The Rees Hotel, Queenstown, New Zealand

Understated and inviting, The Rees is a stunning five star luxury boutique hotel set on the banks of romantic Lake Wakatipu in New Zealand. And there are a number of reasons why we love it.

• Location:  Queenstown, New Zealand.
• Accommodations: The hotel’s five-star accommodation options include 60 spacious hotel rooms and 90 luxury one-to-three bedroom apartments, as well as five private, three bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom Lakeside Residences all with balconies or terraces. Each hotel room has custom designed Rees beds, complimentary wireless internet, spacious bathrooms featuring under-floor heating, LCD TVs with 25 Sky channels and 50 on demand pay per view movies channels, JBL iPod docking stations, a fridge and tea and coffee making facilities, and a lounge area that opens onto a large tiled balcony. Apartments also have cozy gas fireplaces, full designer kitchens and laundry facilities. The Lakeside Residences are located just a stone’s throw from the shores of the lake and are adjacent to but separate from the main hotel building. The spacious three bedroom, three-and-half bathroom, air-conditioned villas have lake and mountain views, and are ideal for couples or groups of friends looking for private luxury accommodation with independence (we’ll be reviewing them soon, so check back here). 
• Dining options: Dining at The Rees is a truly lovely experience with their multi-award winning True South restaurant which is one of Queenstown’s hottest dining venues with Executive Chef and rising culinary star Ben Batterbury at the helm. Guests are treated to experience a sense of surprise when they dine here with pride in the region being expressed through a menu of dishes based strongly on local suppliers and produce. Whilst the offering changes monthly, Ben’s signature style of fresh, clean New Zealand flavours served with creativity and innovation always remains. The dining room also features a private cellar of one of the most comprehensive collections of fine Bordeaux wines in the Southern Hemisphere and a choice of the best wines from the different sub-regions of Central Otago.
• What else is there: There’s a fleet of mountain bikes available to house guests, complimentary secure underground private car parking, 200 complimentary movies, a private jetty offering access to jet boat and water taxi services, a well-equipped gymnasium and a complimentary shuttle service to/from Queenstown town centre. If you fancy a little pampering there are also Body Sanctum treatments on offer in-room, complete with views.
• What’s nearby: Queenstown’s lineup of attractions are conveniently on your doorstep. Depending on which time of year you visit, activities include playing golf on one of seven local courses, all within a 45 minute drive; adrenaline activities including jet boating, white water rafting, and skydiving, four ski areas, wine tasting at The Rees’ Bordeau lounge or nearby wineries and cellar doors in Gibbston, heli-wine and heli-ski tours, hiking and biking trails, guided tours, boat cruises, and scenic flights.
• Why go: For couples especially, it ticks all the boxes for a romantic getaway; a stunning location on the banks of Lake Wakatipu, gorgeous accommodations, and every indulgence on site, should you not wish to venture too far. The attitude of its staff is also worth noting. Passionate and devoted, nothing is too much to ask for, whether it’s a hard pillow from housekeeping, or directions at the front desk.  

The Space

The sophistication of The Rees Hotel beckons, and it’s the kind of property one dreams about returning to long after you have left. The panoramic views of the lake and mountains beyond are spectacular from every room on the property and the service is intuitive and simply impeccable. This luxury hotel, apartment and now Residences complex speaks volumes in terms of understated elegance and class and is an ideal venue for romantic getaways, as it is an easy and picturesque walk around the lake into the heart of Queenstown. The Rees offers a variety of luxurious and incredibly spacious accommodation options. The fine dining restaurant here features the work of an award-winning chef who creates exquisite menus based around local and seasonal produce. Quiet, private and elegant, The Rees Hotel epitomises southern hospitality and an authentic taste of New Zealand.

Where We Stayed

Our home for a two-night stay was a spacious hotel room on the ground floor. Entry is via a staircase that leads up into the light, bright bedroom space. The room is modern, clean and tastefully furnished. A full-length window stretches from one side of the room to the other so that when lying in bed, you almost feel you are spread out on the lake itself. The experience is heavenly as the eye takes in the lake, the mountains and the sky – all from the cosy warmth and comfort of our super king-sized bed. A full-length window lines the bathroom wall too, so the same experience can be had from the generous spa bath that comes equipped with the finest New Zealand toiletry products. A further great feature is the underfloor heating that adds to the sense of luxury and is a real treat on the cold mornings that Queenstown is known for in winter. 

UltimateTravelMagazine.com Loves 

• The stunning setting, complete with panoramic views from every window.
• The contemporary resort decor.
• The sense of spaciousness.
• The consistently excellent service

Insider Tips  

• The hotel is around a 20-minute walk to the town centre, but if you have the time to bike or stroll it’s very doable. Otherwise use the shuttle. 
• It’s not just a haven in winter and summer - there’s plenty for visitors to enjoy outside of these key seasons.

The Details 

The Rees Hotel, Luxury Apartments & lakeside Residences is located at 377 Frankton Rd, Queenstown, New Zealand, www.therees.co.nz, reservations@therees.co.nz.