The 5 Best Motels in Rotorua and Why I Only Use Them
Finding the right motel can be a gamble. You never quite know what awaits you behind that neon vacancy sign.
In my case, it once led to a room with a view of a possum wrestling the motel’s welcome mat at 3 AM. Let’s just say the complimentary earplugs weren’t enough.
But if you go to a place often enough, you soon learn which motels are good ones. And after staying in Rotorua a few times, I’ve certainly figured it out! If you’re going to the place yourself, here’s my own personal list of the best motels in Rotorua for you to consider.
1. Sport of Kings Motel
Website: Sport of Kings Motel
Address: 6 Peace Street, Fenton Park, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Hours:
- Check In: 2 PM
- Check Out: 10 AM
Phone: +6473482135
Price: From 199 NZD per night
One of the best things about Sport of Kings Motel is that they have thermal whirlpools. Crazy good, especially when you need to soak those sore muscles after a day of checking out geysers and hiking trails.
Room wise, all of their 16 rooms are comfy and have kitchenettes, and they’re pet friendly. Look into booking their one-bedroom spa apartments—you’ll get your own indoor spa pool.
But if you’re a businessman like me, their studio units are perfect for when you need a night of silence.
They also have family rooms, a playground for the kids, BBQs, and more.
Pro Tip: You can book online and just pay when you get to the motel!
2. Capri On Fenton
Website: Capri On Fenton
Address: 290 Fenton Street, Glenholme, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Hours:
- Check In: 2 PM
- Check Out: 10 AM
Phone: +6473476126
Price: From 183 NZD per night
Capri on Fenton won’t break the bank, and it delivers with spacious, clean rooms. Every room comes with its own private spa pool, and their beds range from single to super king size.
The rooms here also come with all the basic amenities you expect to find, like free WiFi, a kitchenette, and heating.
Pro Tip: Book online in advance because you can often get cheaper rates!
3. Ripple Rotorua
Website: Ripple Rotorua
Address: 4 Barnard Road, Fairy Springs, Rotorua 3015, New Zealand
Hours:
- Check In: 2 PM
- Check Out: 10 AM
Phone: +6473479497
Price: From 150 NZD per night
Ripple Rotorua has studio rooms to family apartments—yes, most of their rooms come with hot tubs. And you definitely won’t be bored here. Check out their heated pools, play mini-golf, test out the playground, or look for trout at their trout stream.
And when you’re hungry, you can grab a bite to eat at their restaurant. (The food is amazing, BTW.)
Pro Tip: If you’re staying longer than a day or two, they have a laundry room that you can use. Just make sure you have some coins on hand.
4. Arista of Rotorua Motel
Website: Arista of Rotorua Motel
Address: 296 Fenton Street, Glenholme, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Hours:
- Check In: 2 PM
- Check Out: 10 AM
Phone: +6473490300
Price: From 224 NZD per night
Arista of Rotorua Motel has massive studio rooms and executive apartments available (some bigger than mine). Of course, every room has its own spa pool, thermal heating, and AC.
And yes, you can screencast Netflix onto their TVs. Or if you’re anything like me, you’ll be too busy using their charging stations to charge all your devices.
Pro Tip: The kids can check out their pirate-themed playground.
5. Rotorua Hideaway Lodge
Website: Rotorua Hideaway Lodge
Address: 436 Ngongotaha Road, Fairy Springs, Rotorua 3015, New Zealand
Hours:
- Check In: 2 PM
- Check Out: 10 AM
Phone: +6473574717
Price: From 190 NZD per night
Rotorua Hideaway Lodge has everything you need for a comfy and affordable stay. Spacious studios with kitchenettes, landscaped gardens for calm mornings, and the kids will love the playground.
They’re pet-friendly, and there’s plenty of space to bring your trailer or boat if you are travelling with one.
Pro Tip: If you get cold, ask for an electric blanket from the front desk.