Queenstown Lakehouse Escape: Free Parking & Fireplace! Walk to Town!
Queenstown Lakehouse Escape: My Honest-to-Goodness Review (Free Parking & Fireplace – Really Walk to Town!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to give you the REAL lowdown on the Queenstown Lakehouse Escape. Forget the polished brochures and generic travel blogs. This is me, spilling the tea, warts and all. And let me tell you, after a week of exploring Queenstown, I've got some stories to share.
First Impressions (and the Free Parking!):
Okay, let's be honest, the free parking was a HUGE win. Queenstown parking is notoriously brutal. Seriously, it's like a competitive sport. So, pulling into the Lakehouse and knowing my car was safe and sound without shelling out a small fortune? Pure bliss. The exterior? Charming, like a cozy cabin you'd find in a postcard. The exterior corridor made me feel a little like I was staying at a motel, but hey, at least it meant easy access to my room.
Accessibility (A Quick Word, Because It Matters):
Look, I'm not an expert on accessibility, but I noticed they do have facilities for disabled guests (yay!) and an elevator. That's a good start. They've also got CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, which is always reassuring for safety. I didn’t see any specific details on ramps or accessible bathrooms, so if you have specific needs, definitely call ahead and confirm.
The Room: My Sanctuary (Mostly!)
My room was… well, it was my Queenstown hideaway. Let's dive in:
- The Fireplace: This was the selling point for me. After a day of hiking in the crisp mountain air, there's nothing like curling up in front of a roaring fire (okay, it was an electric one, but still!). Room decorations added a touch of charm, and the blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleeping in (which I definitely took advantage of!).
- The Bed: Ah, the extra long bed. Glorious! I'm tall, and finally, a bed that accommodated me without my feet dangling off the end. The linens were crisp and clean, and I appreciated the slippers provided.
- Amenities: The coffee/tea maker was a must-have for my morning caffeine fix. The free bottled water was a nice touch, and I loved the complimentary tea. The in-room safe box was handy for storing valuables. Wi-Fi [free] (a must!) worked like a charm. Internet access – wireless was reliable. The desk was perfect for catching up on emails (ugh, work!), and the laptop workspace was a bonus.
- The Bathroom: The separate shower/bathtub was a luxury. The hair dryer was decent (not the hotel-quality ones that barely blow air!). The toiletries were okay, nothing fancy, but they got the job done. And the mirror was strategically placed for optimal selfie opportunities (don't judge!). I did notice the additional toilet (nice if you have a larger family)
- The Imperfections: The soundproofing wasn't perfect. I could sometimes hear the neighbors, but honestly, it wasn't a huge deal. The air conditioning was a little weak, but hey, it’s Queenstown, the weather is generally pretty perfect. I was also missing the scale - I mean, I'm on vacation, but I'm also curious!
Cleanliness and Safety: The COVID-Era Reality
Let’s be real, we're all a bit obsessed with cleanliness these days. The Lakehouse did a good job. They had hand sanitizer readily available, and the staff seemed to be following safety protocol (trained in safety protocol). They also mentioned room sanitization opt-out available, which I appreciate. They also have first aid kit to make you feel more secure. I didn't see a lot of evidence of anti-viral cleaning products specifically, but the rooms were spotless. I didn't feel unsafe, which is the main thing. They also provide hot water linen and laundry washing
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure
Okay, the dining situation was… a mixed bag.
- The Good: They have a breakfast service (thank goodness!), and a buffet in restaurant. The Asian breakfast was interesting, I would have liked to try this. The coffee shop was a lifesaver for my daily caffeine fix. The bar was a great place to unwind after a long day.
- The Not-So-Good: I'm not sure about the Asian cuisine in restaurant, I would have liked to try this. The Happy hour was okay, but nothing to write home about. I didn't see a poolside bar, and I would have enjoyed that.
- The Convenience: They have a convenience store, which is great for grabbing snacks and essentials. They also offer room service [24-hour], which is a lifesaver when you're feeling lazy. I didn't see any mention of alternative meal arrangement.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Queenstown at Your Doorstep
This is where the Lakehouse really shines. The biggest selling point? The Walk to Town! Seriously, it's a breeze. I walked to the gondola, the shops, the restaurants, everything. This saved me a fortune on taxis and parking.
- The Relaxation Options: Okay, so they had a spa, which is a big plus. I would have loved to try the massage or the sauna, but I didn't get a chance. They also have a fitness center, which is great for staying active.
