Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown

The floor-to-ceiling windows gave us breathtaking lake views, far better than photos can show. We had a large one-bedroom apartment with a separate living room, full kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. Check-in was hassle-free, and the place is central, level for walking, connected by public transport, and about a 10-minute downhill walk to the city centre. Swiss belsuites in pounamu suited us much better than some of the other places I'd shortlisted after searching for about 20 days. It's on Frankton Road, so traffic noise was bothersome at times, but travel was convenient, with a bus stop 100 metres away and a direct bus to and from the airport. My husband and I used a Bee Card, the city transport card, which cost $5 to buy and we topped up with $50. That covered both of us for the four days we stayed. Tea, coffee, sugar, milk, dishwashing soap, and laundry soap were provided for the shared laundry between two apartments. The small bathroom had toiletries, a towel warmer, and heated flooring, which helped in winter. I didn't give five stars because the furniture was dated and worn, the dishes were chipped, and the fry pan and spatula were badly burnt, even though they were still in the kitchen for guests to use. Still, for convenience, this place checks all the boxes and I'd recommend it to fellow travellers.

The views from Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu were amazing, and it was an easy walk into the town centre. My husband and I had the main bedroom, with the kids in the back bedroom, when we stayed last Christmas. We had a lovely time in Queenstown and can't wait to come back.

We were in superior room 321b and found the stay very disappointing. We expected a view but faced a concrete wall and weeds instead. There was no cutlery for eating the continental breakfast, and the key wouldn't open the outer door. The bed needs replacing. It's a nice room backing onto the room with a view, but do not ever book here.

Our first trip to Queenstown with the family took over 11 hours of flying, and there were some memorable moments. Still, I was disappointed by what happened during our stay, even after reading reviews and preparing myself. The layout from reception to our room was awkward, with far too many stairs. Two staff members had just finished their shift and kindly carried our luggage while I checked in. Without their help, I can't imagine getting three 28-inch suitcases and two smaller bags up at least three separate stair sections. One of our two rooms had no note with the Wi-Fi details. We got back from sightseeing after 8 p.m., by which time reception was closed, so we couldn't use Wi-Fi that whole evening. The worst issue was the water. I'm writing this from my bed at Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu. My family left for Wanaka at 10 a.m. for quite a long trip, and when we returned around 9 p.m., we found an A4 notice saying the water would be shut off from 8 p.m. on the 4th until 6 a.m. on the 5th. I honestly have no words. After a full day out, we couldn't shower or do any personal hygiene, and it seems the notice had only been issued that morning. I'm truly disappointed.