Taupo Thermal Motel & Spa - Adults Only

We loved having a soak in the thermal pools, especially at night when the pool area is lit with fairy lights and the trees are lit up. It was lovely to unwind under the stars. Our upstairs room had a view of the lake, and the proprietor was welcoming and always smiling. The motel is older and the rooms are a little dated, but ours was very clean, roomy, and had a well-equipped kitchen, plus separate dining and kitchen areas. The super king bed was really comfortable. It's a fabulous spot by the lake, within walking distance of eateries and shops at .

Our room was quiet, well looked after, and had a very comfortable bed and a nicely equipped kitchenette. Out back there was a private tub on an enclosed patio, and out front a table and chairs. Some rooms get partial lake views, though rooms 5-8 don't. The four adult thermal pools have different temperatures, with shade over part of each and loungers in both sun and shade. There's also a children's plunge pool. Guests can use the pools during their stay, and visitors staying elsewhere can pay for entry. Would recommend.

We paid $879 for three nights and found the room dirty, with very poor housekeeping. There was dust and dirt on the light switches and baseboards, the kitchen cupboards were sticky, and the cutlery and glassware hadn't been washed before we arrived. When we complained, Carol brushed us off by saying they were very busy. That wasn't good enough. Carol took our money but didn't provide an acceptable room or service. I would not stay here.

The shared thermal pools were a highlight, with four hot temperatures and a cold plunge pool, all free for residents. We also had a lovely, completely sheltered and roofed private mineral pool outside the back. It was hot and relaxing, though it doesn't have jets, and it can double as a shower. The front desk woman was chatty, friendly, and really helpful. At first the motel seemed pretty basic, so we weren't sure why it had a 9.3 Exceptional rating. Over a couple of days we saw why: the clean room was comfortable and better equipped than it first appeared, with glasses, mugs, a microwave, fridge, and sink. And that main shower was probably the best I've ever had, wonderfully hot with very strong pressure if you want it. It's about a 25-30 minute walk to the main centre, though taxis and Uber are available. Great value, and we'd definitely stay again.