenstown on Booking.com.
2. Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa
Location: The Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa is located on 8 Duke Street which is only a stone’s throw from Shotover Street (the main street in Queenstown.)
Price: Starting from $291 NZD for a superior room to $1400 for the penthouse per night.
Type of rooms available: Luxury room; Superior room; Prestige Suite; Penthouse.
Who will love this hotel: Couples, luxury travelers, if you want to enjoy the onsite world-class day spa, anybody on a romantic holiday in Queenstown!
Why it’s a top choice: It’s super luxurious – each room has a marble bathroom, under-floor heating, a double spa bath, and a separate rain shower. The hotel is very central, just a 5-minute walk uphill will take you to the Skyline Gondola and the famous Fergburger is across the road as well as lots of Queenstown’s best cafes. The onsite spa is luxurious and very well rated, in fact, it was voted the world’s best hotel spa by Travel + Leisure magazine. The spa here offers massages, signature treatments, facials, and more.
Important info to note: Valet parking is considered very expensive at $50 per day. Can be some traffic noise heard from the street-facing rooms.
You can book Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa on Booking.com.
3. Ramada Queenstown Central
Location: The Ramada Queenstown Central is located on 18 – 24 Frankton Road which is behind the Queenstown Gardens. It’s a quiet location only a 5-minute walk from the center of town – perfect for a relaxing holiday in Queenstown.
Price: Starting from $167 NZD.
Type of rooms available: Hotel room; Hotel room with Lakeview, Studio/One-bed or Two-bed apartment with Lakeview or street view, and Penthouse.
Who will love this hotel: Families and couples on a budget who still want to stay central.
Why it’s a top choice: It’s brand new – it only opened in 2020. It has a 24-hour gym on-site. The hotel also offers apartment-style rooms which have the benefit of a small kitchen with stovetop, microwave, fridge/freezer as well as the all-important in-room laundry. One of the best value central stays in Queenstown.
Important info to note: The hotel is not right in town and it is a short (but steep) uphill climb back to the hotel from town. No room service is available at certain times of the year. It’s worth checking with the reception the opening hours of the on-site restaurant as they can change frequently.
You can book Ramada Queenstown Central on Booking.com.
4. Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
Location: The Novotel Queenstown Lakeside is located on the corner of Earl Street and Marine Parade right behind Queenstown Beach. The hotel is only a few steps from the best bars in Queenstown as well as Queenstown Mall (the perfect location for anybody looking to party in Queenstown!)
Price: Starting from $185 NZD.
Type of rooms available: Standard Room; Standard Room with Alpine View; Lakeside Room; One Bedroom Lakeside Apartment.
Who will love this hotel: Families, groups, or couples. If you want to be right near the busiest areas of Queenstown then this place is perfect!
Why it’s a top choice: The Novotel Queenstown Lakeside is located right on the lakefront, you literally can’t get any closer to Lake Wakatipu. The hotel also has spacious rooms in comparison to other similarly priced hotels in Queenstown. The views from the lakeside and alpine view rooms are stunning – right from your room window, you can watch the lake cruises, birds, and sunset. This large resort-style property is extremely popular with families for its convenient location and larger-sized rooms.
Important info to note: This hotel offers 30-minutes of free WiFi daily in the lobby only. In-room WiFi is available at an additional charge. Valet parking is charged at $25 per day. Limited equipment at the gym (no dumbbells or weight machine.)
You can book Novotel Queenstown Lakeside on Booking.com.
5. The Glebe Apartments
Location: This hotel is located on 1 Beetham Street which is right on the edge of the main walking area of town but still close to the action.
Price: Starting from $224 NZD for a one-bed apartment – $2,000 NZD for a 3-bed penthouse
Type of rooms available: Studio/ One-bedroom/ Two-bedroom apartments with either courtyard or road view; Three-bedroom apartment with lake view or courtyard view; Three-bedroom executive apartment; Four-bedroom apartment with three bathrooms; Four-bedroom apartment with two bathrooms or Penthouse.
Who will love this hotel: Families or large groups who love the convenience of an apartment on vacation at a great price.
Why it’s a top choice: This property offers a huge variety of apartments for every traveler and budget. Unlike other accommodation options in central Queenstown, the Glebe offers complimentary underground parking! A big bonus for dog-lovers is you can meet Ginni the ‘Glebe Dog’ an 11-year-old loveable dog who sometimes sits at reception waiting to welcome you. If you book one of the nicer rooms the views are magnificent and the balconies are perfect for summer in Queenstown.
