Sudima Lake Rotorua

Those beds were a treat after a full day out. The pillows felt great, the blankets were homey, and there was none of that strong detergent or stale hotel smell. Breakfast was another highlight, especially the creamy mushrooms and the lovely pastries, with plenty of familiar hot options too. We had a comfortable, handy base for our family of four over three nights. Shops were about a 5-10 minute walk, and the lake views and big playground were close by. It also seemed reasonably priced, with a twin room with two queen beds under $200 a night. We visited the skyline, hot springs, and Huka falls. A few things brought the stay down: the showerhead couldn't be adjusted, which made washing tricky, and there was no hairdryer. The nearby geothermal springs meant a stronger rotten egg smell. Breakfast finished at 9, and cars sometimes came into the lot at night, which could disturb you if your room is nearby.

The lobby was a pleasant spot, with plenty of seating and a good view over the water. Breakfast was simple, though staff kept the area clean. Still, I wouldn't come back. There are other nearby places that are nicer and better priced. The rooms felt very ordinary compared with the other Sudima hotels. The manager said this was the oldest in the chain, and it showed. There was a sulphur smell around the area, and the staff were curt and not helpful. Check-in with the manager, Andriyani Mulia, was especially unpleasant. There’s no lift to the second floor, so hauling suitcases up yourself is a pain. The shower seemed straight out of the 80s, with piercing water and a temperature that swung hot and cold. If you're over 5’6”, you can't get under it. The place needs serious upgrades.

The only thing we weren't keen on was the evening menu. It seemed pretty basic, with fries and burgers, unless we'd missed another menu, so we went into Rotorua for dinner. Otherwise, it suited us well. The room was clean and had a large bed, and the town centre was a fairly short walk away. Reception and restaurant staff were lovely, welcoming, and helpful, and there was lots to choose from at breakfast.

The room felt dark, with little natural light, and didn't seem clean. It looked nothing like the photos, and the whole place felt worn out and overdue for a major upgrade. We paid $173 for one night, but honestly I wouldn't value it at more than $100 a night. Check-in service was average. I had three young kids under six with me, and getting to our room was a bit of a walk with them. We definitely won't stay here again.