As the first five-star international hotel to be built in Queenstown, the new Sofitel will add a luxurious new level of accommodation and style to New Zealand's favourite ski and adventure destination.

The 82 room boutique hotel boasts a classic and contemporary design, and is situated on an elevated position in the heart of the city to ensure that guests can appreciate stunning views of one of the world's most picturesque destinations.

The layout will also feature conference facilities, superb restaurant and bar, full day spa, gym facilities and a boutique retail complex.

Sofitel rooms and suites will feature the most expensive and deluxe fit-out of any hotel in Queenstown, and will be completed to the highest European standards, a hallmark of Sofitel hotels worldwide.

All rooms and suites will be equipped with the latest in-room technologies. Guests will have finger-tip control of a wide range of entertainment options and in-room facilities, from plasma television and hi-speed internet access to an indulgent spa bath and the all important espresso machine for the ultimate coffee connoisseur.

''We are very excited to launch our first Sofitel in New Zealand,'' said Thomas van Vliet, General Manager, Accor Zealand. ''With Queenstown's reputation as one of the world's most desired resort destinations, it is appropriate that the debut of Sofitel in New Zealand should be in Queenstown.

''We have a proven record in Queenstown, with three other hotels already under operation, and the Sofitel will cater for the growth in demand generated by additional direct flights into the town as well as its increased profile in key source markets such as North America, Europe, Australia and Asia, where the Sofitel brand is well-established.''

Capitalising on Queenstown's vibrant food and wine scene, Executive Chef Shane Watson will launch Sofitel Queenstown's contemporary new restaurant - ‘Vie' - that will open for breakfast and dinner. Shane joins the Sofitel Queenstown hotel from Palm Cove's Sea Temple Resort and Spa in Queensland where he headed up the resort's acclaimed signature restaurant.

The Sofitel's arrival will be a welcome addition to Queenstown, bringing an upmarket luxury experience to its five-star clientele and complementing Accor's other superb Queenstown hotels - Mercure Grand St Moritz, Novotel Gardens and the Mercure Resort.