How to get there: From Queenstown we drove over the steep and winding Crown Range Rd, enjoying the outstanding Central Otago scenery. Yellows, browns and reds everywhere.
Check-in experience: Warm, basic, and very friendly. It helped that the hotel had great parking around the back.
Wi-fi: Yes.
The room: Small, but bigger than expected, warm and clean, a tad dated. They forgot to replace our towels on one occasion but were very apologetic.
Also on site: Beanies Cafe and a slightly tired Mexican restaurant named Amigos.
What's in the neighbourhood: The Wanaka Library and Centre, Tussocks homeware store, a liquor store with prices that made my eyes water, and Bullock Bar, which didn't get rowdy at all.
Food and drink: We enjoyed Relishes cafe a few steps down the road and Federal Diner around the corner. Both boasted fantastic food and good staff.
Bathroom: Poky. The toilet was too close to the wall. But the shower had great water pressure and the bathroom was spotless.
The bed: Big, firm and comfy.
Noise: The hotel was jam-packed but there wasn't much noise to report on, except for the odd toilet flush from the neighbours or footsteps from the room above.
What's so good: The garden was beautiful and we loved the amazing sunrise .
What's not so good: Windows left open all day and evening after a room service.
Value for money: Definitely. Right on the lakefront and it's a quick stroll to all of the shops.
Would I return? Yes, it was clean and warm and in a great location.
CHECKLIST
The Wanaka Hotel is at 71 Ardmore Street, Wanaka. Phone: (03) 443 7826.