Rydges Lakeland Queenstown

The location was great and the room clean, though a bit old and without air conditioning, which was uncomfortable. The bar staff were great, but our experience with reception was pretty shocking. I first booked four nights and later added three for work. I was told we’d have to switch rooms on the final night. At check-in, I paid for the whole stay and was told there was no need to move after all. Then, the day before that last night, reception came into our room asking us to check out immediately and re-check into another room. We hadn’t been warned, and this contradicted what we were told at check-in. After we spoke with them, they agreed we could keep the room, but our key cards were deactivated. Staff said it was because we hadn’t paid and demanded payment right away. I paid for the extra night, confused because I’d paid everything at once. When I asked what had happened, they kept saying it was a separate booking, though I hadn’t made one. It seemed like their mistake, but they wouldn’t admit it. I’d confirmed several times at check-in that we were leaving Monday and wouldn’t need to change rooms. I was happy to pay, but the rudeness, hassle and lack of apology after misleading us were hard to accept. I was also puzzled that every other night had been charged except this one.

The location made it easy to see the area on foot, and the breakfast restaurant had a beautiful view. Still, our room was uncomfortable, especially in warm weather, because there was no air-conditioning. The shower pressure was weak too. We booked a "pool view" room through Booking.com but were given a ground-floor room instead, with steps to manage and no lift access, which made getting luggage in awkward. Parking cost $25 per night. Mathias helped by upgrading us for one night, which made things more comfortable. The views and location were excellent, but the room experience was disappointing. I’d consider staying for the convenience, with modest expectations for the accommodation.

We were here for three nights on a work trip. The lake is right across the road, and Queenstown centre and the wharf are about a five-minute walk away, with plenty of restaurants, bars and attractions nearby. The view is beautiful. Staff at reception and the upstairs restaurant and bar were genuinely friendly and helpful. Our room was pretty standard, and there’s no AC, but the pedestal fan handled the warm nights well. The bed was possibly the most comfortable hotel bed I’ve slept in, and we got great, restful sleep. There’s also a small pool in the courtyard by the bar. Nothing fancy, just a nice little spot. I’d happily stay again.

Our original booking was cancelled because of planned renovations, with no message from the hotel. We only found out by noticing a refund in our account. Earlier, when I called reception to add a night after our flight changed, they said they couldn’t add one due to renovations, but assured us the original booking would be fine. This happened two weeks later, and the lack of communication was extremely frustrating. WOULD NOT RECOMMEND.