Important info to note: The hotel can get traffic noise if you book a roadside apartment. Usually, isn’t an issue from 9 pm to 8 am but during the day can be loud. No air-conditioning units in some apartments. The walk to the Glebe from town is steep so walking to and from town may not be suitable for elderly or young kids.
You can book The Glebe Apartments on Booking.com.
Hot Tip: Central hotels generally get booked up first during the busy times of year in Queenstown. During events, school holidays, or even December in Queenstown (Christmas and New Year) it is especially important to book your hotel well in advance!
5 Best Peaceful Hotels in and around Queenstown
If you’re looking for more of a relaxing stay whilst on vacation in Queenstown, here are 5 of the most peaceful hotels in Queenstown. These hotels are all located a little outside of the hustle and bustle of downtown Queenstown, but still super accessible. They are the perfect choice for anybody looking for a relaxing escape in Queenstown. Luckily for you. all of these have fantastic views too!
6. Hilton Queenstown Resort and Spa
Location: The Hilton is located out of town on 79 Peninsula Road, Kawarau Village. The village is around a 10-minute drive from Queenstown, however, they offer a free shuttle and paid water taxi to and from town during select times. Although out of town, it’s located below the Remarkable Ski Resort perfect if you’re skiing in Queenstown.
Price: Starting from $225 NZD.
Type of rooms available: King Room; King Lakeview; King Deluxe plus Lakeview; King Relaxation; Twin Room; Twin Deluxe Lakeview; Two-bedroom Deluxe Lakeview apartment; Two-bedroom Deluxe apartment; One-bedroom apartment and King Deluxe Lake suite
Who will love this hotel: Perfect for couples on a romantic holiday (I spent my anniversary here) or those looking to ski at The Remarkables.
Why it’s a top choice: Located in sunny Kelvin Heights on the opposite side of Lake Wakatipu this is more of a large resort than a hotel. The Hilton has an award-winning spa, gym, indoor swimming pool, several restaurants, and a coffee shop. So, you’re sure to never be bored here. You can also rent bikes from near their pier and cycle the popular lakeside Kelvin Heights Trail which is one of the best bike trails in Queenstown. Plus, there’s a pretty cool way of getting to Queenstown from the Hilton – via a water taxi from their pier.
Important info to note: It’s about a 10-minute drive from the resort into Queenstown, you can of course grab the water taxi which costs $10 return. Self-parking here costs $16 per night while valet parking is charged at $40 per night. Unfortunately, there’s not much free parking in this area. Worth noting is you need to join the Hilton Rewards Club to get free WiFi. Some past guests noted the process is a little complicated so ask the reception team to assist you in signing up.
You can book the Hilton Queenstown Resort and Spa on Booking.com.
7. Swiss Belresort Coronet Peak
Location: The hotel is located at 161 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point. Although out of town the hotel is perfect for those interested in going skiing at Coronet Peak and those who like to stay away from the hustle and bustle. The location is also halfway between Queenstown and Arrowtown.
Price: Starting from $112 NZD.
Type of rooms available: Studio; Standard Double; Standard Twin; Triple room; Family room.
Who will love this hotel: Families on a budget (in summer) or those skiing at Coronet Peak during winter in Queenstown. The hotel sits at the base of the access road.
Why it’s a top choice: it’s away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Queenstown but not too far at just a 7-minute drive. It’s surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. If you visit New Zealand in winter, it’s very close to Coronet Peak ski resort. Plus, it’s only 1 km from the famous Shotover Jet and the Onsen Pools are just across the road. There’s a popular bowling alley here too!
Important info to note: It’s a 7-minute drive from the hotel to downtown Queenstown but the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service that operates on a timetable. The car park (though complimentary) can get quite muddy after rainfall. Can be some road noise from rooms facing the road.
You can book Swiss Belresort Coronet Peak on Booking.com.
8. Mercure Queenstown Resort
Location: Sainsbury Road, Fernhill on the outskirts of Queenstown. Fernhill is a small suburb around a 10-minute walk from town. This end of town is much quieter but requires a small walk to reach the hustle and bustle. However, you can also start the Ben Lomond Track from Fernhill, and it’s close to the Sunshine Bay Track trailhead (both are a couple of the best hikes in Queenstown.)
