The Luxury Hotel Guide 
A list by Tomas Mazowski.
This guide was last updated in December 2022. Hey! When I travel I love to stay at luxurious hotels - especially the kind of places that offer over the top extras and really spoil their guests with great service, nice spas, awesome restaurants and beautiful views. What more can you want? To save some time, I've put together this list of my favourite 5-star hotels and resorts in Bay of Plenty. I hope you will like it!
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1 Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel Rotorua, New Zealand
See available rooms
Hotel.
Perfectly positioned on the edge of Lake Rotorua, Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel offers a solar-heated swimming pool, a sauna and free Wi-Fi. All rooms boast a fireplace and views of the lake, pool or rose garden.
The luxurious rooms include an espresso coffee machine, an iPod dock, a flat-screen TV and a DVD player. You can enjoy the monsoon rain shower and the luxury bath products provided.
Set on 1 acre of manicured gardens, Lakeside Black Swan Boutique Hotel features a private jetty and both a croquet lawn and a petanque court. The tour desk can arrange a helicopter trip to see the region’s famed volcanos and thermal parks.
Overlooking the beautiful lake, the restaurant offers contemporary Pacific fusion cuisine. Your breakfast includes a full range of continental options as well as cooked options including full English breakfast, eggs benedict, freshly baked croissants and homemade pancakes.
The hotel is just 5 minutes’ drive from central Roturua, and 10 minutes’ drive from the Rotorua Museum of Art and History. Rotorua International Airport is a 20-minute drive away.
Guest review score 9.0,
rooms from around 939 NZD.
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2 Hana Lodge Rotorua, New Zealand
See available rooms Hotel.
Situated in Rotorua, 15 km from Rotorua International Stadium, Hana Lodge features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a garden. Featuring a restaurant, the property also has a shared lounge, as well as a sauna and a hot tub. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, a concierge service and free WiFi.
All rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. Complete with a private bathroom fitted with a shower and free toiletries, the rooms at Hana Lodge have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and certain rooms have a terrace. Guest rooms will provide guests with a wardrobe and a coffee machine.
A buffet, continental or Full English/Irish breakfast is available at the property.
You can play billiards, darts and tennis at this 5-star hotel, and the area is popular for hiking and skiing.
Paradise Valley Springs is 16 km from the accommodation, while Tikitere - Hell's Gate Thermal Park is 19 km from the property. Rotorua Regional Airport is 22 km away.
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3 Newina Rotorua Rotorua, New Zealand
See available rooms Hotel.
Set in Rotorua, 5.5 km from Rotorua International Stadium, Newina Rotorua offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a garden. Each accommodation at the 5-star hotel has mountain views, and guests can enjoy access to a terrace and to a sauna. The hotel provides a restaurant serving American cuisine, as well as free WiFi throughout the property.
At the hotel all rooms come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kitchen, a dining area and a private bathroom with free toiletries, a shower and a hairdryer. Newina Rotorua features certain units that feature a balcony, and each room is equipped with a kettle. The units will provide guests with a fridge.
Guests at the accommodation will be able to enjoy activities in and around Rotorua, like hiking and cycling.
Paradise Valley Springs is 8.9 km from Newina Rotorua, while Buried Village is 19 km away. Rotorua Regional Airport is 12 km from the property.
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4 Prince's Gate Hotel Rotorua, New Zealand
See available rooms Hotel.
The Princes Gate is a historical, boutique-style hotel in the centre of Rotorua. This classical 5-star hotel is opposite the Polynesian Spa and the famous Government Gardens.
The hotel has 52 stylish guestrooms and apartments, all decorated in a traditional and classical style. Each room is air-conditioned and beautifully furnished with luxurious en suite bathroom and a range of personal toiletries. The larger apartments offer a living area and kitchen facilities.
The Princes Gate Hotel, dates back to 1897 and is situated in the historical area of the city. The hotel is only 100-metres from the lakefront and city centre and is also within easy reach of the Convention Centre.
There are a restaurant and bar on-site offering breakfast, lunch, High Tea and dinner.
Property offers three thermally heated pools, a private plunge pool and sauna.
Guest review score 8.2,
rooms from around 581 NZD.
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5 CitySide Hotel Tauranga Tauranga, New Zealand
See available rooms Hotel.
Located in Tauranga, 10 km from ASB Baypark Stadium, CitySide Hotel Tauranga provides accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking. The hotel features family rooms.
