Earnslaw Lodge

Nice Lakeviews but thin Walls

I booked this unit on www.wotif.com, so saved some dollars (not a reeeeeal lot though). We had a groundfloor unit with separate entrance whereas most other units are accessible from the reception and the main carpark behind the building.

Our unit was a studio without kitchen facilities – just like any other hotel accommodation in NZ – with only a water kettle, a mini-fridge, free coffee and tea, and some cups.

The best thing about the unit was its great view of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. As I travelled with a friend we enjoyed the fact that we could sleep in separate rooms, one had a double, the second one - which was more like a foyer and you had to walk through to the bathroom – a single bed. Only the bigger room had the great view.

I slept in the small room which can be connected by a door to another unit. This, however, makes you hear any sound from the unit next door, and, of course, they hear your noise. When your neighbour gets up and takes his shower, you better get up as well ;-)

Most of the rooms have the nice view. However, obviously there is at least one unit without a view. Ask!

The bathroom is modern and very spacious, with handbasin and shower cubicle, a useful storage unit on the wall. The toilet is in a separate room, at the end of the bathroom. It was a bit difficult to adjust the water temperature. Apart from the beds and the small fridge/kettle/TV unit and a tiny side table there was no more furniture in the rooms, and just an armchair in each room. When we were both in the bigger room (without the second arm chair…) it felt a bit crowded.

The owners are joy- and helpful people, the lady of the house can even be hilarious. We overheard one of her conversations on the phone and found it extemely entertaining. Not sure about the person at the other end though… ;-)

The Earnslaw Lodge is opposite the Kingsgate on Frankton Road. (You drive past there if you come from Te Anau or Cromwell/Dunedin.) The location is still ok for walking to the town centre – but definitely not only 5 minutes, as claimed on the website. Especially on a rainy day the walk seems a bit lengthy, I would say about 15 minutes. (We took the car when it rained and were lucky with free parking in town LOL)

A good thing is that they have a guest laundry. They also have a breakfast room next to the reception. And you can book all activities, including Fiordland.

If you want to have a lakeview you have to book a Lakefacing Studio or Unit – and I would not bother to stay in any other room, because you would find cheaper ones in town or closer to the centre.

If not booked on www.wotif.com the normal rates in the peak season (most of the year…) for a one bedroom studio with a view start at NZ$ 155, 2-bedroom-apartments at $ 250.

As I am looking over the Booking page now I find it a bit annoying that you only find the rates for certain dates and have to enquire about most other dates, so you do not know immediately how much it costs and if there is any vacancy. So at the end you better go to www.wotif.com if you do not want to book well in advance.

My final verdict:
The views are great, the location is average, as was our room, just the rate was above average - but average for Queenstown... You pay for the views.

Photo 2 shows the view from the main room to the smaller room via the TV/fridge unit.

On photo 3 you see the small walk-through bedroom.

Photo 4 shows the bathroom/toilet.

Photo 5 shows the hotel from the outside, as you seen it when you drive towards it from the town centre.

• Opinion of Price: about average
• Related to: Road Trip

Earnslaw Lodge Photo: The lakeview. The Remarkables would be to the left

4 more images

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