This seriously chic hotel is an anomaly in Queenstown. Tucked away from the city's pub-and-grub tourist bustle is The Spire's glass front door, which leads to another world. Every square inch is stylish, from the sleek lobby to the 16-seat gourmet restaurant. The ten guest rooms, decked out in red, cream, and black, have walk-in closets, gas fireplaces, balconies, and lovely touches such as Eames loungers. There are idiosyncrasiesdoors do not automatically lock behind you, and the in-room multimedia system is devilishly confusingbut the standards are high and the result a deliriously sweet taste of South Island comfort.
When to go: June through August, for snow sports; December through February, for long summer days.
Which room to book: No. 6, on the top floor, has the best views and ambience (doubles, $583).