Queenstown Escape: Bowen 19 - Fireplace, BBQ & FREE Parking!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Queenstown Escape: Bowen 19 - Fireplace, BBQ & FREE Parking! This isn't your sterile, perfectly-manicured hotel review; this is the raw, unfiltered truth, seasoned with a healthy dose of "OMG, did that REALLY happen?!"
First things first: SEO, SEO, SEO! Queenstown Escape, Bowen 19, Fireplace, BBQ, Free Parking, New Zealand, Accommodation, Hotel Review, Queenstown, Luxury, Family-Friendly, Spa, Restaurants, Accessible, Wi-Fi, Pet-Friendly (well, almost). Got it? Good. Now, let's get messy.
The Vibe: Cozy Chaos (In the BEST Way)
Honestly, the first thing that hit me wasn't some gleaming lobby. It was… a vibe. It’s that feeling of "Welcome, you're home…ish." It's got that classic Queenstown charm, you know? Mountains in your face, crisp air, and a sense of adventure bubbling just under the surface. Bowen 19 isn't some soulless hotel chain. It's… well, it's got character. And that character is a big, warm, inviting hug.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, But Trying Hard
Okay, let's be real. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I'm always looking for how things are. This is crucial. Bowen 19 is trying. They have facilities for disabled guests listed, and an elevator. But I didn't see detailed accessibility info online. I'd call ahead to confirm specific needs. They've got Air conditioning in public area and that's a good start.
Internet: Bless the Free Wi-Fi Gods!
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! In this day and age, it's practically a human right. And it worked. No buffering, no dropped connections. I could actually stream my Netflix without wanting to throw my laptop out the window. They also have Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN which is a bonus.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound
This is where Bowen 19 shines. They're clearly taking things seriously. The Rooms sanitized between stays is a HUGE plus. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. They've got Staff trained in safety protocol, and a First aid kit. Plus, all the usual suspects: CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour]. Honestly, I felt safer there than I do at my own house sometimes.
Rooms: Comfort and Charm (And a Few Quirks)
My room? Amazing. Seriously. The fireplace was a game-changer. Picture this: Queenstown cold outside, roaring fire inside, glass of wine in hand. Pure bliss. The BBQ outside? Perfect for a sunset dinner.
Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens, Additional toilet.
The "But": My "but" is the usual. The room wasn't perfect. The TV remote was a bit wonky. And the coffee maker… let's just say it took me a good 20 minutes to figure out. But honestly? Those little imperfections just added to the charm. It felt real, not staged.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure
Okay, this is where things get a little more eclectic. I saw Restaurants, a Bar, and a Coffee shop. The Poolside bar is a nice touch. They offer Breakfast [buffet] and Breakfast service, including Asian breakfast and Western breakfast.
Anecdote Time! I ordered room service one night (because, duh). It was a late-night craving for a burger. It arrived in record time. The burger? Actually GOOD. Not some sad, soggy excuse for a burger. This was a legit, juicy, delicious burger. I devoured it in five minutes flat. No regrets.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: A Mountain of Possibilities
Ways to relax: Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. They've got a Fitness center, a Gym/fitness, and even a Massage!
For the kids: They have Babysitting service, and are Family/child friendly. Kids facilities and Kids meal are available.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
Airport transfer is offered. Plus, they have Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site]. Car power charging station is available. Taxi service and Valet parking are there too.
Services and Conveniences: Everything You Need (and More)
Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, and even a Smoking area. They've got you covered.
The Verdict: Go. Just Go.
Honestly? I loved Queenstown Escape: Bowen 19. It's not some flawless, sterile hotel experience. It's real. It's comfortable. It's got character. And the free parking? Pure gold in Queenstown!
My Quirky Observation: I swear, the staff were genuinely happy to be there. They weren't just going through the motions. They were friendly, helpful, and actually seemed to care. That makes a HUGE difference.
My Emotional Reaction: I left feeling relaxed, refreshed, and already planning my return.
The Imperfection: Look, the room wasn’t perfect. But it was perfect for me. And that’s what matters.
