The Willows Wanaka
+ 30
Find the best hotel in Queenstown for your dates, by price or preference
Compare deals for The Willows Wanaka across hundreds of sites, all in one place
Look out for a deal with free cancellation or excellent ratings
Compare rooms and prices
We compare 100s of sites to get you the best deal
Fast facts
Check in from: | 15:00 |
|---|---|
Check out before: | 10:00 |
Amenities
Wi-Fi
Parking
Air conditioning
Non-smoking
Fire extinguishers
Garden
More about The Willows Wanaka
The Willows Wanaka
The Willows Wanaka features a garden and the property is only 300m from the lake. It also offers a seating area with a flat-screen TV, terrace and a private bathroom with free toiletries, a hair dryer and shower. Puzzling World is 2.
Reviews from 
Group traveller
Comment: 27 Feb 2020
Stayed in: Feb 2020
What a wonderful place to stay
Where do I start. We arrived earlier than intended, but were warmly welcomed by our lovely host, and shown to our two bed chalet for the night, and to say we were blown away was an understatement. A view of the mountains from our patio door entrance, in a location just a couple of minutes walk from the centre of town. Fast WiFi, smart TV and Bluetooth speaker all situated within a lovely lounge with two sofas. A fully equipped kitchen, with oven, microwave, fridge freezer, dishwasher and washing machine/dryer, it had everything you could need and more, plus a large bathroom with walk in shower. My wife and I, visiting from the UK, and our NZ friend, could not have wished for a better place to stay, and could not recommend highly enough.
Family traveller
AU
Comment: 27 Jun 2021
Stayed in: Jun 2021
Didn’t get to stay because NZ/Aus bubble closed but extremely poor treatment from the host Adrien
We had booked The Willows for Sydney June 2021 school holidays but unfortunately the NSW/NZ bubble closed so we were unable to travel. I had also recommended two other families book at The Willows so had brought additional business to Adrien’s apartments. Despite being unable to enter the country Adrien did not provide us with a full refund and got entirely confused with another booking I had made for a friend, despite me clearly stating I was seeking to cancel for my own booking. He was also extremely rude and unprofessional, suggesting that I was trying to “abuse” their goodwill which was mortifying given the very disappointing circumstances we found ourselves in. We will definitely try and return to Wanaka once the bubble opens up again but will not stay at The Willows and be subjected to such poor treatment. We also do not recommend any other families stay there if you wish to be treated with respect and compassion in these challenging times, as that is not what you will find with Adrien at The Willows.
Hotel response
Comment: 10 Jul 2021
Helen,
We refunded 75% of your 2 bookings, while your cancellation policy was non refundable at all. We have been in contact with you quite a few times, always trying to find a solution (we postponed your booking at first, changed dates, then refunded 75% total)
We helped as much as we could even though you didn’t book a flexible rate like most of our Australian guests.
We do not agree with how you described what happened. We have been professional over the 10 phone calls we had and felt pressured by you which is not a good way to deal with things.
Unfortunately we cannot offer a full refund on a non refundable rate while other guests book specifically a flexible one for this purpose.
We refunded 75% of your 2 bookings, while your cancellation policy was non refundable at all. We have been in contact with you quite a few times, always trying to find a solution (we postponed your booking at first, changed dates, then refunded 75% total)
We helped as much as we could even though you didn’t book a flexible rate like most of our Australian guests.
We do not agree with how you described what happened. We have been professional over the 10 phone calls we had and felt pressured by you which is not a good way to deal with things.
Unfortunately we cannot offer a full refund on a non refundable rate while other guests book specifically a flexible one for this purpose.
Couple
NZ
Comment: 23 Jul 2020
Stayed in: Jul 2020
A bit disappointed for the price
Hmmm I’ll start with the good. The French girl who greeted us was just lovely. The place was clean and warm and the bed was wonderful. The negative -The room we were shown was tiny and not what I thought we had booked from the pictures. It was meant to be a special occasion stay but really the rooms are so badly set up. We asked to change and were shown to a bigger room but still a very odd lay out. Little things make a big difference like you can’t fill the jug from the tap as it won’t fit. No storage space to sort your gear into. The tv can only be watched from the couch unless you move all the furniture around like we did. No teaspoons. We had to ask for wine glasses! Who has to/wants to ask for things all the time when your paying $250 a night!!!! No privacy blinds on the main window so you have to close the curtains fully to do anything. Fridge at end of the bed that goes on and off all night. No blind at all on the side window. Shower door won’t close unless you slam it. Broken rail in bathroom because it’s just been cheaply glued on. Actually that sums it up. Cheaply done and overpriced. The owner might have been ok with an overseas market but it will be interesting to see how they go with kiwis staying. A tip to the owner..... try staying in your smaller rooms for a few nice with luggage. Ski gear. See how it feels. We run a Bnb and this is what we have done. We have a 9.8 rating on booking.com because we have listened to our customers. Good luck I hope you have a think and bring your pricing down to reflect your rooms
Hotel response
Comment: 24 Jul 2020
Thanks for your review. We always take into consideration our guests’ feedback.