- The Adventure: The Lakehouse is perfectly situated for exploring Queenstown. You're close to everything.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
The Lakehouse offered a decent range of services:
- Helpful Stuff: The concierge was friendly and helpful. Daily housekeeping kept the room spotless. They have laundry service, which is essential after a week of hiking. The luggage storage was a lifesaver on check-out day.
- Business Basics: They have business facilities if you absolutely must work (ugh).
- The Extras: They offer airport transfer, which is convenient.
- The Quirks: I didn't use the cash withdrawal, but it's good to know it's there. They also have a gift/souvenir shop.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You):
I didn't travel with kids, but I noticed they have babysitting service and are family/child friendly. They also have kids facilities and a kids meal.
The Overall Vibe:
The Lakehouse is a solid choice. It's not a luxury hotel, but it's comfortable, clean, and well-located. The staff were friendly, and the free parking and fireplace were massive wins.
The Verdict:
Would I recommend the Queenstown Lakehouse Escape? Absolutely! Especially if you're looking for a comfortable, convenient base camp for exploring Queenstown. The free parking alone is worth the price of admission.
SEO-Optimized Offer (aka, How to Book This Place!):
Tired of Queenstown's Parking Nightmare? Escape to the Queenstown Lakehouse Escape!
Here's why you should book NOW:
- FREE Parking! Ditch the parking fees and save your sanity.
- Walk to Town! Explore Queenstown's best attractions on foot.
- Cozy Fireplace! Relax and unwind in front of a roaring fire.
- Comfortable Rooms! with extra long beds, blackout curtains, and all the essentials.
- Convenient Services! Laundry service, concierge, and more.
- Close to Adventure! Easily access Queenstown's top activities.
Book your Queenstown adventure today! [Link to Booking Website]
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Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: SPOT ON Hotel Park Bench Palace, Manglia, India!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because we're about to embark on a Queenstown adventure, a messy, glorious, and probably slightly off-kilter adventure. This isn't your perfectly curated Instagram feed; this is real life, folks. And here's how it might (probably will) go down:
Queenstown Chaos: A "Lakehouse 2" Itinerary (with a generous dose of the real world)
Day 1: Arrival and Awkward Introductions
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Flight into Queenstown Airport (ZQN). Oh, the drama! I swear, every flight into Queenstown is a nail-biter. The pilots have to practically thread the needle between mountains. My stomach does a little flip every time. Pray for clear skies!
- Pick up the rental car: (Assuming I haven't forgotten my license, which is a distinct possibility). Finding the rental car place can feel like a scavenger hunt. I'll probably get lost, even with GPS. And I'm sure I'll accidentally take a wrong turn and end up in a sheep paddock. It's happened before.
- Check in to Lakehouse 2: Free parking! YES! (Because parking in Queenstown is a competitive sport). Okay, so, the "walk to town" part is technically true, but let's be honest, it's a bit of a hike, especially with luggage. I'll probably be wheezing and swearing by the time I get there. But, fireplace! That's a win. I'm already picturing myself, curled up with a book, ignoring all my responsibilities.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Lunch at Fergburger (if the line isn't a mile long): Okay, okay, I know, it's a cliché. But I need that burger. The queue will be insane, guaranteed. I'll probably get hangry and start judging everyone in line. "That guy's wearing Crocs! How dare he!" And I'll secretly be plotting how to cut the line, even though I know that's wrong.
- Wander around town: Soaking in the views, the atmosphere, and the sheer ridiculousness of it all. I'll probably buy something I don't need from a souvenir shop. Maybe a ridiculously overpriced t-shirt.
- Grocery run: Stocking up on snacks and essentials (read: wine and chocolate). I'll probably buy way too much food and end up eating half of it on the first night.
Evening (5:00 PM onwards):
- Settle into Lakehouse 2: Light the fireplace! (Assuming I can figure out how to work it. I'm not exactly a pyromaniac). Crack open a bottle of wine. Unpack (or attempt to).
- Dinner: Maybe try cooking something, or maybe just order takeaway pizza because, honestly, I'm exhausted. And I'll probably burn the pizza. Or spill wine on myself. It's a toss-up.
- Early night: Jet lag is a beast. I'll probably be asleep by 9:00 PM, snoring like a lumberjack.
