Hot spring Hotels in Rotorua

I love this hotel. To be honest, I didn’t expect much when it comes to old and vintage hotel. But when I entered the hotel, I found the hotel is quite special and unique. Yes, it’s old and vintage but it is also well-maintained. For the room, I like it because it has big windows including bathroom and the sunshine can get through. For the location, I like it because it is so close to the central bus stop, Eatery Streets and Polynesian Spa. Because I don’t drive so location is very important to me. Like many other places in NZ, this hotel seems to be short staffed too. But the staff still did the best to serve. They are nice and friendly. I wish I could stay in the hotels for a few more couples and enjoyed the unique atmosphere there. I would stay again if ever I go to Rotorua.

Stayed here for 2 nights with my family including an infant. Room was pretty spacious. Staff was friendly. Unfortunately, there seems to be bed bugs or dust mites on the floor carpet as I got plenty of bites around my ankle. Went ahead to inform the front desk but I was told that there were absolutely no bed bugs in the hotel. Overall room is ok except for the cleanliness.

I stayed in the Sudima Lake Rotorua Hotel for three nights while attending a conference. The Sudima was selected as it was the cheapest of the four listed by the conference organisers. The accommodation and buffet breakfasts were standard and wouldn’t in themselves warrant a review, either positive or negative. What did warrant a review, however, was the check-in experience. This is the reason for the level-two rating. Having stayed at a range of accommodation – from higher end to backpacker - I cannot recall anything like it, either here in New Zealand or overseas. There was one person at the reception desk and only one other guest checking-in before me. That check-in took a seemingly interminable time, but that can happen for whatever reason. My check-in appeared normal, but thereafter the experience ‘went to custard’. Assigned a room on the third floor I duly went with my bag to the room. Arriving there the magnetic door card wouldn’t open the door. I then returned to the reception desk, explained the situation and was provided with a new set of door cards. I then proceeded back to the third floor and, yes, the door cards this time successfully opened the door. However, upon entering the room I was surprised to find evidence that someone else was using the room. Material around the room showed that this person was also a conference attendee. (Interestingly there was a half drunk bottle of whisky on a table, but alas it was a blend and not a single malt so there was no temptation to take a few swigs.) Using the room’s telephone, I called the reception number but there was no response. Anxious that the room’s inhabitant may return I returned once more to the reception desk to be provided with a new room and corresponding door cards. Another ascent to the third floor finally eventuated with valid room occupancy at the Sudima Lake Rotorua Hotel. The time lapse since first entering the hotel stretched to about 40 minutes.

Great location in the heart of Rotorua, right next door to the lake and Eat Street restaurants and came highly recommended to us, but left us a little disappointed - especially for the price. Room a little outdated, holes in the blinds which let the light in, dirty grout in the shower and the shower head was broken and the glasses were dirty. I never ever leave a bad review, but after a great experience at 4 other different hotels across NZ this trip, the front desk lady on arrival at the Novotel was not the friendliest - it felt like we were an inconvenience to her. It was check in time and she was the only staff member on with a queue of people. On a positive note, the bed was comfortable.

I'll start with the things I liked. The breakfast buffet. It was nice to have a quick way to get a good breakfast at the hotel. The decorating in the lobby was very nice. Now the not to nice parts: The room was cramped with 2 queen-sized beds. (Though it did have a refrigerator and kettle.) I opened the curtains to be surprised by shredded sheers. The wi-fi was very poor. The access is not handicap accessible. The front steps did not have a railing. The ramp was great for luggage, but would not have accommodated a wheelchair. (I have bad knees and use a cane.) They seems understaffed. A common problem throughout our trip. But the staff was helpful. They acknowledged the torn sheers and have plans to replace them all.

It didn't start well - my room was next to the night gate whose keycard lock is kaput and if it was not closed carefully it closed with a clang. My phone call to the night manager (reception closes early) to change rooms was ignored. But next morning the front desk staff was most helpful in changing my room to a quieter one. Avoid rooms 11 and 12 if you can. The hostel itself is modern, well set up and well located. The kitchen is spacious and well equipped. The dorms are small but the ensuite facilities are good. The bunks are comfortable and come with a reading light and privacy curtains. The hostel is located a few blocks from the tourist center around the lake shore and from the supermarket in the Central Mall. It is also just across the road from Kuirau Park, a geothermal area in the heart of Rotorua. Relax and soak your feet in the thermal footbath. Parking was not a problem. Haupapa Street outside the hostel has metered parking from 9 to 5 Mon to Fri and 9 to 12 Sat. Outside those hours parking is free and unrestricted. Across Ranolf Street on the edge of Kuirau Park there is unrestricted free parking at all times - get in early to claim a spot. Hostel staff also told me that they have off-street parking for $15 a night. Security is not great - the broken gate lock means that the common areas are open to anyone, but the rooms are secured by keycard locks.

Very suitable to choose where to stay, the parking lot needs to be booked in advance, the front desk service attitude is really good, you can walk to the Polynesian Spa, the location is very good, not far from the Government Garden. Not a one time stay, it is a recommended hotel.