We stayed 3 nights. It is expensive. But it is fabulous. The accommodation is very high class (even in the standard rooms). The communal rooms are spacious and have great facilities (reading areas, fireplaces, bars, pool table and other bar games; cinema TV and DvDs, wonderful views). The spa and gym are high class and the in-house masseuse is a master of her art. The food is very good. Our experience of the service is that it was consistently superb and the staff are helpful and great fun. We therefore find other reviewers' comments to the contrary difficult to understand.

The lodge is in Glenorchy - the area is remote and stunningly beautiful. A trip up the Dart River is a must. There is good hiking and mountain biking in the area. Sky-diving from Glenorchy (landing on the hotel grounds if you want) is great fun and less busy than in Queenstown. That said, Queenstown is only 45-50 minutes away. As others have said there is also the option of helicopter tours from the property (at considerable expense- we got a heli-tour out of Queenstown airport and saved a fair bit on the Blanket Bay price).

The age range of the guests while we were there was 30-70. There were some Brits and Aussies, and a couple of New Zealanders, but more Americans. There is some socialising over drinks but meals are not communal.

All in all we loved this place, and would happily have stayed longer.

Blanket Bay is a stunning lodge in every way. The location is breathtaking, our accommodation in a Lodge Suite was magnificent, with plush, comfortable sofas, fireplace, gorgeous bed and huge bathroom. The staff in particular were exceptional, from the welcome and throughout our 2 night stay they were incredibly professional and very relaxed at the same time, making the whole experience casual and easy. It is a place where you can just unwind (like we did) or do numerous adventurous activities (but be prepared to pay big bucks for any of these) The food at dinner was excellent, if a little fussy. We wanted a bit more simplicity at times to let the flavours shine through. The lodge is, however, quite expensive for what is included, and we couldn't help but feel an "all-inclusive" policy would have been the way to go, considering the remote location. Lunch is extra and they really slug you for the wine. Be prepared to pay considerably more than the base rate. It's a shame to be thinking about money during your stay at a lodge as gorgeous as this, but with rates this high, it's hard not to when it is very expensive to begin with. All in all though, Blanket Bay is an excellent choice for those wanting something very special. It was an experience we will always remember.

thought we were going to stay at almost the best hotel in the world from all the great comments I had heard about. It was rainy, windy and worst of all we were the only ones staying by the looks of it. I guess it was off season, but if its so popular why arnt there other guests all year round? Something is funny there and we couldnt quite get it.

Blanket Bay is true luxury - easily the most (self?) indulgent hotel/lodge I have ever stayed in and certainly the most expensive.

You DO get what you pay for though. The natural beauty surrounding the resort is stunning. The rooms are incredible - we had a chalet suite with an enormous outdoor deck overlooking the lake, a very large newly finished bathroom with double vanity and bath (and a shower that converts to a steam room), and wonderfully decorated bedding and furniture - it also had a fireplace.

The facilities are excellent. We took their mountain bikes (no charge) and went for a spectacular ride to the nearby town of Glenorchy where the views towards to snow-capped alps are just stunning. There's pool table, large TV with new DVD's to watch, telescopes, books, open bar for beer / soft drink - the real highlight was the health area. The jacuzzi is phenomenal - open the french doors and, while sitting in the jacuzzi, you can watch a water feature trickle down towards the lake with soaring mountains just the other side. There's a men's and women's steam room, great showers with Molton Brown products, excellent gym equipment - I really can't complain. If you want to pay more (and I mean, MORE), you can fly to Milford Sound on a small plane, jet boat up the lake, helicopter to another part of the area - but be prepared to cough up around NZ$400 for the flight, or an astonishing $2000 for a chartered helicopter (from memory).

The food is extremely good. Expect fine modern NZ cuisine presented & served in a manner only the best restaurants would do. The staff are friendly & helpful (although looked a little bored). The wine list is impressive, the food tasty, and service outstanding. (Note: The wine you choose is added to your bill - the meal included in the rate, of course)

So who should go? Expect older, married couples. As a 26 year old unmarried Australian male travelling with a US friend, we did feel a little out of place. During the open bar (any cocktail you want, and as many as you want, part of your price), you'll probably chat with the other guests - most were married 50+ couples while we were there and, while all friendly and interesting, it did feel a tad awkward. We even got a (friendlish) comment "I wouldn't think this is your scene" comment (!)

Is it worth $2000 a room? No. Nothing is, in my opinion. But it comes close, and if have saved a bit of money on airfares or cheap meals during your stay in NZ, it very well could be worth indulging for one night (like we did). Staying in such a beautiful part of the world (once again, the scenery really is incredible) probably makes this worth your while. You will feel relaxed, happy and you may even feel like, for just one night perhaps, you're a celebrity. They treat you great, you'll get an awesome night's sleep on one of the most comfortable beds I've ever been on, and you'll never go hungry or thirsty. So....why not?