Where to Stay in Queenstown: Top 2 Hotels Reviewed

Where to Stay in Queenstown, New Zealand

Top 2 Hotels with the Best Locations

November through February marks the glorious New Zealand summer ⛅️

The weather is absolutely perfect. The vibrant first impression of Queenstown right after stepping off the plane is something I'll never forget.

To make the most of our trip, we prioritized finding accommodations that were both spotless and perfectly located.

⭐️ During our 4-night stay in Queenstown, we split our time between two different hotels.

Both exceeded our expectations, so I'm sharing my 100% honest, paid-out-of-pocket reviews to help you plan your trip.

1. Crowne Plaza Queenstown

While we loved using Airbnb in other parts of our New Zealand road trip, staying in a traditional hotel was incredibly convenient in Queenstown.

We took a quick cab from the airport directly to the hotel, immediately noticing the bustling crowds around the city's famous eateries. 🇳🇿

This hotel is a local landmark, so taxi drivers know exactly where to go without needing an address!

They offer a 24-hour fitness center (though we were too busy exploring to use it) and 🅿️ valet parking, which is a lifesaver if you've rented a car.

The lobby is impressively spacious, giving off a very sleek, modern, and welcoming vibe.

2. The Unbeatable Location

The absolute best thing about the Crowne Plaza is its unbeatable location !! 👏🏻

It felt incredibly safe walking around at night. The main shopping district 🛍️ and iconic spots like Fergburger are practically right outside the front door, so we walked everywhere.

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Lake Wakatipu is literally steps away. We spent our first evening watching the ducks by the water and grabbed famous local burgers nearby the very next day. *•̀ᴗ•́*

3. Room Conditions

The room was immaculately clean ✨

The hotel bedding was incredibly plush, which was exactly what we needed for a good night's sleep after our packed itineraries.

The bathroom was spacious and included a proper bathtub. Plus, the tap water here is perfectly safe to drink 💦!

4. Booking & Pricing

We booked in advance and secured a rate of around ~$230 per night in April. Since we were traveling right after our wedding and completely exhausted, we wanted a comfortable, premium place to rest and recharge. 😌

If you're looking at the peak summer season (November to December), expect rates to hover between ~$230 and ~$300 per night.

It's the perfect base for downtown shopping (don't miss Cookie Time and the UGG stores) and booking local adventure activities.

If room condition and prime location are your top priorities, this is the spot ‼️

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5. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown

If you're not on your honeymoon and are looking for a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality,

I highly recommend our second stop: the Holiday Inn Express & Suites.

To be honest, one of my favorite memories here was the complimentary breakfast!

The location is still very close to downtown, but compared to the Crowne Plaza, you do have to walk up a slight incline to get back to the hotel from the city center.

Honestly, if we had stayed here first, we probably wouldn't have even noticed it!

6. Lobby & Room Conditions

I pulled this lobby photo from their website, and it perfectly captures the vibe 🌟

It features a classic, comfortable lounge area. We only really used it during breakfast, but the staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating.

The rooms are pristine, though noticeably more compact than the Crowne Plaza.

You might find it a bit tight when opening and organizing large suitcases. ( ´•̥-•̥` )

Despite the smaller footprint, the impeccable cleanliness made it a thoroughly enjoyable stay.

7. Booking & Pricing

We booked the Holiday Inn Express around the same time and paid roughly ~$460 total for a 3-night stay.

It's noticeably cheaper than the Crowne Plaza, making it my top pick for a high-value, budget-conscious Queenstown hotel 💸

It was also super convenient to grab breakfast and immediately hop on our Milford Sound tour bus right outside the hotel.

If you're prioritizing value and practicality, this is the one for you.

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Check Rates for Holiday Inn Express & Suites

8. Final Verdict

Queenstown Hotel Recommendations: Which Top 2 Hotel is Right for You?

Most of your time in Queenstown will likely be spent exploring downtown, shopping, and doing activities. Both of these hotels boast excellent locations for that.

✅ If you want to be right on Lake Wakatipu (nature is a priority) 🌊🦆,

hate walking up hills, and prefer a more spacious room:

👉🏻 Choose the Crowne Plaza Queenstown

☑️ If you don't mind a slight uphill walk, are fine with a smaller (but clean) room, and want the best bang for your buck (free breakfast included!):

👉🏻 Choose the Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Personally, I preferred our first stay right by the lake at the Crowne Plaza, but both are fantastic options.

Compare the two and grab a great rate for your upcoming adventure! ‼️

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🔻 Click the links below to view booking pages 🔻