The Cove Taupo

We've been back a few times and will keep returning. The apartment style rooms are lovely.

The hot spa had a lovely lake view, and the bed was comfortable. We stayed here in December and really liked the room.

We had a great couple of nights in room 22 while travelling around New Zealand’s North Island. There was plenty of parking at the motel and on the street, and a service station just across the road. The lake is barely a minute’s walk down the side street, and we could catch a bit of it from our side window. There’s also a cafe by the water about 50 metres away. We had a very enjoyable breakfast there, and the coffee was great. The room itself was huge, which suits us as we’re big people and always look for space. It had a king-size bed, a well-equipped kitchen with a bar-style counter, and a lovely lounge area with footstools to put your feet up. The only real downside was the tiny, pokey bathroom. It felt out of proportion to the rest of the room and wasn’t workable when us ladies were getting ready in the morning. The motel is a little further from the town centre, but the 5 to 6 minute drive didn’t bother us. I can’t remember whether there was a lift. It’s only two floors, so I think there wasn’t one, though I could be wrong. Would I stay again? Definitely.

The location means restaurants and shops aren’t within walking distance, and the shower is over the bath, which won’t suit a lot of people. Still, we like staying here. You get a separate bedroom and lounge, plus a private hot tub on the deck that’s screened from outside view. It’s starting to look a little dated and will need a refurbishment soon, but otherwise it’s great.