Stoneridge Estate
One Michelin Key
Hotel Details
Location
Stoneridge Estate · Queenstown, New Zealand
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Key Highlights
- ✓Exceptional Service & Staff: The staff's attentiveness, friendliness, and willingness to go "above and beyond" to make stays perfect are frequently mentioned.
Expert Review: Stoneridge Estate
Stoneridge Estate in Queenstown, New Zealand, a Michelin Key One-Keys property, consistently receives high praise for its breathtaking scenery, exceptional service, and luxurious, tranquil setting. It's often described as a "wow factor" destination, offering a unique blend of nature and opulent comfort.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
Stoneridge Estate garners an overwhelmingly positive sentiment, with guests frequently rating it as "wonderful" or "exceptional." Review scores on platforms like Booking.com show high marks across the board: Location (9.7), Cleanliness (9.6), Comfort (9.7), and Staff (9.5), with an overall score of 9.3 out of 10. Guests consistently highlight their unforgettable experiences, often expressing a strong desire to return.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently rave about several standout features:
- Spectacular Views: Panoramic views of Lake Hayes and the surrounding mountains, including Coronet Peak, are a major draw, visible from every room and public space.
- Exceptional Service & Staff: The staff's attentiveness, friendliness, and willingness to go "above and beyond" to make stays perfect are frequently mentioned.
- Beautiful Property & Design: The estate itself, constructed of local schist rock and recycled materials, features a unique architectural design that evokes a grand European château, blending luxury with nature. The 12 acres of vineyards and water gardens further enhance its appeal.
- Luxurious Amenities: Guests love the hot tub, infinity pool, complimentary afternoon wine and cheeseboard, and delicious made-to-order breakfasts.
- Tranquil Setting: The quiet and peaceful atmosphere, away from the congestion of Queenstown, is highly valued.
3. Room Quality
The rooms at Stoneridge Estate are described as large, luxurious, well-thought-out, and extremely comfortable. Each beautifully furnished room features an en-suite bathroom, a private balcony with lake and mountain views, and a TV. The unique architectural design is complemented by custom-crafted furnishings, fine Italian linens, goose down duvets, a pillow menu, and original New Zealand artworks. Specific suites like the Arrow Suite offer spaciousness with separate lounges and direct access to the lap pool, while the Coronet and Gibbston Suites boast remarkable views and handcrafted Jarrah furniture. Guests appreciate the complimentary snacks and tea/coffee making facilities.
4. Dining Experience
Dining at Stoneridge Estate is a highlight, particularly the breakfast and the "Trust the Chef" dinner experience.
- Breakfast: A complimentary, made-to-order cooked breakfast, along with continental options and barista coffee, is served daily in the main dining room or al fresco, often lauded as delicious and superb.
- Dinner: The signature "Trust the Chef" five-course degustation menu offers New Zealand fine dining, focusing on the freshest seasonal and regional produce. Dinner reservations are subject to chef availability and require advance booking, with options for perfectly matched wine pairings. While the Lodge Restaurant offers exceptional dining, it does not operate as a public restaurant, meaning it's primarily for guests and by prior arrangement.
- Other: Guests also enjoy a complimentary afternoon cheeseboard and a glass of the estate's wine. The Cellar Door also offers platters and nibbles during the day.
5. Service & Staff
The service and staff at Stoneridge Estate consistently receive outstanding feedback. Guests describe the staff as excellent, attentive, friendly, kind, and professional, often going out of their way to ensure a perfect stay. Many reviews highlight the personalized and warm hospitality, noting that the staff enhance the luxurious and relaxed vibe of the estate.
6. Location & Accessibility
Stoneridge Estate is nestled on the shores of Lake Hayes, amidst vineyards and gardens, offering a tranquil and secluded setting. It is approximately a 15-minute drive from the heart of Queenstown, and about 10 minutes from Queenstown Airport. While providing a peaceful escape, its location allows for easy access to Queenstown's attractions, with Arrowtown being just a 10-minute drive away. Given its semi-rural location, a rental car is advised for exploring the area. The estate offers free parking and airport transfer services.
7. Value & Pricing
Stoneridge Estate is positioned as a luxury property, and while it's considered a splurge, many guests find it to be "exceptional value for money" given the unparalleled experience it offers. The average price per room is around $477, compared to Queenstown's average of $222, reflecting its 5-star luxury and bespoke offerings. Prices can vary by season, with March and September often being cheaper. All tariffs include daily complimentary breakfast and an afternoon cheeseboard with wine.