We kindly remind you that all the inclusions of the accomodation you booked were listed in the description.
You booked a room without kitchen instead of an apartment, and agreed on the rate when you booked. Rate which was competitive in Wanaka for the peak season.
The room size and inclusions as well as accurate pictures of the set up and layout were all in the listing description.
As written in our guest hand book in your room, we have a dry room for the skis and boots.
We have done our best to fulfil all your requests and upgraded you to a sunny and bigger room as we had one available.
We are sorry to hear that our accomodation wasn’t to your taste. We have a lot of kiwis staying at The Willows the feedback and reviews we get are excellent.
The Willows Wanaka Team
We kindly remind you that all the inclusions of the accomodation you booked were listed in the description.
You booked a room without kitchen instead of an apartment, and agreed on the rate when you booked. Rate which was competitive in Wanaka for the peak season.
The room size and inclusions as well as accurate pictures of the set up and layout were all in the listing description.
As written in our guest hand book in your room, we have a dry room for the skis and boots.
We have done our best to fulfil all your requests and upgraded you to a sunny and bigger room as we had one available.
We are sorry to hear that our accomodation wasn’t to your taste. We have a lot of kiwis staying at The Willows the feedback and reviews we get are excellent.
The Willows Wanaka Team
Family traveller
AU
Comment: 20 Jul 2019
Stayed in: Jul 2019
New and modern block of 4 townhouses in great location, average management. Not suitable for young kids!
We stayed at the Willows for a week during the winter school holidays with my wife, 5 yo and 2 yo. We had a 3 bedroom self-contained apartment and had a great time. Unfortunately several small issues prevented me from recommending this place 100%
The good:
Good layout with spacious lounge, self-contained master bedroom with separate entrance and on-suite (not specified on the booking website by the way)
Clean and tidy and appears to be brand new
Plenty of parking on-site
Close to the centre with only a short walk to most restaurants and the New World supermarket
Space for skis and a separate drier
Large spacious main bathroom with 2 sinks
Well-equipped kitchen including a dishwasher, washing machine/drier
Quick response to communication
free internet, reasonable speeds
The not so good:
Despite me explaining early that we're travelling with 2 young children, no effort has been made to make the apartment child friendly. I have also requested a portable cot and a high chair, with the property manager confirming everything will be arranged - neither was provided on arrival.
Confusing communication - initially the manager was going to meet us for a tour of the property but at the last minute an email with "self check in" instructions was received.
Still looking for that promised bottle of water in the fridge....
Apartment isn't really suited for toddlers and infants: lots of sharp corners and hazards, fake and real pot plants within a toddler's reach, tall chairs and easily accessible electronic equipment that could be pulled over. Kitchen is open access and no child safety lock on the stove/dishwasher. NO BATH! - if you ever had to wash an overtired toddler in the shower, you understand my pain!
Main bedroom and lounge have air conditioning units and you pretty much have to keep them running as the place gets very cold very quickly, especially during the night. The smaller bedrooms have no heating and with doors closed will cool down to freezing temperature within a few hours. So the choice is to either open doors for some warm air and listen to the grinding of the washing machine... or to freeze!
for a family of 4 staying for 5 nights, 2 small vials of each soap, shampoo and conditioner was provided... really? That works well in a hotel where everything is replenished daily but not in an apartment... Two sachets each of washing machine detergent and dishwasher powder were provided...
BYO netflix.... Haven't turned the TV on so not really relevant but just something I noticed - for a luxury accommodation only free to air channels are a bit of a let down
Small apartment planning issues - the main bedroom door hits the air conditioning unit when opened.... some of the drawers in the kitchen can't be opened because of the washing machine. Those were minor issues and did not detract from the overall experience.
Overall, it was a nice place to stay, convenient and well-equipped. Some issues with management and communication, some teething (hopefully) issues that should be ironed out soon. There are alternatives in the area that are just as good or better and in the same price range, but Willows is definitely not a bad choice.
The good:
Good layout with spacious lounge, self-contained master bedroom with separate entrance and on-suite (not specified on the booking website by the way)
Clean and tidy and appears to be brand new
Plenty of parking on-site
Close to the centre with only a short walk to most restaurants and the New World supermarket
Space for skis and a separate drier
Large spacious main bathroom with 2 sinks
Well-equipped kitchen including a dishwasher, washing machine/drier
Quick response to communication
free internet, reasonable speeds
The not so good:
Despite me explaining early that we're travelling with 2 young children, no effort has been made to make the apartment child friendly. I have also requested a portable cot and a high chair, with the property manager confirming everything will be arranged - neither was provided on arrival.
