Eichardt's Private Hotel is the classic choice for couples who want to stay right in Queenstown, on the lakefront and steps from the town's best restaurants and bars. The hotel has welcomed guests since 1861, when Queenstown was a gold-rush town. It still occupies a prime corner of Marine Parade at the foot of the Queenstown Mall. Lake Wakatipu is across the road and the Remarkables rise beyond.
It is very small. There are just seven Lake View and Heritage Suites, plus a penthouse, the newer Gold Vault suite and a few self-contained apartments and residences nearby. Downstairs, Eichardt's Bar is one of Queenstown's best-loved places for a drink by the fire. The Grille restaurant looks out over the water.
It suits couples who want to walk everywhere, enjoy the town's dining scene and come home to a polished, historic suite. It is less suited to couples looking for seclusion or a spa resort, since you are in the center of a busy town. Book one of the lake-view suites and plan three nights, ideally midweek outside the peak summer weeks.
Highlights at a glance
- Only seven suites on Queenstown's lakefront
- A hotel with roots in the 1861 gold rush
- Eichardt's Bar, a local institution
- The Grille restaurant with lake views
- Walking distance to everything in town
Why Couples Love Eichardt's
The location is unbeatable. You step out of the hotel onto the lakefront, with the TSS Earnslaw steamship, the gondola and dozens of restaurants within a few minutes' walk. On a summer evening, the waterfront is full of people watching the sun go down over the lake.
Inside, the hotel feels calm and private. With only seven suites in the main building, there is no lobby crowd and the staff look after a small number of guests. The building's long history adds character. The bar has the cozy, lived-in feel of a place that has hosted travelers for generations.
It also makes a honeymoon simple. No car is needed for dinner, drinks or a stroll by the lake. Many couples base themselves here for the town, then take day trips to the wineries, Glenorchy or Milford Sound.
Suites and Apartments to Book
The hotel offers several kinds of accommodation:
- Seven Lake View and Heritage Suites in the historic main building
- The Penthouse, set on top of the hotel
- The Gold Vault, the newest suite
- Earl St by Eichardt's, a self-contained two-bedroom residence
- The Residence by Eichardt's, a three-bedroom home with lake and Remarkables views
- A handful of apartments nearby
For a honeymoon, book a Lake View Suite. Guests describe gas fireplaces, large balconies and bathrooms with heated floors, though features vary from suite to suite. Ask for a lake-facing suite when you book.
The Penthouse is the splurge, with more space at the top of the building. The apartments and residences suit couples who want a kitchen and more room for longer stays.
Food and Drink
Eichardt's Bar is the heart of the hotel, a historic lounge with a fire, deep chairs and views over the lake. It is the place for a glass of Central Otago Pinot Noir or a cocktail before dinner. Many visitors who are not staying at the hotel come here too.
The Grille is the hotel's restaurant, with waterfront views and a menu focused on New Zealand produce. The hotel group also runs Jervois Steak House and a restaurant at Mt Difficulty winery in Bannockburn, both worth a reservation.
Guests regularly praise the breakfasts, though inclusions vary by rate, so confirm whether breakfast is part of your booking. Queenstown has a long list of good restaurants within walking distance, from casual burgers to tasting menus. Book popular places ahead in summer and ski season.
Why guests fall for it
Spa and Things to Do
The Well Spa offers treatments for guests, a welcome option after a day of hiking or skiing. Book early, since space is limited.
From the front door, you can reach:
- The Skyline gondola to Bob's Peak for sunset views
- A cruise on the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm
- The Queenstown Gardens on the peninsula, a short walk away
- Jet boating on the Shotover River
- Wine tours to the Gibbston Valley and Bannockburn
Farther afield, the lake road to Glenorchy is about 45 minutes away and very scenic. Milford Sound is a long drive but an easy scenic flight. In winter, Coronet Peak and The Remarkables ski areas are each about 30 to 45 minutes away. The hotel bar is a good place to warm up afterward.
Getting There
Queenstown Airport (ZQN) is about 15 minutes by car from the hotel, with direct flights from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and several Australian cities. Taxis and shuttles run into town, or the hotel can help arrange a transfer.
You do not need a car while you stay in town, since the hotel is in the center and most restaurants, bars and tour departures are within walking distance. If you plan to visit wineries, Arrowtown or Glenorchy, rent a car for a day or book a tour with a driver.
Parking in central Queenstown can be limited, so ask the hotel about options before you arrive. In winter, carry snow chains when advised if you drive to the ski areas or over the Crown Range to Wanaka.
Is It Worth It?
For couples who want to be in the center of Queenstown with style and history, yes. Few hotels in New Zealand have a location like this. The small number of suites keeps the stay personal. The bar alone is a reason to stay.
The trade-off is noise and bustle. Queenstown is a busy town, especially in summer and ski season. The lakefront can be lively late into the evening. There is no pool. The spa is small.
If you want privacy and space, look at Rosewood Matakauri, 7 minutes west on the lake, or Azur Lodge on the hillside above town. For a remote retreat, Blanket Bay near Glenorchy is about 45 minutes away. For couples who want to walk to dinner and come home to a lake-view suite, Eichardt's is the one.
Insider tips
- Ask for a lake-facing suite when you book.
- Reserve a table at The Grille or Jervois Steak House ahead in peak season.
- Visit Mt Difficulty in Bannockburn on a winery day for lunch.
- Take the gondola at sunset, then walk back to the hotel bar.
