Phoenix Resort

The grounds were nice, and there’s a lovely coffee shop straight across the road for breakfast. Phoenix Motel was clean and tidy, with comfortable beds, air conditioning, and a good-sized TV. Our room also had a dishwasher and a well-equipped kitchen. Customer service was excellent, and having our own mineral bath was a bonus. It’s fairly close to town too. Definitely would stay again.

Inside, the Phoenix resort is delightful, even if it looks a bit budget from outside. The private mineral pool was a wonderful treat. We had a full kitchenette and a really good heat pump to keep us warm. It was an absolutely lovely stay last night, and I’d love to come back in summer when the outdoor area should be wonderful.

Watching the sunset from the balcony over the lake was amazing. The owner was very welcoming and got us checked in within two minutes. The rooms are older but tidy, and the thermal spa in ours was perfect after a long day.

The staff were very kind, but the place didn’t feel worth the price. We stayed two nights, and for $50 more we could have had a room at the 4-star Millenium Hotel across the road, right on Lake Taupo. We ended up having dinner there both nights and, looking back, should have stayed there instead. The rooms are quite dated and run-down. The garden is pretty but also tired, with a ripped-up trampoline right at the front gate and a gate rusted shut. Wifi was slow and unreliable. The whole place needs a makeover.