Confusing communication - initially the manager was going to meet us for a tour of the property but at the last minute an email with "self check in" instructions was received.
Still looking for that promised bottle of water in the fridge....
Apartment isn't really suited for toddlers and infants: lots of sharp corners and hazards, fake and real pot plants within a toddler's reach, tall chairs and easily accessible electronic equipment that could be pulled over. Kitchen is open access and no child safety lock on the stove/dishwasher. NO BATH! - if you ever had to wash an overtired toddler in the shower, you understand my pain!
Main bedroom and lounge have air conditioning units and you pretty much have to keep them running as the place gets very cold very quickly, especially during the night. The smaller bedrooms have no heating and with doors closed will cool down to freezing temperature within a few hours. So the choice is to either open doors for some warm air and listen to the grinding of the washing machine... or to freeze!
for a family of 4 staying for 5 nights, 2 small vials of each soap, shampoo and conditioner was provided... really? That works well in a hotel where everything is replenished daily but not in an apartment... Two sachets each of washing machine detergent and dishwasher powder were provided...
BYO netflix.... Haven't turned the TV on so not really relevant but just something I noticed - for a luxury accommodation only free to air channels are a bit of a let down
Small apartment planning issues - the main bedroom door hits the air conditioning unit when opened.... some of the drawers in the kitchen can't be opened because of the washing machine. Those were minor issues and did not detract from the overall experience.
Overall, it was a nice place to stay, convenient and well-equipped. Some issues with management and communication, some teething (hopefully) issues that should be ironed out soon. There are alternatives in the area that are just as good or better and in the same price range, but Willows is definitely not a bad choice.
Hotel response
Comment: 26 Jul 2019
Hi Sergei,
Thank you for your detailed review and we are glad you enjoyed your stay.
We did communicate with you greatly before and during your check in to make your stay the most pleasant as possible.
As mentioned a couple of times in our messages, you could have contacted us anytime if you needed extra help during your stay or additional services, either by calling or messaging us. Unfortunately, we never heard from you during the 5 nights you stayed with us and therefore couldn't know the issues you encountered.
We do provide a complimentary starting kit of bathroom and kitchen products to warmly welcome you. As you mentioned we do not replenish the apartments daily but we were available anytime to provide you with additional products if requested.
We allow for self-check-in for more convenience when guests don't want to commit on their arrival time, or when they plan to arrive in the late afternoon or evening.
Regarding the crib and high chair, these could have easily been provided from day 1 upon request and confirmation from you since they are at a small extra charge. Again we would have provided them with great pleasure but haven't heard from you.
We are proud to provide great accommodation and service but we can only resolve issues if we are aware of them.
Thank you again for staying with us!
Adrien
Thank you for your detailed review and we are glad you enjoyed your stay.
We did communicate with you greatly before and during your check in to make your stay the most pleasant as possible.
As mentioned a couple of times in our messages, you could have contacted us anytime if you needed extra help during your stay or additional services, either by calling or messaging us. Unfortunately, we never heard from you during the 5 nights you stayed with us and therefore couldn't know the issues you encountered.
We do provide a complimentary starting kit of bathroom and kitchen products to warmly welcome you. As you mentioned we do not replenish the apartments daily but we were available anytime to provide you with additional products if requested.
We allow for self-check-in for more convenience when guests don't want to commit on their arrival time, or when they plan to arrive in the late afternoon or evening.
Regarding the crib and high chair, these could have easily been provided from day 1 upon request and confirmation from you since they are at a small extra charge. Again we would have provided them with great pleasure but haven't heard from you.
We are proud to provide great accommodation and service but we can only resolve issues if we are aware of them.
Thank you again for staying with us!
Adrien
Couple
MN
Comment: 24 Mar 2019
Stayed in: Mar 2019
Our one regret is that we could not stay longer
This place has everything you need for a comfortable stay. I mean...they have thought of everything! It is located only blocks from the city centre and lake. It is also close to the market so instead of eating at a restaurant we opted to cook in the well-appointed kitchen. There is a table outside. If the weather is nice you can eat outside or enjoy a glass of wine there.
Location
55 Upton Street, Wanaka, Queenstown, 9305, New Zealand|52.83 km from city centre
Check in and check out
Check in from:
15:00
Check out before:
10:00
Good to know
Please contact the hotel for details about adding extra beds.
The Willows Wanaka: FAQs
Need flights or a car for your trip?
Did you know we can help you plan the rest of your trip? Get exclusive deals and great rates for flights and car hire.Flights to Queenstown
Car hire in Queenstown