Price: Starting from $146 NZD.
Type of rooms available: Garden View room with king or twin beds; Lakeview room with king or twin beds; Superior Lakeview King or Twin; Deluxe Garden View.
Who will love this hotel: Families or those who want a resort-style hotel away from town with magnificent views.
Why it’s a top choice: Because of its elevated position atop Fernhill, it offers gorgeous views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. Some locals say it has the best views of any hotel in Queenstown. There’s a large outdoor pool, a small gym, as well as a restaurant with great views. It’s great value for money. The hotel offers free parking for guests.
Important info to note: The walk up from town is very steep, catch the bus of you can – bus route 1 stops a few minutes walk from the resort. Beware though, the bus stop is too up a short, steep hill. The water in the outdoor pool is very cold so swimming can only be done in the summer.
You can book Mercure Queenstown Resort on Booking.com.
9. Heritage Queenstown
Location: 91 Fernhill Road just around the corner from Mercure Queenstown Resort but closer to Queenstown. Once again, it’s close to some great hikes in Queenstown.
Price: Starting from $188 NZD.
Type of rooms available: Deluxe room; Family deluxe room; Executive deluxe room; Lakeview deluxe room; Studio suite; Lakeview studio suite; Two-bedroom suite; Lakeview two-bedroom suite.
Who will love this hotel: Couples and families.
Why it’s a top choice: This property offers gorgeous views from the lake view room as well as the common areas of the Remarkables mountains and Lake Wakatipu. You can even spot the TSS Earnslaw sailing in which is one of the best lake cruises in Queenstown. It features a small outdoor swimming pool, a spa pool, as well as a gym and sauna. The apartment options are popular with families as they are larger than most apartment options in Queenstown and have kitchenettes so you can cook if you wish. There’s also free parking, it is limited on space though.
Important info to note: The hotel is located a steep walk from Queenstown but the number 1 bus route stops right outside ($2 per ride). There is no complimentary shuttle service into town which would be a great addition to the hotel.
You can book Heritage Queenstown on Booking.com.
10. Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments
Location: 377 Frankton Road on the outskirts of Queenstown towards Frankton. The location is absolutely stunning and the views from this hotel are my favorite in Queenstown.
Price: Starting from $279 NZD.
Type of rooms available: Executive lakeview room/ one-bedroom/ two-bedroom or three-bedroom apartment; lakeview room/ one-bedroom/ two-bedroom or three-bedroom apartment; superior lakeview room/ one-bedroom/ two-bedroom or three-bedroom apartment; penthouse.
Who will love this hotel: Luxury travelers and couples.
Why it’s a top choice: The Rees Hotel offers a courtesy shuttle to and from Queenstown which operates on a timetable. Walk or cycle the gorgeous Frankton walking track into Queenstown from here – one of the best bike trails in Queenstown. The Rees is very luxurious and is one of the few 5-star hotels in Queenstown. Some of the lake view rooms here feature floor-to-ceiling windows giving you a full panorama of the stunning Lake Wakatipu.
Important info to note: Limited parking is available on-site, but it is free – unusual for a 5-star property. No pool or hot tub, which should be expected from such a luxurious property.
You can book the Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments on Booking.com.
5 Best Cheap Hotels in Queenstown
If you’re on a budget but still want to vacation in notoriously expensive Queenstown, have no fear, here are 5 of the very best cheap hotels in Queenstown!
Note: For extra savings, consider staying at one of the best cheap hostels in Queenstown. Even if dorm rooms aren’t your style, many hostels offer private rooms that are of hotel quality at only a fraction of the price!
11. Mi-pad Smart Hotel
Location: 4 Henry Street just near the beginning of Shotover Street (the main street in Queenstown.) The hotel is in an ideal downtown location.
Price: Starting from $89 NZD.
Type of rooms available: Queen room; Twin room; Bunk room; Queen Economy room.
Who will love this hotel: Budget travelers who want to avoid staying in a hostel.
Why it’s a top choice: Mi-Pad Smart Hotel is conveniently located just 400 meters from Skyline Gondola and a few minutes walk into central Queenstown. There are fantastic views of the Remarkables from the rooftop – especially pretty at sunset. There’s a hot drinks machine on every floor that’s complimentary! You can download an app to your phone that controls the lighting and temperature in your room. The rooms come with hair straighteners – a pretty good bonus in my opinion!
