Top 3 Luxury Hotels in Queenstown

The Carlin Hotel is a stunning property. The views from the balconies are glorious. I really liked the location - just outside of town, so that it is convenient to everything but during the busy holiday season, it’s on a quiet street. It’s a steep walk back from town, but after all the eating we were doing, we didn’t mind. The rooms are beautiful, tastefully decorated. The staff is attentive and friendly (shout out to Patrick who went out of his way to make a stay special). The food at the restaurant is good - we had Christmas dinner at the hotel and it was really delicious. Breakfasts we tasty and plentiful. If you’ve looked at booking this hotel, you know that it is REALLY expensive. They bill themselves as a six star hotel, but at this price, I’d like even five stars to be perfection. Cons - the air conditioning is wonky. It kept shutting off in the middle of the night and we’d wake up and not be able to get it on again. Our family had the Vista and Panorama Suites and the adjoining king rooms had absolutely no windows - of course this is because of the layout of the hotel which is built into a hill - but not only was there no natural light, but it felt like a fire hazard since the only way out in case of emergency is through the door into the hall. One evening, when the restaurant where we had a reservation was out of food (this seems to be an issue during the holidays in NZ), we went back to the hotel before 8:30 p.m. and were told the only food we could order was from the overnight dining menu, when the hotel menu clearly states that the entire dinner menu is available until 9 p.m. - the food was still tasty, but the menu was extremely limited. Other than that, the stay was heavenly and I’d gladly come back and stay again.

Azur Lodge is other worldly. The lodge is gorgeous, peaceful and provides spectacular rooms and views. The people are truly world class and from around the world. They are the kindest, most helpful, professional and wonderful people. They are immediately like friends…that want you to have the most positive memorable experience. This is our second visit to Azur…last time was 8 years ago. And Azur is simply consistent world class. To me, Azur is a must stay home away from home…as everything about it…is uplifting, kind, positive and simply the place to create magical memories. we shall return.

We're very frequent travelers, frequently stay in nice hotels, and can sometimes run the risk of being jaded; Eichardt's might be one of the nicest hotels we have ever stayed in. Where do we start...the stunning location, with the picture postcard Queenstown view from the balcony. The super-personal service, especially from Tom and Casey -- the staff remember not just your food preferences but what you were up to that day, your temperature settings in the room, and your tastes in wine...top notch. The superb, complementary wine tastings in the parlor every evening, allowing us to sample a broad range of New Zealand wines without committing to entire bottles. The recommendations for activities and meals tailored to our tastes. The most comfortable bed we've had in a hotel...the list goes on. Make your way to Queenstown now and stay at Eichardt's.