Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa

This modern six-story hotel has a distinct French-contemporary atmosphere with design that crests tastefully toward opulent throughout its public areas. The lobby has an extravagant black and gold color scheme with ornate armchairs by an open fire, and the croissants and pastries in the cafe are flown in from Paris. Expect to see Louis XIV-era silhouettes in the furniture, which is accented by contemporary patterns in fabrics throughout. The vintage-modern style is furthered by funky abstract art hung on walls with elaborate molding, or antique statuary next to mod seating. The century-spanning decor could run off the rails, but the designers have managed to pull it all together seamlessly. The hotel attracts a fairly equal mix of business guests and well-heeled tourists. 

The Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa is located right in the center of Queenstown near many shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s on a quiet one-way street just off the town’s main road, so is a good spot for both convenience and peace and quiet. On one side of the hotel is a small pedestrianized area with a few bars and restaurants, and the Skyline Gondola is just a five-minute walk from the front door. The scenic lakefront is also only five minutes from the hotel on foot. Queenstown Gardens are a 15-minute walk, and the Coronet Peak Ski Area is a 20-minute drive. Queenstown Airport will take 15 minutes to reach by car or 25 minutes by bus.

The spacious and elegant guest rooms are decked out in shades of cream and brown. High quality furnishings and luxurious fabrics give them a lavish look, but they have a softer edge and less opulent decor than the public areas of the hotel. Expect to see light tan plush carpets and other soft furnishings in the same hues; accents include white leather benches and heavy white curtains. Warm wood tones are employed in an eye-catching accent wall behind the beds, which are made with down duvets and white linens. Furniture has an almost vintage quality, with silver edges on black veneer pieces with clean lines. Room categories on offer are Superior Double, Superior Twin, and Superior King; plus Luxury Rooms and Premier Suites, which both have Executive Lounge access. Every room has air-conditioning, underfloor heating, a minibar, mountain or town views, a Juliet balcony, flat-screen TV, DVD player, espresso machine, Bose Wave radio, and free Wi-Fi. Extra touches include a pillow menu and plush New Zealand possum throws. The lavish marble bathrooms with sleek, contemporary fixture have a deep, double spa bath and a separate rainfall shower. Spacious vanities hold vessel sinks and luxe Lanvin toiletries are provided.

The Sofitel Queenstown Hotel packs plenty of features into a relatively tiny hotel (though, admittedly, it's one of the larger in town). The Left Bank Cafe is a charming and laid back Parisian-style eatery. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it specializes in freshly made breads and coffee, as well as the authentic pastries flown in from Paris. The hotel’s bar -- 1789 Wine & Jazz Lounge -- is a stylish space. It has a cozy atmosphere with an open fire, mood lighting and live music, and offers a full range of New Zealand wines, as well as cocktails and tapas. Breakfasts are offered, but not included with room rates. The hotel also offers a full service spa where Maori massages can be sampled alongside classic treatments. There’s a fitness center with a small selection of modern cardio equipment and free weights plus a sauna, though it's underwhelming for a hotel of this caliber. Corporate guests can make use of the business center and multiple conference and events rooms. Parking is available on-site for a daily fee, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.