Rotorua has hundreds of hotels, suited for all travel group sizes, budgets and occasions. Whether you want to stay close to the city’s trendiest eateries, you’re looking for a family-friendly alternative, or you’re keen to treat yourself to a luxurious stay, here are 10 of the best options available.
Set in a beautifully restored 19th century building, the Prince’s Gate Hotel is the ideal choice for those wanting a sophisticated place to stay that’s within close range of the city’s finest attractions. Rotorua’s Government Gardens are within a five-minute walking distance from the accommodation, and the hotel’s restaurant is quite popular among locals, hotel guests and other passing visitors. All rooms come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, a minibar, and tea and coffee making facilities. The elegant bedroom suites also have their own living space and kitchenette for the ultimate weekend escape.
Quest Rotorua sits right in city centre, and is quite closely located to public transport if you’re looking to venture a little further out. There are 36 serviced apartments for guests to choose from: the hotel-style studio suites which come with their own kitchenette, plus a selection of one and two-bedroom apartments that aptly cater for large groups and holidaying families. Breakfasts are available for an extra fee if you don’t want to fix your own meal in the mornings.
Millennium Hotel Rotorua is a modern hotel within close range of attractions like Lake Rotorua and the Polynesian Spa. Child-friendly facilities like a toddler swimming pool make this an ideal choice for families. Eco-friendliness is this hotel’s strongest selling point: heating is primarily provided by geothermal resources, which are also incorporated in the accommodation’s very own spa facilities. Many of the rooms come with lake and garden views, and there’s a fine-dining restaurant right on the premises.
The Regent of Rotorua is a boutique hotel known for its opulent decor and luxurious amenities. Both the accommodation and its fine-dining restaurant have won several awards for their service and prestige. All rooms and suites come with complimentary internet access. Families and large groups can opt between staying at the lavish two-bedroom family and executive suites, and there are ‘Cutie’ rooms available for solo travellers and couples wanting a cozy hint of glamour.
Regal Palms Resort has something for everyone. Holidaying families like this accommodation for its mass offering of leisure activities (there’s a heated swimming pool, outdoor BBQ area, mini-golf course and a tennis court on-site). Business travellers are drawn to its conference packages and function rooms, and everyone else is just happy to enjoy a quite weekend getaway with a spa pool and incredibly stylish suites and bedroom apartments to suit all group sizes.
Rydges Rotorua sits right on the edge of the Arawa Racecourse, just a short walk from the city centre and the Whakarewarewa Maori Village. All rooms are fitted with the Rydge’s signature Dream Beds, a work area, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, dining area, tea and coffee-making facilities and a minibar. The hotel is also home to the award-winning Atrium Restaurant, where guests can relish a paid breakfast buffet, as well as the Mezz Bar – the latter is renowned for its cocktails.
Apex on Fenton is a motel with an upscale flair. It’s set in a quiet street that’s quite handy to the city and has private spa facilities for guests seeking a bit of indulgence. All rooms are equipped with self-catering amenities and range from spacious vintage and queen studios to one and two-bedroom spa suites. The Pohutu Geyser is only a five-minute walk from the accommodation.
Lake views and a close proximity to Rotorua’s best bars and restaurants are some of the biggest draw cards for Novotel Rotorua Lakeside. If health and wellness is at the top of your agenda, the hotel has its own geothermal spa, an indoor pool and a fitness centre. There’s also a bar with a stunning lake-view terrace and a restaurant that offers a paid breakfast buffet. Rooms are modern and sleek, featuring safe deposit boxes, work desk, satellite TV and coffee-making facilities. Cribs are also available upon request.
Distinction Rotorua Hotel is adjacent to the Redwoods/Whakarewarewa Forest, a popular mountain biking destination. True to its location, the hotel has its own bike hiring, storage and cleaning facilities. The accommodation is also known for having the city’s largest conference spaces; its Maori cultural experiences featuring a hangi feast and traditional performances; and extensive range of rooms spread across five different floors. Children under 12 can stay in a parent or guardian’s room for free and there are interconnecting rooms available for those travelling in larger family groups.
The Executive on Fenton is one of Rotorua’s newest motels. Its location is one of the most convenient you could ask for. Not only is the accommodation quite close to the city, it is also notable for its ease of access by car and proximity to the popular Urbano Bistro restaurant. Each room has a kitchen with basic cooking amenities, along with featuring their own individual spa pools or baths, an option of queen or king-size bedding, plus free internet access throughout the premises.
