I recently spent time in Rotorua checking out four fantastic hotel options, plus experiencing Te Puia's Te Po Evening Experience firsthand. Here's a roundup of the highlights to help you match the right property to your clients.
Millennium Hotel Rotorua
I was very impressed with this property
Recently fully renovated all rooms – very tasteful colours, décor, design and feel with nice touches
5th floor is dedicated adults only and they have their own Club Lounge / dining area. The rooms on this floor are just a little nicer, with lux robes, slippers & nicer tea and coffee (no coffee machine though)
Great location
Lovely sitting areas throughout the property which actually feel more inviting than just a chair outside the lift lobby
Beautiful local art throughout the property
Stunning building with stunning timber features, architecture, large carvings etc.
Stunning gardens maintained to a very high standard.
Fabulous onsite BAR & Restaurant.
Immaculate property – comes with their very own Nori – almost 80-year-old Samoan man who has worked at the property for 40 years. He even comes in on his days off to potter in the garden or clean staff members cars. I got to meet the man, the myth, the legend.
Adults only spa and spa treatment area with 2 large spa pools & gym. Prices for services are very reasonable I thought.
Very large indoor pool area with a dining area looks out over pool
Rydges Rotorua
115 Deluxe King rooms renovated in 2023 & 20 Superior double/double upgraded in 2026. New décor, feature walls, drapes, carpets & electrical fittings, renovated bathroom, & these rooms include coffee pod machine. Note: These rooms must requested at time of booking but cannot be guaranteed – only if available.
Lovely outlook from village view rooms & then you can also see the lake in the distance from rooms located at the front of hotel.
Deluxe King room would be my choice. Very large king bed with matching large pills. Coffee machine & 32sqm. Little dated I feel with their décor choices, but it still feels very nice quality.
Close to the buried village & Te Puia
Smart TV’s in all rooms
Mountain bike storage onsite
Large Kids Zone, plenty of games and activities and was buzzing. Open daily from 8am to 9.30pm.
Large onsite pool area adjacent to kids zone so a very family friendly option.
Free onsite parking for 200+ vehicles
Filter water stations on each floor for guests to utilise (very nice option)
10% discount for guests to Whakarewarewa Village
Onsite laundry facilities for guests. Coin operated but free washing powder.
Novotel Rotorua
Great location to town and the lake
By far the most extensive bar I have seen to date. Great Bar area with gas fire as a centre piece and loads of lovely outdoor courtyard area at front of property.
Large onsite gym which is also open to the public who can take out gym memberships here. Note this is also shared with Ibis.
Laundry facilities for guests
Every second Thursday of the month they have a $25 happy hour where you get 5 drink tasters that they are showcasing that week and canopies.
Sudima Rotorua
First ever female Hotel Manager now in the roll - She plans on getting things moving as far as more appealing décor, lamps and mirrors in rooms, more relevant art around the property.
The exchange rates published are the “Buy TT” rates from our bank (Westpac NZ), as these are the relevant rates for buying a foreign currency. Note that there is a discrepancy between this rate and the “Sell TT” rate, which is often mistakenly quoted by some agents.
This rate is valid for a period of 7 days from the time the invoice is sent out.
Please Note: There is small incremental buffer included to counter any fluctuations within the time period before payment is made.
