Gables Lakefront Resort Taupo — Hotel in North Island

Initially when we arrive the staff acted super strange and stated that the room we booked with a hot tub was not available, then after me voicing my frustrations, it was available. My partner thought maybe because we looked young they judged us and didnt want us in a room with a hot tub, I dont know. It was such a strage interaction and made us so uncomfortable it may have made us hate everything else bout the place but...the hot tub was luke warm and it has the most awful discusting smell and they turned it off super early which isnt mentioned in the listing, for "noise" but it's another way to save money. There was noices coming from the tub system all night regardless. The place could have been really nice if they put some money into it. The room was clean enough and had good amenities. They obviously opted for the cheepest toilet paper and hotel disposables imaginable. The "rule book" was ridiculous and it stated there would be a charge to use the fold out couch provided which is so bizzarre to advertise amenities then charge ectra for them. The bed was very hard, some might like that but we did not sleep well. The view was blocked by cars anyway so even that wasn't a perk. We tried to leave early since we could'nt sleep anyway but there was no early check out instructions to leave the key so we just left it in the room. Would not stay there again, not value for money and only booked for the tub which was unusable.

Update: I have just seen your reply. That's funny as we didn't use the spa because it was revolting and we bought our own pillows, so you proved my review correct with your attempt at disproving mine. We left the room as it was, we don't leave rooms in a state, so that's a lie also. And we decided to park in the front parking so we could have a view only to find someone else parked there when we returned from dinner so also,...

Gables is a spotless, well-run motel with an upscale vibe. The rooms are large, with a full jetted spa in a separated area enclosed by a door. When we looked at photos, we were initially worried the spa was in the bathroom or center of the suite. It is separate and we never even went into the spa room. But it's there and clean for those that want that experience.

The owners are kind and helpful. There is a laundry room with a full-size washer and dryer!! It's on the honor system to pay $5 NZ per load, but that includes the soap. Extremely fair since these are huge and we were able to wash clothes for all 4 of us in one load. They also have a drying rack in the back, grassy area if you prefer air-drying.

There is not a dedicated patio for each room, but it was nice to sit on the front stoop, chat with neighbors and watch the Ironman that was in town the weekend we stayed.

I am not a motel fan, but this was one drive up resort I would absolutely recommend and stay again. It is not luxurious, there isn't a restaurant or bar on site- but those are all within walking distance. It is clean, has a very comfortable bed which is back from the living room so we didn't hear any road noise and comfortable living space with...

I have added photos of some of the bad stuff All we wanted was a good rest and sadly it didn’t happen :(

Few points to make written below some concerning! The black drops of water that fall on your head while outside by the spa was foul

Paid extra $50 for late checkout but don’t think I’ll use it. As I was woken up at 8am from the spa pool being turned back on super loud right next to the bed water gurgling it’s very loud and disruptive.

The shower drain did not flow filling up with drain water all over our feet. Not to mention the taps gurgling while the showers are on

The host walked us into and through the room all the way through bit odd as every other place I’ve stayed has never happened and made me feel uncomfortable.

No tv in the bedroom so that’s about outdated there also was no night light the bed light was too bright

The smell of the stagnent water bacteria from the spa pool put me off as a pool maintenance worker I knew they were bad just from the smell then I read reviews about the owner turning the spa off and 8.30 and back on in the morning bad idea bacteri growth will be insane very...