Romantic Hotels in Rotorua

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 Room a little outdated, holes in the blinds which let the light in, dirty grout in the shower and the shower head was broken and the glasses were dirty.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

Clean modern spacious good people friendly and helpful staff Kitchens are a great size lots of room to move around this establishment is spread over multiple buildings each with there own facilities. ie tv rooms kitchen many activities to do in each has a laundry. Lounge rooms are incredibly comfortable with bean bags sofas and large chairs. The hostel is located 3 minutes walk from CBD so is very close to all activities There are multiple supermarkets within 10 minutes walk. The hostel is located directly opposite kuirau park worth a walk thru. Cannot say enough about the value of this hostel. Has various room sizes and bed choices really reccomend a stay p