Queenstown, New Zealand, known for its breathtaking landscapes and adventure-packed activities, is a dream destination for many. Nestled on the shores of the crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Southern Alps, this vibrant town offers a wide array of accommodations that cater to every type of traveler.
And I understand it’s a tough task choosing a place to stay here as there are close to a hundred hotels in town. They all look and sound amazing on the hotel booking sites – don’t they?! But I’ve been living in Queenstown for a few years and know exactly which hotels are worth staying at. And I’ve actually worked at one of the below hotels for years and stayed at most of them during my time here.
Whether you’re a backpacker on a budget or looking to indulge in some luxury, Queenstown has got you covered. So, let’s take a look at the best hotels in Queenstown and the best hostels and apartments in Queenstown (for those on a budget!)
What part of Queenstown should I stay in?
There are a few main areas in Queenstown that tourists choose to stay in and they include downtown Queenstown, Fernhill, Frankton (near the airport), and Arrowtown (a cute town close by).
Downtown Queenstown:
This is exactly what it says on the tin: the downtown area of Queenstown – where most of the stores, restaurants and many of the activities start from. It is nestled beside Lake Wakatipu and, as you can guess, is probably the most expensive area to stay in.
Fernhill:
This is one of the closest neighborhoods to the town, but it’s located up a very steep hill, so you will need to be fit if you want to walk to/from town. There is a regular bus service, however. There’s a small convenience store and a fantastic fish & chip shop here. The views from the hotels up here are fantastic!
Frankton:
Frankton is the commercial hub in Queenstown – this is where the large supermarkets are located. As well as K-Mart, Warehouse, and so much more. Most of the hotels here are newer and are located along the lake. There’s a popular lakeside walking track in Frankton too.
Arrowtown:
A cute, picture-perfect town about a 20-minute drive from Queenstown. This area is popular with long-term locals. Arrowtown is a town in itself with restaurants, mini-marts, bars, etc, so no need to venture into Queenstown regularly. Arrowtown is especially stunning in the fall.
📌 Here’s a summary of my favorite places to stay in Queenstown:
- Most luxurious hotel in Queenstown – Matakauri Lodge
- Best located hotel in Queenstown – Eichardt’s Private Hotel
- Budget-friendly hotel in Queenstown – Ramada Queenstown Central
- Best views – Kamana Lakehouse
- Best hotel in Arrowtown – Arrowtown House Boutique Hotel
- Best hostel in Queenstown – Adventure Q2 Hostel
- Best apartments in Queenstown – Glebe Apartments
Our Favorite Hotels in Queenstown
The Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments
- Location: Frankton Road
- Star rating: 5-star
- Why we love it: Incredible views, away from the hustle & bustle of downtown
If you’re in the mood for luxury with a view, The Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments is a top contender.
Situated right on the lakefront at the start of Frankton Road, this hotel offers stunning vistas of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. The accommodation options here range from elegant hotel rooms to spacious apartments and villas, all designed with comfort and style in mind. Guests rave about the outstanding service, and the in-house restaurant, True South Dining Room, serves up exquisite local cuisine.
The only downside I guess, is that it’s around a 30-40 minute walk into downtown Queenstown.
Eichardt’s Private Hotel
- Location: Downtown Queenstown
- Star rating: 5 stars
- Why we love it: Ideal downtown lakefront location, steeped in history
For those looking to splurge, Eichardt’s Private Hotel is the epitome of luxury and elegance. It’s part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World chain.
This iconic hotel, with its grand history dating back to the 1860s, offers sumptuous suites that exude sophistication and comfort. Located right on the waterfront, you will be treated to breathtaking views and impeccable service. The hotel also features a renowned bar and restaurant (also called Eichardt’s), perfect for sipping cocktails while watching the sunset over the lake.
Rooms can be pricey though, starting from $1,000 NZD per night.
Kamana Lakehouse
- Location: Fernhill
- Star rating: 4.5-star
- Why we love it: Awesome views, great on-site restaurant
High up in Fernhill, around a 25-minute walk or short bus journey from Queenstown CBD is Kamana Lakehouse. This hotel has arguably the best view of any hotel in Queenstown on account of its steep position. The rooms here are modern and funky, and some come with balconies overlooking the lake. You can even book the Lakeview Luxe Suite, which comes with its own private hot tub. A room at Kamana Lakehouse will set you back around $241 NZD per night.
Matakauri Lodge
- Location: Closeburn, past Fernhill
- Star rating: 5-star
- Why we love it: super-luxurious, offers bungalows instead of rooms, celebrity hotspot
Located on the road to Glenorchy, around a 7-minute drive from the center of town, Matakauri Lodge is the most luxurious place to stay in Queenstown. I worked at this 5-star property for a couple of years and honestly, the views, the suites, and the food are all perfect. It has an on-site pool with insane views, a spa and there’s even a walkway down to a private beach. It’s definitely a bucket-list-worthy place to stay in Queenstown!
Sherwood Queenstown
- Location: Frankton
- Star rating: 4 stars
- Why we love it: its commitment to sustainability, excellent on-site restaurant
Situated in Frankton, around a 20-minute walk into Queenstown, is the very cool Sherwood Queenstown. We actually stayed here twice and loved its cozy boho decor. And it’s actually one of the most sustainable hotels in the world! Again, it boasts spectacular lake views and the rooms are spacious, stylish, and comfortable. The on-site restaurant is excellent and is a local favorite! A room here costs around $240 NZD per night.