Final Ramblings and Opinionated Language:
This place is a winner. It's a solid choice for anyone wanting a comfortable, convenient, and charming stay in Queenstown. The fireplace is a MUST. The free parking is a godsend. And the staff? They're awesome. Book it. Seriously. You won't regret it.
The Offer:
Tired of generic hotels? Craving a Queenstown escape with a touch of FIRE and a whole lot of FUN? Book your stay at Queenstown Escape: Bowen 19 NOW and get:
- FREE PARKING! (Saves you a fortune in Queenstown!)
- A cozy fireplace in your room - perfect for those chilly evenings.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi - stay connected and share your adventures.
- A delicious breakfast to kickstart your day
- Prime location for exploring Queenstown's stunning scenery.
- Peace of mind with top-notch cleanliness and safety protocols.
PLUS, for a limited time, we're offering a FREE bottle of local wine upon arrival!
Don't wait! This offer won't last. Book your Queenstown adventure today!
Escape to Paradise: Faikid Hotel, Amnat Charoen's Hidden Gem
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly curated travel itinerary. This is… me trying to plan a trip to Queenstown, New Zealand, from Bowen 19. (And yes, I'm already stressed about the parking situation. Free parking is like a unicorn in this day and age!)
Bowen 19 | Free Parking | Fire Place | BBQ Queenstown, New Zealand - The "Let's See If I Actually Make It" Edition
Pre-Trip Anxiety (aka, the week before):
- Day -7: The Great Packing Panic. Okay, so I've got this mental list: layers, hiking boots (I think I own those?), rain gear (because, New Zealand), and a swimsuit (optimism at its finest). But then the REAL questions hit: Do I really need that sequined top? (The answer is always yes, even if I just wear it to the grocery store). And the passport! Did I even check the expiry date? (Deep breath… it's fine. Probably.)
- Day -5: The Queenstown Research Rabbit Hole. Oh. My. God. Queenstown is ridiculously beautiful. Seriously, I've spent three hours watching videos of the Remarkables mountains and my jaw is still on the floor. But then I start looking at activities and… holy price tags! Bungy jumping? White water rafting? My bank account is already weeping. Is it possible to survive on instant noodles for a week and still enjoy the scenery? Asking for a friend… (it's me).
- Day -3: The "Is This Even Real?" Phase. I'm starting to question if this trip is actually going to happen. I'm so overbooked. I'm tired. I'm probably going to get lost. But then I look at photos of that turquoise lake and I'm like, "Okay, maybe I can do this."
Day 1: Arrival and Settling In (aka, the "Pray for Free Parking" Day)
- Morning (Auckland Airport - Ugh, airport chaos): Flight arrives (hopefully on time!). The moment I leave the airport I'm going to be looking for something that looks like a car. The rental car is going to be my new best friend. Pray for clear skies, and a decent coffee. The journey to Bowen 19 is a long one, and I'm already picturing myself falling asleep at the wheel.
- Afternoon (Bowen 19 - Free Parking!): Okay, first impressions… Bowen 19! It's cute, it's cozy, and… gasp… FREE PARKING! I mean, I'm still half expecting a parking ticket fairy to pop out from behind a bush, but for now, I'm celebrating. Unpack (mostly), and then collapse on the couch for a minute, just to breathe. The fireplace? YES. The BBQ? YES. This is going to be amazing.
- Evening (Queenstown Town Centre - The First Taste): Wandering around town. It's even more stunning in person. The lake! The mountains! I almost choked on my own awe. Found a little cafe for dinner. First impressions of the Queenstown food scene? Expensive. But hey, I'm on vacation! I'm also already eyeing up a gelato place. Research is important, okay?
Day 2: Lake Wakatipu and The Fear
- Morning (Lake Wakatipu): Okay, so I'm going to be real with you. The lake is majestic. Seriously, it's like something out of a fantasy movie. I'm going to take a boat tour. I don't know. Boats are a little scary. I'm a little scared.
- Afternoon (The Fear): I'm going to go Bungy Jumping. I don't know why. But I am.
