Queenstown is famous for its epic ski fields, dramatic mountains, pristine lakes and, of course, Fergburger. You truly appreciate its popularity when you spot the queue snaking down Shotover Street, which is exactly what I saw as I rolled into town. I arrived at lunchtime, AKA burger o’clock, which made finding a park rather stressful – but somehow I lucked out and pulled straight into the driveway at Crowne Plaza Queenstown by IHG.
This shiny, white hotel sits right in the heart of town, directly opposite Lake Wakatipu and a five-minute walk from the legendary Fergburger. It’s arguably one of the town’s most convenient addresses, perfectly positioned just away from the bustle of Steamer Wharf, the mall and Main Town Pier. Beyond its top location, the hotel houses 139 bright rooms with stunning lake or mountain views. Whether you’re here for the ski season, an adventurous hike or a family getaway, Crowne Plaza Queenstown has everything you need for a comfortable stay.
What are the rooms like at Crowne Plaza Queenstown?
The views truly steal the show at Crowne Plaza Queenstown. The four-star hotel is home to 139 bright rooms, boasting vistas of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables mountain range or the private sunny courtyard.
I’d recommend booking one of the lakeside rooms, where you can enjoy sweeping views of New Zealand’s longest lake and the surrounding dramatic mountain ranges from your own private balcony. Sunlight spilled into my spacious room, highlighting the natural colour palette with light wood and hints of autumnal gold. The room was surprisingly spacious, centred around a giant king bed that tempted me to hit snooze a few too many times. Other features I appreciate included the flat-screen TV (that strangely only connects to Samsung devices), bar fridge, and tea and coffee making facilities. There’s also a desk if you’re pretending to ‘work remotely’ (it faces away from the windows so you won’t be distracted by the view).
The bathroom was clean and functional, with all those little touches – soft towels, good shower pressure and even a bath – basically everything you need after a day of adventure.
Which are the best restaurants and bars at Crowne Plaza Queenstown?
For starters, there’s threeSixty Restaurant and Bar, the hotel’s signature lobby spot serving New Zealand cuisine with local ingredients. It’s open all day, offering a delicious range of small and large plates, plus pizzas and desserts (almost everything can be ordered as room service too). Pair your meal with a glass of Central Otago wine or a craft cocktail, and you’re set. Bonus: kids under 12 years eat free, and there are weekly specials, including afternoon high tea, two-for-one pizza on Mondays and $35 steak night on Wednesdays.
If you can’t get enough of the lakeside views, the restaurant also hosts daily buffet breakfast from 6.30am to 10.30am. Think freshly-baked muffins, pancakes with all the toppings, chef-cooked eggs, crispy bacon, barista-made coffee and complimentary health shots to kick-start your day.
For a more relaxed evening vibe, head to the Balcony Bar on Friday or Saturday nights. Sip a signature cocktail, a local beer or a glass of wine while watching the mountains disappear into twilight.
The hotel’s location also puts you right in the middle of the lakefront action – cafés, bars, and eateries are all just a stone’s throw away. We particularly loved White and Wong’s, Public Bar and Kitchen, and Soda.
What is the service like at Crowne Plaza Queenstown?
As you’d expect from any IHG property (they run 12 hotels across New Zealand, including InterContinental Wellington, voco Auckland and Hotel Indigo Auckland), the team at Crowne Plaza Queenstown were incredibly friendly. Check-in was super efficient, while valet parking was a convenient addition at $38 per day.
The hotel also offers a purpose-built tour desk where staff are happy to offer local tips or help book any adventures. Their team can also arrange same-day dry cleaning, babysitting, ski/bike storage and 24-hour room service. Our favourite touch was the complimentary hot chocolate in the lobby – the sweetest welcome after arriving in Queenstown.
What is the gym like at Crowne Plaza Queenstown?
Queenstown is an outdoor wonderland, but if the weather’s playing up, you can swap your alpine adventures or lakeside run for a sweat session in the gym. Fair warning: it’s pretty compact, with only four cardio machines (a treadmill, stationary bicycle, rower and elliptical), a selection of free weights and some yoga equipment.
What’s the area like around Crowne Plaza Queenstown?
At Crowne Plaza Queenstown, you’re perfectly placed in the heart of the action. The hotel sits directly across the road from Steamer Wharf, providing easy access to dining, bars and entertainment, as well as cruises on the TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship. A five-minute stroll takes you to the main mall for more shops, restaurants, and pubs, or you can follow the lakeside path to the beautiful Queenstown Gardens.
If you’re after adventure, it’s all close by too. The Skyline Gondola and Luge is just a five-minute drive, while the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge – the original AJ Hackett bungy jumping spot – is roughly a 25-minute drive away. You’re in a pretty great spot for hitting the slopes. The closest major ski field is Coronet Peak, about 25 minutes by car. The Remarkables is slightly further out, roughly 40 minutes away. For a longer day trip, Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone are around one to two hours from the hotel.