Pohutu Lodge Motel

The front desk wait was ages because someone was busy microwaving food. Having space to park both our cars out back was great, but that was about the only plus. It didn’t feel clean or well looked after, even for a cheap one-night stay, and the toilets need a proper scrub. There’s no dining table, and the breakfast bench seats are far too high to eat comfortably. The rooms and lounge need more than fans for cooling. The lounge was boiling even with the windows open, and some window latches were broken. We couldn’t leave the sliding door open because the area is shared with the other residents. The upstairs bedroom bathroom is so cramped that the door won’t shut when someone’s inside.

A pretty reasonable location, with friendly staff who were happy to help. The room was spacious and clean, and had what we needed, all for a very reasonable price.

Lovely owners. A clean and tidy three-star hotel.

We booked two days and really enjoyed our stay. The manager was courteous and spoke well, and the motel was generally clean. It’s handy for Rotorua’s geothermal areas and other local sights, with easy parking and a practical, simple setup. The room had basic amenities, including a kitchenette and good WiFi. Not a luxury place, but comfortable enough for a relaxed short trip and good value if you want an affordable, convenient stay.