Lake Lodge Motel — Hotel in North Island

I stayed here recently with a friend whose lifetime dream was to go to Rotorua after learning about the area at Uni. He uses a wheelchair & we wanted somewhere that would both accommodate his requirements and not require a mortgage. I'm very happy to say that the Lake Lodge met both needs admirably. ||I've stayed in cheaper Rotorua accommodation previously and I have to admit that the experience had lowered my expectations to sub-basement level and I'd warned my friend accordingly. I'll admit that I was VERY pleasantly surprised when we got into our room: it was spacious, had everything we'd need for our stay, and my friend asked why I'd been so pessimistic about the place. I'll freely admit I misjudged the motel and will happily recommend it to anybody who'll listen in future. ||We'd booked a two-roomed suite, as that appeared to be the only available option which was wheelchair-friendly. We had a large lounge area, with a kitchen area at one end and a separate bedroom with a queen(?) sized bed and a single. The beds were very comfy and the linen was very high thread count and felt very luxurious. Everywhere was spotlessly clean. The lounge area had plenty of room for my friend to get about and there were two large sofas, which I believe fold out into two sofa beds. Fortuitously, the table was at just the right level for him to get his legs underneath and he was able to reach (almost) all the light switches. ||The kitchen area had everything we'd need for our short stay and - shockingly - all the china and cutlery actually matched! The bathroom was clean, modern and had a roll-in shower, with a very useful seat, although this could be moved out of the way if need be. ||Neither of us drive, but there was a parking space right outside the room: equally, although we didn't need to use either on this trip, there is a fairly large heat pump in the lounge, and a large fan for the bedroom. We had little real interaction with the staff, but those with whom we did were polite and friendly. ||If I had any complaint at all, it would be that the threshold into the room is slightly difficult to negotiate if you're in a wheelchair. I was able to give my friend a boost over the bump, but a solo disabled traveler might find it quite difficult to gain entry. Having said that, it's a minor thing and didn't do anything to distract from our enjoyment.||The motel is right on the lake front and just 100m from both Eat Street and a very busy ice cream parlour. It's very quiet and even though a busy road passes just outside, very little can be heard inside. ||I'd highly recommend staying here if you're looking for reasonably-priced...

This was the wierdest place we stayed at during our trip to NZ. We stayed at B&B. The kitchen area was nice to use, breakfast was ok. Everything was clean. Situated in the center, free parking. The room though was super tiny. Nowhere to even put our suitcases. No nets in windows when there is no AC! We had tons of insects inside as we stayed during hot days. It's also impossible to get the room to cool down as there is no through ventilation. The bathroom is also super awkward. No exhaust fan. Absolutely nowhere to put your toiletries, no shelves, no hooks, towels stay wet since again there no air movement. Our room was next to the kitchen so with open windows we heard all cars and all people that got up early. Absolutely do...

Found ourselves in Rotorua a day earlier than anticipated and needed to book something last minute. Many places were booked up but this place got some great reviews and had a room for us. Not sure why it was still available as it certainly was an amazing find. Right on the lake and only 5 minutes walk from Eat Streat with so many fantastic restaurants and bars to enjoy. We were welcomed by Barry who was so friendly and helpful. Gave us two brilliant recommendations for food, wine and beer. The room was huge, pleasant, clean and had everything we needed. The bed was super comfy and the shower was fantastic. Loads of toiletries and fluffy towels, hairdryer, iron, Nespresso machine, free Wi-Fi,…Really do...