Queenstown's Carlin Hotel Just Took Out Top Honours at the World Boutique Hotel Awards

If you're the type of traveller who chooses their stay based on creature comforts and hotel accolades, you'll want to put a jaunt to Queenstown's newest boutique hotel on your 2023 bucket list.

With jaw-dropping views of the lake and town centre thanks to its position on Queenstown Hill, The Carlin has been wowing guests since it first opened seven months ago. And now this 'beyond five-star' hotel just picked up a slew of gongs at this year's World Boutique Hotel Awards in Sydney on Friday night — including the top gong for World's Best New Hotel. The luxe accommodation offering also won prizes for Best New Hotel in Australasia and Best Hotel With a View: Australasia.

The Carlin is the brainchild of US-born hotelier and property developer Kevin Carlin, who called the international recognition "very humbling".

"We pride ourselves on delivering an outstanding level of service, and these awards formally acknowledge the hard work of our team," he said.

James Allen

With more than 250 nominees from 70-plus countries, judges base their scores on various aspects of guest experience, including restaurants, facilities, location, design and emotional impact. Judges were impressed by the Carlin's "finer details" including the stunningly designed outdoor living spaces, 24-hour on-call staff, private chef and spa services, and guest access to luxury vehicles and private jets. And although it wasn't officially noted, we're guessing the hotel's famously appointed marble bathrooms and wildly exciting various remote-controlled toilet modes all played a role.

"We confidently expect to see The Carlin taking more awards in the future," the judges said.

Keen on a luxe Queenstown experience with a scenic flight, gin-tasting tour and private Onsen hot pools? Check out this CP Trips package.

The Carlin was awarded three prizes at the World Boutique Hotel Awards, including World's Best New Hotel. The hotel can be found at 43 Hallenstein Street, Queenstown.