At a glance
- Company
- EVT Hotels & Resorts
- Announcement
- Expansion
- Location
- Queenstown
Key figures
- Existing Rydges Lakeside Queenstown rooms
- 152 room
- Combined property rooms after conversion
- 222 rooms
- Current QT Queenstown rooms
- 69-room
- New rooms available
- throughout 2026
- Overall project completion
- mid-2027
People
- Mathew DuffEVT Director – Commercial
Products and programs
June 11, 2025 -- EVT Hotels & Resorts is set to significantly expand its award-winning QT brand with the refurbishment and full conversion of the existing 152 room Rydges Lakeside Queenstown hotel. This transformation will integrate the property into the existing QT Queenstown and upon completion comprise of 222 rooms, majority with guest balconies, to take in the stunning Lake Wakatipu waterfront.
The expansion will also offer guests the exceptional QT hospitality, bold design-led spaces, high quality conferencing and event facilities, and delicious food and beverage experiences with unparalleled Lake Wakatipu views. The new QT facilities have been designed to meet the needs of the wellness and adventure guest, including a state-of-the-art gym, pool and facilities to cater for hikers, mountain bikers and ski/snowboarders.
Queenstown remains one of the most sought-after destinations in the region and continues to be featured among the best performing hotel markets in the EVT portfolio. This also opens new opportunities for the well-known and high performing Rydges brand in the Queenstown market.
EVT Director – Commercial, Mathew Duff says, “Queenstown continues to be one of the best performing hotel markets in Australasia, and our hotel property is in a prime location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The refurbishment will significantly enhance the assets value and grow earnings for our shareholders. Guests will step into something truly special – QT’s signature design, breathtaking views and thoughtfully curated spaces.”
The current 69-room QT Queenstown will remain open throughout the upgrade. The new QT rooms will become available in stages throughout 2026, with the overall project due to be completed mid-2027.
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Questions around this news
What is planned for the Rydges Lakeside Queenstown hotel?
EVT Hotels & Resorts plans to refurbish and fully convert the existing 152-room Rydges Lakeside Queenstown hotel into an expansion of QT Queenstown. When the project is complete, the combined property is expected to have 222 rooms, most with balconies, and offer accommodation and facilities with views of Lake Wakatipu.
When will the expanded QT Queenstown open?
The new QT rooms are expected to become available in stages during 2026. The overall project is scheduled for completion in mid-2027. The release says the existing 69-room QT Queenstown will remain open throughout the upgrade.
What facilities are planned for guests at the expanded hotel?
The plans include a gym, a pool, conferencing and event facilities, and spaces intended to serve wellness and adventure travellers. The release also mentions facilities for hikers, mountain bikers, and ski and snowboard visitors, alongside food and beverage offerings and views of Lake Wakatipu.
What does a full hotel conversion involve?
A full hotel conversion generally means adapting an existing property to operate under a different hotel brand or concept. Work can include updating guest rooms, public areas, services, and signage to align with the new operator’s standards. The scope varies by property and may involve refurbishment as well as operational changes.
Earlier from EVT Hotels & Resorts
- EVT Hotels & Resorts and Oscars Group partner on new luxury hotel in Brisbane, ‘Ivory Lane’
- EVT Unveils Rydges Australia Square, after Hotel Refurbishment
- EVT Hotels & Resorts Celebrate Big Wins for QT at the Hotel Management Industry Awards
- EVT Introduces New Boutique Hotel Collection, Ode Hotels
- EVT announces the first QT Hotel in Asia
