By Karen Shelford


Guide To Hotels In Rotorua

Rest easy with hotels in Rotorua chosen to meet your needs - because, your needs. You'll find that the following options cater to both the high-roller and the budget-conscious - families, couples, business visitors, and groups. Between 3 and 5 star, the majority can cater for events. All hotels are located within a 3km radius of the city centre, mostly a lot closer.

This Page Covers

          Millenium Hotel

          Arawa Park Hotel

          Quest Hotel

          Distinction Rotorua Hotel & Conference Center

          Ibis Hotel

         Novotel Rotorua Lakeside

         Rydges Hotel

         Copthorne Hotel

         Pullman Hotel

This Page Covers

          Millenium Hotel

          Arawa Park Hotel

          Quest Hotel

          Distinction Rotorua Hotel & Conference Center

          Ibis Hotel

         Novotel Rotorua Lakeside

         Rydges Hotel

         Copthorne Hotel

         Pullman Hotel

Since many of the motels were taken over by government for transitional people, as an effect of Covid-19, hotels are a lot busier.

Visitors appear to be coming back to Rotorua in larger numbers now. 

Talking to people from local council, events are being booked at least a year in advance, some for thousands of people.

All this means it would be wise to book early if you are thinking of visiting.

Rotorua Hotel Quick Comparisons

Name Stars Price Book
Millenium Hotel 4.5 $$
Book Now!
Arawa Park Hotel 4.5 $$
Book Now!
Quest Hotel 4.5 $$
Book Now!
Distinction Rotorua Hotel & Conference Center 4 $$
Book Now!
Ibis Hotel 3.5 $$
Book Now!
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside 4.5 $$
Book Now!
Rydges Hotel 4.5 $$
Book Now!
Copthorne Hotel 3 $$
Book Now!
Pullman Rotorua 5 $$$
Book Now!

Hotel Features, Tips & Location

Millennium Hotel

Millennium Hotel in Rotorua, NZ

Rating: 7.4/10 | Book It!

Best feature? Location. The Millennium is on the edge of the central business district so it's handy to shops, restaurants, cafes, and it borders the Government Gardens

Do whatever you have to to snaffle a room overlooking the Polynesiean Pools and lake - sit out on the balcony and watch the steam from your morning cup of coffee meld with the steam from the Sulphur Flats rising to meet the dawn. If you're up that early of course.

"Location: Superb! It's literally in the middle of anything you want to do in the town, close to the Polynesian Spa, Eat Street, and the Governer's House (touristy thing), and that park with the nice walking path! Room: The room overall is good, we got the lake view and it was nice waking up with the view, the bed is amazingly comfortable." - Mahja, Thailand Read more reviews

Then you can take a leisurely stroll or jog around the Government Gardens before the tourist buses get going. They're out early too.

A fair number of reviewers have made comment on the condition of the hotel and services. It is getting up there in age now and I haven't heard about any revamps. You might still like it purely because of the location.

Features

  • Fantastic swimming pool
  • And free spa pools (have tried them all)
  • 2 bars and poolside cafe
  • Gym
  • Massage
  • Māori hangi & concert
  • Limited free wifi (paid available)
  • Babysitting
  • Laundry facilities

Location

Cnr Eruera & Hinemaru Sts
4.5 star
227 rooms

Great for

Families | Couples | Corporate Events

Check Prices & Availability


Arawa Park Hotel

Rydeges Hotel in Rotorua, NZ

Rating: 7.5/10 | Book It!

Overlooking Rotorua's racecourse, the Arawa Park Hotel is another of the popular hotels in Rotorua. A rooftop swimming pool, ground-floor Atrium Restaurant & Bar and only a 1.6km, 20min flat walk or 5min drive to the middle of town.

Family members and friends have stayed with no complaints, in fact they've enjoyed the spacious rooms and made use of the balconies overlooking the racecourse on one side of the building.

“The location, the staff were amazing, considerate of the fact this was our 1st time staying in a hotel. Loved that even if we didn't want to leave the hotel, they offered everything you'd need." - Melpunivai, New Zealand Read more reviews

This place is value for money, even better when you get it on a deal.

