Check in to Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown

Best for

Families.

The Hotel

Perched on a hill along the busy Frankton Road thoroughfare, Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown has expansive views across the Frankton Arm of Lake Wakatipu up to the Remarkables. Guests staying on the lower level of the four two-storey blocks can gaze at the scene through floor-to-ceiling windows, while those upstairs can enjoy the snow-capped peaks from the glass-fronted balcony. One-bedroom apartments combine with an adjoining studio to create a large two-bedroom space with a fully equipped kitchen, washing machine and a large lounge and dining area. Younger kids will love the novelty of the shared outdoor spa (soaking times need to be pre-booked) and, if the clan still needs to burn off energy after a day on the slopes, bikes can be hired for half or full days through reception.

The Location

The apartments are around a 15-minute walk along the main road from the centre of town; the Orbus stops out the front and covers the same distance in less than five minutes for a flat fee of NZ$2 with a GoCard. They’re about 15 minutes’ drive from the airport.

The Rooms

Apartments on the top floor have a glass-fronted balcony; those on the bottom floor have no balcony but a larger lounge area. One-bedroom suites are 74 square metres, when configured into a two bedroom they’re 104 square metres. Each is cosily presented, with extra blankets on the bed, a lower lounge area down four stairs set up to encourage conversation and a gas fireplace neatly tucked into the corner by the television. The bathroom is small but well-designed, with the combined shower-bath tucked behind a wall and lined with dark, rectangular tiles.

Food and drink

Apartments have a fully equipped full kitchen (including chopsticks and egg cups) and studios have a kitchenette; groceries can be ordered online from the nearby Countdown. A list of Queenstown restaurants, cafés and bars is included within the room guide, with helpful tips from the team on the tastiest dishes to order. A continental breakfast basket can be sent to your room for NZ$13 per person, which includes cereal, bread and spreads, fresh fruit, yoghurt, milk and Phoenix Organic fruit juice. Guests can also book a buffet breakfast at Copthorne Hotel and Apartments Queenstown Lakeview, a two-minute walk away, for NZ$25.

For business travellers

Apartments come with free wifi and a work space with a Lenovo desktop computer with Microsoft Office, keyboard and colour printer. Photocopying can be organised through reception.

For wellness travellers

Complimentary passes to Queenstown Gym, a 15-minute walk away on Shotover Street, are available from reception. It’s open between 6am and 9pm weekdays, from 8.30am until 7pm on Saturdays and Sunday 10am to 7pm. There’s an outdoor spa that fits four people which can be booked to ensure privacy.