All guest rooms in the hotel are fitted with a kettle. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a shower and free toiletries, all units at CitySide Hotel Tauranga have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and selected rooms have a seating area. All rooms will provide guests with a wardrobe and a coffee machine.
A continental breakfast is available at the accommodation.
Tauranga Airport is 5 km away.
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6 Regal Palms Resort Rotorua, New Zealand
See available rooms Resort.
Regal Palms Resort offers a range of studios, suites and apartments, all with cooking facilities and hot tub. Facilities include an outdoor heated swimming pool and sauna.
Each room at Regal Palms Resort includes a private bathroom, flat-screen Sky TV. Heating and air conditioning are provided, along with tea/coffee making facilities, microwave and fridge.
All rooms have either an outdoor patio or private balcony. Guests have access to a BBQ area, tennis court, fitness centre and 9-hole mini golf course.
Guests can charge their meals from selected local restaurants to their room. It is a 5-minute drive to Rotorua city centre and a 15-minute drive to Rotorua Airport. Lake Rotorua is 3 km away.
Facilities, On-site parking and EV changers are for inhouse guest only.
Guest review score 8.8,
rooms from around 598 NZD.
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7 Hideaway of Rotorua Rotorua, New Zealand
See available rooms Resort.
A peaceful escape, with alpacas at your doorstep.
Set on 4 acres of open gardens, Hideaway of Rotorua offers modern, self-contained accommodation in a quiet natural setting — just 6 minutes’ drive from Rotorua’s city centre.
Many of our units are newly built or recently renovated, with full kitchens, air conditioning, Smart TVs, and private decks that open onto green space.
From studios to family-friendly units — with some larger options available — each space is designed to feel relaxed, private, and easy to settle into.
Guests often tell us they love the open lawns, the quiet atmosphere, and the unexpected joy of watching alpacas graze just outside their window. We have four friendly alpacas (they’re a family!) and one cheeky sheep on-site — and if you’d like to feed them, pellets are available at reception.
There’s also a large on-site play area with a trampoline, swings, a slide, and a sandpit — great for younger guests, while still leaving plenty of quiet corners for everyone else to enjoy.
Facilities include:
• Alpacas on-site
• Full kitchens
• Smart TVs + free Wi-Fi
• Free parking — step straight from your car to your unit door
• Air conditioning
• Studios, family options & 2-bedroom units
We’re just 1–3 minutes from many of Rotorua’s top attractions — including Skyline, Mitai Māori Village, Agrodome, Canopy Tours, Wingspan, 3D Trick Art Gallery, ZORB Rotorua, Adventure Playground, Velocity Valley Adrenaline Park, and aMAZEme.
Whether you're travelling solo, as a couple, with friends or family, Hideaway of Rotorua offers space to unwind — close to everything, but calm enough to feel like a retreat.
Guest review score 8.6,
rooms from around 426 NZD.
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8 Kings On Peace Rotorua, New Zealand
See available rooms Motel.
Located in Rotorua, within 3 km of Rotorua International Stadium and 12 km of Paradise Valley Springs, Kings On Peace provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool and free WiFi throughout the property as well as free private parking for guests who drive. The property is situated 14 km from Buried Village, 15 km from Tikitere - Hell's Gate Thermal Park and 23 km from Waimangu Volcanic Valley. The motel features family rooms.
Guest rooms in the motel are equipped with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kitchen, a dining area, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. Kings On Peace features certain rooms that include a terrace, and each room is equipped with a coffee machine. All guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge.
The accommodation offers 5-star accommodation with a hot tub and barbecue.
Kuirau Park is 3 km from Kings On Peace, while Skyline Rotorua is 6.6 km away. Rotorua Regional Airport is 7 km from the property.
Guest review score 9.4,
rooms from around 639 NZD.
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9 Ngamihi Lodge Rotorua, New Zealand
See available rooms Bed and Breakfast.
Featuring free WiFi and a sun terrace, Ngamihi Lodge offers bed and breakfast accommodation just 10 km from Rotorua, overlooking the beautiful Lake Okareka. Free private parking is available on site.
All rooms include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Some rooms feature views of the lake or garden. Rooms have a private bathroom fitted with a bath or shower. For your comfort, you will find bathrobes, free toiletries and a hairdryer.
You will find a shared lounge at the property.
Guests can enjoy various activities in the surroundings, including horse riding, cycling and fishing. The bed and breakfast also offers free use of bicycles. Buried Village is 4 km from Ngamihi Lodge, while Rotorua Museum is 10 km from the property. Rotorua Airport is 8 km away.
