Rosewood Matakauri — Hotel in South Island

A very special property in a spectacular location, the Rosewood is private and serene. Except if there's construction going on. We were told the pool and spa area would be closed during our stay, which was fine, but unfortunately we weren't told that the construction noise from said renovations would be audible from our room. ||After we checked in on the first day of our honeymoon, the noise was so loud in the afternoon that I couldn't quite believe what was happening. We tried to take a relaxing afternoon nap but couldn't due to the loud noises of heavy machinery just metres from our room. ||I considered cancelling our reservation and going straight to Blanket Bay, but we decided to stick it out - we'd planned lots of local outings and figured we'd be away from our room most days while the construction was going on. Luckily we weren't planning on spending four days holed up in our magnificent suite!! ||Our suite - a Grand Lakeview - was breathtaking. The view was magnificent, the decor stylish and on point, the bathroom serene, the walk in closet big enough for all our belongings. During the early mornings and evenings everything was perfect. ||A waitress asked us how our stay was going on our first night, and I mentioned how much construction noise we could hear from our room. She was sympathetic and said it should be quieter towards the end of the week. That was all anyone said - no compensation, no special offer to make up for the poor experience. ||We had couples massages in our suite the next morning, and even the massage staff commented on the noise. ||The food was excellent. The service was excellent - staff seemed eager to please, attentive, timely, helpful, someone always appeared just as we were leaving for an activity or arriving back after on outing - but maybe lacking a little personality; it felt a bit corporate. ||If it weren't for the construction noise - and lack of acknowledgement/compensation - this would be a five...

We recently completed a two-week luxury tour of North and South New Zealand. It was wondrous in every aspect. We stayed at the best lodges including Huka, Cape Kidnappers, Otahuna, Matakauri, and Eichardt’s private hotel. For the ultimate experience, book your trip through Marchay. Now for the review!||Located ten minutes from Queenstown, this is another hotel sold by the Robertson Brothers to Rosewood which took over in December. Located on the third biggest lake in NZ, Lake Wakatipu, it offers breathtaking views of the lake and mountains. Only 16 suites, all on the lake. ||The lodge features a nice swimming pool and spa, small gym and two treatment rooms. I had an amazing 75-minute massage, reserve well in advance. There is a nice walking trail to the lake and if you are inspired, a difficult walking and biking trail that goes forever. ||The main building is rather small and offers a too small seating area for canopies and drinks. The main dining room is small too especially if the lodge is full. Coveted window tables are on a first-come basis. Like Cape Kidnappers, outdoor seating is an afterthought. The view of the lake is hidden by plants and the few tables are basic and not inviting. The Robertson Brothers surely had issues with outdoor dining and I hope Rosewood resolves this. ||Food is good but not spectacular like Huka or Otahuna. The daily menu was very limited but the chef prepared most anything you wanted. ||Staff is attentive and friendly. We were fortunate to have Locky serve us drinks on our first night and at only 22 years old, one of the best in the hospitality business. He made the second night memorable. ||Overall: A step up over Cape Kidnappers but still operates like a chain that lacks personal touches. I do think over time Rosewood will update the property and bring it to world-class standards. Excellent...

We recently completed a two-week luxury tour of North and South New Zealand. It was wondrous in every aspect. We stayed at the best lodges including Huka, Cape Kidnappers, Otahuna, Matakauri, and Eichardt’s private hotel. For the ultimate experience, book your trip through Marchay. Now for the review!||Located ten minutes from Queenstown, this is another hotel sold by the Robertson Brothers to Rosewood which took over in December. Located on the third biggest lake in NZ, Lake Wakatipu, it offers breathtaking views of the lake and mountains. Only 16 suites, all on the lake. ||The lodge features a nice swimming pool and spa, small gym and two treatment rooms. I had an amazing 75-minute massage, reserve well in advance. There is a nice walking trail to the lake and if you are inspired, a difficult walking and biking trail that goes forever. ||The main building is rather small and offers a too small seating area for canopies and drinks. The main dining room is small too especially if the lodge is full. Coveted window tables are on a first-come basis. Like Cape Kidnappers, outdoor seating is an afterthought. The view of the lake is hidden by plants and the few tables are basic and not inviting. The Robertson Brothers surely had issues with outdoor dining and I hope Rosewood resolves this. ||Food is good but not spectacular like Huka or Otahuna. The daily menu was very limited but the chef prepared most anything you wanted. ||Staff is attentive and friendly. We were fortunate to have Locky serve us drinks on our first night and at only 22 years old, one of the best in the hospitality business. He made the second night memorable. ||Overall: A step up over Cape Kidnappers but still operates like a chain that lacks personal touches. I do think over time Rosewood will update the property and bring it to world-class standards. Excellent...