Important info to note: There’s no parking available at Mi-Pad, but there is street parking available close by if you can find a space – if not, there are numerous public parking lots in Queenstown.
You can book Mi-pad Smart Hotel on Booking.com.
12. Melbourne Lodge
Location: 35 Melbourne Street on the outskirts of town at the bottom in the Queenstown Hill area.
Price: Starting from $93 NZD.
Type of rooms available: Single/Double Twin rooms with shared bathroom; King/Twin ensuites; Quad ensuite; Studio apartment; King studio apartment; Two bedroom apartment
Who will love this hotel: Families on a budget.
Why it’s a top choice: Free onsite parking, a comfortable communal guest lounge, plus a sundeck with great views over Lake Wakatipu are just some of the best features of this Queenstown hotel. It’s very reasonably priced considering its location – just a short walk will take you to central Queenstown. Despite being close to town the hotel is in a very quiet location with lots of on-street parking. Being in this area puts you close to the Queenstown Hill Trailhead but also town center.
Important info to note: It’s a short but steep climb to the hotel when walking back from Queenstown. Although the parking here is free, it is limited, so you may need to park on the adjacent street. The parking spaces are quite narrow so may not be suitable if you have a large vehicle.
You can book the Melbourne Lodge on Booking.com.
13. Heartland Hotel Queenstown
Location: 27 Stanley Street only a short walk from the Queenstown Gardens, Queenstown Beach, and town itself.
Price: Starting from $112 NZD.
Type of rooms available: Chalet Quad & King rooms; Chalet Studio king; Family chalet view room; Standard studio king and twin; Superior king view room
Who will love this hotel: Families and large groups.
Why it’s a top choice: The Heartland Hotel Queenstown is a cute A-frame Swiss-style chalet building that’s very photogenic. You’re close to town but still far enough removed that you feel slightly secluded (in a good way). Free parking on-site, although it is first-come-first-served, however, there is on-street parking around the hotel. For a budget hotel, it is one of the best!
Important info to note: Can be some noise from the road due to its location on the main road into Queenstown. No lift to the higher floor rooms so you need to be okay with stairs. Previous guests have mentioned the internet can be unstable. The water pressure in the showers can also be weak at times.
You can book the Heartland Hotel Queenstown on booking.com.
14. Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road
Location: 594 Frankton Road a 5-minute drive outside Queenstown town center. This location sits on a bus route straight into town so its location is easy to get to and from even without a car.
Price: Starting from $137 NZD.
Type of rooms available: Queen or Twin Standard room; Twin/Double or King room with Lakeview; Standard Family room.
Who will love this hotel: Families and couples who don’t mind taking the bus into town or finding a parking spot.
Why it’s a top choice: There’s lots of complimentary parking available at the Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road. The Holiday Inn is conveniently located halfway between the airport and Queenstown. It’s a large resort with lots of space – great for kids as there’s a very large grassy area out front. There are also gorgeous views across Lake Wakatipu from most rooms and common areas in the hotel – a highlight for such a budget hotel.
Important info to note: It’s located on Frankton Road 4 km (2.5 mi) from Queenstown itself, however, there is a bus stop located a few minutes walk from the hotel. If you want to walk to town it will take you about 45 minutes. Also, the shower pressure has been noted by past guests as being too low.
You can book the Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road on Booking.com.
15. Blue Peaks Lodge
Location: 11 Sydney Street, a very quiet street just behind the Queenstown Gardens in a beautiful suburban location. This is the perfect budget hotel location for those who want to be right in town!
Price: Starting from $122 NZD.
Type of rooms available: Queen room; Studio; One-bedroom with kitchen; Large family room.
Who will love this hotel: Families on a budget who want to be close to town.
Why it’s a top choice: Just a 7-minute walk from the hotel will take you into central Queenstown. You’re also only a stone’s throw from the Queenstown Gardens (one of the best free attractions in Queenstown.) The apartment options at the hotel receive rave reviews for their modern interior, large size, and great kitchen facilities. Free parking is also available on-site despite the hotel’s location. Although located in town, from some of the apartment balconies there are beautiful views of the mountains.