The Atrium Restaurant doesn't have an extensive menu. I've found the food to be fine the few times I've been there. The acoustics (4 stories high) of the restaurant makes it hard to hear at times if there are a lot of voices. 

Bonus, one of Rotorua's top-rated restaurants, Urbano, is right across the road (may need to book for dinner).

Features

  • Gym
  • Free parking
  • Free wifi
  • Babysitting & kiddy activities
  • Laundry service or self-launder
  • Multi-lingual
  • Wheelchair access & reduced mobility rooms

Location

272 Fenton St
4.5 star
135 rooms

Great for

Families | Couples | Business

Check Prices & Availability


Quest Hotel

Quest Hotel in Rotorua, NZ

Rating: 8.6/10 | Book It!

Quest is an apartment complex located in the heart of the city. Noise is not a problem at night because this area is deserted. We're not like huge cities where noise is 24/7.

You should have no complaints because Colin, the owner, will be bound and determined to make your stay the best you've ever had - in your life. He and wife Lisa are those kind of people, you know, those kind of people? The kind who will personally carry your bags, who will make sure you're comfortable - or else, who will....

"Very friendly service, fantastic staff. Large, clean, well-furnished rooms. Nice kitchen facilities, good in-room coffee & tea selection. Comfortable bed. Quiet rooms. Terrace was great, and the hot tubs were a nice bonus. Convenient location. I'd definitely stay here again." - Jchrisf, United States  Read more reviews

Make sure you have views to the west so you can see the sun going down from your hot tub (I seem to have a thing going on for the sun). Wine anyone? Chocolate-dipped strawberries?

Eateries nearby include the not to be missed Le Café de Paris just a few doors along, Capers around the block and Eat Streat a 5min walk along Tutanekai Street towards the lake with other bars, restaurants and cafes on the way. Have a meal then stroll to the lakefront, Government Gardens or Kuirau Park. 

Features

  • Privacy
  • Hot tubs & balcony in the executive suites
  • A disabled persons dream with reduced mobility rooms
  • Non-smoking hotel
  • Cooking & laundry facilities
  • Secure underground parking (paid - it's a token really)
  •  Pantry shopping service, oh là là

Location

1192 Hinemoa St
4.5 star
36 rooms

Great for

Families, Couples, Business

Check Prices & Availability


Distinction Rotorua Hotel & Conference Centre

Distinction Hotel in Rotorua, NZ

Rating: 7.6/10 | Book It!

The Distinction Hotel is a stone's throw from my place and every so often I go there for a voguish High Tea with my mum, playing ladies, as you do with High Tea. The food is dainty which makes me feel like a an overgrown bumbling fool but she loves it and that's the main thing when it comes to your mum, isn't it?

My hairdresser, Beverley, is here too in case you need a quick styling or cut. The owner of the business is just as good too. Beverley was recommended to me by my friend Carol who was a hairdresser, and there's no way Carol would use just anyone.

" I travel a bit. And i absolutely loved the customer service nothing was a problem huge tick to them. Honestly. Proffessional fun happy knew there jobs well. Breathe of fresh air And omg... Best room service food in a very long time. Outstanding food." - Kimberley, NZ  Read more reviews

Located towards the southern end of the city, it's a short 2.2km, 5min drive into the centre of town and 3.2km, 5min drive out to the mountain biking at Waipa. You can bike either way too which doesn't take too long.

The rooms face west and east so either way you will have lovely views of the surrounds if you're on the higher levels. Air-con in some rooms only though.

Favourites for visitors? The grotto spa pools and  mountain bike facilities.

Features

  • A smallish kidney-shaped pool
  • Spa pools & grotto spa pools
  • A gym
  • Room service
  • Free unlimited wifi
  • Free parking
  • Mountain bike hire plus free facilities for washing bikes & secure storage
  • Four restaurants with different cuisine and a bar
  • Cultural dinner and show
  • Sponsors of the Xterra multisport event
  • Largest conference facilities of all the hotels
  • Wheelchair access

Location

390 Fenton St
4 star
133 rooms

Great for

Families | Couples | Business Events 

Check Prices & Availability


Ibis Hotel

Ibis Hotel in Rotorua, NZ

Rating: 7.4/10 | Book It!