Day 2: Adventure (and Possibly Disaster)
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Breakfast: Cereal? Toast? Or maybe just leftover pizza. Breakfast is always a gamble when I'm traveling.
- Jet boat ride: Alright, time to get my adrenaline pumping! I've heard the jet boat rides are amazing. I'm also slightly terrified of heights and water. I'll probably scream the entire time. And I'll definitely get soaked. But I'm going for it! (Fingers crossed I don't lose my camera).
- Quirky Observation: Imagine the driver's face as they navigate the narrow gorges and turns, they are so used to the scenery, it's like they are in their living room!
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Lunch: Something quick and easy. Maybe a sandwich from a local cafe. Or, you know, another Fergburger, if I can handle the line again.
- Gondola ride up Bob's Peak: More stunning views! I'll try to take some nice photos, but I'll probably just end up with a bunch of blurry ones.
- Luge: This is where things get interesting. I'm not exactly a thrill-seeker, but I'll give it a go. I'll probably go super slow and get overtaken by a bunch of kids. Or, you know, crash spectacularly. Either way, it's going to be hilarious.
Evening (5:00 PM onwards):
- Dinner at a restaurant in town: Trying to be adventurous and try something new. Maybe some local cuisine. Or maybe just fish and chips. (Comfort food is always a good option).
- Stargazing (weather permitting): Queenstown has amazing night skies. I'll try to find a spot away from the city lights and look at the stars. I'll probably fail miserably at identifying any constellations, but the beauty will be worth it.
- Wine and a good book (if I can stay awake): The fireplace will be roaring again. This time I'll try not to spill wine on myself. Wish me luck!
Day 3: Relaxation (and a Bit of Regret)
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Sleep in (finally!): That jet lag is a killer. I'll probably sleep until noon.
- Coffee and a leisurely breakfast: Sipping coffee and enjoying the quiet. Maybe finally get around to reading that book.
- Walk along the lakefront: Soaking in the views, breathing in the fresh air, and feeling slightly guilty about not doing more "active" things.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Lunch: Something light and easy. Maybe a salad. (Trying to be healthy, because, you know, all those Fergburgers).
- Spa treatment: Pampering myself! Massages, facials, the whole shebang. I'll probably fall asleep during the massage and snore. And the therapist will have to wake me up. It's inevitable.
- Shopping (again): Buying more souvenirs I don't need. But hey, gotta bring something back for the folks, right?
Evening (5:00 PM onwards):
- Farewell dinner: Celebrating the end of the trip. Maybe a fancy restaurant. Or maybe just another pizza. Whatever feels right.
- Packing (or attempting to): I'll probably leave it until the last minute and end up frantically throwing things into my suitcase.
- Reflecting on the trip: Realizing I didn't do half the things I wanted to do. But that's okay. There's always next time. (And I definitely need to come back for that bungy jump I chickened out on).
Day 4: Departure (and the inevitable post-holiday blues)
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Last-minute breakfast: Probably a rushed affair. Maybe eat something on the way to the airport.
- Check out of Lakehouse 2: Leaving the fireplace and the free parking behind. Sob.
- Drive to Queenstown Airport (ZQN): Hoping to avoid any more wrong turns.
- Flight home: Reflecting on the trip, feeling a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. Already planning my next adventure.
- Quirky Observation: I'll probably be thinking "Wow, I really need a vacation from my vacation".
Afternoon (12:00 PM onwards):
- Landing: Back to reality. The laundry, the emails, the chores. Ugh.
- Post-trip blues: Missing Queenstown, the mountains, the fresh air, and the sheer freedom of it all. Planning the next escape. Because, let's be honest, I need it.
Important Notes:
- This is a flexible itinerary. Stuff will inevitably go wrong. That's part of the fun!
- Food is a priority. I'm a foodie. Expect lots of food-related tangents.
Queenstown Lakehouse Escape: You Got Questions? I Got (Some of the) Answers!
1. Okay, so, the Big One: Is the Parking REALLY Free? Because, Queenstown...
Listen, I've been burned before. Queenstown parking is like a wild beast – expensive, elusive, and likely to bite your wallet. But YES! The listing says "Free Parking," and thankfully, it's true! There's a designated spot, which is a HUGE win. We actually drove around for like, 20 minutes trying to find it the first time, because I *refused* to believe it. My husband kept saying, "See? Free parking! I told you!" I just kept muttering about hidden fees and sneaky loopholes. Turns out, he was right. For once.
