Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa {NZL}
Jan 6, 2019, 9:11 pm
#31
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Omaha
Programs: AA Life Plat 4mm, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,459
Define "better"?
Yes the Hilton has nicer and larger rooms (and a better view if you get the front block) but with facilities shared between both properties it IMHO comes down to the price. There certainly are times where there are vast differences between the pricing of both, and if I'm staying there (I've stayed at both properties regularly) I'm not willing to pay $100+ per night more for the Hilton when Diamond benefits still give you a free drink and full buffet breakfast regardless of what hotel you stay at.
Yes the Hilton has nicer and larger rooms (and a better view if you get the front block) but with facilities shared between both properties it IMHO comes down to the price. There certainly are times where there are vast differences between the pricing of both, and if I'm staying there (I've stayed at both properties regularly) I'm not willing to pay $100+ per night more for the Hilton when Diamond benefits still give you a free drink and full buffet breakfast regardless of what hotel you stay at.
Jan 7, 2019, 10:14 am
#32
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: LAX
Posts: 10,906
I highly recommend avoiding hilton doubletree and queenstown in general and staying at lakeside apartments wanaka.
We are family of 4 that includes 2 kids ( 7 and 2) and so when I put kids in the criteria I only see premium rewards rooms(85K) vs standard rate room(35K). Is it ok to book a standard room assuming that it's big enough and the fact that I have diamond status that could help in free upgrade to larger room?
Jan 7, 2019, 1:35 pm
#33
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 644
These apartments seem quite expensive. We will mostly try to be out most part doing day trips and so paying for rooms this expensive doesn't seem like a good option. Do you have any other recommendations?
Jan 7, 2019, 2:37 pm
#34
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: LAX
Posts: 10,906
We split the stay between lakeside wanaka and millbrook resort and both were a bit cheaper and far better than hilton for similarly sized accomodations (we booked 1-2 br options and city prestige free nt helped). Of course with points choices will be more limited.
I d still look into wanaka options - less expensive less crowded easily walkable.. queenstown was like that 10+ yrs ago nut now its an awful tourist trap - just look at nz visitor statistics...
I d still look into wanaka options - less expensive less crowded easily walkable.. queenstown was like that 10+ yrs ago nut now its an awful tourist trap - just look at nz visitor statistics...
Jan 7, 2019, 6:19 pm
#35
Join Date: Feb 2015
Programs: AA EXP, Hertz Gold Plus, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 338
Feb 11, 2019, 4:18 pm
#36
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: GVA
Programs: BA Silver (OW Sapphire), A3 Gold (*G), Bonvoy LTTE, HHonors Diamond, LeClubAccor Silver, UA Silver
Posts: 1,777
I'm hopping between the DT and the Hilton in a couple of weeks (1 night at DT, 1 at Hilton and 1 at DT again) due to wildly swinging rates, but also to take advantage of the promo stay bonus.
Can I expect welcome drink vouchers for my stays at DT, or are these only given out at Hilton?
Also, is pool access only complimentary for Hilton guests? Apart from the rooms, are all Diamond benefits the same across both properties (breakfast)?
Can I expect welcome drink vouchers for my stays at DT, or are these only given out at Hilton?
Also, is pool access only complimentary for Hilton guests? Apart from the rooms, are all Diamond benefits the same across both properties (breakfast)?
Mar 29, 2019, 9:38 pm
#37
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: HKG
Programs: BAEC newbie
Posts: 14
Parking
Will stay in DT next month. I read some discussion that parking spaces are limited or have to pay NZ20 for valet parking. Any recent experience to share? Also is the complimentary breakfast okay or better top upgrade it to the hot breakfast?
thanks in advance!
thanks in advance!
Mar 30, 2019, 1:31 am
#38
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: GVA
Programs: BA Silver (OW Sapphire), A3 Gold (*G), Bonvoy LTTE, HHonors Diamond, LeClubAccor Silver, UA Silver
Posts: 1,777
I stayed there in Feb and there were signs saying that from Feb they would start charging NZD 20 per day for self parking, however the gates were open and no one ever mentioned any charges to me... Perhaps they're reserving the right to charge at busy times but not often enforcing. There was plenty of spaces available when I was there (as most guests seem to be large tour groups). YMMV.
Regarding the breakfast, the full hot buffet at the Hilton is the complimentary breakfast option. It even includes some made to order options like eggs Benedict. As a Diamond you'll also get 2 drink vouchers for the Pinot Pit bar, which you choose from a list and includes some fancy options like Cloudy Bay Pelorus.
On the whole I found Diamond recognition here to be excellent and to be fair I'd have no issues staying at the DT again vs the Hilton.