Guest review score 9.9,
rooms from around 1520 NZD.
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10 Seascape Villa B&B Tauranga, New Zealand
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Seascape Villa B&B in Tauranga provides adults-only accommodation with a garden and a shared lounge. The 5-star bed and breakfast features garden views and is 13 km from ASB Baypark Stadium. There is a sun terrace and guests can make use of free WiFi and free private parking.
The units are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a kettle, a walk-in shower, bathrobes and a wardrobe. All units include a private bathroom, a hair dryer and bed linen.
Continental and Full English/Irish breakfast options with warm dishes, fruits and juice are available.
Guests at the bed and breakfast will be able to enjoy activities in and around Tauranga, like cycling.
ASB Baypark Arena is 13 km from Seascape Villa B&B. Tauranga Airport is 8 km away.
Guest review score 9.7,
rooms from around 432 NZD.
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11 KARANDA BnB Rotorua, New Zealand
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Situated within 8.4 km of Paradise Valley Springs and 19 km of Buried Village in Rotorua, KARANDA BnB features accommodation with seating area. Featuring free private parking, the 5-star bed and breakfast is 1. 8 km from Rotorua International Stadium. The bed and breakfast has family rooms.
At the bed and breakfast, some units have a private entrance, dining area, fireplace and dishwasher. Every unit is fitted with a kettle, a private bathroom and free WiFi, while certain rooms are fitted with a terrace and some have mountain views. At the bed and breakfast, each unit is equipped with bed linen and towels.
Available, the breakfast at the property includes continental dishes along with a selection of fruits and juice.
You can play billiards at the bed and breakfast. Outdoor play equipment is also available at KARANDA BnB, while guests can also relax in the garden.
Tikitere - Hell's Gate Thermal Park is 20 km from the accommodation, while Waimangu Volcanic Valley is 25 km from the property. Rotorua Regional Airport is 12 km away.
Guest review score 9.6,
rooms from around 590 NZD.
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12 Baybell Lodge Tauranga, New Zealand
See available rooms Bed and Breakfast.
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, Baybell Lodge is set in Tauranga. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi. On clear days, guests can head outside to enjoy the bed and breakfast's outdoor fireplace or simply kick back and relax.
The spacious bed and breakfast has a flat-screen TV. The kitchen is fitted with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave and there is a private bathroom with bathrobes and a hair dryer. There is also a seating area and a fireplace.
Guests at the bed and breakfast can enjoy a continental breakfast, and breakfast in the room is also available. In the warmer months, you can make use of the barbecue facilities and dine on the private patio.
The bed and breakfast has a picnic area where you can spend a day out in the open.
ASB Baypark Stadium is 22 km from Baybell Lodge. Tauranga Airport is 20 km from the property, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Guest review score 9.4,
rooms from around 362 NZD.
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13 Belle Mer Beachfront Apartments Mount Maunganui, New Zealand
See available rooms Aparthotel.
Belle Mer Self - Serviced Apartments offers spacious beachfront accommodation with fantastic sea views. Each apartment includes a kitchen, laundry facilities, bathroom, and satellite TV.
All apartments at Belle Mer include a fully equipped kitchen with microwave and dishwasher, plus a washing machine and dryer.
Guest facilities include a heated outdoor swimming pool, barbecue entertainment area and free car parking.
Belle Mer Self - Serviced Apartments is just across the road from the beautiful white sand beach of Mount Maunganui. It is located just 300 metres to the shopping, cafes, bars and restaurants of the town centre.
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14 850 Cameron Motel Tauranga, New Zealand
See available rooms Motel.
Just a 7-minute drive from The Strand waterfront area and the CBD, which is home to a number of cafes, restaurants, pubs and nightclubs, 850 Cameron Motel features complimentary WiFi and access to a garden.
850 Cameron Motel is a 14-minute drive from Mount Maunganui and a 23-minute drive from McLaren Falls. Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park is 42 minutes’ drive away.
All air-conditioned apartments and studios include a 42-inch flat-screen TV, heat pumps in every room and a kitchenette with a stove top, microwave and a refrigerator. Some have garden views, baths or spa baths. There is a lift for those on the upper level.
The property is situated opposite Tauranga Hospital and alongside a café, open all day.
Guest review score 9.3,
rooms from around 436 NZD.
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15 Ohope Beach Resort Ohope Beach, New Zealand
See available rooms Aparthotel.
