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Summary of reviewsKowhai Motel Rotorua enjoys high acclaim for its central location, making it an excellent base for exploring Rotorua’s main attractions, parks and eateries. Situated within walking distance to the city center, malls, shops and various restaurants, guests appreciate the ease of access to the hot springs, geothermal parks and scenic Kuirau Park. Free on-site parking combined with easy accessibility ensures a hassle-free stay.
Guests frequently praise the comfortable and spacious rooms, noting their warmth and quietness. Although some rooms may benefit from refurbishment, most find the accommodations neat, tidy and well-equipped with essential appliances and kitchenettes. The spacious apartments and studios are especially suitable for family stays.
Cleanliness is another strong point with many highlighting the regular daily cleaning, spotless facilities, clean towels and bedding. While some guests noticed minor issues like mold in bathrooms or outdated furnishings, frequent maintenance efforts overall contribute to a comfortable stay.
The staff at Kowhai Motel Rotorua receive consistent high marks for their friendliness and helpfulness. Guests commend the accommodating and supportive nature of the owners and management, who contribute significantly to creating a welcoming environment. Their attentiveness and excellent customer service enhance the overall guest experience, making it both pleasant and memorable.
Internet connectivity at the motel is generally reliable with many guests noting the strong and stable WiFi signal. However, some have experienced intermittent connectivity issues, especially during high-demand activities.
The pool facilities stand out as a major highlight. Guests enjoy a variety of pools, including heated, thermal and mineral options. The main swimming pool is praised for its good size and cleanliness, while the mineral pools are particularly appreciated for their soothing properties. Although there are occasional comments about the pool's cloudiness and ambient noise, the overall pool experience is positive with unrestricted access adding to the appeal.
Parking at the motel, while appreciated for its convenience, is noted to be tight and somewhat awkward, especially for larger vehicles. Nevertheless, the provision of free parking remains a useful amenity.
The beds at Kowhai Motel Rotorua are generally well-received with many noting their comfort and size. Though there is some variability in firmness, the overall sentiment is positive, contributing to a comfortable sleeping experience.
While the Kowhai Motel may show signs of age and could benefit from some updates, it offers good value for budget-conscious travelers. The heated and mineral pools are especially praised, providing a relaxing touch to the stay. Combined with friendly staff and a prime location, Kowhai Motel Rotorua remains a recommended choice for those seeking convenience and comfort. Show more
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Categories
Motel with Heated Pool
This motel is listed among accommodations in Rotorua that feature thermal pools for guest use.
Motel with Swimming Pool
Heated Pool Outdoor Pool
Motel with Parking
Small Motel
4-Star Motel
Motel with Outdoor Pool
Room Types
StudioFeatures heating, satellite TV with 7 channels, plus a kitchenette with microwave, toaster and tea/coffee making facilities.
This room has no capacity for additional guests.
One-BedroomFeatures a king-size bed in the lounge room and 2 single beds in the bedroom. Includes heating, satellite TV with 7 channels, plus a kitchen with microwave, toaster, oven, stove and tea/coffee making facilities.
Please note that the maximum occupancy is 4 guests.
Two-BedroomFeatures heating, satellite TV with 7 channels, plus a kitchen with microwave, toaster, oven, stove and tea/coffee making facilities.
Please note that the price is based on 3 guests. Maximum occupancy is 5 (see Hotel Policies).
Three-bedroom Features heating, satellite TV with 7 channels, plus a kitchen with microwave, toaster, oven, stove and tea/coffee making facilities.
Please note that the price is based on 4 guests. Maximum occupancy is 8 (see Hotel Policies).
Superior ApartmentThis apartment features satellite TV with 7 channels, plus a kitchen with microwave, toaster, oven, stove and tea/coffee making and air-conditioning facilities.
Maximum occupancy is 6 guests.
One-Bedroom ApartmentThis apartment provides a hot tub. Featuring a private entrance, this air-conditioned apartment comprises a kitchen, 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The well-equipped kitchen has a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and an oven. The apartment features carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, soundproof walls, a dining area, as well as a wardrobe. The unit offers 3 beds.
Family Double RoomProviding free toiletries, this family room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. Meals can be prepared in the well-fitted kitchen, which is equipped with a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and an oven. The spacious air-conditioned family room provides a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a private entrance, a seating area, a dining area as well as pool views. The unit offers 3 beds.
