Where to Stay in Queenstown (If You’re Broke But Still Want Nice Views)

Queenstown Accommodation Guide for Solo Travellers

Let’s not sugar-coat it, Queenstown is expensive. Like, my wallet cried just looking at the booking sites kind of expensive. And if you’re travelling solo? Good luck splitting costs with your imaginary friend.

When I visited Queenstown, I knew I had to be picky about where I stayed. I wanted something cheap-ish, clean, and walkable, but also not completely depressing. Bonus points for pretty views, because Queenstown is absolutely stunning and I wanted to stare at it constantly.

So, if you’re planning your trip and wondering where on earth to stay without selling a kidney, here’s what I found.

What I Look For in a Place to Stay

When I’m booking accommodation (aka frantically scrolling through 43 tabs), here’s what I’m always hunting for:

• Safe & somewhat private – if I’m in a dorm, I still want a bit of privacy and somewhere to lock my stuff away from potential sock thieves.
• As close to the city centre as possible – I don’t have a car, and I’m not hiking into town every morning like it’s the Oregon Trail.
• Walkable – Queenstown’s main attractions are right in the centre, so why not stay nearby and make life easier?
• Cheap – because I’m not about to spend $400 a night unless the bed makes me breakfast and tells me I’m pretty.
• Clean – I’ve stayed in one too many questionable places. Never again.
• Good views – I didn’t come all the way to Queenstown to look at a brick wall.
• Free Wi-Fi – shockingly not always included. In the year of our lord 2025.
• Kitchen access – I’m not eating out every day. I’m a budget traveller, not a celebrity chef.

Absoloot Hostel Queenstown

Type: Hostel

Price: ~$60 NZD/night

Room: 6-bed mixed dorm

This place is literally in the middle of Queenstown Mall. Like, walk out the door and you’re already in line at Fergburger. It’s ideal if you want to be smack bang in the action and don’t want to waste time (or money) commuting.

I loved the location, but the social vibe? Kinda flat. The common areas were hidden away and rarely used. Feels like you are back in high school sitting alone at lunch, except with better lake views.

What I liked:

• Ridiculously central
• Free Wi-Fi (hallelujah)
• Gorgeous lake + mountain views
• Not bad on the budget scale
• Curtains on beds (privacy: unlocked)
• Lockers, bathrooms and kitchen all solid
• They’ve got a tour desk if you want to book experiences
• Luggage storage and laundry. Super handy!

What I didn’t like:

• Super central = noisy at night. Pack earplugs or learn to love the sound of 1am karaoke.
• Kinda antisocial, people didn’t really hang out
• No real common hangout space except a weird little TV room
• Everyone was off doing their own thing, which is great for them but lonely for me
• Basically spent all my downtime on my bed scrolling TikTok
• No parking

LyLo Queenstown

Type: Hostel (with fancy pod beds)

Price: ~$60 NZD/night

Room: 8-bed dorm

If Absoloot is location goals, LyLo is the vibe. It’s newer, cleaner, and the pod beds are actually amazing. You can zip yourself in like a little privacy burrito and still have room for your backpack.

It’s on the other end of town, right near the gondola. Still walkable, but there’s a bit of a hill, great for the quads, bad for morale when carrying a 40L backpack.

What I liked:

• Pods are super spacious and cosy
• Great social vibe, easy to meet other travellers
• Rooftop area with insane views of Ben Lomond
• Free Wi-Fi
• Big communal spaces that people actually use
• Kitchen + laundry
• Parking available (rare)
• 24-hour reception for awkward flight times
• Huge lockers, very modern and clean

What I didn’t like:

• Rooftop bar was closed (rip), but you can still sit up there with snacks and enjoy the sunset
• Luggage storage costs extra (why tho?)
• That uphill walk with all my stuff was a mild workout

Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

Type: Hotel

Price: ~$365 NZD/night

Room: Standard queen or twin

Okay, time to level up. If you’re sick of dorms and have some cash to splash, Novotel is a solid hotel pick. It’s in a dreamy location between the lake and the gardens, and you get your own room (bliss).

I stayed here for one night to treat myself and wow. Having a private balcony and bathroom felt like luxury after weeks of shared bathrooms and squeaky bunks.

What I liked:

• Private everything: balcony, bathroom, space
• Free Wi-Fi
• Housekeeping, fresh towels, toiletries (no towel fees here!)
• Central location, easy to walk everywhere
• Peaceful lake views
• TV for all your post-hike binge needs

What I didn’t like:

• No social vibe. This is a hotel, not a hostel, so you probably won’t meet anyone
• Ouch at the price
• No kitchen, so meals = eating out or cold leftovers
• Parking is $50/day, which is borderline offensive
• Rooms were fine, but a little dated

The Lofts Apartments

Type: Apartment-style hotel

Price: ~$250 NZD/night

Room: Studio with double bed

This place surprised me in a good way. It’s one of the cheapest hotel-style stays in Queenstown, and it’s right on the lakefront, across from Fergburger. Location? Nailed it.

The rooms are kind of old-school, but they come with their own full kitchen, bathroom and living space. For the price, it’s seriously good value. Especially if you’re over hostels but not keen on spending $400+ a night.

What I liked:

• Feels like your own little apartment
• Full kitchen (yes to stovetop + oven!)
• Private bathroom + balcony
• Free Wi-Fi
• Housekeeping, towels, toiletries etc. all included
• Roomy enough to chill properly
• You can cook your own meals and avoid spending $20 on toast

What I didn’t like:

• City centre = potentially noisy at night
• $20/day for parking
• Pretty dated décor, feels a bit like staying at your aunty’s house..
• Some stuff was a bit run-down

Final Thoughts

Solo travelling in Queenstown doesn’t have to bankrupt you. If you’re on a tight budget and want to be central, Absoloot is the winner. If you want a comfier, more social hostel with a bit of flair, LyLo is a vibe. And if you’ve got a little extra cash to spend, The Lofts is a great middle ground.

Or go full glam and check into Novotel, just maybe don’t look at your bank account after.

Wherever you end up, Queenstown is beautiful, busy, and totally worth it. You’ll be too busy bungy jumping and eating Fergburger to spend much time in your room anyway.