Relax in the pool or by the poolside at this luxury complex, featuring magnificent views from most suites. On-site facilities include 2 hot tubs, a fitness centre, a sauna, a games room and a petanque court. Guests enjoy 100 MB of free Wi-Fi per apartment.
Each apartment at Ohope Beach Resort includes a spacious open-plan living area, 2 bathrooms, satellite TV and laundry facilities. The fully equipped kitchens have a dishwasher, microwave and oven.
The barbecue area provides a pleasant space to meet with family and friends. The Conservatory offers the perfect place to relax, read a book or simply watch the activities outside.
Ohope Beach Resort Apartments is a 3-minute drive from Ohope Beach Golf Course. Whakatane town centre is less than 20 minutes’ drive away.
Guest review score 9.3
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16 Tuscan Retreat Bed & Breakfast - Adults Only Papamoa, New Zealand
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Tuscan Retreat Bed & Breakfast is set in Papamoa in the Bay of Plenty Region, 10 minutes' walk from the beach, 12 km from Mount Maunganui, 7.5 km from Tauranga Airport and 40 minutes' drive from both Rotorua and Hobbiton.
Tuscan Retreat Bed & Breakfast features guest rooms with TV, tea/coffee making facilities, table, bed linen, heated towel rails, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers. All guest rooms have their own private bathroom/en-suite.
Barbecue facilities and a heated outdoor swimming pool are available for all guests. Free WiFi is provided throughout the whole property. Other services at the property include luggage storage, daily housekeeping and laundry services. Free parking is also available for guests.
An array of activities can be enjoyed in the surrounding area, including shopping, fishing, golfing and cycling.
Guest review score 9.2,
rooms from around 225 NZD.
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17 The Reef Beachfront Apartments Mount Maunganui, New Zealand
See available rooms Aparthotel.
Boasting a stunning beachfront location with ocean views, The Reef Beachfront Apartments features an outdoor pool. Just a 4-minute drive from Mount Maunganui Golf Course this property offers free WiFi and a hot tub.
The Reef Beachfront Apartments is a 7-minute drive from both Tauranga Airport and Mauao, where there are several hiking tracks available to explore the dormant volcano. Papamoa Beach is a 13-minute drive away.
This self-contained accommodation features a fully-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven. Some rooms include a balcony with partial ocean views. The lounge area offers a sofa and a flat-screen TV with cable channels.
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18 Beachfront Bliss Ohope Beach, New Zealand
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Offering free WiFi and free use of bicycles, Beachfront Bliss is located alongside Ohope Beach, 5 minutes' walk from cafés and art galleries. Your room opens to a private patio with garden and sea views, with outdoor dining furniture. Walk a few steps to front of property with panoramic sea views out to white Island; New Zealand only marine volcano.
The room offers a separate and private entrance, a TV, a refrigerator, a toaster, a microwave and tea/coffee making facilities. The private bathroom has a shower and free toiletries. The bedroom opens out to your own private patio. There are also tables and chairs for guest use, right by the beach, plus a second hot outdoor shower to use after swims in the sea.
Beachfront Bliss offer beachfront accommodation with beautiful sea and garden views. Other facilities offers a tour desk and a use of iron and washing machine. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including cycling, hiking and a safe swimming area in front of the house. The property offers free parking.
Guest review score 8.9,
rooms from around 180 NZD.
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19 Cutterscove Resort Apartments Mount Maunganui, New Zealand
See available rooms Aparthotel.
Cutterscove Resort Apartments enjoy a beachfront location, a 4-minute drive from the Mount Maunganui Hot Salt Pools. This luxurious resort-style property features a heated lap pool, a fitness centre and a mini golf course for registered guests only, not visitors. Free parking and free internet access are provided.
The self-contained apartments have a kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a fridge. Each has a lounge area with sofa and satellite TV. Laundry facilities are included in all apartments.
There is a lagoon pool, sauna rooms and a hot tub on site. Guests can also enjoy a game of tennis at the tennis court. Barbecue facilities are available.
Resort Cutterscove is within a 5-minute drive of Mount Maunganui Surf Club and the Mount Maunganui Golf Club. Central Rotorua is an 80-minute drive away.
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20 Cobblestone Court Motel - Wenzel Motels Tauranga, New Zealand
See available rooms Motel.
Cobblestone Court Motel - Wenzel Motels offers self-contained accommodation in a beautiful garden setting, with all rooms leading out to a private patio. It offers free Wi-Fi and an outdoor swimming pool.
