SUDIMA
The Sudima Queenstown Five Mile Hotel has 120 rooms.
There’s a low-key gem tucked between the shops in a Queenstown shopping district.
The place
Kiwis are renowned for their sobriety and modesty, as evidenced by the latest establishment of the New Zealand hotel chain Sudima, Queenstown Five Mile.
Right in Frankton’s bustling shopping district just outside of town, you’d be hard pressed to find it, tucked between a North Beach clothing store and a Japanese restaurant.
The entrance doesn’t scream and scream that a 4.5 star luxury hotel is on site. There are 120 rooms, plus conference and event spaces.
Guests have access to a nearby Flex Fitness gym and a brand new spa has just opened next to the hotel – Moss Spa.
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SUDIMA
The entrance to the hotel is very sober.
Location
Located a few miles from the airport, it is just over 7km from Queenstown and 13km from Arrowtown, with the ski slopes and vineyards beyond.
Your best bet for getting around is by rental car or Uber/taxi. Those with a little more drive in their step can take a leisurely stroll by the lake or cycle along the Frankton Track into town.
SUDIMA
The Sudima Queenstown Five Mile Hotel hides in plain sight.
Space
My room is a King Remarkables view. It’s on a corner and the bedroom is spacious with a very large wardrobe and a king bed.
The shower is huge and the room is full of modern fixtures. There’s an Amazon Echo with an ‘Alexa’ app, so playing music and getting the latest news and weather was a breeze. The TV has limited channels, but is set up to Chromecast from your smartphone.
This is a very eco-conscious hotel brand, so expect compostable coffee pods, rechargeable bathroom products, and LED lighting. There’s also a yoga mat, a first for this writer.
Get out of
If you are a shopaholic, you are in for a treat. There are a host of brands in a short period of time, including ubiquitous brands like Kmart, Hallensteins and Whitcoulls.
There are restaurants nearby and a pub too, The Crown, which has stunning views from the beer garden.
SUDIMA
Podium is hosted on the first floor.
The food
Although there are dining options around the hotel, I would definitely recommend dining at the Podium, which is on the first floor.
I opted for the Trust the Chef option, which was a four course mini tasting offer. Highlights included the beet gnocchi with delicious burnt sage and nut butter, and the wild west coast venison.
Breakfast is equally satisfying – with the steak and mushrooms on toast setting up the day perfectly.
Underline
This is a hotel that seems to really value accessibility and sustainability. Initiatives like the Hidden Disability Sunflower Scheme, which is a subtle lanyard that discreetly signals to hotel staff that wearers might need additional assistance, are proudly promoted at the forefront by the hotel.
Low light
If you want to be in the middle of all the action happening in Queenstown CBD, you might be a little disappointed. If hitting Kmart at 10:30 p.m. is more your thing, then this will be perfect.
Essential
Room rates start at $134 for a superior twin. More details on sudimahotels.com.
Stay safe: New Zealand is currently under Covid-19 restrictions. Follow the instructions on covid19.govt.nz.
The writer stayed as a guest of Sudima Queenstown Five Mile.