- Evening (Post-Bungy, or The Aftermath): I'm alive! Oh my god, I did it! It was terrifying, exhilarating, and I'm pretty sure I saw my life flash before my eyes. My legs are still wobbly. Going to the pub to celebrate.
Day 3: Hiking and Humble Pie
- Morning (Hiking, aka, "I'm Going to Die"): I'm going to hike the Queenstown Hill. Everyone says it's amazing. Everyone also seems to be super fit. I'm not super fit. This is going to be a test of my endurance (and my willpower to not turn back and eat a whole box of cookies).
- Afternoon (Queenstown Gardens): I have to admit, the views from the top were worth the pain. I'm going to eat some food and sit.
- Evening (BBQ Time): The BBQ at Bowen 19! I'm going to be on fire. The BBQ is going to be on fire. Everything is going to be on fire. And it's going to be amazing.
Day 4: Wine Tasting and Whimsical Rambles
- Morning (Wine Tour): I'm going to go wine tasting. Who am I kidding? I'm going to drink wine. And probably stumble around like a tipsy penguin.
- Afternoon (Arrowtown): I'm going to go to Arrowtown. It's a cute little town. I'm going to take photos. I'm going to be basic. And I'm going to love it.
- Evening (Relaxation, maybe?): Seriously, I'm exhausted. Maybe I'll just curl up by the fireplace with a book. Or maybe I'll watch a cheesy movie and eat all the snacks. Who knows?
Day 5: Milford Sound - The Epic Journey
- Full Day (Milford Sound): This is the "must-do" thing, right? A day trip to Milford Sound. I've heard it's a long drive, but the scenery is supposed to be unbelievable. I'm praying the weather holds up. I'm also praying I don't get car sick. Fingers crossed!
Day 6: Last Day!
- Morning (Queenstown): One last wander around Queenstown. Maybe a last-minute souvenir?
- Afternoon (Bowen 19): Pack up. Clean up. Try not to cry that it's ending.
- Evening (Farewell Dinner): Dinner at a restaurant. Reflect on the trip. Feel all the feels. Prepare for the long flight home.
Day 7: Goodbye New Zealand
- Morning (Auckland Airport): Bye bye New Zealand! The adventure is over!
Post-Trip Reflection (aka, the "What Did I Learn?" Phase):
- Okay, so Queenstown is ridiculously beautiful. Like, jaw-dropping, "I need to come back here" beautiful.
- Free parking is a gift from the gods. Cherish it.
- I'm braver (and more exhausted) than I thought. Bungy jumping? Seriously?
- I ate too much. But I have no regrets.
- I need to start saving for my next trip immediately.
- And finally, the messier the plan, the better the adventure.
Queenstown Escape: Bowen 19 - The Inside Scoop (and Maybe a Few Gripes!)
Okay, spill. Is Bowen 19 Actually as Good as the Pictures?
Alright, alright, let's be real. The photos? Yeah, they're *pretty*. The fireplace looks all cozy, the BBQ promises sizzling perfection, and the FREE PARKING? Music to a Queenstown-bound driver's ears! But... (there's always a "but," isn't there?) My experience? Well, let's just say it was... *mostly* as good. The fireplace? Glorious. We spent one freezing evening huddled in front of it, drinking wine and feeling like we were living in a damn Hallmark movie. Pure bliss. The BBQ? Managed to burn the sausages a little, but that was entirely my fault. The parking? A lifesaver. Seriously, parking in Queenstown can be a competitive sport. So, yeah, overall? Pretty darn good. But, and this is a big BUT, the devil is in the details...
What's the Deal with the Kitchen? Is it Actually Usable?
The kitchen... ah, the kitchen. It's a mixed bag, folks. It *looks* lovely, all modern and shiny. And yes, it's *usable*. You can definitely cook meals there. However... the equipment? A bit of a gamble. We found a rusty whisk (ew!), and the non-stick pan had clearly seen better days. We managed to whip up some pasta (thank God for pasta!), but I wouldn't attempt anything too ambitious. Bring your own sharp knives, seriously. And maybe a good scrubbing brush. Just in case. Look, it's not a Michelin-star kitchen, but you can feed yourself. Just don't expect perfection. And for the love of all that is holy, check the expiry dates on the condiments!
