Originally Posted by
DavidO
The New Zealand luxury lodges are some of the most wonderful, luxurious accommodations you'll ever stay in. In addition, because they are small and intimate, the price point tends to be higher... but these prices do make sense when compared to top luxury hotels of the world. If you book through Virtuoso, you'll also get additional value-added amenities (that differ by property).
I agree with DavidO's comments regarding the price of NZ luxury lodges and his comments about Blanket Bay and Otahuna Lodge. After several days in Auckland, I spent a week on the South Island towards the end of 2009 and stayed at those properties. Before judging price, one must first ask themselves what kind of experience is being sought. If you are looking at the top of the market, I would be prepared to spend at least $1000 per night. Other "top of market" choices do not seem to exist on the South Island or even in NZ.
Big luxury chains remain absent from the market, which I believe helps to keep the experience "authentic." With no Amans, Peninsulas, Four Seasons, Mandarin Orientals, Banyan Trees, or Ritzs, small luxury lodges like those mentioned in this thread are the only way to go if you are in the luxury market. All other properties besides the small luxury lodges will be several notches below.
I can only comment on Blanket Bay, Otahuna, and the Sofitel in Queenstown. I save those comments for another post as the details of each property has been ably covered by DavidO.
For me, perhaps the most significant factor justifying the high price is the physical location of places like the Otahuna and especially Blanket Bay - just utterly breathtaking (especially Blanket Bay - phenomenal - thanks to Virtuoso, we were upgraded to one of the best rooms in the house - a corner room with our own private terrace with gorgeous lake views). Other considerations in favor of small luxury lodges include personal service (especially at the Otahuna where you share a few drinks with the owner, and whose staff will fix you up a delicious midnight meal upon request). The feeling evokes a sense of comfort as if you are staying at the estate of a wealthy friend (one night at Blanket Bay, we ended up drinking the night away and cleaning out the complimentary bar with the nightkeeper who happily shared his viewpoints and perspectives as a New Zealand native and resident).
No ostentacious chintz, no gold leaf, no jackets, no ties, and no pretension. Just comfort and well-being as you take in one of the most beautifully stunning places of nature in the world.