3-Star Hotels in Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

The positives first: The hotel is not terrible. It was not our first choice, but we ended up booking here, as well as booking our friends we were meeting here and another couple joined us for one night and paid for a room. We alerted the manager and he put us all on the the same floor, with a lake view. The room was clean. A little tight on space, but this is not a negative. Staff were friendly. The negatives: NO HOT WATER!! We stayed for 4 nights. One person out of 6 had a hot shower, as he showered just after we arrived. That was the last hot shower. The water was progressively colder, each day. And it was the whole hotel. This was the topic of conversation with every other hotel guest we happened to meet in the lift. We complained, every day. At each stage, we were told they were... waiting for someone to turn up...the problem was fixed but because everyone kept using the water it could not warm up...the problem was not fixed, they were waiting for someone from somewhere else. I think they had no idea and I did feel sorry for the staff, but a hot shower is absolutely a basic requirement. At no stage was there a note slipped under the door to apologise and ask us to bear with them. It was incredibly frustrating. It seems petty after this to mention the bathrooms also need a bit of care and smell very mildewy, but if it were not for the hot water issue, this would have been my main complaint. The last thing to mention, it rained the whole time we were there and the Ibis has no lounge area. We ended up sitting in one of the rooms, as a group, having a natter, like high schoolers. This is more of a Rotorua problem, though, as Rotorua seemed to shut down early and there was no where to just chat, in the evenings. Ibis Rotorua is not somewhere we will stay again.

Amazing stay. Pretty clean facilities for a hostel, friendly and helpful staff, dorms were decently sized. Overall one of the best hostel stays I've had. Only notes are that top bunk beds don't have rails and (at least in my room) there were no outlets near the beds. On the plus there were cupboards to keep your stuff, just bring your own padlock! If looking for activities to do while you're visiting, there are tons of pamphlets in the lobby and staff has many good recommendations (plus discounts for certain places so make sure to check with them before booking)

The hotel is in a good location👌quiet🤫comfortable😌. The hotel service staff are warm and friendly ✌️Eating🍽️Shopping🛍️is very convenient. Not too far from the attractions.

When we booked the cheapest motel we could find for the short stay of two nights, we were not prepared for such an interesting experience. The rooms were scrupulously clean. Top marks for that. Towels changed every day. But oh what a strange place. There are two parts to the motel. We were put in what had once been a very expensive 1950's house converted into motel rooms. Up a very steep staircase, into the room, which has been decorated in what can only be described as someone's idea of art deco come 1950's. We had such fun figuring out what parts of the house had been altered to accommodate our space. The bathroom is very adequate and rather quaint. The toilet stall is housed in what would have been the homes original shower, with all the original pipework covered up by pictures. Access to the bathroom from the bedroom - step onto a mat - check under the mat and start laughing, because the pipework for the original toilet is still there. But hey, it was clean, the rooms large and after all, it's only to sleep in.

The motel is located in the city center and is convenient for travel. The boss was very enthusiastic and introduced a lot of useful information. Thank you again!

The hotel that Rotorua will still choose for the second time is in a good location, close to supermarkets and attractions. The rooms are spacious and have full kitchen facilities to cook for themselves. The hotel has its own hot spring pool and you don’t have to go out for a hot spring.

Oh my! From the moment you enter reception, you know this place if going to be good! I was in turmoil after the cyclone but came here to enquire and was helped immediately. The room was beautiful and a great size - and it smelled divine. The tea tray was a little treat, with hot chocolate, biscuits and mini chocolates! And there was a microwave! The bed was so comfortable and it was huge! Only a short walk to town, it really was perfect. Thanks for a great stay - I will definitely be back next time I visit.

Travelled for a 21st Birthday We Travelled with our 96yr old Mother & we were given a very roomy unit with a disability shower & chair which was really appreciated. The beds were comfortable with beautiful crisp white sheets. There was everything that you could have wanted & will definitely be making it our go to Motel as we travel to Tauranga often to visit family.

This was the only motel we could find last minute and ended up staying a few nights over January. The place is a little old, but rooms we had for 2 adults 1 child were clean, including bedding and towels. Anything that was amiss, broken tv/fan were replaced immediately. They will top up your coffees, tea satchets, have microwave, kettle and electric camp stove top, bar fridge. Laundry room where you can grab the key from the office.. washing machine and dryer. A good basic motel with 24hr BP service station if you need something that cannot wait. Room price reasonable for this time of year. Location perfect, far enough away from CBD and other motels were being trashed by homeless pre covid. 5min walk to Whakarewarewa - recommended!

