Welcome to the Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

The Novotel Queenstown Lakeside is centrally located close to all the action. With a range of room types, it's the perfect spot to rest up in Queenstown. Read reviews and book your room here.

Where is the Novotel Queenstown Lakeside?

Location: Corner of Earl Street and Marine Parade Queenstown

If you are looking for somewhere central in Queenstown, this is perfect. Located around 50 metres from the lake edge, and with gorgeous views, this is an ever popular choice. 

It's also right next door to the beautiful Queenstown Gardens. They are a great spot to spend a few hours walking, riding, playing frisbee golf, or ice skating.

Just step out the door from the lobby, and central Queenstown's bars, pubs, restaurants and shops are all there.

The Novotel Queenstown Lakeside is around 8 kilometres from Queenstown Airport. They don't offer a shuttle service, but taxi's, shuttles and Uber are available from the airport. The local Orbus service is also available.

why we like the novotel lakeside queenstown

You just can't beat this central location. Everything is there on your doorstep, and importantly, is only a flat walk away. No hills to struggle up here.

The Kawarau Jet and Underwater Observatory are just across the road, and pubs like Pog Mahone's and the unique Perky's are within 100 metres or so.

They also have a range of room types and the lakeview rooms with a balcony are a great spot to just put your feet up and relax. The value of a "room with a view" cannot be underestimated, and there's something special about just relaxing at day's end on your balcony with a local beer or wine.

Any cons?

At the time of writing (August 2025) there were various reviews critical of the "tired" nature of the hotel. No doubt it will be freshened up in time, but check reviews before you book.

The other downside is parking. They advertise parking for a fee, however, spots are limited, and cannot be reserved. We've read reviews from guests complaining that they arrived to find out that there was no in house parking available, and they would need to park on the street. Free parking in central Queenstown is almost non-existent, so it may be necessary to pay for parking for some of your stay. Wilson Parking is around the corner, and you can see their rates here. Another option is the Man Street car park which has 500 undercover spaces. There is some free parking on some of the residential streets behind the Queenstown Gardens (Brisbane St, Hobart St, Sydney St), but these spaces are popular and rarely available. 

Novotel Queenstown Lakeside Room Types

The hotel offers 273 rooms, including Standard Rooms with either Double, Queen, or King beds, and with a balcony. Some have alpine views and some have lake views. There's also a one bedroom apartment with a handy kitchenette. It's a bit more spacious at 52 sqm. They also have several interconnecting rooms, which are good for family groups.

If it were us, we would opt for a lakeview room every time. You won't be disappointed with the views.

Another important point is to be careful to choose the correct type of room rate to suit your circumstances. Some types allow cancellation, but others have restrictions. It usually costs a little extra, but we always prefer a "flexible rate". Always a good idea to check the conditions of your travel insurance in regards to coverage for cancelled bookings.

Hotel Facilities

The Novotel Queenstown Lakeside has the following facilities:

• An on site valet car parking service - fees apply (Care - they have 30 spaces available on a first come first served basis. If a space is unavailable you will probably need to pay to park on the street - see our notes under the "Cons" section above)
• An in house restaurant called "Elements" for breakfast and dinner
• Floors are wheelchair accessible and there are elevators to the higher floors (four floors in all)
• There's an in house gymnasium and spa pool, perfect for relaxing after a day exploring
• High speed Wi-Fi in rooms and communal areas
• Air conditioning, which is a bonus during the warmer summer months
• Buffet breakfast at Elements (hot, cold, continental, American and English) - charges apply
• Elements Bar, which has nice lake views, and serves lunch daily
• 100% Non Smoking Property
• Room service
• An in house laundromat, or they offer a dry cleaning and ironing service (for a fee)
• Air conditioned rooms
• A handy late checkout - great if you have an afternoon flight
• Resort concierge and porter services
• On request they can arrange a babysitter
• Children's play area with video and board games
• EV charging

Read customer reviews, check the cost and book your room

For more information click here.

Be careful to check availability

Queenstown is one of New Zealand's most popular holiday destinations. Because of this, accommodation can fill up months in advance, particularly during peak periods like the ski season (late June to October), summer (December to February), long weekends, and during the New Zealand school holidays.

To avoid disappointment, we recommend booking your central Queenstown accommodation well in advance.