8. Common Complaints
While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor criticisms have been noted:
- Dinner Availability: The "Trust the Chef" dinner requires advance booking and is subject to chef availability, which means it's not always an impromptu option.
- Turn-down Service: One guest mentioned a missed turn-down service, leading to food being left in the room.
- Room Smell: One isolated review mentioned a room being "musty" with an intense smell, though this appears to be an anomaly given the high cleanliness ratings.
- Pool Heating: While the estate boasts an infinity pool and hot tubs, one review suggested the main pool should be heated, implying it might not always be to a comfortable temperature for swimming. (Note: The provided information states that Lodge and Cottage guests have use of the Lodge lap pool and hot tub, while Retreat guests have use of the Retreat infinity pool and spa pool. It's unclear from the provided snippets if all pools are heated).
- Dinner Options: Some guests noted that only a five-course meal was offered for dinner, prompting them to seek dinner elsewhere if they desired a different option.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor criticisms have been noted:
Google Reviews
364 reviews
Recent Guest Reviews
Natasha
Loved our stay at Stoneridge. A beautiful small boutique hotel with friendly staff and delicious food. The “trust the chef” experience was exceptional. They even accommodated our 5 yr old son asking in advance what he’d prefer. The grounds were beautiful to walk in and the view from the room breathtaking. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and look forward to returning.
Response from the owner
Hi Natasha, <br>Thank you so much for taking the time to share your kind words and your lovely photos. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. <br>Kind regards, <br>Stoneridge Estate <br>
Cinco Hair Boutique
We stayed at Stoneridge Estate for our heli-wedding and it was truly unforgettable. A huge thank you to all the staff, especially Daniel, Sue, London, and the chef for making our stay and wedding so memorable. A few days before our wedding our original hair and makeup team had to pull out due to unforeseen circumstances. London was incredibly quick to find a replacement hairdresser and makeup arti...
Response from the owner
Hi Kendall & Shea, <br>First of all, a big congratulations to you both! And thank you for choosing us to host your wedding day. We really appreciate you taking the time to highlight our staff and for ...
Mariano
We spent our wedding time at Stoneridge Estatel and it was absolutely perfect. The setting is stunning, the atmosphere is peaceful and romantic, and the team made us feel incredibly special throughout our stay. It was the ideal place to celebrate such an important moment in our lives. Highly recommended for couples looking for something truly memorable.
Response from the owner
Hi Mariano, <br>Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. We really appreciate your kind words and comments!<br>All the best, <br>Stoneridge Estate
XIV Moses (Venus & Francis)
The setting and staff at Stoneridge Estate is just beyond words. It is a boutique hotel so there are not many staff, but this is perfect as all the staff are so helpful and friendly - it just felt like a very warm neighbourhood to live in for a few days. It’s sad that we didn’t catch the names of all the lovely staff. The dinner was lovely and perfectly done even though there was only one staff...
Response from the owner
Hi, <br>Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a detailed and thoughtful review. We really appreciate your kind comments about our staff, venue and food and have passed your suggestion re...
Sarah Pomare
From start to finish Stonebridge Estate was a five star experience. Our room in The Retreat was beautiful with such attention to detail. The view from our room was breathtaking. We did the degustation meal on our first night and it was fabulous, the chef took great care to cater for my dietary requirements. Breakfasts which are included were a highlight with options to suit everyone. Also the comp...
Response from the owner
Hi Sarah,<br><br>Thank you for your wonderful review. We’re delighted you enjoyed your stay in The Retreat and loved the views, meals, and breakfast options. It’s great to hear that the team could cat...
jess turney
The most breathtaking stay!! My fiance surprised me with this accomodation, even included an in house massage and booked their fine dining dinner which was amazing. We stayed in the cottage for 2 nights and loved every moment! The staff were so very friendly and helpful, great to talk to. The scenery and accommodation was so stunning, with so much character and unique qualities this took my breath...
Response from the owner
Hi Jess,<br>Thank you for your wonderful review. We’re delighted you enjoyed your stay in the Cottage and that the massage, fine dining, and cheese platter added to the experience. It’s great to hear ...
About One Michelin Key
One Michelin Key is awarded to hotels that offer a very special stay. These properties are characterized by their unique personality, high quality, and ability to create memorable experiences for guests.
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