The only catch? It's a bit of a tight squeeze if you have a massive SUV. Our rental was...well, let's just say it wasn't a Prius. We managed, but there were a few heart-stopping moments involving mirror-to-mirror proximity. But hey, free is free, and the view from the parking spot was pretty darn good, so I can't complain *too* much.
2. Walk to Town? Seriously? How Far Are We Talking? Because My Legs Are...Well, They're Legs.
Okay, so "walk to town" is a bit… optimistic. It's not *right* there. You're not tripping over the Shotover Jet the second you step out the door. It's more like a pleasant, slightly uphill, maybe 15-20 minute stroll. Which, honestly, is fantastic! Queenstown is gorgeous. The walk itself is a treat, taking you along the lake. I actually *preferred* walking to driving, especially in the evenings when all the bars and restaurants are buzzing.
Now, my husband, bless his heart, *thought* he could run it. He's one of those overly-enthusiastic runners. He set off one morning, convinced he could get to town and back before I even finished my coffee. He came back… a sweaty, slightly defeated mess, muttering something about hills and altitude. So, yeah. Walking is the way to go. Unless you're a masochist. Or a professional marathon runner. Or both.
3. The Fireplace! Is It Actually Cozy, or Just a Decorative Gimmick? Because I Need COZY.
Oh, the fireplace! This is where the Lakehouse *really* shines. It's not just a decorative piece; it's a *real* fireplace, and it's AMAZING. We arrived on a chilly evening, and the first thing we did was light that baby up. It was instant hygge! The kind of cozy that melts away all your travel stress and makes you want to curl up with a good book and a massive glass of wine.
Now, a word of warning: making a fire is a skill. One I clearly lack. My first attempt involved a lot of smoke, some panicked flapping, and a distinct smell of burnt newspaper. My husband, the ever-patient (and secretly amused) one, eventually took over, and the result was pure, crackling perfection. So, maybe brush up on your fire-starting skills beforehand. Or, you know, ask for help. Or just stick to the wine. That works too.
4. What's the Kitchen Like? Can I Actually Cook, or Am I Stuck Eating Takeout for a Week?
The kitchen is… functional. It’s not a chef’s dream kitchen, but it’s perfectly adequate. It has all the basics: stove, oven, microwave, fridge, and a surprising number of pots and pans (which is always a win!). We made a couple of simple dinners and breakfasts. I even attempted (and mostly succeeded) at making pancakes one morning. (Okay, maybe "succeeded" is a strong word. They were edible. Mostly.)
The downside? The counter space is a little limited. And the lighting is a bit… dim. But hey, you’re in Queenstown! You should be out exploring, not slaving away in the kitchen all day. So, yeah, you *can* cook, but don't expect to whip up a Michelin-star meal. Save that for the amazing restaurants in town!
5. The View? Is It Lake-y? Or Just "Meh"?
Okay, the view. This is important. Queenstown is all about the views! And the Lakehouse doesn’t disappoint. You get a beautiful view of the lake, especially from the living room and the balcony. It's not a *perfect* panoramic view, there are some trees in the way (which actually add to the charm, in my opinion), but it's definitely lake-y. And gorgeous. I spent a lot of time just staring out the window, watching the boats and the people. It was incredibly relaxing.
One morning, I woke up to the most stunning sunrise, with the mountains all pink and gold. I almost cried. It was that beautiful. (Okay, I *might* have actually shed a tear or two. Don't judge me.) So, yeah, the view is a definite highlight. Pack your camera!
6. Any Hidden Fees? Because those are the worst.
I’m happy to report, no, there weren’t any *nasty* surprises. The price listed on the booking site was what we paid. Which, in Queenstown, is a minor miracle. They didn't try to sneak in a cleaning fee that was bigger than the rent itself. They didn't charge us extra for using the fireplace (which, honestly, I was expecting). Everything was pretty straightforward. A breath of fresh air, seriously!
Just remember, always double-check the fine print, but based on my experience, this place is pretty upfront with its costs. And that, my friends, is a win in my book. Because nobody likes hidden fees. Nobody.
7. Okay, spill the tea. What's the ONE thing you *didn't* love? Give me the dirt!
Alright, alright, here's the dirt. And honestly, it's not even that bad. The internet. It was a bit… spotty. Fine for basic browsing and checking emails, but not great for streaming. Which, let's be honestRest Nest Hotels