Tell Me About the Bedrooms! Are They Comfy? Noise Levels?
The bedrooms... okay, here's where things get a little subjective. The beds were *generally* comfortable. I slept like a log (which is a good sign!), my partner, however, complained about the pillows being a bit lumpy. So, you know, your mileage may vary. Noise levels? Well, it depends. Bowen Street isn't exactly a quiet cul-de-sac. We heard the occasional car, and the neighbors… Let's just say they seemed to enjoy their evenings. Earplugs might be a good idea if you're a light sleeper. Or, you know, just embrace the Queenstown vibe and stay up late yourself! (We did, and it was glorious.) But yeah, overall, bedrooms are decent, but not the ultimate sleep sanctuary. Worth bringing your own pillow, just in case.
What's the Location *Really* Like? Is it Walking Distance to Everything?
Location, location, location! That's what matters, right? Bowen 19 is... *okay*. It's not *right* in the thick of things, which has its pros and cons. Yes, you *can* walk to the town center, but it's a bit of a hike, especially if you've been sampling the local craft beers. (And you *will* be sampling the local craft beers, trust me.) It's probably a 15-20 minute walk, depending on your pace and how many times you stop to admire the lake. But the upside? It's a little quieter than being smack-dab in the middle of the tourist madness. We actually enjoyed the walk, it's great for getting your bearings and enjoying the views. So, it's a good compromise. Just wear comfy shoes, or be prepared to Uber. Or, you know, just embrace the walk. It's part of the Queenstown experience, right?
The FIREPLACE! Is it Easy to Use? And What About the BBQ - Any Tips?
Okay, back to the good stuff! The fireplace. It was the *best* part of the whole experience, hands down. It was so easy to use! They provided wood, and it was just a case of lighting the fire and watching the flames dance. Seriously, pure magic. Cozy nights in, wine, good company... perfection. Honestly, I could have spent the entire trip just sitting in front of that fireplace. It was that good. The BBQ? Okay, here's where my grilling skills (or lack thereof) come into play. It's a standard gas BBQ. Easy enough to light. My tip? Don't try to cook too much at once. And definitely don't leave the sausages unattended. (See previous sausage-related incident). Otherwise? It's a BBQ. Enjoy it! And maybe bring some extra lighter fluid, just in case. You know, for backup.
FREE PARKING! Seriously? Is It Actually a Spot? Or a Tiny, Stressful Nightmare?
The free parking! Oh, sweet, sweet, free parking. In Queenstown, it's like finding a unicorn. It's a *real* parking spot, people! Not some cramped, barely-there, parallel parking hellhole. It's a designated spot, right outside the house. We arrived late at night, stressed from the long drive, and the sight of that empty parking space was like a gift from the gods. Seriously, it saved us so much hassle and money. Parking in Queenstown can be brutal, both in terms of finding a spot and the cost. So, yes, the free parking is a *huge* selling point. It's a game-changer. Just... don't lose the keys! Because that would be a whole different kind of nightmare.
The Cleaning Fee... Is it Worth It? Did it *Feel* Clean?
Okay, the cleaning fee. This is always a tricky one, isn't it? Yes, there's a cleaning fee. And honestly? I'm not sure it was *completely* worth it. The place was generally clean, don't get me wrong. But, there were a few... *ahem*... "minor imperfections" that made me wonder if the cleaning crew was particularly thorough. A bit of dust here, a stray hair there... You know the drill. Look, it wasn't filthy, but it wasn't pristine either. So, did it *feel* clean enough? Yeah, probably. Would I have complained if it wasn't cleaned at all? Absolutely. But was it sparkling? Not quite. It was a bit of a trade-off. Clean enough to be comfortable, not clean enough to make you want to lick the floors. (Which, let's be honest, you probably wouldn'Cozy Stay Spot
