Eichardt’s Private Hotel & Lakefront Apartments is a luxury retreat that sits pretty on the lakeside of New Zealand's Queenstown. It feels exclusive and intimate, owing to its petite size and impeccable staff. Close to the town's best restaurants and shopping boutiques (the former very handy, as the hotel does not have its own dining space) it is a warm, welcoming place with which to enjoy the surrounding mountainous scenery.

The facilities

Although there's no restaurant there is the cosy Eichardt's Bar, a petite space that dates back to 1867. The bar also provides a selection of light lunchtime dishes and serves breakfast each morning. There's a large verandah that leads out onto the garden, too - perfect for long summer evenings.

The rooms

Each of the Eichardt's nine suites is lavishly appointed, with super king-size beds, antique furnishings and views over Lake Wakatipu or the gardens. They all carry the same sophisticated elegance of the rest of the hotel, and come complete with all mod cons, including flat screen televisions, DVD players and in some rooms, large private balconies. The hotel also offers four two-bedroom suites with stunning lake and mountain views and, like the suites, with an interior design masterminded by world renowned New Zealander Virginia Fisher. The apartments are perfect for larger parties, families, professionals and longer-staying guests. Each suite is spacious and airy, and is flooded with natural sunlight. The upper floor roofs have sunny skylights with electric shutters. A compact and well-equipped kitchen with microwave and hob enables relaxing 'at home' dining or entertainment.