My favorite hotel points redemption to date

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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.

a map of new zealand with a red location
Image, courtesy Google Maps

 

Two Hiltons In Queenstown

an airplane wing over mountains
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.

 

a screenshot of a credit card
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.

a person from a rope
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.

 

clouds over a body of water

a body of water with clouds and mountains
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.

 

a house next to a body of water
Lake Wakatipu
a body of water with mountains in the background
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.

 

a mountain range with a road
Milford Sound, here we come!
a car parked on a road next to a river
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!

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Michael

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.

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