Some of the best hotels Rotorua has to offer are located in the city centre.
Most of these accommodation providers belong to international chains, so you can count on friendly service and great amenities such as onsite restaurants and bars, fitness centres and various ways to relax onsite.
They’re also very close to the city life – think cafés, shopping, the dining precinct Eat Streat and more – perfect for couples and groups of friends who prefer to base themselves in the midst of the action. Plus, you’ll be within minutes of beautiful Whakarewarewa Forest and its walking and mountain bike trails, free geothermal parks and reserves, picturesque Government Gardens, and more.
Great places to stay
Rotorua’s five-star hotel, Pullman Rotorua (above), offers luxurious rooms and suites, each with beautiful views of Rotorua (including some from the bathrooms, as above), from our namesake lake, to steamy geothermal areas, Mount Tarawera on one side and Mount Ngongotahā on another, and forests all around.
Keep up your fitness routine in the gym onsite, and enjoy all-day dining at Barrel & Co. Bar and Grill, a cosmopolitan brasserie that showcases the best of the region’s produce through creative grill dishes, seasonal sides and divine desserts. Massage Eden opened onsite recently, offering customised massage treatments.
Regent of Rotorua is an oasis of contemporary elegance and comfort. The gorgeous rooms and suites feature dramatic decor (above) with a touch of glamour and loads of comfort. Relax and savour the outdoor heated swimming pool (pictured at the top) and indoor mineral pool.
If classic French sofas, chic décor, and an indoor/outdoor fireplace sounds enticing, wait until you see the menu at The Regent Room. The Regent Room offers a delicious, award-winning international fusion menu of sharing and tasting plates as well as exquisite main meals and tempting desserts and cheeses. The black, white and bling interior is complemented by the view out to the swimming pool and courtyard.
Closer to Lake Rotorua, you’ll find Novotel Rotorua Lakeside (above). This 4 ½-star Accor hotel offers tranquil surroundings and similar views as Pullman. Enjoy dining onsite at Atlas Restaurant, or cocktails at Clarke’s Bar which features an alfresco courtyard.
Relaxing at Novotel is made easy through the geothermally heated and enclosed pool, a sauna room, and thermal spa.
The Pullman, Regent and Novotel are all within walking distance to Eat Streat and the Rotorua Lakefront area – a perfect combo for dinner followed by a stroll along the beautiful new boardwalk and terracing.
Also near Lake Rotorua, is Millennium Hotel, albeit along part of the shoreline. This international-class hotel boasts modern, comfortable rooms, and two restaurants and a bar. Enjoy views of the lake from your balcony, the restful inner courtyard (above) or street-side city views.
Also onsite, The Spa offers a range of relaxing and therapeutic massages, facials and body treatments by professional, experienced and fully qualified therapists, to help you relax or rejuvenate. For the fitness minded, the hotel offers a well-equipped gymnasium, thermally heated hot pools and outdoor heated swimming pool.
Grab your camera and head out for a brief stroll to the Government Gardens and Sulphur Bay Wildlife Refuge.
Great places to dine and imbibe
Obviously, you’ll want to get out and about, so a great place is Volcanic Hills Winery & Tasting Room (above) at Skyline Rotorua. Volcanic Hills is Rotorua’s very own award-winning winery located on Mount Ngongotahā. Getting there, via Skyline’s gondolas, is half the fun, and amazing views overlooking the city and Lake Rotorua are the perfect setting to savour wine tasting and an antipasto platter.
Another award-winner is Urbano Bistro, a smart-casual café by day that serves breakfast, lunch, and bar snacks to eat in or take away. By night, the cosy, informal bistro restaurant offers modern, innovative cuisine and a large range of beer, wine and spirits.
A stroll along the newly redeveloped Lake Rotorua lakefront after dining at Eat Streat is a great way to “make room” for a decadent dessert at Lady Janes Ice Cream Parlour, a Rotorua icon that’s been serving up sweet treats for more than 40 years. A must-try: a hot waffle sundae loaded with your favourite toppings, sprinkles, nuts and whipped cream (shown below).
