Eichardt’s Hotel Expansion in Queenstown

I have long recommended Eichardt’s Private Hotel, housed within a striking 19th-century building on the Queenstown waterfront, overlooking picturesque Lake Wakatipu. (Albert Eichardt became sole proprietor of the hotel in 1869.) At present, the property comprises five stylish and exceptionally comfortable suites with separate living rooms and gas fireplaces. In addition, there are four split-level, two-bedroom suites in the Lake Front Apartments, and a self-contained three-bedroom villa. I have always been particularly fond of the hotel bar, where the lunchtime tapas menu, which includes an exceptional seafood chowder, is a local institution.

Given the recent demand for high-end accommodations in Queenstown, Eichardt’s is now undergoing a significant expansion that will add two new Hotel Lake View Suites and a 2,600-square-foot two-bedroom Penthouse, plus a new restaurant. All will be contained within a modern extension of the Victorian structure. Guests of the Penthouse will enjoy privileges that include private dining options, a Land Rover and driver permanently on call and hosted after-hours shopping at the town’s Louis Vuitton boutique — all of which seems fair enough given the anticipated $7,000 nightly rate. The extension is expected to be complete by the end of 2016.