Queenstown has changed. Honestly, if you haven’t been here in a few years, the lakefront looks like a different world. New ultra-luxury hotels are popping up everywhere, charging the price of a small sedan for a single night. But amidst all that noise, one place keeps quietly winning the awards and—more importantly—the repeat guests. The Rees Hotel luxury apartments & lakeside residences somehow manages to feel like a high-end secret even though it’s sitting right there on Frankton Road.
It isn’t just about the view. Though, yeah, the view of the Remarkables across Lake Wakatipu is basically a cheat code for a five-star rating.
The Weird Truth About "Luxury" in Queenstown
Most people think luxury means a gold-plated lobby and a concierge who won't look you in the eye. At The Rees, it’s different. It’s southern hospitality, but with a sommelier who actually knows why a 2014 Bordeaux is hitting differently today. You’ve got this mix of high-end hotel service and "I’m in my own house" privacy. It’s a bit of a hybrid.
There are 60 hotel rooms, 90 apartments, and five ultra-private residences.
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Size matters.
Most hotel rooms feel like boxes. The apartments here have actual kitchens. We’re talking full-sized ovens and washer-dryers. You might not want to cook on vacation, but having the option to not eat a $50 burger every night is a game changer for families. Plus, the heated towel racks. If you’ve never stepped out of a shower in a Central Otago winter onto a heated floor and grabbed a toasted towel, you haven’t lived.
Why the Lakeside Residences are the Flex You Actually Want
If you’re traveling with a crew or just have the budget to burn, the residences are the pinnacle. They are separate from the main hotel block. Think of them as your own private villa, but with a 24-hour concierge a phone call away.
- Private Wharf Access: You can literally get a water taxi or a jet boat to pick you up from the private pier. No traffic. No parking. Just wind in your hair.
- Space to Breathe: These aren't just "big rooms." They are multi-story homes designed with Otago stone and floor-to-ceiling glass.
- The Library: The hotel has a library of rare books and art. It sounds pretentious, but it’s actually a really cozy spot to hide when the wind is whipping off the lake.
True South: It's Not Your Average Hotel Food
Kinda rare for a hotel restaurant to be the destination itself, but True South Dining Room is legitimate. Executive Chef Trent Watson (taking over the reins into 2026) keeps the focus on "food as theatre" as some critics have put it. They source almost everything from south of Christchurch.
They aren't just saying "local" for the SEO. They actually grow their own herbs and use honey from their own on-site beehives (The Rees Bees).
The wine cellar is the real star, though. It’s one of the most comprehensive collections of Bordeaux wines in the Southern Hemisphere. If you like Pinot Noir, you’re in the heart of it. They do these Winemaker Dinners—like the one with Jen Parr from Valli scheduled for March 2026—that are usually sell-outs.
The "Out of Town" Debate
Let’s be real. The Rees is about two kilometers from the center of Queenstown.
Some people complain about this. They want to be right in the middle of the Fergburger queue and the late-night noise. Honestly? Being a 30-minute walk or a 5-minute shuttle ride away is a blessing. It’s quiet. You can hear the water hitting the stones on the beach.
The hotel runs a free shuttle into town every hour, so it’s not like you’re stranded. But if you’re looking for a "vibrant" nightlife right outside your door, this isn't it. This is where you go to recover from the nightlife.
What People Get Wrong
People often assume a place this big feels corporate. It doesn’t. It’s independently owned, and you can tell. You’ll see the CEO, Mark Rose, around the property. There’s a level of personal care that usually dies when a hotel gets bought by a massive global chain.
Also, the stairs. Man, there are a lot of levels. The hotel is built into the hillside to maximize the views, which is great for your Instagram, but if you have mobility issues, you’ll want to make sure you’re booked into an accessible room near the lifts.
Sustainability Isn't Just a Buzzword Here
In 2026, every hotel says they are "green." The Rees actually does the work.
They’ve ditched the tiny plastic shampoo bottles (saving over 60,000 units a year) and replaced them with refillable Forest & Bird products. They even donate a portion of their profits to Kea conservation. You can even buy a soft-toy mascot named Gilbert Rees, and that money goes straight to helping the world’s only alpine parrot.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay:
- Book the High Floors: If you’re getting an apartment, ask for an Executive category. The views from the lower levels are okay, but the higher floors are unobstructed.
- The Water Taxi Hack: Skip the Uber. Get a water taxi from the private wharf to the town center. It’s more expensive, but it’s the best way to see the lake.
- Check the Event Calendar: If there’s a Culinary Series dinner happening during your stay, book it immediately. They are world-class.
- Use the Library: It’s often empty. It has a fireplace and some of the best art in the building. Great for a rainy afternoon.
- The Shuttle is Your Friend: It’s reliable. Use it. Parking in Queenstown town center is a nightmare in 2026.
At the end of the day, The Rees Hotel luxury apartments & lakeside residences stays relevant because it understands what luxury actually means in the 2020s. It’s not about gold leaf; it’s about space, silence, and a really, really good glass of wine.
If you’re planning a trip, skip the generic central hotels. Go for the place with the private beach and the beehives. You’ll thank yourself when you’re watching the sun set over the Remarkables from your own balcony with a local Pinot in hand.
To secure the best rates, book directly through their official site or look for "Stay & Play" packages that include local ski passes or vineyard tours. Always verify the restaurant's availability before arrival, as private events can occasionally close the dining room to the public.