Five Mile Queenstown’s recently opened Sudima Hotel could not be better positioned as a base for snow sports enthusiasts as it makes its winter debut. 

 In the heart of Frankton it is just a 25-minute drive to Coronet Peak and 30 minutes to The Remarkables ski areas.

General manager Ali Appelman says staff are excited to be open for their first winter and she is delighted with upcoming bookings.

“We are working with local company SnoPro who will come to the hotel and fit guests with skis in the comfort of their own room. Their equipment is delivered to the hotel ski locker overnight, ready to go for the next day. It couldn’t be easier for first-timers or those with families.” 

She says that with its picturesque mountain views the 120-room Sudima Hotel is in a prime location for après ski dinner, drinks or even a spa pamper. 

“Podium restaurant is a fan-favourite with locals, quite literally putting the best regional produce and wines on the podium in an exquisite dining experience. An outdoor fireplace is the perfect spot to cosy up with a delicious cocktail.”

Meetings & Conferences

The 4.5-star Sudima Hotel at Five Mile houses four modern conference and meeting rooms catering for groups of up to 150 people with flexible layouts.

The rooms are light and spacious and take their names from renowned New Zealand Olympic gold medallists Lisa Carrington, Valerie Adams and Sophie Pascoe and feature some of the best views of Queenstown’s alpine scenery.

“We’re very much encouraging local, New Zealand and Australian businesses to use the facilities for board meetings, presentations, conferences and incentives,” says general manager Ali Appleman. “The hotel is just a few minutes from the Queenstown international airport in a very central location with everything the resort has to offer by way of activities and wining and dining on the doorstep.”

Sustainability is a key priority, with Sudima the first hotel group in New Zealand to be awarded Toitū carboNZero certification, which includes a go green discount on all  conference rooms and a range of other initiatives. 

Dream Job

Like so many Queenstowners,  Sudima Hotel  general manager Ali Appelman visited for a winter season and fell in love.

 Her first visit was in 2007 as a backpacker from  the UK and she quickly realised “the best holiday locations are the ones you never want to leave”.

 Over the years she has worked at a range of accommodation properties, starting as a receptionist and working her way up, even managing an upmarket backpacker complex pre Covid-19.

Ali says the appointment at the Sudima Hotel is a dream come true. 

“Sudima Hotels’ cultural and workplace diversity, sustainability initiatives and  its commitment to accessibility for staff and guests makes it an incredible, future-focused work environment and I’m proud to be part of it.”

As for Queenstown, she has no plans to leave any time soon. “I love the seasons, the colours, the views from every window. You can ski in the morning and ride bikes in the afternoon; it’s a town of opportunity whether you’re on a family adventure, couples’ getaway, wine and food holiday, playing golf, mountain biking, hiking or skiing.”