Last minute holiday and this was available so we booked. Took a studio unit and it was really lovely for us - two adults and a teenager. Had everything we needed - fantastic fan supplied to help us keep cool too. Comfy beds and great tv with ALL the Sky channels. Nicely maintained room with lovely gardens as well :). Location was fine - not noisy and not out of the way. Thanks for having us.

The positives first: The hotel is not terrible. It was not our first choice, but we ended up booking here, as well as booking our friends we were meeting here and another couple joined us for one night and paid for a room. We alerted the manager and he put us all on the the same floor, with a lake view. The room was clean. A little tight on space, but this is not a negative. Staff were friendly. The negatives: NO HOT WATER!! We stayed for 4 nights. One person out of 6 had a hot shower, as he showered just after we arrived. That was the last hot shower. The water was progressively colder, each day. And it was the whole hotel. This was the topic of conversation with every other hotel guest we happened to meet in the lift. We complained, every day. At each stage, we were told they were... waiting for someone to turn up...the problem was fixed but because everyone kept using the water it could not warm up...the problem was not fixed, they were waiting for someone from somewhere else. I think they had no idea and I did feel sorry for the staff, but a hot shower is absolutely a basic requirement. At no stage was there a note slipped under the door to apologise and ask us to bear with them. It was incredibly frustrating. It seems petty after this to mention the bathrooms also need a bit of care and smell very mildewy, but if it were not for the hot water issue, this would have been my main complaint. The last thing to mention, it rained the whole time we were there and the Ibis has no lounge area. We ended up sitting in one of the rooms, as a group, having a natter, like high schoolers. This is more of a Rotorua problem, though, as Rotorua seemed to shut down early and there was no where to just chat, in the evenings. Ibis Rotorua is not somewhere we will stay again.

Amazing stay. Pretty clean facilities for a hostel, friendly and helpful staff, dorms were decently sized. Overall one of the best hostel stays I've had. Only notes are that top bunk beds don't have rails and (at least in my room) there were no outlets near the beds. On the plus there were cupboards to keep your stuff, just bring your own padlock! If looking for activities to do while you're visiting, there are tons of pamphlets in the lobby and staff has many good recommendations (plus discounts for certain places so make sure to check with them before booking)

When we booked the cheapest motel we could find for the short stay of two nights, we were not prepared for such an interesting experience. The rooms were scrupulously clean. Top marks for that. Towels changed every day. But oh what a strange place. There are two parts to the motel. We were put in what had once been a very expensive 1950's house converted into motel rooms. Up a very steep staircase, into the room, which has been decorated in what can only be described as someone's idea of art deco come 1950's. We had such fun figuring out what parts of the house had been altered to accommodate our space. The bathroom is very adequate and rather quaint. The toilet stall is housed in what would have been the homes original shower, with all the original pipework covered up by pictures. Access to the bathroom from the bedroom - step onto a mat - check under the mat and start laughing, because the pipework for the original toilet is still there. But hey, it was clean, the rooms large and after all, it's only to sleep in.

The motel is located in the city center and is convenient for travel. The boss was very enthusiastic and introduced a lot of useful information. Thank you again!

The hotel that Rotorua will still choose for the second time is in a good location, close to supermarkets and attractions. The rooms are spacious and have full kitchen facilities to cook for themselves. The hotel has its own hot spring pool and you don’t have to go out for a hot spring.

This was the only motel we could find last minute and ended up staying a few nights over January. The place is a little old, but rooms we had for 2 adults 1 child were clean, including bedding and towels. Anything that was amiss, broken tv/fan were replaced immediately. They will top up your coffees, tea satchets, have microwave, kettle and electric camp stove top, bar fridge. Laundry room where you can grab the key from the office.. washing machine and dryer. A good basic motel with 24hr BP service station if you need something that cannot wait. Room price reasonable for this time of year. Location perfect, far enough away from CBD and other motels were being trashed by homeless pre covid. 5min walk to Whakarewarewa - recommended!

