The last 3 nights of my New Zealand trip, I stayed at The Spire Hotel in Queenstown.

It was one of the best hotel experiences of my life.

My bedroom at The Spire Hotel was so cozy I never wanted to leave

Owned and operated by two very young, ridiculously hard-working sisters, Amelia and Lucy Gain, The Spire Hotel was named Australasia’s Leading Boutique Hotel in 2011, as well as New Zealand’s Leading Boutique Hotel in 2011. With backgrounds in luxury hospitality and IT, Amelia and Lucy are there essentially 24/7, putting everything they’ve got (literally) into this amazing hotel. It shows.

Rooms aren’t cheap (they run close to $1000 a night, so thank you to The Spire for hosting me!) but it’s one of the nicest, homiest, and loveliest places I’ve ever stayed. Lucy regularly picks up guests from the airport; Amelia will chat with you at the bar and pop by Fergburger to pick up their famous nibbles for you; the two of them are always right by the lobby door to greet you with a smile. Meanwhile, their in-hotel restaurant and bar No. 5 Church Lane features delicious Thai food (with all the chefs straight from Thailand) and perhaps THE best cocktail bar in Queenstown, which is saying something. Ask Connor or Eric to make you something off-menu!

The Spire Hotel's lobby

The 10 rooms feature Eames Chairs, L’Occitane amenities, large balconies with stunning views and retractable roofs, flat-screen TVs, plush beds, and a fireplace.

Add this place to your list: it’s a must when in New Zealand!

Another view of my room at The Spire Hotel - the view of The Remarkables mountain range off the balcony was, indeed, remarkable