Earnslaw Lodge

We stayed at Earnslaw Lodge as part of a two week trip around the South Island of NZ and it was by far the worst place we stayed. We when first arrived we were given a normal non-lake facing room which was not what we had booked. We confirmed our booking email and then we back to the receptionist. It turns out the the booking site had sent through the booking incorrectly as a non-lake facing room. The lady was very nice about it, but unfortunately all of there lake facing studios were booked and there was only one smaller lake facing room left. Even though the room was smaller the view was much nicer than the wall we had previously so we decided to switch. I do not if our original room would have been any better, but the room we ended up in was not good. First of all, there is no elevator. I think lake facing rooms have car parks right in front of them but all rooms except the one we were in require you to walk up stairs to access it. Thankfully we were only staying one night and didn't need to bring up much luggage but it we had had to bring all of it up I think I would have cried. For the non-lake facing rooms you have to walk further in and there are many more flights of stairs to go up and some of the rooms are also right next to the laundry. Having said that, our lake facing room had very very thin walls and we were able to hear every little thing from the room next door including someone snoring. Also, people walked right by the lake facing window of the room so you could constantly hear footsteps and chatter from that. Other issues we had with the room include the curtains which even when shut let in a lot of light, and the shower head was incredibly low, we are both of average height (170-180cm) and we were both taller than the shower head and kept hitting our head on it and having it bend at awkward angles to actually get our head under the stream. The shower also had no pressure and the head just sprayed the water everywhere all over the shower, than coupled with the poor drainage meant the water was up to our ankles and made a huge mess as it spilled over the lip of the shower. Also in the bathroom there was no space around the sink to put anything so all our toiletries had to go on the floor. There were also very few power points, which meant that even though there was an electric blanket only one side was plugged in and we had to fight over the points to charge our devices. The TV only had 4 channels (everywhere else we stayed at least 6 and for Queenstown surely you would expect more than 4?) and there was no remote so we had to manually adjust it our selves. The other main issue we had with the room was the bed was hard and the pillows were soft and lumpy with no support at all. The only redeeming features, and this reason I gave it a poor not a terrible rating, is the view from the room, the good wifi and that it is only a 15 minute walk to Queenstown. Having said that getting into the hotel is an absolute nightmare. It is located on a very busy main road so trying to turn right into it you can wait 5 minutes and if you are turning left the driveway is almost hidden so we kept missing it. The driveway is also very steep. Everywhere else we stayed in NZ was a similar ranking and price point to Earnslaw Lodge so I don't think we were expecting too much from this room. We were not expecting a high quality room but this room was just so far below what it should have been I would hesitate to call it a 3-star hotel. If we go back to Queenstown again I would either pay the money and stay in a nicer place or maybe try the holiday park which seemed to be closer to town that we were and with much nicer rooms for about the same price.

Had a wonderful time at Earnslaw Lodge, the Owners and staff were very friendly and helpful. The rooms are large and clean and the view from the lake view rooms is amazing. A seven minute walk into the Centre of town and with a bus stop for both public transport Bus service and the Busses to the ski fields right out side the front door. I would defiantly stay there again.

Stayed last weekend, just for one night. The check-in process was easy, they allowed us an additional hour before checking out. The units were clean and the radiators made it very, very warm. It was an easy walk downhill into town. It was all that I needed to be for the price and I would definitely stay again.

Our trip to Queenstown on the 3/July 2017 started off with a room with the best view of beautiful Lake Wakatipu. OMG!! What a view but make sure you asked for the top level room. Its affordable, friendly and helpful staff. A big thank you to Vicky and team member for carrying our big bag to the top level😊 The airport shuttle bus stops in front of the lodge and you can wait across the street for the bus going to Cardrona ski resort. Earnslaw Lodge is about 15 minutes walk to Queenstown city centre, perfect location indeed. Will definitely go back to the lodge again.😊😊😊😊😊 Downside is- no elevator to top level So pack wisely cos you'll be carrying the heavy suitcase up the stairs 😉😉😉

Our room faced the street instead of the lake, so we had no such majestic views that others are describing. Instead, we had a room with cinder block walls and large beams hanging from the ceiling, all of which contributed to a somewhat oppressive feeling. Adding to the weirdness was the fact that our room opened onto a glassed-in balcony, which apparently ran the length of one side of the lodge - including the room next door. I wasn't a fan of our neighbors being able to see into our room if they went out on the balcony, so we kept our curtains closed most of the time. But the staff was friendly, even if the lodge itself was tragically dated, so it wasn't a horrible experience.

Just had a long weekend at this motel. What a magnificent view, The rooms are spacious and well appointed and the Staff very helpful. Handy to town and other amenities. They can prebook most attractions available in the area. Very friendly and helpfull

We were greeted by friendly staff at check in who showed us to our room which was nice, clean and had a great view of the lake. It was warm with a radiator heater in the room and although it's an older hotel you can tell they've been renovated recently and the decor was modern. Only a short 10 - 15 min walk to town so the location is great. The only thing I thought could have been slightly better was the shower flicked from hot to cold a bit, but we'd stay here again.

Nice lodge, great room and excellet view. convenient location just 10 minutes walk from city, good price! Did not eat the breakfast, but is available. Bus stop to/from airport is just outside the doorstep.

Our room had a view of the lake and was a good size. Kitchenette was useful to prepare a simple meal. 10 minute walk into town. Friendly check in with local maps and advice . Book early to get a room. Parking