A good number of rooms at the Ibis face out over the village green on one side with the lake to the left. The rear view is a hill with the hospital at the top. That side is where the entrance is.

An added benefit of the Ibis is sharing some of the facilities at its sister hotel the Novotel (next up). Pools, conference facilities, and more. 

"Lobby was lovely and welcoming. The staff members who helped me check in and check out were very friendly - personification of ‘service with a smile’. Location was fantastic, close to everything - all the eateries/cafes within 2-3mins walk." - Gemma, NZ  Read more reviews

Described as an economy hotel for business and leisure, it seems to attract numerous tour groups (make sure to ask for rooms away from them).

The Ibis is a short stroll to the lakefront and restaurants on Eat Streat.

Features

  • Free parking
  • Free & paid wifi
  • Business centre
  • Laundry service & self-serve
  • Restaurant & bar
  • Connecting corridor to Novotel
  • Wheelchair access

Location

Lake end Rangiuru St
3.5 star
145 rooms

Great for

Families | Couples | Business People

Check Prices & Availability


Novotel Rotorua Lakeside Hotel

Novotel Hotel in Rotorua, NZ

Rating: 7.6/10 | Book It!

The Novotel is one very nice hotel. Undertaken by a Thai lady, I think it was, she ensured Feng Shui practices were adopted throughout the planning and building process. That might explain the ambiance of the place. You only have to walk inside to begin feeling relaxed.

"Nothing fancy but comfortable. Liked · Beds and linens were very nice. Slept great. Control of room temp was terrific. Nice towels. Very helpful manager and staff. Decent gym for a hotel. Love the location between the lake and the main strip of restaurants." - Marc, United States Read more reviews

Like the Ibis, the Novotel also overlooks the village green and lakefront. And both are great hotels to stay at for New Years eve. From the upper floors you can see the festivities with fireworks and a free concert on the village green (events like this happens at other times too). I don't know why you would want to be inside though.

Literally fall out the door onto Eat Streat and make sure to try an ice cream from Lady Janes.

Features

  • Thermal spa pools (free)
  • Pool
  • Great restaurant
  • Non-smoking & family rooms
  • Free & paid wifi
  • Free parking
  • Babysitting & kiddy activities
  • Gym
  • Dry cleaning
  • Wheelchair access

Location

Lake end Tutanekai St
4.5 star
199 rooms

Great for

Families | Couples | Groups

Check Prices & Availability


Rydges Hotel

Holiday Inn Hotel in Rotorua, NZ

Rating: 8.0/10 | Book It!

Best feature? Located in the heart of Whakarewarewa with some rooms overlooking the Whakarewarewa Thermal Village and the forest.

A quiet, mostly sleepy kind of area. In saying that, make sure to ask for a room with views over the thermal activity and forest, and a balcony if possible.

You're right in the thick of the thermal area so the sulphur smell will be strong outside, and possibly waft into rooms.

"Very comfortable, loves the heated pool, very clean, bed and room comfortable, great facilities such as laundry. Easy access to book and get to Rotorua attractions. Heaps of parking." - Russell, Australia  Read more reviews

Rydges is a popular hotels in Rotorua where locals partake of the buffet lunch and dinner, for celebrating events or just getting together with others. It can get a bit squashed in the dining room. Isn't it the way that you overeat with these types of meals? Meal sittings are staggered.

There's also a bar where food can be ordered too.

You'll need a car to get out and about as Rydges is located a 3.0km, 6min drive out of the city center. If you don't mind walking (flat), it would probably take about half an hour to get into town.

The closest restaurant is Urbano, which is a 2.4km drive and a 23min flat walk.

