On our most recent trip to Queenstown, New Zealand, we stayed at the Hilton Queenstown Resort in the Kawarau Village.
Hilton Queenstown Resort – Review Summary
We highly recommend staying here, if it is in your budget. We stayed for $130 USD a night and loved it.
Comfortable, spacious room with all the timings (high-thread count sheets, luxury bath products). Amazing views of the lake and mountains.
The property has a village with a salon and spa, restaurants and walking trails. All this with the service you know and expect from a Hilton Resort.
The only major consideration is that you need to drive, water taxi or shuttle into town. You can also walk (~2 hour walk) or bike on the trail that wraps around the lake. However, the location (opposite side of the lake from town) offers a more a relaxed feel than the bustle of the tourist backpacker town.
Detailed Review
The Property
Kawarau Village Queenstown
The Hilton Queenstown is located a little resort village of Kawarau. The map below from the Hilton Queenstown Resort website shows the layout of the property.
The property has both a Hilton and a Double Tree by Hilton. We stayed at the Hilton Queenstown in the building closest to the lake.
The resort has a clean modern design which is something I love about New Zealand.
The property is located right on the lake. The scenery is just amazing here.
You have easy access to the water taxi dock and a walking trail that circles the lake. You can walk/bike the trail into town. The walk takes a little over an hour.
There are some great outdoor spaces where you can relax with an afternoon coffee or enjoy a cocktail apres ski. Blankets are provided for the chilly evenings around the fire pit.
Stacks Pub
We went to Stacks Pub in the resort village a few times. Good food and a nice selection of craft beers.
I really enjoy the ciders in New Zealand. They are crisp, refreshing and not overly sweet. I would recommend trying one (or six).
Lobby
The lobby is dark, but stylish with clean lines and modern.
Mac and PCs are available for use in the lobby, but wifi is available through out the resort.
Breakfast
With Mr. J’s Diamond status, we had the breakfast buffet included. This buffet is pretty nice. If you are a big breakfast eater, then I would say the buffet is worth the step price that you usually find at hotel buffets.
The buffet is expansive including the following:
Pastries
Cereals and grains (e.g., muesli, oatmeal)
Hot English Breakfast
Fruits
Japanese Breakfast (e.g., Congee)
Meats and Cheeses
Made to Order ala Carte Items
Coffee, tea, juice and hot chocolate are all included.
If you enjoy breakfast, then you will definitely enjoy this buffet.
The Room
Mr. J’s diamond status upgraded us to a lake view king suite. Sweet!
Living Room
The suite has a living room with a flat screen TV and a gas fireplace.
A workspace for Mr. J to set up shop. Yes! You can purchase that adorable kiwi doll on the desk.
Minbar with a Nespresso machine. Love Nespresso.
The Bedroom
The bedroom is spacious with a comfortable king bed and a flat screen TV. Plus, check out that lake view.
The Bathroom
Double sinks with the standard Peter Thomas Roth toletries.
A large tub and shower.
The Deck
My favorite part about this hotel is the view.
A small deck allows you to enjoy morning coffee or an evening glass of wine while enjoying the views.
There is a reason these mountains are called the Remarkables.
Recommendation
We would highly recommend staying here if you are renting a car. We also recommend renting a car because Queenstown is a great starting point for several day trips. See our post on Getting There and Around Queenstown.
We both loved the views and the room. I, also, liked how it was away from all the noise and business of town. However, being on the other side of lake made dinners a bit more of a task because we had to drive or taxi to town.
Mr. J says, “I strongly recommend this hotel for anyone traveling to Queenstown, as long as the rates are $150 US or less. If you are going during peak season when prices are in the $300+ range, then you should use your points or consider staying elsewhere. The hotel is a great value at $150, but it does not have the polish needed for a $300 a night premium.”