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What a Great Motel ( a little dated ) but very clean , the price reflexes that , had everything we needed, the staff were very friendly & accommodating, we had storage for our E Bikes ( which was very important to us ) , the Motel was very close to everything & lots of biking trails , it had a heated swimming pool washing facilities etc , we certainly would return & would Highly Recommend

Oh dear, where do I start? The unit (16) had a strange smell on entry......not the Rotorua pong we all know....but stale and greasy. The kitchen was beyond usable and the fridge was mucky. Stored a few wrapped goods in the larder but wouldn't use glassware, crockery or cutlery. Bathroom also needed better cleaning: base of shower door and windowledges were dirty. There is nothing welcoming in this unit.....no pictures, no clocks, no colour anywhere other than the bedding. Which brings me to the bedroom......there's nowhere to store clothes: in each of the bedrooms there is a cupboard but it has no shelves or rail and could barely be opened due to the position of the bed. Under the bed was in need of a Hoover. The lounge is OK although furniture could do with replacing.....just old and past its best. The whole place is soul-less. Car park is difficult to negotiate. Now there are a few good points: Location - an easy walk into town: the unit has Sky TV: Beds were comfortable and towels good quality. I mentioned my concerns at checkout but received no apology / explanation, just a smile and told that this was the only room available..... Sorry Kowhai Motel.....I am very disappointed. You can do better.

The hotel is in a good location👌quiet🤫comfortable😌. The hotel service staff are warm and friendly ✌️Eating🍽️Shopping🛍️is very convenient. Not too far from the attractions.

Travelled for a 21st Birthday We Travelled with our 96yr old Mother & we were given a very roomy unit with a disability shower & chair which was really appreciated. The beds were comfortable with beautiful crisp white sheets. There was everything that you could have wanted & will definitely be making it our go to Motel as we travel to Tauranga often to visit family.

Last minute holiday and this was available so we booked. Took a studio unit and it was really lovely for us - two adults and a teenager. Had everything we needed - fantastic fan supplied to help us keep cool too. Comfy beds and great tv with ALL the Sky channels. Nicely maintained room with lovely gardens as well :). Location was fine - not noisy and not out of the way. Thanks for having us.

Loved this hotel! Simon was very welcoming and incredibly accommodating especially with providing a cot for our toddler and making sure we had enough blankets etc for him. Beds were super comfy, carpet nice and plush, everything is new! Also loved the eco aspect of the whole place with sensor lighting etc which felt very modern as well as being excellent for the environment. Loved the room access on ground level straight to the carpark which was handy for pram (and I’m assuming wheelchair) access. Would highly recommend!

Celebrate my birthday over the weekend. Love this place. Been here several times..since then. Never been disappointed...love the rooms and layout.. Ideal location. Lovely, spacious, large family rooms..it like being home away from home.. Love the close walk to beach, mountain and hot pools.

This establishment allows pets, but quite frankly I wouldn't let my dog anywhere near it. Spent a week here on work (clearly upset someone in bookings) and found it thoroughly unpleasant. On entry to the room I was greeted with carpet stains and an aroma akin to an ailing widowers home. Single beds serve as lounge seating and wooden decor and panelling throughout gives a distinctly 80s vibe. Shower is lined with black mould. The thermal pool may well be very pleasant but given its condition (refer to photographs) was not something I wanted to immerse my body in. Location is undesirable and driveway is on a corner of a busy road which is treacherous. All in all a dreadful time. Fortunately a corkscrew is supplied, as if you stay here you'll certainly want to drink.

The place was unexpectedly nice. Room was clean and there were some nice touches - a wee bottle of full cream milk with a nice creamy top, a bottle of water chilling in the fridge. Check in was effortless. The shower was a little weak but overall I'm really glad I stayed here. New world supermarket across the road and a world class steak restaurant around the corner

We stayed here for 3 nights as part of our NZ trip. It provided all the facilities and care of a hotel with the intimate personal attention of a B&B. Out hosts were just wonderful and everything that we could possibly have needed was there. Our room was a reasonable size, good big bathroom and you have the use of a communal living room and balcony. We even had a load of washing done for a very small fee of $10. The breakfast was amazing - we expected a small continental type breakfast but received that and an amazing cooked one too. Location is perfect and a short drive to the centre and Mount Maunganui. Definitely no hesitation in recommending a stay at Seascape.

Oh my! From the moment you enter reception, you know this place if going to be good! I was in turmoil after the cyclone but came here to enquire and was helped immediately. The room was beautiful and a great size - and it smelled divine. The tea tray was a little treat, with hot chocolate, biscuits and mini chocolates! And there was a microwave! The bed was so comfortable and it was huge! Only a short walk to town, it really was perfect. Thanks for a great stay - I will definitely be back next time I visit.