Regarding the breakfast, the full hot buffet at the Hilton is the complimentary breakfast option. It even includes some made to order options like eggs Benedict. As a Diamond you'll also get 2 drink vouchers for the Pinot Pit bar, which you choose from a list and includes some fancy options like Cloudy Bay Pelorus.
On the whole I found Diamond recognition here to be excellent and to be fair I'd have no issues staying at the DT again vs the Hilton.
Last edited by RafKa; Mar 30, 2019 at 5:36 am
Mar 30, 2019, 3:45 am
#39
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: New York, NY
Programs: IHG Spire Ambassador, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 456
We were at the Hilton for a night mid-March and parked in the DT garage. I believe it was $16NZD for overnight parking. There are some "street" spaces, but there were all taken. If you don't mind a short walk, you can try parking on the main street (Peninsula Rd) just before you turn down to the hotels. There doesn't seem to be a signs or obvious restrictions as they are developing the property adjacent to the street. There were plenty of spaces...but you do at your own risk.
Mar 30, 2019, 6:19 am
#40
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: HKG
Programs: BAEC newbie
Posts: 14
Thanks both for the information. I guess I will still park in DT if space is available... just afraid all spaces are taken up as I will be traveling before easter which overlaps school holiday.
Some dates are listed as sold out while another date show DT charging over NZ$300 (almost a double!) for a room. Maybe rooms are taken up by large group of tour...
Some dates are listed as sold out while another date show DT charging over NZ$300 (almost a double!) for a room. Maybe rooms are taken up by large group of tour...
Mar 31, 2019, 8:28 pm
#41
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Omaha
Programs: AA Life Plat 4mm, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,459
Thanks both for the information. I guess I will still park in DT if space is available... just afraid all spaces are taken up as I will be traveling before easter which overlaps school holiday.
Some dates are listed as sold out while another date show DT charging over NZ$300 (almost a double!) for a room. Maybe rooms are taken up by large group of tour...
Some dates are listed as sold out while another date show DT charging over NZ$300 (almost a double!) for a room. Maybe rooms are taken up by large group of tour...
We liked the place, a lot to do, you will have fun, we lucked into brilliant weather.
Mar 31, 2019, 9:43 pm
#42
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 442
Thanks both for the information. I guess I will still park in DT if space is available... just afraid all spaces are taken up as I will be traveling before easter which overlaps school holiday.
Some dates are listed as sold out while another date show DT charging over NZ$300 (almost a double!) for a room. Maybe rooms are taken up by large group of tour...
Some dates are listed as sold out while another date show DT charging over NZ$300 (almost a double!) for a room. Maybe rooms are taken up by large group of tour...
May 2, 2019, 1:02 am
#43
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: HKG
Programs: BAEC newbie
Posts: 14
A little report back from Queenstown
For the parking, there are plenty of spaces and we had no problem finding a space despite arriving at 9pm. The parking ticket costs NZD16 and the reception said they offer no more free parking for guests, but the fee was waived as I am a little gold.
The room is nice and clean, breakfast place share with Hilton next to the lake. The staff there were great and it’s a good view overlooking the lake while having breakfast.
staying there for 1-2 nights would be good, but I would also recommend to stay in city center for having a walk in Queenstown.
For the parking, there are plenty of spaces and we had no problem finding a space despite arriving at 9pm. The parking ticket costs NZD16 and the reception said they offer no more free parking for guests, but the fee was waived as I am a little gold.
The room is nice and clean, breakfast place share with Hilton next to the lake. The staff there were great and it’s a good view overlooking the lake while having breakfast.
staying there for 1-2 nights would be good, but I would also recommend to stay in city center for having a walk in Queenstown.
May 2, 2019, 8:36 am
#44
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: SAN
Programs: UA 1MM/1K, HH Diamond
Posts: 6,830
A little report back from Queenstown
For the parking, there are plenty of spaces and we had no problem finding a space despite arriving at 9pm. The parking ticket costs NZD16 and the reception said they offer no more free parking for guests, but the fee was waived as I am a little gold.
The room is nice and clean, breakfast place share with Hilton next to the lake. The staff there were great and it’s a good view overlooking the lake while having breakfast.
staying there for 1-2 nights would be good, but I would also recommend to stay in city center for having a walk in Queenstown.
For the parking, there are plenty of spaces and we had no problem finding a space despite arriving at 9pm. The parking ticket costs NZD16 and the reception said they offer no more free parking for guests, but the fee was waived as I am a little gold.
The room is nice and clean, breakfast place share with Hilton next to the lake. The staff there were great and it’s a good view overlooking the lake while having breakfast.
staying there for 1-2 nights would be good, but I would also recommend to stay in city center for having a walk in Queenstown.
May 2, 2019, 8:52 am
#45
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: HKG
Programs: BAEC newbie
Posts: 14