There are many that come close, but in terms of the value and the richness of memories to cherish, I’m sure this is my favorite hotel point redemption till date. Replete with a unique combination of tranquility and adventure, Queenstown offered us perhaps the best week in travel so far.
Image, courtesy Google Maps
Two Hiltons In Queenstown
En route Queenstown on Air New Zealand
We’d already heard fantastic reviews about Queenstown from friends and family who had visited the city earlier. Acting upon their recommendations, we decided to book a 5 night stay at Queenstown, giving us almost a full 6 days and 5 nights to explore the city. Hilton Queenstown was sold out, since it was peak season around Thanksgiving holiday. However, Doubletree Hilton Queenstown was available. We booked a 5 night stay at the Doubletree Hilton Queenstown using my Hilton Honors points.
Using Hilton Honors Points for a 5 night stay
Booking the points redemption
As a Hilton Honors Gold member, we got the fifth night free, since we were using our Hilton points, totaling to 120,000 for 5 nights (24,000 points per night). The hotel served our needs perfectly. Gold status with Hilton meant that we had complimentary breakfast during day of the stay, which meant that we could use all of our time to explore the island. If you have a look at some of the current bonuses available for Hilton’s credit cards from American Express, you could also spend 5 nights or even more at the Doubletree Hilton Queenstown.
A trip to remember
What followed next was an exciting week full of both adventure and relaxation. First up was to take up a personal challenge and do the historic Kawarau Bungee jump in Queenstown.
Kawarau Bungee Jump: An unforgettable experience!
After feeling the adrenaline rush of a bungee jump, we spent the remainder of the week just exploring some of the most scenic and gorgeous sights around the island.
Aerial view of Queenstown, NZ
Be it experiencing the stunning natural beauty in Milford Sound or getting a bird’s eye view of Queenstown with the Skyline Gondola ride, Queenstown offered everything. When we decided to wind down after a long day of travel, we used to just drive around city center or take a walk around Lake Wakatipu.
Lake Wakatipu
Waking up to this view at the Doubletree Hilton Queenstown
The Pundit’s Mantra
As said in my introductory post, it’s up to you how to set your travel goal and then look at point accumulation and redemption. The points redemption offered me a perfect mix of peace, and adventure. Queenstown was a special trip for me. It lived up to the hype. I loved the adrenaline rush of the bungee jump. The very next day started with a cup of coffee in hand and walk early in the morning around Lake Wakatipu. Milford sound had breathtaking sights. The drive to Milford Sound was stunning.
Milford Sound, here we come!
Multiple pit stops for sure, with views like these
Such was the contrast; such was the variety in experience. What was constant however, was the natural beauty and friendly people, culminating into an experience of a lifetime.
Have you traveled to New Zealand? Have you been to Queenstown? What has been your favorite experience while traveling there? I’d love to hear from you!
I’m flying to Queenstown next January. Both the Hilton and the Doubletree have shown no availability for either paid or award bookings during the first half of next January ever since booking for those dates might have been possible, yet paid bookings during that time are wide open when booking through third party sites, such as Travelocity. Same goes for the Doubletree Christchurch.
I agree with you. Availability is tough to find. One thing you could possibly do is call the hotel and ask. I’ve previously had success trying this out at another Hilton property where there was no standard award availability showing up on the Hilton website. Since you’re booking so far in advance, I’m guessing they might be able to help you.