Lately, everyone has been super hyped over a recent press release about the Hilton. Some 'secret' guests from Conde Nast stayed there and rated the Hilton in Queenstown one of the hottest new hotels of 2012. Here's the short article that ran in the local paper:
Hilton Queenstown named one of world’s hottest new hotels
Hilton Queenstown named one of the world’s hottest new hotels by Conde Nast Traveler
QUEENSTOWN, New Zealand – (Friday 20 April 2012) – Hilton Queenstown has been named one of the hottest new hotels in the world by Conde Nast Traveler’s 2012 Hot List. The luxury travel publication’s annual Hot List is widely regarded as the ultimate insider’s guide to the world’s best new hotels, spas and restaurants. The Conde Nast Traveler Hot List issue, describes Hilton Queenstown as “the jewel” of the new Kawarau Village complex which opened in June 2011.
One of the Conde Nast editors visited the opulent 178-room Hilton Queenstown incognito, staying in one of the beautifully appointed Relaxation Rooms which feature hot tubs on private lakefront decks.
The review highlighted some of the exceptional facilities at the hotel, including the stunning eforea: spa at Hilton and the tranquil 25m indoor lap pool. It also mentioned the influence of local culture in the design of the beautifully constructed hotel, referring to the pieces of New Zealand art on display.
The range of dining options available in Kawarau Village were mentioned as favourable factors; from Stacks Pub and family-friendly fare at Me & Mee Noodle Bar, to high-end cuisine at waterfront restaurant Wakatipu Grill. General manager Hilton Queenstown, Marlene Poynder, said “We are honored to be named on the Conde Nast Traveler 2012 Hot List. Hilton Queenstown combines an incredible location, exceptional style and the iconic Queenstown destination with our warm and friendly Hilton hospitality to set the standard for hotels in New Zealand.” The stunning Queenstown hotel is positioned directly on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and delivers glorious views of the lake and surrounding mountains, including the landmark Remarkables Mountain Range.
Here's what the Conde Nast secret guest had to say:
No. of Units: 178
Best Room: Suite 103, one of the so-called relaxation rooms, for its hot tub, full lake views, and privacy
The specs: A 178-room hotel on Lake Wakatipu, five minutes by car from the nearest airport and ten minutes by water taxi from Queenstown, New Zealand’s buzzy adventure capital.
The look: Asian-inspired serenity with Maori touches.
The experience: Aimed at snow bunnies and adventure seekers—increasingly from Asia now that flight routes are opening up—this alpine hotel is one of two inside the new Kawarau Village complex. The lakefront Hilton is the jewel—near yet wonderfully far from the tourist magnet that is Queenstown, an epicenter of summertime adrenaline sports (bungee jumping, white-water rafting, jet boating) and raucous winter après-ski activity. Village dining options range from hearty pub grub to family-friendly fare at the noodle bar and high-end cuisine at the waterfront Wakatipu Grill—all of which can be charged straight to your room. And while the Hilton may be light on ultra-luxe touches, its lure is magnetic, thanks to such tranquil comforts as the high-ceilinged 82-foot indoor pool with access (via circular staircase) to a ten-room spa.
If only…the water view from the funky bar’s balcony weren’t partially blocked by the lakefront suites.
Uggh, that's the WORST when you're staying at a swanky hotel and the view to the waterfront is partially blocked by lakefront suites.