A St. Regis will be coming to what’s possibly one of my favorite places in the world, a market that could also use more good hotel options.
In this post:
The St. Regis brand will make its new Zealand debut
Plans have been announced for the St. Regis Queenstown, with the newly built property expected to open in late 2027. The 145-key hotel will be located in central Queenstown, with views of The Remarkables mountain range, as well as Lake Wakatipu.
The hotel will feature the signature St. Regis Bar, The Drawing Room, and an all-day dining venue, which hasn’t yet been announced. Then there will be a full service spa and wellness area, including a 24/7 gym. As is standard for the brand, butler service will also be offered.
Here’s what Richard Crawford, Marriott’s VP of Hotel Development of Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific, had to say:
“We’re thrilled to soon establish the iconic St Regis brand in such an exceptional destination. Founded on New York’s 5th Avenue more than 120 years ago, St Regis is a globally revered name in luxury that is sought after by discerning travellers worldwide.”
“Queenstown attracts more than two million visitors annually, making it ideal for a world-class luxury hotel. “The St Regis Queenstown is set to be undeniably the destination’s finest hotel offering and will further elevate Queenstown’s status as a must-visit destination.”
Beyond the above, details about the hotel remain limited as of now.
What an exciting addition to the St. Regis portfolio!
New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and Queenstown is among my favorite parts of the country. I still remember when I traveled there for the first time with my mom, when I was in high school — ah, the days of roundtrip business class to New Zealand costing 90,000 United MileagePlus miles, and flying Air New Zealand’s 747 in the nose!
Anyway, Queenstown’s landscape is just gorgeous, and it’s definitely not a place you visit for the hotel market. The Carlin Hotel and Eichardt’s Private Hotel are both small boutique properties in town that are well regarded, and there’s also the Rosewood Matakauri, a great luxury lodge that’s outside the city. The town then has a Sofitel. But other than that, luxury options are severely limited, and this is a lovely addition.
I look forward to checking out the St. Regis the next time I visit New Zealand. Another point that’s pretty remarkable here is that this is the first St. Regis branded property in all of Australia or New Zealand.
Bottom line
The St. Regis brand will be making its debut in the Australia and New Zealand region with the opening of a hotel in Queenstown in late 2027. The 145-key property will be located in town, and will probably be the best new international luxury property in town. This is an awesome addition to the market, and I look forward to learning more.
What do you make of plans for the St. Regis Queenstown?
Bonvoy!
As in, another place to get Bonvoyed.
Love Queenstown. Magical place. Day-trips to nearby wine regions, Milford Sound, Tititea/Mt. Aspiring, Aoraki/Mt. Cook national parks. Some of the best lamb in the world, too. Having more luxury options there is a good thing. I think it would be the first St. Regis in NZ, and other than Bora Bora, there really aren't many in Oceania. Years ago, there was talk of a new St. Regis in Australia's Gold Coast, too; any word on that?
The Hotel St. Moritz which is just outside the downtown core is also another great property, and is in the MGallery Collection in Accor. While not quite 5-star, it’s at least 4:5 in my eyes with great rooms and amenities, and absolutely stunning views of the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. Some of the warmest service I’ve ever received anywhere, too. Prices are generally $150-$200 less than the Sofitel downtown.
Close location to downtown at Brecon St & Man St in a residential neighborhood, but up the hill - Brecon St connection is not a road, but a double set of stairs - with 60 steps. So everything you want to go someone you will be walking up and down a 60 step staircase.
Google maps - Man and Brecon and view Brecon St from downtown.
Did you forget Eichardt's? Headed there later this month. It has 8 rooms and can be booked with Hilton points or FNCs.
@ PJS678 -- Oversight on my part. Thanks, just added mention of that to the post.