Features

  • Kids stay & eat free (check out the conditions first)
  • Play Zone for kids
  • Pool & hot tub
  • Restaurant & bar area
  • Gym
  • Mountainbike storage & washing facilities
  • Free wifi (if you sign up for loyalty programme first)
  • Non-smoking hotel
  • Room service
  • Drycleaning, laundry service & self-serve
  • Babysitting
  • Shuttle bus service
  • Multi-lingual staff
  • Wheelchair access

Location

10 Tryon St
4.5 star
203 rooms

Great for

Families | Couples | Business Trips

Check Prices & Availability


Copthorne Hotel

Copthorne Hotel in Rotorua, NZ

Rating: 7.0/10 | Book It! 

The Millennium - Copthorne hotel brand purchased the tired, badly in need of repair, Kingsgate Hotel and renamed it Copthorne Hotel Rotorua. Since then, they have spent mega dollars upgrading it.

More and more rooms are being upgraded so if you want to book in, ask for a renovated room.  I'll keep my ear to the ground and report back once I hear it's completed.

"Great stay. Easy to book. Was a good deal, price wise and we will be coming again to stay. Bed was extremely comfortable and the room was warm with plenty of warm bedding. Linen was fresh and plenty of towels supplied. Great having option of hire towels for use when swimming. - Jaye, NZ Read more reviews

It's a 2km, 5min drive or 20min fast walk into the city center. The Copthorne Hotel is also halfway between the city and Te Puia where you find the famous Pohutu Geyser and behind that the world famous mountain biking forest. The Whakarewarewa Living Thermal Village is also in walking distance.

The hotel restaurant is currently closed (2023) and there are no restaurants in the immediate vicinity apart from Urbano, a couple of blocks closer to the city (easy walk).

If you're into second-hand shopping, Savemart is located on Gibson St at the rear of the hotel (it's the expensive one).

Features

  • Pool
  • Restaurant & Bar lounge
  • Gym
  • Free parking
  • Free & paid wifi
  • Babysitting
  • Dry cleaning & laundry service & self-service laundry
  • Wheelchair access
  • Non-smoking hotel

Location

328-348 Fenton St
3 star
110 rooms

Great for

Families | Groups

Check Prices & Availability


Pullman Rotorua

Pullman Rotorua Hotel, NZ

Rating: 8.1/10 | Book It!

The latest addition to Rotorua's hotel list is the Pullman Rotorua. Taking an office building and converting it into luxury suites and rooms was the mission of Chinese brothers Michael and John Chow. The vision has come to life, upping the ante on what Rotorua has to offer with a 5 star rating.

The rooms are contemporary and superbly modern. Fantastic views over the city or lake are an added feature. There is an in-house restaurant and bar which locals use too. If dining out is your preference, Eat Street restaurants and cafes are a few minutes walk in addition to the ones you will pass on the way.

"The room was amazing, and the views of the lake spectacular. This was a suite, so I expected a decent size, but it exceeded those expectations. The room had a big shower, as well as a luxury bathtub... and we used both." - Schalk, NZ  Read more reviews

Service is what the Pullman is building a reputation for, which of course you would expect. Couples wanting a romantic weekend getaway would love it. It also caters well to the corporate visitor and families.

You won't need a car to get out and about as the Pullman Rotorua is located towards the lake-end of central Rotorua. 

Apart from the inhouse Barrel & Co. Bar and Grill, which serves super yummy food by the way, eating options galore are located nearby with an easy walk.

Downside is, it's located on a busy street and you won't be able to park onsite unless you're prepared to pay $49 per day as at 2023. 

Features

  • Fitness Center
  • Room service
  • Free wifi
  • Kitchenette
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Daily Housekeeping & dry cleaning
  • Disability services
  • Onsite parking for a fee

Location

1135 Arawa St
5 star
130 rooms & suites

Great for

Couples | Families | Events | Corporate visitors

Check Prices & Availability


More Hotels in Rotorua

If the above hotels aren't enough for you, tucked within the luxury accommodation section of Rotorua Travel Secrets is the Princes Gate Boutique Hotel  and Regent of Rotorua Boutique Hotel, Restaurant & Bar. Both establishments fully deserve their boutique status.


Return to Top







Like This Page?


Share This Page


Like This Site?


Like This Page?


Like This Site?

Share This Page