Lining the shores of Lake Wakatipu on New Zealand’s South Island, Queenstown is a winter and summer resort town.
With a history steeped in Maori cultures and traditions, European colonial influences, and gold rush antics, Queenstown is brimming with exciting architecture, museums, and history. You’ll find narrow alleyways, modern restaurants, and delicious food in every direction!
It’s most well known for the stunning mountain ranges surrounding the town, called The Remarkables, as well as the exquisite Wakatipu Lake. Visitors can take part in just about any type of adrenaline activity or adventure in the town, from snow skiing to waterskiing.
The incredible local history, stunning natural scenery, friendly locals, and an incredible food and wine scene make Queenstown one of the most loved locations on the South Island.
If you’re craving a retreat but don’t want to overspend, book a room in one of the best motels in Queenstown and save your hard-earned cash for wine, food, and leisure activities.
One-Bedroom Cottage at Settlers Cottage Motel
- > $$
- > 3 Guests
- > Self-contained cottage with patio overlooking the mountains
- > 15 minutes drive from Queenstown in Arrowtown
Studio with Lake View at Amber Lodge
- > $
- > 3 Guests
- > Fully self-contained apartments with kitchen and living room
- > In the heart of central Queenstown, close to Lake Wakatipu
Studio with Garden Patio at Lomond Lodge Motel & Apartments
- > $$$$
- > 2 Guests
- > Modern interiors with marble bathrooms and wooden accents
- > Glass wall windows with garden views
Staying in a Motel in Queenstown
As one of New Zealand’s most desirable resort towns, Queenstown is flooded with all types of accommodation. You can choose where to stay in Queenstown from a range of hotels, bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, self-catering vacation rentals, and, of course, motels.
Motels in Queenstown are a convenient accommodation option for those who need a simple but comfortable place to rest. They were designed for quick stay overs, with road trip travelers in mind. These days, they are so comfortable and plush you will want to stay longer!
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I like to think of them as falling somewhere between a hotel and a self-catering vacation rental, all for a much lower nightly fee.
Motels typically have a private kitchen or kitchenette for preparing your own meals and snacks. You will find some that have onsite restaurants and food services, however it’s not a necessity.
Of course, each motel is unique, and many of the best motels in Queenstown do have a range of amenities you might expect from a similar-priced hotel. You’ll find things like complimentary toiletries, fresh towels and linens, and free Wi-Fi connections. It’s also common for motels to have self-service laundry facilities and vending machines stacked with snacks.
What to Look For in a Motel in Queenstown
No matter if you are traveling alone, with a partner, or with your family, there are all kinds of different size rooms to choose from. You’ll find quaint little studios, spacious family rooms and apartments with separate rooms.
Those who require more specific facilities like wheelchair access, spacious bathrooms and handicapped amenities will also find a motel in Queenstown to suit them – but be sure to get in touch with the accommodation beforehand to ensure it has everything you need.
Visitors exploring the South Island by car will want to ensure their motel has parking. As it is one of the most common amenities, you won’t struggle to find a motel that offers free parking.
On a similar note, visitors checking in for a longer stay will want to have convenient amenities like laundry facilities on hand. Most, if not all, motels offer laundry facilities! They might be free, they might be for a small fee, but you will be able to freshen up your clothes before heading off on your adventures.
Some of the most unique accommodations in Queenstown can be found on Booking.com. It has an easy-to-use interface to filter your search according to precisely what you need for your trip. Airbnb has a few motel properties to browse through, too!
The Top 10 Motels in Queenstown
It’s time to take a look at the top ten motels in Queenstown! Most of these properties are right in the heart of the town, with a couple located further out in the nearby towns of the Queenstown-Lake District.
Overall Best Value Motel in Queenstown – Queenstown Motel Apartments
Under ten minutes walk from the center of the town, the Queenstown Motel Apartments has spacious and comfortable rooms with space for three guests to sleep comfortably.
Places to Visit Nearby:
- Queenstown Ice Arena
- Queenstown Hill Walking Track
- Lake Wakatipu
Just a ten-minute stroll from the beating heart of Queenstown, this motel provides a comfortable suite space with a small kitchenette and ensuite bathroom. The kitchenette has a microwave, toaster, fridge, and coffee and tea facilities, and the bathroom has a bathtub/shower and heated towel rails.
Each room has a personal workspace and has well-working Wi-Fi, ideal for digital nomads or anyone tending to a few emails. In addition to your private studio suite, you can use complimentary parking on the property and coin-operated laundry facilities.
Best Budget Motel in Queenstown – Amber Lodge
The Amber Lodge has everything you could wish for, at incredible value for money. It is the best motel in Queenstown for those on a budget, located on one of the town’s most well-known streets, overlooking the lake and town from a risen point of view. Gorge Road is just a few minutes walk from Lake Wakatipu, restaurants and shops.
The rooms are spacious and bright with a kitchen space and lots of home comforts to make your stay more enjoyable.
This property prides itself on local knowledge, with local staff who are more than happy to offer you local recommendations of what you can’t miss.
