Novotel Rotorua Lakeside

It was good. Nothing outstanding but nothing wrong as such. Rooms are clean and tidy and reasonably modern. Bathrooms need to be redone to reflect the price but nothing wrong, just old as such. Our room wasn’t available 2 queen beds booked but that set up had been oversold so we were compensated with breakfast which was ok but not ideal. There were a number of people with this issue at reception. It’s good for kids with its location close to town/restaurants/lake/playground, pool and kids room/play area. We would stay here again but would look for a deal rather than pay full price etc as it is a bit pricey for what it is. But clean and tidy and comfy beds. Big Buffett breakfast area which was good but when it got busy it turned into a bit of a zoo. But we went at peak time. The next morning we did an earlier time and it was much better for getting table and having food replenished quickly etc. Dinner was expensive but very quiet restaurant (given its proximity to to Eat Street) so made for an easy dinner with kids. Staff were friendly and tried to accomodate with helpful intentions. The hotel had a great reputation and I believe it is improving since Covid etc but a bit to go still

The hotel was good. Loved that it was super close to a little dining avenue so plenty of choices for restaurants and drinks within a 2 min walk. I did find the scent used in the lobby to be overpowering and would actually prevent me from staying there again as I am mildly scent sensitive and this was definitely more than mild. The hotel is also very close to the hot springs as well so the smell of sulfur in the area is a lot…. You can even smell it in the rooms, though minimally.

Great breakfast buffet selection, good indoor hot pools, nice bar if you wanted a drink. Our room was basic (as we selected) and was clean enough, had all the sky channels. There were 2x EV chargers if you have an EV vehicle.

Amazing, one of the best places