New Zealand's priciest Penthouse to pull $10k per night and new class of traveller

New Zealand’s priciest hotel suite, Eichardt’s Private Hotel’s ultra-luxury rooftop abode - aptly named “The Penthouse” - will officially open its doors mid-December 2016.

Commanding $10,000 per night for its sweeping 180º view over Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu, exquisite design and VIP service, The Penthouse is the prize jewel in the Eichardt’s $6 million expansion, which also includes a new 200-seat restaurant and two lavish Hotel Lake View Suites.

In true Eichardt’s style, The Penthouse oozes elegance with its terrace spa, in-suite sauna, 24/7 butler service and afterhours one-on-one shopping experiences with brand partners across Queenstown. Guests will also enjoy Krug Champagne refreshed daily, deluxe toiletries, commercial grade kitchen, private chef and Land Rover and driver at their disposal.

With significant interest and a number of pre-bookings from affluent international guests ahead of its highly-anticipated opening date, The Penthouse (part of the Imperium Collection of luxury boutique hotels owned by Christchurch-born, Melbourne-based businessman Andrew Cox) presents a lucrative tourism opportunity for Queenstown.

“We’re preparing for a new class of ultra-high net worth guests,” Cox explains.

“With a small yet powerful group of discerning guests heading to Queenstown on a regular basis, often by private plane, The Penthouse is a natural extension of Eichardt’s’ luxury offering and is sure to make an entrance to the market like no other.”

Destination Queenstown’s chief executive, Graham Budd, said it was exciting to see a new luxury offering and retail experience being added to the centre of Queenstown.

“Queenstown is New Zealand’s premium visitor destination and attracts guests in the luxury market from Australia, America, Asia and Europe as well as domestically - all looking to enjoy stunning scenery, authentic experiences, unique activities and fine local cuisine and wine in a welcoming and safe environment.

“Queenstown is the natural choice for the premium market and it’s great to see investment in product for this sector,” says Budd.

Juxtaposed next to the historic neo-classical Eichardt’s Private Hotel on Marine Parade, the new Skyline Enterprises building that houses The Penthouse and The Grille (Eichardt’s’ newest waterfront restaurant) was designed by award-winning Queenstown architect Michael Wyatt.
Skyline Enterprises Chairman Mark Quickfall says he is delighted that the new Marine Parade building is nearing completion.

“We are thrilled with the select group of tenants who have chosen to open their businesses there. The combination of the outstanding building, tenants and location will see the creation of a new luxury enclave in Queenstown,” says Quickfall.

Before construction, the entire development underwent archaeological excavation in order to discover and preserve the unique heritage of the area and of the Wakatipu Basin.

According to Cox, The Penthouse is “a calculated reflection of Eichardt’s history as well as the natural beauty and distinctive energy of the region.”

“It is testament to Queenstown’s reputation as one of the world’s finest tourist destinations. Our warm culture and unparalleled natural surroundings have helped to put New Zealand on the global map, and with Eichardt’s ever-expanding luxury hospitality offering, we’re certainly keeping pace with the likes of London, New York and Paris,” he concludes.

Rates for the 240sqm (plus 100sqm balcony) penthouse suite are $10,000 per night, with the two additional Lakefront Suites available for $1950 per night. Reservations are officially open from 15 December 2016.

For further information visit http://www.eichardts.com/ or www.imperium.co.nz