Important info to note: Only 500MB of free WiFi is offered per room (in this day and age I think WiFi should always be free.) The ensuite bathrooms are quite small in size. Noise from the nearby Stanley Street can be heard from some rooms facing the road. Laundry is considered expensive in comparison to other similar properties.
You can book the Blue Peaks Lodge on Booking.com.
Must-Do Activities While in Queenstown
While in Queenstown there are plenty of other activities that will keep you busy… Honestly, there are so many it’ll be hard to choose which ones to do! Below are some of my favorites.
- Central Otago Wine Tour and Tasting – This is my personal favorite wine tour in Queenstown! It is one of the best values for money, for $215 NZD your tour bus will stop at 4 different boutique wineries in the Otago region that include a wide range of wine samples and a provided gourmet lunch platter. As you hop between wineries you’ll gaze out the window at spectacular views.
- TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise – This scenic and relaxing cruise in Queenstown is an activity great for any afternoon. The ship you will be cruising on is the Historic TSS Earnslaw and you will get to watch crew members add coal to the flames that power the vessel. Take in the mountain ranges and lush green valleys of Otago. You can also upgrade this tour here to include dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm.
- Queenstown Canyoning Adventure – Climb and jump off waterfalls, rappel, swim, and trek your way down a part of a Queenstown canyon with a qualified guide. This thrilling full-day activity is perfect for those who love adventure and exploration! As long as you aren’t afraid of heights and have a basic swimming ability you won’t need any other skills.
- Day Trip to Milford Sound With Picnic Lunch – This tour will give you the ultimate ability to explore the beauty of Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park. Not only will your guide stop at several impressive viewpoints on the way from Queenstown but there is also a cruise in Milford Sound included. This small-group tour goes for $249 NZD a person and I think it’s a really great value for a more personalized experience.
- Extreme Jet Boating – Looking for a thrill? Jet Boating is one of New Zealand’s most unique activities. On the tour out of Queenstown, you’ll be able to zoom up the Shotover River through narrow canyons at high speeds and make 360-degree spins. Trust, me it’s epic!
Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand
Let’s face it, you’re going to need wheels to get around New Zealand. Although a small country, buses between destinations are infrequent and expensive. Plus, some of the best experiences you can have in NZ are on road trips!
You have three options when it comes to getting wheels in New Zealand; a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:
- Car – A normal car is the cheapest rental vehicle you can get in New Zealand. It’ll get you around to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels or Airbnbs during your travels (no camping.) The easiest place to rent a car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
- Campervan – A Campervan is a large van that has a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It is what most budget backpackers get for traveling around New Zealand since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping! You can easily compare campervans, prices, and book on the website Motorhome Republic. We also have a 5% discount code (DTRAVEL5) with Mad Campers, which you can use at checkout.
- Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting New Zealand. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one, you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. Motorhome Republic is my suggested website for booking a motorhome in New Zealand simply because they are a reliable company and the website is super easy to use! We are also partnered with Kiwi Motorhomes, which is well known as the top motorhome rental company in New Zealand. You can get 5% off using the code Queen5. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in New Zealand!
Travel Insurance Has Your Back!
Life can be unpredictable and when you’re traveling abroad the last thing you want to worry about is getting sick or injured and having to pay out of pocket for treatment.
If this concerns you, SafetyWing can help! SafetyWing specializes in very affordable and comprehensive medical and travel insurance that is aimed at digital nomads, remote workers, and long-term travelers. It costs just $45 USD per 4 weeks!
To start coverage you must purchase it after leaving your home country, so we usually purchase it as soon as we land in the airport.
Since using SafetyWing we’ve been reimbursed thousands of dollars when we’ve gotten sick. During the pandemic, they’ve even gone as far as to pay for our last-minute flights back to Canada before the border closed!
Thanks for reading!
I think it’s fair to say there’s a hotel for every budget in Queenstown. And with rooms and prices as good as these – what are you waiting for, get yourself to Queenstown! I hope you’ll find your new favorite hotel in Queenstown on this list.
Thanks so much for reading my blog about the best hotels in Queenstown. If you’re unsure what area to stay in, check out my guide on where to stay in Queenstown. It breaks down some of the most popular neighborhoods with pros and cons for each! Also, if you enjoyed this blog, be sure to browse around some more. There’s so much more to discover in My Queenstown Diary! Here are a few popular posts to get you started: