When you think about planning your trip to the South Island of New Zealand, you will undoubtedly be starting or ending your adventures in the city of Queenstown. It's the perfect hub to make your base whether you're here in the winter, summer, or in between because it's close to all the top things to do from Queenstown. No matter what kind of traveller you are – backpacking and on a budget or looking for comfort and luxury, I've put together my recommendations for where to stay in Queenstown that I highly recommend.
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Where to Stay in Queenstown
Here are my top picks for places you should definitely consider when looking for the best hotels and best places to stay in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Best Budget Hotels in Queenstown
YHA TESTED
Situated on the shores of Wakatipu, with views of the lake and Remarkables mountain range, this hostel features a fully equipped shared and a drying room for ski equipment. Private rooms are available but all have shared bathrooms.
Address: 88-90 Lakefront Esplanade
Closest landmark: Lookout for Cecil Peak
Price starts from: NZ$35~
CHEAP HOSTEL
This is a hostel for those looking for extremely cheap accommodations while still staying relatively central. We stayed here for a few nights and noticed that most staying here were long-stay workers. Private rooms are available but bathrooms are shared.
Address: 4 Anderson Heights
Closest landmark: Skyline Gondola and Luge
Price starts from: NZ$30~
SOLID HYBRID
Jucy Snooze has become a big franchise in New Zealand and all of their properties including this one is a really solid hybrid mix of hostel rooms and private bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. This property is relatively new and features a rooftop bar and cafe with stunning views of Lake Wakatipu.
Address: 47 Camp Street
Closest landmark: The Station
Price starts from: NZ$45~
HOLIDAY PARK
QUEENSTOWN TOP 10 HOLIDAY PARK
If you've never been to NZ, you're probably not familiar with Holiday Parks but these are often gems for those on a budget because they're RV parks but offer cabins as well. Ones like this one are always incredibly clean and comfy. Keep in mind that this is a drive away from downtown.
Address: 70 Arthurs Point Road
Closest landmark: Onsen Hot Pools
Price starts from: NZ$90~
Best Mid-Range Hotels in Queenstown
BEAUTIFUL GUESTHOUSE
This a tranquil lakeview property is actually a large luxury house that's been subdivided into private rooms. It's not located in the city itself so a car is necessary but the views here are amazing and has incredible shared spaces and very clean shared bathrooms. Awesome alternative guesthouse.
Address: 32 Closeburn Road
Closest landmark: Closeburn exit
Price starts from: NZ$100~
BEST VALUE
QUEENSTOWN LAKEVIEW HOLIDAY PARK
This is a standard New Zealand holiday park built for campervans, RV's, and campers, but they also have these amazing private lodges that are fully equipped with kitchens and either a view of the mountains or Lake Wakatipu. Location-wise, it's central and walkable to everything downtown as well.
Address: 4 Cemetery Road
Closest landmark: Skyline Quenstown
Price starts from: NZ$150~
SOLID HYBRID
You will love the studio and apartment-style accommodations of this 4-star motel that features spa baths and cooking facilities, sauna, and fitness centre. Free wifi only up to 600MB (common in NZ). Only 5 minute walk to the city centre.
Address: 1 Melbourne Street
Closest landmark: Queenstown Bus Station
Price starts from: NZ$160~
LUXURIOUS B&B FOR CHEAP
This is a sweet lodge B&B that is located 5 minutes from the downtown that offers comfy rooms, unlimited wifi, parking, and free breakfast. All guests love the service they receive from the staff and ultimately the proximity to the downtown.
Address: 35 Melbourne Street
Closest landmark: Central downtown
Price starts from: NZ$150~
Best Luxury Hotels in Queenstown
4-STAR LAKEVIEW
This is a Copthorne Hotel is a sophisticated escape surrounded by nature. Located 10 minutes from the city centre, this 4-star hotel has picturesque views of Lake Wakatipu and the mountains. The rooms are modern, spacious, and comfortable. Underground parking is available and free wifi.
Address: 88 Frankton Road
Closest landmark: Jubilee Park
Price starts from: NZ$200~
BALANCED & MODERN
If you just want to stay at a good hotel that isn't going to run you through the roof, this is the place to be. Centrally located and with all of the standard hotel fixings, you really can't go wrong. On top of that, they have an incredible rooftop patio that offers spectacular views since it's on a hill and facing the lake.
Address: 32 Closeburn Road
Closest landmark: Closeburn exit
Price starts from: NZ$220~
BEAUTIFUL GUESTHOUSE
This premiere hotel brand has everything you're looking for – short walk to the main streets, balcony views overlooking the mountains and lake, contemporary rooms designed for comfort, desk space, and wifi. Parking is available for a fee.
Address: 93 Beach Street
Closest landmark: Real Journeys Visitor Centre
Price starts from: NZ$230~
BOUTIQUE ALONG THE LAKE
Right along the shores of Lake Wakatipu is a well-known brand that offers a modern and contemporary stay. The location speaks for itself as you're right in the heart of the action. Novotel offers ski storage facilities, a spa pool, guest laundry and valet car parking.
Address: Earl Street & Marine Parade
Closest landmark: Lake Wakatipu
Price starts from: NZ$240~
Map of best places to stay in Queenstown
Things to consider when booking your stay
- Parking – Queenstown is a small town and so parking is at a premium. Not all properties offer parking. If they don't, you'll most likely have to find free street parking overnight.
- Walking distance – Not all properties are equal here. It's hard to visualize when viewing a map but ones on a hill are going to of course require a bit more effort to climb.
- Wifi – One thing you learn pretty quickly about New Zealand is that unlimited wifi is not the standard. Most places only offer free wifi numbering in the hundreds of MB before you have to purchase more.
- Staying outside of the downtown – There's definitely a case for staying outside especially if you have your own car because parking becomes less of a hassle and you're usually looking at nicer and larger accommodations. The downside is that when you go downtown, you'll have to figure out where to park.
- Looking for guesthouses and B&Bs – What I love about Booking.com is that you can get Airbnb-type guest homes but have much more flexibility when it comes to cancellation
- Airbnb still an option – If you love Airbnb, that is still an option for you. Make sure to take advantage of creating a new account (even if you have one already) to get up free credit by signing up here.
Top Queenstown Airbnb rentals
If you prefer to stay in private room rentals, here are my picks for the top 12 Queenstown Airbnb properties that you can find on the market right now. All of the ones listed here are under $100 USD and hosted by Superhosts.
If the map below is difficult to navigate, make sure to head to the best Airbnbs in Queenstown.
If we had more time
There are so many activities you can do in this city that starts with the top 5 things to do in Queenstown but if we had more time, I'd definitely check out these activities.
How about you? Have you been to Queenstown and do you recommend a place that you've stayed at? Do you have a question planning your upcoming trip? Drop a comment down below.
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