Best Motel for Couples in Queenstown – Settlers Cottage Motel
Not technically in Queenstown, Settlers Cottage Motel is just a short drive from the town in a nearby historic mining village. Surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, this motel features cozy, private cottages that are the perfect setting for a romantic trip.
Each of the cottages are decorated with a classic country-chic style, featuring warm wooden tones, cozy furnishings, and large windows inviting the outdoors in.
Along with your own cottage, you will have garden access, on-site tour desk, outdoor patios, and complimentary parking.
Best Motel for a Group of Friends in Queenstown – Hurley’s of Queenstown
Having a getaway with friends is always fun filled. Having a spacious accommodation with lots of space for enjoying time together is a must!
This two-bedroom apartment at Hurley’s of Queenstown, has two private suites with a huge living room, dining room, and kitchen. After a day of exploring the town you can gather together to share stories, dine over a homemade meal and make plans for the following day.
The motel in Queenstown is just a quick stroll from the town center and all the shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars. Hurley’s even has a fitness center and sauna on-site! During the winter season, a heated ski storage room is also accessible.
Over-the-Top Luxury Motel in Queenstown – Lomond Lodge Motel & Apartments
Lomond Lodge Motel and Apartments is a luxurious take on motel living with everything you need for a super comfortable and memorable stay. Located just a few steps from the lakefront in the town center, you can visit all the best parts of town on foot.
Each of the rooms have been designed with wooden interiors, fresh white linens, and natural light. The elegant bathroom will feel like a high-end hotel where you can wash off the day and clean up for a night on the town.
Complete with minibars, coffee machines and a terrace or balcony with mountain views, you’ll forget you are staying in an affordable motel.
Parking is available on-site, and an airport shuttle can be arranged for an additional fee.
Best Motel for Families Visiting Queenstown – Autoline Queenstown Motel
If you’re looking for a motel in Queenstown for you and your kids, the Autoline Motel apartments and double suites are ideal with plenty of space for the whole fam. With garden views and just a moment’s walk from the lake, there is lots to do to keep the kids busy while you enjoy exploring the town.
The larger apartments at Autoline Motel have full kitchens, living rooms, and dining spaces, providing you and your family a ton of space and privacy.
The motel also has facilities for disabled guests and can provide room service and luggage storage upon request.
Best Motel in Queenstown for Backpackers – Adventure Q2 Hostel
Like any ski resort and lakeside village, Queenstown is a hotspot for adventure and nightlife, attracting a youthful crowd to its lakeshores.
For those after a social stay, Adventure Q2 Hostel is an ideal spot with shared dorm rooms and a diverse clientele who enjoy gathering together for mingling and exploring together.
The beds are built from timber with comfortable mattresses, reading lights, USB ports, power outlets, and privacy curtains.
All of the linens and towels are provided for no fee, and the Queenstown hostel even has a basic laundry service.
Motel in Queenstown with the Best Views – Alexis Motel & Apartments
Surrounded by snowcapped mountains and a pristine lake, Queenstown isn’t short on outstanding views. You can wake up and enjoy magical vistas from the comfort of your own bed at the Alexis Motel and Apartments.
Just a few steps from Lake Wakatipu, the motel has a spacious shared patio overlooking the lake and mountains. Each of the spacious rooms has a kitchenette or kitchen, a small dining space, a terrace, or a balcony.
You can book tours and adventures at the tour desk and get local recommendations of the must-do and must-see spots in town.
Best Motel for a Weekend Trip to Queenstown – Bella Vista Queenstown
With only a few days to spend in town, do yourself a favor and head straight for the Queenstown center to gave easy access to all the best spots.
Bella Vista Queenstown is just a short walk from the Skyline Gondola and Lake Wakatipu, with rooms overlooking the gorgeous Remarkables.
You can choose from studios and self-catering apartments, all of which have a basic kitchenette or a full kitchen. Rooms are cleaned daily, and a laundry service is offered for an additional fee.
As the cherry on top, the front desk at this motel will gladly organize and book any tours or adventures on your behalf.
Best Motel Off-The-Beaten-Track in Queenstown – Arrowtown Motel
Just a 20-minute drive from Queenstown, Arrowtown is a historic mining village brimming with history and intrigue. While close to the town center and lake, it has a more remote feel compared with bustling Queenstown, and is ideal for an off-the-beaten-track vacation.
Arrowtown Motel has bright and spacious rooms with self-catering facilities in the heart of the village. Each room has a living space and an outdoor patio with a seating area perfect for enjoying some fresh air.
Free parking is available, and the motel has facilities for disabled guests.
Don’t Forget Your Queenstown Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Motels in Queenstown
Many of the best motels in Queenstown are located in the heart of the town center, within walking distance of all the exciting tourist attractions, gardens, lakeside beaches, and restaurants.
They’re an excellent option for any type of traveler who is looking to have a comfortable accommodation on a budget. After browsing this list, I hope you can add some of these wonderful properties to your Queenstown accommodation bucket list.
Before you make your way to this iconic New Zealand resort town, make sure you have a good travel insurance plan in place in the odd chance that you experience any slip-ups or unfortunate episodes during your trip. You will thank me later!
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