Who's Going
Sydney Weekenders, Wallpaper Readers, Lux Adventurers
Reason to Stay
Design Hotel, All-Suite Property, Hip Restaurant
Hotel Type
Lodge Hotel
Driving through the streets of Queenstown, we struggled a bit to find the valet actually located at the end of a pedestrian passageway lined with a busy restaurant and lively bars. A three-story cobbled-granite facade leads to a glassy entryway where a single desk reception area is surrounded by crackling fireplace and no more than two staff members, one of which is pulling your luggage. You expect grand things of the hotel and Queenstown in general where room rates on average go from $700 to $1200 a night at the area's finer luxury lodges. We found a room somewhere in the middle offering a prefix breakfast and convenient location to everything that's rumored to be hip and happening.
To the beat of inspirational house music, the receptionist showed us to the cozy dining room that seemed rather dark at the rear of the building with amber lighting and dark-wood design. There's a bar and lounge on the way, but no date was given as to its opening. With no fitness area or gym to speak of either, the high-price of the hotel meant that the amenities it does offer had better be great. Morning breakfast is served between 7am and 10am, with its assortment of American breakfasts including an Eggs Benedict set atop a portobello mushroom ad poached tomato that was so good we asked for the recipe. While we loved the food, the quiet and dark setting of the room didn't make us want to return for dinner despite the first-rate food raved about in international press.
The Room
The bellman squeezes us into a four-person elevator leading to a small windowless corridor leading to our guest room. The door opens to a cozy alcove and entryway leading to the main living area arranged under a grand ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows of the distant lake and surrounding neighborhood. Carpeted floors line the one-room space with comfy three-person sofa and tumbled stone fireplace next to a recessed 42-inch plasma TV. A small counter bar offer perks like espresso machine and top-shelf selection of alcohol but no nibbles or real goodies to hold you through afternoon munchies. An exposed bathroom is revealed through sliding shutters revealing a soaking tub in a chrome and glass bathroom area with rain shower, heated floors and cantilevered double sinks. With extra perks like board games and books to entertain the idle moments those in search of even more merriment can find a number of pubs and restaurant located just a jump from your outdoor balcony that during warmer months can be a bit loud during the night.
Preferred Room
Suite
Special Features
Design Hotel, Village Center, Concierge, Gourmet Eatery
Amenities
Lounge, Bar, Restaurant, All-Inclusive Option
