Browns Boutique Hotel, Queenstown

Where it is

Browns is on a quiet residential street in central Queenstown, a few minutes' walk from the lakefront, the Skyline Gondola and dozens of restaurants. Queenstown airport is a short drive, and the Coronet Peak and Remarkables ski areas are around half an hour.

From here, Milford Sound, Glenorchy, Arrowtown and the vineyards of Central Otago are all easy day trips.

Rooms

The ten rooms are warm and traditionally furnished, each with its own bathroom and a choice of a big double or twins. Each has French doors onto a Juliet balcony looking over the lake and the mountains. Small numbers mean a quiet, personal feel, with the owners on hand for advice.

Breakfast and the rest

Breakfast is served each morning; check whether it is included in your rate. There is no restaurant or bar, but some of New Zealand's best are a short walk away. Limited off-street parking is a real bonus in central Queenstown, and skiers get a heated drying room.

The moment

Throwing open the balcony doors on a clear morning to the Remarkables glowing above the lake, before a stroll into town and a cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the vintage steamship.

Why we chose it

Browns gives you central Queenstown, lake views and warm, personal hospitality for a fraction of the cost of the big lodges. It is ideal for travellers who like to walk out to dinner.

For a splurge on the same lake, see Rosewood Matakauri.

When to go

The hotel is open all year. December to February is summer and the busiest season, especially around Christmas and January. The sweet spots for travellers without school dates are autumn, from March to April, with golden trees in Arrowtown, and late spring, in October and November. Winter, from July to September, brings skiing.

The longer stay

Use Browns as a base for four or five nights: Milford Sound, Glenorchy, Arrowtown and a wine day in the Gibbston valley. It also makes a good start or finish to a month-long journey around the South Island.