377 Frankton Road, Wakatipu, Queenstown, New Zealand | (618) 248-8274
Upscale lakefront property offering hotel rooms and apartments
Most rooms have spectacular mountain and lake views
Rooms and apartments have balconies and handsome bathrooms
Sharp hardwood furniture custom made for the hotel in all rooms
Fine-dining restaurant and lounge bar with extensive wine collection
Mountain bikes can be hired from the hotel
Free shuttles into Queenstown and to the airport
In-room beauty treatments can be booked
Conference center and meeting room for business guests
Fitness center, observatory, and private jetty available to guests
Free parking available on-site
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
Walks into town are long -- at least 20 minutes
Breakfast is not included in the room rate
No free cocktail hour like many hotels in the area
There are 60 hotel rooms and 90 apartments at this upscale lakefront property on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Most rooms have spectacular water views and all have handsome hand-crafted wooden furniture, private balconies, and living areas. The tranquil location means the amenities of Queenstown aren’t right on the hotel's doorstep -- it’s a 20-minute walk or five-minute drive into the center of town. A free, hourly shuttle helps ease this inconvenience. There’s an excellent restaurant as well as a wine lounge and fitness center. Mountain bikes can also be hired. Those wanting to be right in the center should check out Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa as an alternative.
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Scene
Upscale contemporary hotel with a focus on wining and dining
The Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments is a contemporary property that has been designed to make the most of its lakefront position. The lobby is at the top of the hotel with a lounge and bar that have commanding views over the lake and mountains. The lobby has high vaulted and beamed ceilings, rustic stone and mortar walls, enormous floor-to-ceiling windows, a large open fireplace, and cozy armchairs. Classic oil paintings -- including a massive one over the fireplace of local explorer William G. Rees, for whom the hotel is named -- add a bit of personality. The hotel suits well-heeled couples, families, and groups, and often attracts “foodies” and wine connoisseurs as the property is well-known for its extensive wine collection and fine-dining restaurant that’s one of Queenstown's best culinary experiences.
Location
Stunning lakefront setting, a five-minute drive from central Queenstown
Set on a steep hill on a quiet road, the Rees Hotel and Luxury
Apartments holds a stunning position on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded
by the Remarkables mountain range. The shops, restaurants, nightlife, and
attractions of Queenstown’s center are a bit far to walk -- it will take about 20 minutes -- though the drive should only take 15 minutes. The hotel provides a free shuttle in and out of town every hour, every
day. The Coronet Peak ski area is a 25-minute drive from the property, and the
famous Shotover Jet boat dock is around a 12-minute drive. Queenstown Airport takes eight minutes to reach by car, and the hotel also provides a free airport pick up and drop
off service.
Rooms
Stylish and spacious guest rooms plus large apartments
The property has 60 hotel rooms and 90 apartments, all with large, private
balconies -- many overlook Lake Wakatipu. Chic decor uses muted colors and has a focus on natural materials, such as solid hardwood furniture crafted by local designer Ed Cruikshank and New Zealand wool carpets that are also custom made for the property. The palette throughout each unit is dominated by shades of dark and light gray, including carpets and small photographs on the wall. The look is elegant and understated to the point of almost being austere. All of the hotel rooms have free Wi-Fi, iPod
docks, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, flat-screen TVs with
satellite channels, and lounge areas. Apartments are available in one-, two-, or three-bedroom configurations and have the addition of a large dining area and full kitchens. These units have additional features like stacked-stone fireplaces in some. The high-end bathrooms have porcelain
suites with Italian fixtures and details like oyster-shell soap dishes next to vessel sinks on generous vanities are a nice touch. There are whirlpool baths and a large, separate
walk-in shower.
Features
Top restaurant and wine collection, plus free Wi-Fi and parking
The hotel is well-known for its fine-dining restaurant, True South, which uses local ingredients to offer high-quality regional and international cuisine. The Bordeau Wine Lounge has a huge selection of wines from New Zealand and around the world, and during the day it serves fresh coffee, pastries, and muffins. Breakfast is not included in the room rate, but excellent continental and a la carte cooked options are available in True South every day. Guests can book in-room beauty treatments, including massages and facials. Mountain bikes can be hired for exploring the lakeside trail that runs directly below the hotel. There are a conference center and meeting room for business guests, plus a fitness center, observatory, and private jetty. The property also hosts weddings. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and there’s also free on-site car parking. Shuttles run into town and to the airport for free and on a schedule, though some guests have reported that they have limited space and get crowded.
