Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

The views were practically non-existent, and the room facilities were outdated. On the first day, there was a strange smell, requiring us to open the window for ventilation. The showerhead connection was also leaking, and the entire room only had two light sources, which were dim. The only desk lamp was broken and unusable. These were minor issues. The biggest problem was the parking. There were very few parking spots, and we had reserved one for a day. The hotel staff parked our car for us. When we were about to check out, we found a flat tire, and we were in a hurry to catch our flight – it was incredibly frustrating. The repair cost us $250… (Even borrowing a pump from a stranger cost $20 here, people are so eager to make money). The hotel took no responsibility for the incident and offered no solution. The experience was extremely poor, and I highly do not recommend this hotel. The price wasn't cheap either, and Queenstown itself was quite disappointing… The whole experience was really bad.

Great location, right by the lake. It's also less than a 10-minute walk to the city center. All the staff are very nice and friendly. The only downside is that the hotel is a bit old, so the rooms and facilities are a bit dated. Perhaps because of this, the shower water can fluctuate between hot and cold.

Very satisfied, very satisfied. The hotel is worth staying at, and it's super close to the city center.

The ground floor room had no view to speak of, and the overall experience was just okay. The service was decent, except for the middle-aged ladies who drove their Mercedes convertibles to work; they were incredibly arrogant. Also, the hotel only offers paid valet parking, and spots are very limited ($50 a day), so you'll need to find your own parking. My advice is to drive out during the day and return after 6 PM, as there's free street parking right outside the hotel, though you might have to circle a few times to find a spot. Alternatively, you can park in the adjacent Victoria Park for free for up to 4 hours.

The location is excellent, right by the lake in Queenstown's town center. You can take a bus from the airport to Blue Peaks, then it's about a five-minute walk. The hotel itself is quite old, and the facilities are pretty basic. The breakfast wasn't great either, and the restaurant environment isn't very appealing. I'd recommend booking without breakfast; for the same price, you'd be better off getting brunch at a cafe by the lake. Most of the hotel staff, however, were very warm and friendly.