Opened in 2020, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown by IHG occupies a convenient position at the corner of Stanley Street and Sydney Street, within walking distance of Queenstown's centre and Lake Wakatipu. With 227 rooms and suites spread across 5 floors, the property targets guests seeking efficient urban comfort, whether passing through between ski slopes, trails, and Central Otago vineyards.

Why choose this hotel

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown ticks the boxes for a functional stay: recent opening, up-to-date amenities, English-speaking staff (English, Spanish, Mandarin) and swift access to Queenstown Airport, 10-15 minutes by car. The format follows IHG's mid-range positioning: no frills, but clean execution and central location that eliminates the need for a car around town.

The address suits business travellers (two modular meeting rooms, co-working space, unlimited Wi-Fi) as well as families or couples in transit on the South Island, with a dozen rooms adapted for guests with limited mobility.

Atmosphere and architecture

The building, constructed in 2020, adopts a understated contemporary alpine style: clean lines, light materials, open volumes at ground level around the reception, bar-lounge and terrace. The spirit remains that of a modern chain hotel, without pretension to boutique character: guests come here for reliability rather than the identity of the place.

The outdoor terrace, equipped with a fire pit, serves as a gathering point at day's end, over a New Zealand craft beer or a glass of Central Otago Pinot Noir.

Rooms and suites

The hotel offers 227 rooms and suites across 5 floors. Standard rooms are bright and functional, equipped with quality bedding, blackout curtains, complimentary Wi-Fi, integrated USB outlets, air conditioning and a smart TV with access to streaming platforms. Bathrooms feature walk-in showers, separate toilets and amenities.

Suites, more spacious, are designed for families or longer stays, with separate lounge and kitchenette. Some rooms add a desk, soundproofed windows, tea and coffee facilities, a refrigerator, and views of the surrounding mountains. A dozen rooms are accessible to guests with limited mobility.

Dining and services

The complimentary Express Start breakfast is served buffet-style: eggs, bacon, sausages, fresh fruit, cereals, yoghurts and pastries, with a grab-and-go option for those heading early to trails or slopes. The hotel restaurant offers locally-inspired cuisine, and the bar-lounge extends the day indoors and on the terrace.

On the services front, the hotel provides:

• 24-hour reception with English-speaking staff
• 24-hour fitness room (treadmills, stationary bikes, ellipticals, free weights) and sauna
• Heated drying room for clothes after a day of skiing or hiking
• Two modular meeting rooms and co-working space
• Paid underground parking with controlled access
• Self-service laundry and dry cleaning service
• Luggage storage, ticketing and excursion assistance

Location and access

The hotel sits at the corner of Stanley Street and Sydney Street, within easy walking distance of Queenstown's centre, restaurants, shops and the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Several sites lie within 10 minutes on foot: Kiwi and Birdlife Park, St Joseph Parish, St Peter's Anglican Church. Queenstown Garden is a few minutes' drive away. Queenstown Airport is accessible in 10-15 minutes by car.

When to visit

Queenstown experiences two peak seasons. From June to September, the resort becomes a ski hub with Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona and Treble Cone nearby; the drying room and sauna are particularly welcome then. From December to March, the Southern summer favours hiking, Lake Wakatipu cruises, bungy jumping and the Central Otago wine route. Shoulder seasons (April-May and October-November) offer quieter crowds and often more accessible rates.

Things to do nearby

• Ski fields: Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona, Treble Cone
• Cruises and water activities on Lake Wakatipu
• Golf courses at Jacks Point and The Hills
• Central Otago vineyards, renowned for Pinot Noir
• Bungy jumping and surrounding hiking trails

To plan the rest of your itinerary, consult our Queenstown guide or compare with other South Island addresses such as The Godley Hotel near Lake Tekapo, the Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau near Fiordland, or the Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier on the west coast. To plan a full itinerary, explore our Nouvelle-Zélande trips.