Mantra Marina

Mantra Marina offers a few modern buildings with a mix of red siding, large windows, and wooden beams and awnings in a grassy area next to Lake Wakatipu. There's not much in terms of a lobby -- just a reception area with loaner DVDs and racks of tourism brochures. However, the grounds are lovely with meandering paths and benches facing out on the lake. Most guests here are vacationing families looking for apartment-style lodgings where they can cook their own meals while exploring nature based activities in the area. 

Mantra Marina is located right on the lake, just off the main road that leads from the airport to the center of Queenstown. While the road itself is busy, the hotel is situated down a hill and mostly out of earshot from the main road, though some guests have complained of noise. The area is a mix of residential houses and businesses, including a cafe. Getting to the town center takes about 10 minutes by car or public transit. Davies Park -- home of the Queenstown Events Center and Frankton Golf Course -- can be reached in about 20 minutes on foot or three minutes by car. The Queenstown Airport is a six-minute drive away.

Mantra Marina offers a variety of rooms and apartments, ranging from Hotel Rooms, each with a single king-size bed, to sprawling Three Bedroom Lakefront units (which are actually Two-Bedroom Apartments attached to Hotel Rooms). Hotel Rooms feature some kitchen implements like toasters and mini-fridges, while the apartments have full kitchens. All come with flat-screen TVs and DVD players, and there's a DVD lending library at reception for guests. Decor is simple and modern, with rich purple carpet and light-wood furniture paired with pincushion-style faux-leather sofas in the living areas and simple bedrooms with king beds.

Bathrooms are spacious. They have dark tiling, heated floors, and deep shower/tub combos. Simple toiletries, magnifying mirrors, and hairdryers are provided. Large patios with tables and chairs are an added bonus and while units some have lovely lake views, others look out onto the parking lot. Note that there have been noise complaints due to the proximity of the main road. 

Mantra Marina offers a few basic facilities, but guests are pretty much left to their own devices. Freebies include hotel-wide Wi-Fi, on-site parking, and few loaner bikes. Staff can assist with babysitting services and tour suggestions. There's also a barbecue area with two grills.