Hotel review: The Rees Hotel Queenstown
Fiona Harper checks into The Rees Hotel Queenstown where drop dead gorgeous views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables are only part of the story at this luxe apartment hotel.
Lowdown
Located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, The Rees Hotel Queenstown offers a sophisticated five-star experience that seamlessly blends luxury, sustainability, and authentic New Zealand hospitality. While Queenstown is famed for its adrenaline-fuelled adventures, The Rees is a luxury hotel which provides a serene retreat inviting guests to unwind in comfort and style, just minutes from the vibrant town centre.
Location
Positioned midway between downtown Queenstown and the airport, the hotel cascades down a hillside, ensuring every room enjoys panoramic views of the lake and the Remarkables mountain range. The architecture harmonises with the landscape, creating a sense of privacy and immersion in nature, while complimentary shuttles and easy transport links keep the bustle of Queenstown within easy reach.
Accommodation
The Rees Hotel offers a diverse range of accommodation, from elegant hotel rooms to expansive one, two, and three-bedroom apartments and private lakeside residences. Each space is thoughtfully designed with contemporary New Zealand aesthetics eschewing alpine clichés for understated luxury. Features such as gas fireplaces, full kitchens, laundry facilities, and generous balconies foster a genuine “home away from home” atmosphere. Flexible room configurations cater to singles, couples, families, and groups, ensuring comfort and adaptability for every guest.
Facilities
Service at The Rees is attentive yet discreet, delivered by a multilingual team committed to guest comfort. The team speak over 20 languages between them. Facilities are tailored to Queenstown’s adventurous spirit, with ski and bike storage, a gym, and a private wharf for water taxis. For quieter moments, guests can enjoy a curated library of rare books. Sustainability is woven into daily operations, guided by M?ori principles of manaakitanga (hospitality) and kaitiakitanga (guardianship). Initiatives include energy-efficient practices and community engagement, reflecting a genuine commitment to responsible tourism.
Food & drink
The True South Dining Room elevates hotel dining to a destination experience, showcasing the South Island’s finest produce through innovative menus. The “Trust the Chef” option invites diners to embark on a culinary journey curated by the kitchen team. Adjacent to the main lobby, the Bordeau Wine Lounge boasts one of New Zealand’s most impressive cellars, recognised with the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for over a decade. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame stunning views, making it an inviting space for both wine aficionados and guests enjoying bar snacks or reading from the extensive library.
Explore
Queenstown is no shrinking violet when it comes to good times. One of the things we absolutely loved was the floating Watershed Sauna on Lake Wakatipu. We booked in for a 60 minute private Finnish sauna, and enjoyed moving between the sauna and private plunge pool directly into the glacial waters of the lake. The views from the sauna are stunning, with floor to ceiling glass framing mountain views.
Meetings & Events
While renowned as a destination for leisure travellers, The Rees is also an exceptional venue for executive retreats and boutique events. Apartment-style accommodation, award-winning dining, and elegant lounge spaces create an ideal setting for high-end gatherings. The Bordeau Wine Lounge offers a refined backdrop for corporate tastings and intimate meetings, ensuring memorable events.
What we loved about The Rees Hotel Queenstown
We loved the extraordinary views from our room, along with the relaxed yet sophisticated vibe of Bordeau Wine Lounge. This is an exceptional space where we enjoyed a meal from the bar menu accompanied by a gin and soda. It was the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day of travel from Fiordland.
JUST THE FACTS
Address: 377 Frankton Road, Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand
Phone: +64 3 450 1100
Email: reservations@therees.co.nz
Website: therees.co.nz
For more information visit The Rees Hotel Queenstown
Fiona Harper travelled as a guest of The Rees Hotel Queenstown
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