Apartment with BalconyThe hot tub is a top feature of this apartment. Boasting a private entrance, this air-conditioned apartment includes a kitchen, 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. Guests can make meals in the kitchen that is fitted with a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and an oven. The apartment offers a tea and coffee maker, a seating area, a dining area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, as well as an inner courtyard view. The unit has 3 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.0
Very Good
Location
Kowhai Motel in Rotorua consistently earns high marks for its prime location, as underscored by numerous guest reviews. The motel is centrally situated, making it an ideal base for exploring the area. It's within walking distance to the city center, malls, shops and various restaurants, providing a plethora of options for dining and shopping. Guests appreciated the close proximity to key attractions such as the hot springs and geothermal parks, adding a unique touch to their stay. The nearby Kuirau Park, a favorite among visitors, offers easy access to thermal mud pools and scenic walks.
The location is also praised for its convenience with many guests noting that it made their stay hassle-free, especially with free parking on site. The presence of a lovely warm pool and mineral baths adds to the appeal, providing a relaxing retreat after a day of sightseeing. It's a perfect spot for short stays or family trips, offering spacious and comfortable rooms equipped with cooking appliances. For those attending events in the city, the motel’s strategic location made it an excellent choice.
In summary, Kowhai Motel stands out for its incredible location, providing easy access to Rotorua’s main attractions, parks and eateries, making it a highly recommended choice for travelers seeking both convenience and comfort.
Rooms
Kowhai Motel Rotorua offers a mix of comfortable and spacious rooms tailored to meet various needs, from solo travelers to large families. Guests frequently highlight the warmth and quietness of the rooms, complemented by clean and well-maintained facilities. The accommodations come equipped with kitchenettes, which many guests found highly convenient, although some units might benefit from refurbishment. Notably, the units are described as neat and tidy with all essential appliances functioning well. The motel provides excellent amenities, including a large heated swimming pool and a spa.
Although some rooms are considered a bit dated, overall, the rooms are praised for their size, comfort and cleanliness. The spacious apartments and studios, many with multiple rooms and full kitchens, are especially suited for family stays. Guests appreciated the coziness provided by the heat pumps and the quiet environment, contributing to a restful experience. Friendly management and efficient daily cleaning service add to the positive experience at Kowhai Motel Rotorua.
Beds
Kowhai Motel Rotorua receives generally positive feedback regarding its beds. Many guests commend the comfortable and large beds provided, often describing them as exceptionally comfy or very comfortable. The units themselves are highlighted for being comfortable with neat and clean bedding adding to a pleasant stay. Some reviews do mention variability in bed firmness with a few finding the beds too hard or too soft. Despite these occasional mentions, the majority of guests appreciate the quality and comfort of the beds with some particularly enjoying the king-size options. Overall, Kowhai Motel offers a largely comfortable sleeping experience with functional and often highly praised beds, although a few updates in bedding could enhance the experience further for all guests.
Cleanliness
Kowhai Motel Rotorua offers accommodations that are largely praised for their cleanliness and comfort. Many guests appreciated the clean, spacious and warm rooms, noting regular daily cleaning that kept their spaces tidy and well-maintained. The motel features very clean facilities, including clean towels and bedding and spotless apartments overall.
However, the motel's age shows in some aspects with several guests mentioning that the property appears tired and in need of some modernization. Issues such as mold in bathrooms, dirty window sills and dim lighting were noted by some visitors. Although the rooms and apartments are frequently described as clean, there were occasional remarks about particular areas needing extra attention, such as the shower cubicles and kitchen appliances.
Despite some negative comments regarding outdated furnishings and certain maintenance oversights, the overall frequent maintenance and cleaning effort do create a reasonably comfortable stay for guests at the Kowhai Motel Rotorua.
Staff
The reviews of Kowhai Motel Rotorua consistently highlight the exceptional quality of the staff and their dedication to guest satisfaction. Guests frequently mention the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, noting their polite and well-mannered demeanor. The owners and management receive praise for their accommodating and supportive nature, creating a welcoming environment from check-in to check-out.
The team at Kowhai Motel is described as attentive, kind and engaging, ensuring that guests feel acknowledged and respected throughout their stay. Reviewers appreciate the warm and personal interactions, indicating that the hospitality team goes above and beyond in providing excellent customer service. The positive atmosphere, created by the friendly and supportive staff, significantly enhances the overall guest experience, making stays at Kowhai Motel Rotorua both pleasant and memorable.
