Hotels Near Mount Ngongotaha Scenic Reserve in Rotorua

Not a 4 star hotel at all - and terrible experience. We booked for 2 nights, beds were like rock, so much noise (from furniture moving overhead, children yelling and people playing pool in reception) that we couldn’t sleep. Went to reception after midnight, night staff not interested or sympathetic. Were awake till after 1am. Asked to see the mgr in the morning, not available. Explained to reception staff the experience we had and that we would like to check out a day early and get a refund on the second night as not possible to sleep. Reception very sympathetic and refunded 2nd night. Bank account shows it charged back again. Rung the mgr, no answer and no callback. Email reception and they apologize again and undertake to refund again. Manager then texts me and says it was not accidental that they recharged me, he said I shouldnt have had a refund. I said that his reception staff had agreed with no issues. His response: ‘No. Not agreed, and she even does not have the authority to do it. You threaten her on site. You have stayed and use excuse to request money back, which is not acceptable and not approved.’ I actually had apologized to the staff member for not being able to resolve with the manager and she was very sympathetic and helpful. As others have noted, insufficient parking and the door lock on the room beeped continuously when engaged so we had to put a table in front of the door for safety

This hotel has a good environment and good hygiene. The boss is Chinese, so he takes every detail into consideration. The Bannick salmon in the morning was delicious. It's a 5-minute drive from the town center. You can call a taxi for SGD 20. The only problem is that the room rates are quite high compared to other hotels in town. You can consider it if you are not short of money, and the experience is good.

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 Room a little outdated, holes in the blinds which let the light in, dirty grout in the shower and the shower head was broken and the glasses were dirty.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.

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'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.

We came away on a short vacation and were recommended this hotel by family. We were not disappointed! The service was great, the spa was wonderful and the beds were super comfy. The variety at continental breakfast was pretty good and the staff were lovely. Definitely recommend them!

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.

I stayed here for two nights in May 2023. The hotel is located on the main street in Rotorua, about a 10-minute walk from the main shopping centre. Just up the road, about a 5-minute walk away, there are a couple of supermarkets. The airport is a 10-minute drive away. The hotel has plenty of parking. The room was very big with a small kitchenette, large bathroom, table and chairs etc. However, the room was showing its age and could do with an upgrade. Unfortunately the room was cold. I had the heating on but, given the size of the room, it took a long time to heat up. It was uncomfortable. There was no extra blanket for the bed. The wifi worked well. The service at the front desk was good. For what I paid, this hotel was good value. However, for my next trip to Rotorua, I would be prepared to pay a bit more for something warmer and more up to date.

First stay was 3 years ago when it was still a Holiday Inn. We enjoyed the pools and nearby attractions. Came back this time around for the same reasons. Kids enjoyed the heated pool. And we adults find it soothing after a long day out. When pool towels run out, reception was glad to replenish. We were at a deluxe queen queen room facing the carpark. Room looked tired. Bathroom was even worse. Mould on the grouting and sink had lime scale. Turning the tap was bound to give you a splash. Other than than, room was clean and tidy. Staff were friendly. And doing the best they can on a busy long weekend. Carpark can get full on a busy weekend, you almost dont want to go out for dinner.

Hana Lodge fully deserves a 5 star rating. The moment we drove up the driveway, we thought we were somewhere in France. The awesome view of the beautifully manicured grounds (16 acres, I later found out), garden statues so artistically blending with the landscape, freely roaming wild rabbits and alpacas instantly made us feel that we have found Paradise! And as we approached the Main Hotel building, we cannot help but gasp...WOW! Beautifully restored in a Tudor style so reminiscent of the mid 19th century, this boutique Hotel has 13 rooms all beautifully renovated. We had a king room and it had everything we needed...a huge bathroom with complete amenities & toiletries, complimentary coffee/tea, snacks, you name it and of course, our corner room was so quiet and the bed super comfy, we slept like babies. Breakfast, served in the Main dining room with views of the garden and the lake beyond, was super sumptuous, served with such exquisite tableware & cutlery and was without doubt, fully satisfying. Service was top notch...much thanks to Rajiv, Michele and Ethan (from head office) who made us feel so welcome. It was a pity that we stayed for only one night...but the time we spent at Hana Lodge will always be part of our treasured memories.