Ramada Queenstown Central
- Location: Downtown Queenstown
- Star rating: 4 stars
- Why we love it: Great location, budget-friendly
If you’re looking for a reasonably priced hotel in downtown Queenstown, look no further than the Ramada Queenstown Central, which has rooms starting from $200 NZD. The rooms here are stylish and sleek and some offer views of the Remarkables, Lake Wakatipu, and Kelvin Heights Peninsula. The hotel only opened in 2020, so it’s very modern both inside and outside. There’s an on-site restaurant and bar.
Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa
- Location: Kelvin Heights
- Star rating: 5 stars
- Why we love it: Large property on the lake with great views
Nestled along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa is a 5-star retreat offering luxurious amenities such as an indoor pool, fitness center, and day spa. And it’s a popular option with families especially.
The Wakatipu Grill Restaurant offers New Zealand cuisine, while Pinot Pit serves a variety of local and international wines. Guests can enjoy a workout, swim in the 25-meter heated lap pool, or relax at the Eforea Spa, all while taking in stunning lakeside views from the outdoor terrace.
The Queenstown ferry, which costs just $14 NZD per person takes you to downtown Queenstown. Or you could walk the Frankton Track back into town. This will take around 1.5 hours.
Arrowtown House Boutique Hotel
- Location: Arrowtown
- Star rating: 4 stars
- Why we love it: Cute, cozy accomodation in one of my favorite towns in New Zealand
One of the best hotels in Arrowtown is the Arrowtown House Boutique Hotel. This luxurious accommodation is renowned for its elegant decor, personalized service, and tranquil setting. The hotel is just a short stroll from the town’s center, allowing you to easily explore the quaint streets, gold rush-era buildings, and local attractions.
Each room is well-appointed, featuring modern amenities and plush furnishings, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Best Hostels in Queenstown
LyLo Queenstown
- Location: Downtown Queenstown
- Why we love it: Stylish, social hostel in a prime location
Backpackers and budget travelers will find LyLo Queenstown to be a fun and affordable option. This vibrant hostel offers a mix of private rooms and innovative pod-style beds, providing a modern twist to the traditional hostel experience.
Located in the heart of Queenstown, it’s an ideal base for exploring the town’s lively nightlife and dining scene. The rooftop terrace, complete with stunning views and a bar, is a great place to meet fellow travelers and swap adventure stories.
Nomads Queenstown Hostel
- Location: Downtown Queenstown
- Why we love it: Great location, lovely private rooms.
Another fantastic option for backpackers is the Nomads Queenstown Hostel. Known for its friendly atmosphere and prime location, it’s just a stone’s throw away from the town’s bustling cafes, bars, and shops. The hostel offers a range of accommodations from dorm rooms to private en-suites, catering to different budgets and preferences.
Here you can enjoy communal facilities like a sauna, cinema lounge, and a communal kitchen, making it easy to mingle and make new friends.
Adventure Q2 Hostel
- Location: Downtown Queenstown
- Why we love it: Cozy hostel, good vibes.
Adventure Q2 Hostel is perfect if you want a comfortable yet budget-friendly place to stay.
Known for its friendly staff and clean facilities, this hostel provides an excellent base for adventure enthusiasts. It offers a variety of room options, from dorms to private rooms, and features amenities like a fully equipped kitchen and a cozy lounge area. It’s located just a short walk from the town center.
Best Apartments in Queenstown
Glebe Apartments
Centrally located (next to Queenstown Gardens in the CBD) the stylish Glebe Apartments are a great option if you want to cook in as they offer kitchens in all units. You can choose from Studio, One; Two or Three bedroom apartments.
Apartments at Spinnaker Bay
Luxurious apartments with great lake views, these apartments are located on Frankton Road. You can walk the Frankton Track into the CBD – aking about 25 minutes. The apartments here are very stylish – choose from One, Two or Three bedroom apartments.
Cranbury Court Apartments
These are again centrally located on Glebe Road, just a 5-minute walk from the CBD. FreshChoice supermarket is also close by. You can chose from One, Two or Three bedroom apartments.
The Whistler Apartments
Located on Gorge Road, these apartments are a very popular choice in Queenstown. Just a 5-minute walk from the center of Queenstown. There are two supermarkets very close by – Raeward Fresh and Freshchoice. Choose from One or Two bedroom apartments.
Thanks for reading!
Whew, I hope this detailed guide has helped you decide what the best hotels in Queenstown are for you. As you have read, there are so many options, and which one you choose depends on the type of traveler you are.
For us, we love staying at the Sherwood as it’s quirky, environmentally consious, has awesome views and a great restaurant. But if you want to be in the middle of the action, then Eichardt’s, right next to the lake, is a great choice!
If you enjoyed this blog post about the best hotels in Queenstown, you may also enjoy my other posts, like –
The Best Queenstown in Winter Itinerary (Written By a Local!)
15 Best Queenstown Family Activities
The Best Ski Resorts in Queenstown
48 Hours in Queenstown (A Fun Two-Day Queenstown Itinerary)
Last Updated on August 17, 2026 by snaphappytravel