The Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments

We recommend The Rees to families and groups of friends who want the space of an apartment with hotel services. It is an address for ski stays (four to seven nights), road trips in the South Island, retreats between vineyards and hikes. Couples find their account in a classic room, but the DNA of the place remains family-oriented, with children in the corridors and at breakfast.

The resort dates from the 2000s, contemporary architecture in wood, stone and glass, tiered on the hill to maximise views. Sober interiors: light parquet, oak furniture, beige and grey tones, touches of merino wool. The apartments occupy separate wings, with independent entrances and private terraces. Human scale, 175 units in total, spread over three buildings.

The True South Dining Room serves buffet breakfast (continental and hot), light lunch and à la carte dinner. Classic New Zealand cuisine: Wanaka lamb, Pacific salmon, pavlova for dessert. The wine list highlights pinot noirs and whites from Otago Central, Felton Road and Mt Difficulty estates well represented. The Antlers Bar offers cocktails and tapas until midnight, fireplace in winter, terrace in summer.

The Rees stands in Frankton, a residential district east of Queenstown, along the road that leads to the airport. The city centre is five minutes by car, ten by public bus (line 1, stop in front of the hotel). Frankton groups supermarkets, petrol stations, outdoor equipment shops, without particular charm. The advantage: clear view over the lake, free parking, quick access to the slopes (Coronet Peak, The Remarkables) without crossing the centre. The district is quiet after 8pm, very family-oriented and holiday rentals.