Wi-Fi
At Kowhai Motel Rotorua, guests have varied experiences with the WiFi service. Many appreciated the strong, stable and reliable internet connection, noting the overall good quality of the WiFi signal. Free WiFi is a notable amenity that adds to the convenience of the stay. However, some guests mentioned issues with weak, slow or spotty connections, indicating that the quality can be inconsistent. While the motel generally provides a positive internet experience for most, occasional lapses in connection quality can occur. Adjustments may be required for activities demanding high-speed internet, as some guests encountered difficulties with services like SkyTV or game consoles.
Pool
Nestled in Rotorua, Kowhai Motel offers a notable pool experience highlighted by multiple positive features. Guests frequently compliment the variety of pool options, including heated, thermal and mineral pools, which provide ample opportunities for relaxation and fun. The outdoor pool is often praised for its good size and clean condition, making it a family-friendly attraction.
Despite some comments about the pool's cloudiness and occasional need for better cleaning, many visitors still find the pool area well-maintained with sufficient seating, umbrellas and safety features. The mineral pools and the spacious, warm swimming pools contribute to a pleasant stay and kids especially seem to enjoy them.
An additional highlight is the convenience of unrestricted access to the pools throughout the day, which scores high with guests seeking flexible swimming hours. Although there are some concerns about the structural stability of the pool deck and ambient traffic noise, the overall sentiment towards the pool facilities is positive. The combination of functional amenities, private pool areas and thoughtful heating makes the pool one of the standout features of Kowhai Motel Rotorua.
Parking
The Kowhai Motel Rotorua offers both on-site and off-street parking spots, which are a significant convenience for guests. However, many reviews highlight that the parking spaces are notably tight and somewhat awkward to navigate, especially for larger vehicles or during busier times. While the parking lot layout ensures it is not obstructed by the building, this does not alleviate the overall cramped nature of the parking area. Despite these challenges with spacing, the presence of free parking remains a useful and appreciated amenity. Additionally, clean rooms with comfortable beds contribute positively to the overall stay at the motel, even though the facilities are described as dated. The location is also convenient for accessing public transportation and other parking garages.
3 Star
The Kowhai Motel in Rotorua offers a generally satisfying experience with budget-level accommodations that meet acceptable 3-star standards. While the motel may not deliver a full luxury experience, it provides good value for travelers looking for economical lodging options. The facilities and decor are notably outdated with some aging furniture and amenities that could benefit from refurbishment. Despite the dated look, the condition of the motel is adequate for a short stay.
Guests often find the price to reflect the current state of the motel with some highlighting it as well-priced for what it offers. Some improvements could be made, particularly in terms of service and pool cleanliness. Overall, the Kowhai Motel provides a decent stay for those seeking budget-friendly accommodations in Rotorua, but it may fall short of expectations for a 3-star rating.
Heated Pool
The Kowhai Motel Rotorua receives high praise for its heated and mineral pools, widely considered the best feature of the establishment. Guests frequently describe the heated pool as warm and inviting, akin to bathwater, making it a hit with both adults and children alike. The pools are well-maintained, ensuring a pleasant experience for visitors and are spacious enough to accommodate guests comfortably.
A standout feature is the mineral pools, which are often described as amazing and soothing, contributing to a relaxing atmosphere. Many guests mention the pleasure of using both the heated pool and geothermal mineral pools, especially late at night or in the evenings, adding a unique touch to their stay.
Overall, visitors highlight the warm, relaxing nature of the pools, which seem to be a major attraction that enhances the enjoyment of the motel. The friendly and dedicated staff further elevate the experience, ensuring a memorable stay that many vow to repeat in the future. The private pool facilities, along with ample, thoughtful guest parking, make the Kowhai Motel Rotorua a top choice for travelers seeking both relaxation and convenience.
Outdoor Pool
The outdoor facilities at Kowhai Motel Rotorua receive high praise, particularly the heated pool, which both children and adults find enjoyable. Many guests appreciated the cleanliness and fun provided by the main swimming pool, noting its suitability for both small and big swimmers. It offers a refreshing start to the day for those who like an early swim. The motel also features a smaller hot pool, surrounded by a veranda area with tables and chairs, creating a comfortable space for relaxation. Despite a few mentions of occasional cleanliness issues, the overall feedback highlights the positive and enjoyable experience guests have had with the pools at this motel.
Yes, Kowhai Motel Rotorua has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Kowhai Motel Rotorua.
No, Kowhai Motel Rotorua doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Kowhai Motel Rotorua.