Queenstown, in the South Island of New Zealand, is one of the world’s most beautiful spots and a must-see part of any trip to the country. The town itself is almost always busy with tourists, but still has a huge amount of charm.

Eichardt’s Private Hotel

Eichardt’s (www.eichardtshotel.co.nz), part of the Small Luxury Hotels group, has a reputation as the best hotel in town. It’s an attractive building on the lakefront, done in a combination of modernist and traditional styles - Eichardt’s was one of the town’s leading hotels as far back as 1866, during the region’s goldrush. Recent renovations have added a glass and concrete foyer to the side of the older building.

A waterlogged Eichardt’s after the lake rose for a time in 1878

The hotel has only five suites, each with a super-king bed, a fireplace and a very nicely-done bathroom. The suite in which I stayed was quite large, and looked out over Lake Wakatipu.

Fireplace in a suite

Suite bathroom

The service was prompt and friendly. I had no reason to ask for anything out of the ordinary, so didn’t really get to put the service to the test. On the other hand, nothing stood out as going ‘above and beyond’, which, given the fact that there are only five rooms, surprised me a little. Part of the appeal of boutique hotels is the potential for extremely attentive service and little niceties that can be done with so much more ease than in a much larger establishment.

The parlor at Eichardt’s

The hotel has a very nice parlor where I enjoyed reading by the fire, and a house bar where I had a good cocktail before dinner. The house bar serves lunches, and the meal I ate there the next day was quite good. There are many very good restaurants and bars in Queenstown, all within easy walking distance.

The fire in Eichardt’s house bar

The history and location ‘make’ the hotel, rather than the service or accommodations, and the parlor is also a strong point. Overall, Eichardt’s is recommended as a luxury accommodation experience in Queenstown.

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