Senior Editor:
Juliana Shallcross
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Wellington's Bolton Hotel has a good reputation amongst travelers to New Zealand, and comes in at #2 on the TripAdvisor reviews, too. Apparently even the New Zealand national cricket team have been known to stay there when they've got a match in Wellington, and since they have national hero status, it's a very good sign.
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by amandak
The Conde Nast Traveller Gold List for 2008 is out, detailing properties that received the highest ratings in the annual Readers' Travel Awards survey (as well as some editors' favorites), and some truly amazing properties made the roll.
For example, in the Best Ambiance/Design category, the Eagles Nest in Bay of Islands, New Zealand comes in at #1. If you just happen to be looking to drop $1,150 to $3,500 per night, the Eagles Nest may be just the place for you. This ultra-posh complex of five villas is situated on a headland above the sea with sweeping views of the bay, and is known for it's stunning location as much as its superior amenities and service.
Along with the Gold List award, the Eagles Nest also holds the distinction of being the most expensive rental accommodation in all of New Zealand. But when one considers the included amenities, it's almost a bargain. Each private villa is outfitted with an extensive wine cellar, a heated Infinity edge lap pool, and chic glass-and-chrome designer furnishings. Guests of the villas also get the services of their own personal chefs, personal trainers, a butler, and a Porsche to use during their stay.
Just don't plan on bringing the kiddies. These villas will make accommodations for pets but come with a warning that children are unwelcome.
[Photo: DesignRhea]
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by NatalieWW
The recent 20th annual Conde Nast Traveler awards threw up some not-too-surprising results in the Australia/Pacific section, with Melbourne's about-to-be-even-bigger Crown Towers complex coming up in the number one position, closely followed by Sydney's Park Hyatt.
But coming in at number three was the less mainstream option of the Treetops Lodge in Rotorua, New Zealand. With just twelve rooms, it certainly has less guests coming through the door than places like the Crown or the Park Hyatt, but those that have checked in have been suitably impressed.
The Treetops Lodge is in the middle of the forest so nature and wildlife are the key impressions you'll get. There are plenty of outdoor activities to be undertaken including horse riding, hiking and fishing. The restaurant focuses on locally produced (or caught) food, and also on offering a good range of New Zealand wines.
It's really quite a special place and offers some interesting packages including an indigenous culture and cuisine package which gives guests the chance to see a Maori cultural performance and learn about their cuisine.
[Photo: rbmm]
Related Stories:
· Room With A Kiiller View: Treetops Rotorua [HotelChatter]
· What Is Treetops Lodge in New Zealand? [HotelChatter]
· Melbourne to Get Biggest Hotel Down Under [HotelChatter]
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Will they or won't they succeed in building a Hilton Hotel in Wellington, New Zealand? Although plans for the Hilton on Queens Wharf in downtown Wellington were originally approved, an appeal process started today to change that decision.
Local interest groups Waterfront Watch and the Wellington Civic Trust are leading the fight against the Hilton, because they say the proposed area is a special site that:
should be home to an iconic structure like a statue or something similar ... a hotel does not fit that category.
The case is expected to last at least two weeks so don't count on a Hilton stay in Wellington just yet.
[Photo: wellnair]
Related Stories:
· Wellington Hotel Appeal Begins [NZTV]
· New Zealand Hotel Reviews [HotelChatter]
· World's Most Dangerous Airports: Wellington, NZ [Jaunted]
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With a name like Treetops Luxury Lodge and Estate, you'd expect a good view. And you get it.
In the heart of thermal and mud spring country, Treetops is outside the town of Rotorua on the north island of New Zealand, with forests, streams and lakes surrounding it. You can go fishing, mountain biking, horseriding, hiking or--our personal preference--sit in your luxury villa and enjoy the view.
[Photo: rbmm]
Related Stories:
· What Is...Treetops Lodge in New Zealand? [HotelChatter]
· Travel Stories in New Zealand [Jaunted]
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Thanks to HotelChatter Flickr Pool member Pat+ we have a set of photos taken from inside the new Westin Auckland, Lighter Quay in New Zealand. This shot is of the Harbor View room. Pat+ writes:
These nicely appointed corner rooms feature great views as well as a widescreen LCD TV, a wet bar, a Bose radio/alarm clock, a gigantic bathroom with a rainfall shower, a seating area and a Heavenly Bed.
Pat+ also dropped in some photos of the W San Francisco so be sure to check those out as well.
Don't forget to upload your photos to the HotelChatter Flickr Pool.
Related Stories:
· Hotels in Auckland [HotelChatter]
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by juliana
Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, often gets skipped in favor of places with a higher density of bungee-jumping companies, but it's still worth a visit. If we put some trust in TripAdvisor reviewers, the number one hotel in Auckland turns out to be the one that'd also be first on any alphabetical list: Aachen House. Strange coincidence or clever marketing?
Aachen House is billed as a luxury boutique hotel--probably just a few years ago it was simply an expensive B&B, but times have changed. It has just eight rooms and is located about ten minutes out of the city center. The staff have a good reputation, and with this example it's understandable:
Having returned from a day out exploring the city, we sat in the garden and [Joan, the owner] brought complimentary drinks of our choice - this would not happen elsewhere without it appearing on your bill at the end of your stay!
Another common compliment is that the beds are large and comfortable. That's important given that most people visiting New Zealand have come from somewhere far away and need a good rest. Their website suggests that they sometimes get some VIP guests, so look out for anyone famous. One double room (with king-size bed) starts at NZ$290 (US$220), plus taxes, and the room rates include pre-dinner drinks (but not dinner) and a "gourmet" breakfast.
Related Stories:
· Aachen House Auckland reviews [TripAdvisor]
· JFK to Auckland: Sub-$1000 [Jaunted]
0 Comments - Add Yours by amandak
If you're a lover of winter who's a bit sad that summer's on the way, just head to the southern hemisphere. Easy! Our suggestion is New Zealand, perhaps for the Queenstown Winter Festival--and when in Queenstown, check out the Eichardt's Private Hotel. Since Queenstown is not only the heart of winter in New Zealand but generally recognized as the center of all those great adventure activities, you'll be able to ski, snowboard, skydive, bungy jump, jet-boat and hang-glide while you're based at Eichardt's--but you are allowed to just relax, too.
There are five luxury suites at Eichardt's and it's located right on the lakefront, within the café and restaurant area in the middle of Queenstown. Previous guests rave about friendly staff and whatever help they wanted, and obviously a really central location.
The best bit is that Small Luxury Hotels of the World have a promo on at the moment. "Stay 4 Pay 3" is pretty much self-explanatory, and gives you four nights for the price of three at a range of boutique hotels across NZ. That includes Eichardt's, giving you a package at NZ$4128 (just under $3000).
Related Stories:
· Eichardt's Private Hotel reviews [TripAdvisor]
· Good News For Lovers Of Winter [Jaunted]
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