The accommodation options range from Studios to spacious Three-Bedroom Apartments, all serviced daily. Room facilities include satellite flat-screen TV with Netflix, heating bathrobes, coffee making facilities and hair dryer.
Free parking is available right outside each unit, with enough space for trailers or boats. There is a large garden and BBQ area and laundry facilities.
Cobblestone Court is a 5-minute walk from Chapel Cafe. 2 km away you will find the bus terminal, a shopping centre and several bars and cafes.
Guest review score 8.7,
rooms from around 384 NZD.
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21 Silver Fern Rotorua Suites & Spa Rotorua, New Zealand
See available rooms Motel.
Featuring rooms with a spa bath and free Wi-Fi, Silver Fern Rotorua is just 1 kilometre from Rotorua Golf Club. It features a hot tub and a day spa. Free parking is available on site.
Silver Fern Rotorua Suites & Spa is 10 minutes’ drive from the famous Polynesian Spa and Mitai Maori Village. Rotorua Airport is a 15-minute drive away.
All rooms have a kitchenette or kitchen with a microwave and refrigerator. Each modern room includes cable TV, a DVD player and electric blankets. Some rooms have access to a shared balcony.
Guests can relax on the sunny terrace, or enjoy a meal in the barbecue area. The property also offers free bicycle rental, free DVD rental and a tour desk.
Guest review score 8.4,
rooms from around 338 NZD.
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22 City Suites Tauranga, New Zealand
See available rooms Aparthotel.
City Suites offers spacious, modern studios and apartments with self-catering facilities. The property is just 10 minutes’ walk from Tauranga city centre. Guests enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor swimming pool and secure car parking.
All accommodation at City Suites includes satellite TV and a DVD player. Each has a kitchenette with a microwave, toaster and tea/coffee making facilities. Some have a private balcony. Heating and air conditioning are provided.
City Suites Tauranga is situated just 8 minutes’ drive from Tauranga Airport. It is a 10-minute drive to Mount Maunganui Beach and a 15-minute drive to 'The Mount' scenic area.
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23 Haka House Rotorua Rotorua, New Zealand
See available rooms Hostel.
Explore Rotorua’s natural beauty and cultural gems while enjoying comfortable and stylish accommodation at Haka House Rotorua.
The cosy hostel is conveniently located near the awe-inspiring Kuirau Park, featuring captivating geothermal wonders. Guests can explore tranquil forest trails, experience heart-pumping bike rides, relax in natural hot springs, and immerse themselves in Maori culture.
With well-appointed shared and private rooms, excellent amenities, and a welcoming atmosphere, Haka House Rotorua is the ideal base for unforgettable adventures in New Zealand's mountain biking paradise!
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24 The French Country House, Tauranga Omokoroa Beach, New Zealand
See available rooms Lodge.
Offering luxury accommodation in a romantic setting, The French Country House, Tauranga is surrounded by beautiful manicured gardens. Guest can relax on the balcony and enjoy tranquil country surrounds and sea views. This luxury lodge is home to a stable of horses and guests can enjoy horse-riding on the property for an additional charge.
Styled with classic décor, these elegant rooms offer a flat-screen TV with a DVD player. The private bathrooms include a bathtub, a shower, and free toiletries. Towels and linen are provided. Free WiFi and free secure parking are provided.
In the evenings, unwind in the lounge area and enjoy pre-dinner wine and canapés. In-house dining is also available. This charming guest house features a library and tour desk facilities.
The French Country House is 25 minutes’ drive from Tauranga Airport and 30 minutes’ drive from Papamoa Beach. Your hosts can recommend a range of dining options in the surrounding areas
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Guest review score 10.0,
rooms from around 995 NZD.
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25 Solitaire Lodge Rotorua, New Zealand
See available rooms Lodge.
With lake views, Solitaire Lodge is located in Rotorua and has a restaurant, room service, bar, garden and sun terrace. Both WiFi and private parking are available at the lodge free of charge.
Fitted with a balcony, the units offer air conditioning and feature a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with shower and free toiletries. There is also a kitchenette in some of the units equipped with a fridge.
Breakfast is available, and includes continental, Full English/Irish and American options.
A bicycle rental service is available at Solitaire Lodge, while canoeing and cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
Buried Village is 7.8 km from the accommodation, while Rotorua International Stadium is 25 km away. Rotorua Regional Airport is 25 km from the property.
Guest review score 8.7,
rooms from around 5040 NZD.
I try my best to keep this guide up to date and I last refreshed it in December 2022. Did I miss a luxury hotel that should be on this list? Send me an email and let me know!
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