I found some very expensive lodge are over NZ dollars 1000 (Blanket Bay?), and general look good lodge are average NZ$ 150, <BR>have someone tell me what is their difference?

Hi Watchlover<BR>Your is an interesting observation of the lodge scene in New Zealand and most likely true of other parts of the world I have visited.<BR><BR>At the top end, in terms of price, you have luxury lodges such as Blanket Bay and Huku Lodge, both over $US1000/night/COUPLE ($NZ2000, you then drop to another group that is round $US750/night/couple and then on down to say $US100/night/couple.<BR><BR>At the top end, in order to not frighten off the clients the prices are quoted as being per person (share twin)<BR><BR>What do you get at the top end?<BR>1. Expensive appointments - antiques etc<BR>2. Very large rooms<BR>3. More chefs than guests<BR>4. The finest wines<BR>5. Super locations<BR>And I feel, above all else, a feeling that you have &quot;arrived&quot; and that you can afford to stay in the very best - if having your every whim catered for then these places can give you what you want.<BR><BR>Are they value for money? Depends on just how much money you have!<BR><BR>To the average NZer they are places for the rich overseas guest and most of us woulf think that $US100/night/couple would be the top end. The make a comparison in a lodge at $US150 for dinner, bed and breakfast you could be very comfortable but the wines served could drop from $US30/bottle to $US10/bottle; the may be less choice on the dinner menu; and it maybe a bit more homely and hopefully more friendly.<BR><BR>To base any decision on price only can be very risky as I know of properties that could sell for $400/night that I would only pay $US200 for and others that sell for $US200 that would be good value at $US400/night/couple. That is where local knowledge and user experience comes in useful.<BR><BR>Kerry

Thank Kerry!<BR>I understand the more expensive will be better, but I think why 10 times different?, in my last time visit USA, I found the most expensive resort in Orlando DWD (GF) compare with general average rate is approx. double (2 times higher) and in Las Vegas is similar.<BR>But I don't understand in NZ is 10 times different with 2 adjacent class(not compare the best and the worst)<BR>Also I think the rate in NZ is very attraction compare within USA.<BR><BR>Thanks again!

Dear Watchlover-Have a look at www.pencarrow.net We have strived to offer all the luxuries of the top lodges and keep the price as best value for money as we can at NZ$ 350.00 for a double suite including GST, an arrival drink, afternoon &quot;sweet in the suite&quot;, evening drink and hors d'oeuvre, evening turn down service with small gift, and full cooked breakfast. We hope we can assist. Very kind regards, Kari

Hi Watchlover<BR>Following up on my earlier comment in the news today the recent totally renovated Eichardt's Private Hotel, a classic in the heart of Queenstown which in has five luxury suites, has just been voted by Andrew Harper, one of tthe USA's leading hotel critics, the best new small hotel in the world. Their rate is $US750/double PLUS dinner and lunch so it would end up round the $US 1000/day for two people. <BR><BR>What you are looking at is the absolute top of the international market in a resort that you could compare with St Moritz or Aspen. <BR><BR>Its about meeting the needs of the clients and when see the super yachts parked in the viaduct basin for the America's Cup and the American millionares fighting it out for the right to challenge for the Cup you start to realise the wealth of some of our visitors.<BR><BR>On the other hand there is plenty of value for money accommodation that offers really attention to detail in the $US50 to $US100/night/person with breakfast included range. <BR><BR>I'm happy to make recommendation of properties I have experienced.<BR>Regards<BR>Kerry

Hi Watchlover<BR>A really good guide for lodges for the &quot;discerning traveller&quot; is the Friars guide. It will show you a range of lodges at a range of prices and help you see what is on offer.<BR>Maybe that will help?<BR>good luck