Rees Hotel Queenstown Review: Lakefront Luxury & Shuttle

The Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments occupies a prime position on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, offering a base for exploring the region backed by a 5-star rating on the official property site. This review draws on verified guest feedback from multiple booking platforms, official amenity listings, and the hotel’s own published information to give prospective visitors a concrete picture of what to expect — from the free shuttle to the on-site dining.

Last checked: 2026-05-17

Property Name: The Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments · Location: Queenstown, New Zealand, on Lake Wakatipu · Category: 5-star luxury hotel · Notable Amenities: Free shuttle, free WiFi, free parking, gym, restaurant, private balconies · Official Website: therees.co.nz

Rees Hotel Queenstown Reviews

Guest reviews across platforms such as TripAdvisor and Booking.com consistently highlight three themes: the attentive, helpful staff; the expansive lake views from private balconies; and the convenience of the free shuttle service. A pattern among Expedia reviews mentions staff going out of their way to assist with local recommendations and luggage, reinforcing the hotel’s focus on service. On the other side, some reviewers note that the hotel’s distance from the city centre means relying on the shuttle schedule or a car, and that the on-site restaurant carries a surcharge for breakfast, which can add to the total bill. The bottom line: the balance of guest feedback positions the staff and views as the strongest assets, while the shuttle and dining costs remain factors to weigh.

Rees Hotel Queenstown Restaurant

The Rees Hotel’s on-site dining is available for both breakfast and dinner, with breakfast served at a surcharge, as confirmed by multiple booking listing descriptions. The cuisine style, as described on the official site, focuses on modern New Zealand fare with locally sourced ingredients. Dinner service operates in the evenings, offering a lakefront setting that aligns with the property’s location. The trade-off: breakfast is not included by default, and the cost — while not specified in published materials — is one of the pragmatic details guests should confirm at booking.

Rees Hotel Queenstown Menu

The official website describes the restaurant’s cuisine as modern New Zealand with an emphasis on seasonal, local produce. Specific menu items change regularly and are not listed in detail on the official site; no definitive menu card is available in the research sources. The hotel’s restaurant operates as part of the luxury apartment experience, with the option for in-room dining using the apartment kitchens for guests who prefer self-catering. The implication: the menu is best viewed directly on the hotel’s website closer to the stay date.

Rees Hotel Queenstown Shuttle

A complimentary scheduled shuttle runs from the hotel to Queenstown’s central area, as confirmed by the Booking.com listing and the official property description. The service operates at specific times through the day. The shuttle covers the roughly 2‑kilometre distance to the town centre, which is walkable along the lakefront path for those who prefer not to wait. What this means: the shuttle is a genuine perk for guests without a rental car, but the fixed schedule requires planning around.

“The free shuttle into town was a real bonus — saved us parking fees and the walk is scenic but long with shopping bags.”

— Verified guest review, Booking.com (paraphrased)

Rees Hotel Queenstown Gym

The hotel includes a fitness centre on-site, listed as a standard amenity on the official property site. The gym is open to hotel guests and apartment residents, equipped with cardio machines and free weights. The facility is not described as large or 24‑hour; typical hotel gym hours apply. The catch: for guests seeking extensive workout facilities, the gym serves as a supplementary amenity rather than a destination feature.

The Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments

The property combines standard hotel rooms with full luxury apartments featuring separate living spaces, kitchens, and private balconies overlooking Lake Wakatipu. This dual offering sets it apart from standard hotels in the area: the apartments cater to families or longer stays, while the hotel rooms serve couples and short-term business visitors. All units include free WiFi and access to the free parking. Private balconies are a recurring highlight in guest reviews, with many specifically noting the unobstructed lake views. Why this matters: the apartment-style accommodation is the property’s distinctive feature in the local market, particularly appealing to families who want kitchen facilities alongside hotel services.

Rees Hotel Queenstown Location

The Rees Hotel sits directly on the Lake Wakatipu shoreline, roughly 2 kilometres from Queenstown’s central roundabout. The hotel’s position offers direct lakefront access and views of The Remarkables mountain range. The free shuttle covers the distance to town, or guests can walk along the lakefront path (about 25–30 minutes). Queenstown Airport is approximately a 15-minute drive away; taxis and ride-shares are the main options, as the hotel does not list a dedicated airport shuttle. What to watch: the lakeside setting is quieter than central accommodation, which suits some travellers but means the shuttle is a near-necessity unless you have a car.

Alternatives in Queenstown

For comparison, other 5-star properties in the area include the Eichardt’s Private Hotel (town centre, no lakefront balconies) and the Hilton Queenstown Resort (Kawarau Bay, further from town). Both offer a different balance: central walkability at Eichardt’s versus resort-style grounds at the Hilton. The Rees Hotel’s combination of apartment-style rooms, free parking, and private balconies is its main differentiator.

For another lakefront luxury option in Queenstown, consider Hotel St Moritz Queenstown, which also offers stunning views and a complimentary shuttle service.

Frequently asked questions