I had already warmed to Eichardt’s Private Hotel when speaking in advance on the phone with an incredibly helpful American staff member, Catherine (there are so many foreigners from English speaking countries who flock to NZ for their gap year or to see the world). I loved that she happened to be there to welcome us into the instantly cosy atmosphere.

The original core of the town has a colonial, frontier look and Eichardt’s is one of those 19th century buildings, but the point of difference is the modernist add-on, with a huge glass wall in the lobby and views of the lake and autumn trees from the new staircase. We loved the unique character that the mix of old and new gives the hotel.

Many of their clients come here to ski and the hotel has an overall chalet feel, but not a cliché version, one that’s amped up by strong décor. It is so small and compact but the downstairs bar and public spaces have lots of big, bold design choices like a geometric pattern on the ceilings, stone walls painted white, giant clocks and studded metal detailing around the fireplace. Double height ceilings and raw industrial beams in the sunken lounge room are balanced by the warmth of beautiful lighting and chocolate carpet.

Sheira and I love spending time in a space where each element has visual flair that all comes together. It really puts a spring in our step and adds more texture to the experience.

I also liked the intimacy (and novelty) of having a key that opens the front door to get into the hotel - at that time of night no one is managing it and you can come and go as you please. There are only 6 rooms in the main building (which adds to its charm) so they have bought a little property just around the corner and redeveloped it into another, stand-alone wing about 100 metres away.

A word about service: these guys are unbelievable and we can’t speak highly enough of them. From the warmth of their welcome to the way they let us leave our luggage in the room when we left for nearby Blanket Bay Lodge before returning for our last night. If Catherine and Jane and still there - say hi from me!

I LOVE flexibility with hotels and airlines - those are the people I give my loyalty and business to. It was no skin off their nose - but not all hotels would do it (inflexibility has been my impression of say, Qantas on several occasions, which then colours my view of their corporate policy).

We also met the hotel’s Auckland-based interior decorator, (and co-investor) Virginia Fisher - whose work we had also seen at the two lodges we had just visited, Cape Kidnappers and Huka. Clearly we’re fans of her eye and design sensibility because each totally different property had attracted us. She was a really enlightening, engaging woman to talk to and we exchanged views on where we love to stay in France and Italy.

SUITE DREAMS

The suites were plush and comfortable - and the waterfront views really make it. My first choice would be to experience this alpine destination in winter when you get the full visual contrast of lake against snow on the peaks - which really pops more in your photos as well. Even so, there is something so calming about looking out over a lake that’s as smooth as glass, fringed by beautiful poplars and green hills. From the bedroom we could see a paddle steamer and a tug boat chug by… They have really nailed the combination of hip-looking and cosy. It’s a great, welcoming space to come back to after a day of fresh alpine air and adventure activity.

LAKE VIEW SUITES
NZ$1645.00

MOUNTAIN VIEW SUITES
NZ$1425.00

STAND ALONE LAKESIDE COTTAGE

Lakefront Family Suite
NZ$1200.00

Lakefront Suite
NZ$985.00