Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
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Summary of reviewsNovotel Rotorua Lakeside consistently earns high marks from guests for several aspects of its service and amenities. The hotel's exceptional location adjacent to the beautiful lake and near Eat Street's dining options is a standout feature. Families find the proximity to child-friendly areas especially appealing, while all guests enjoy easy access to shops, parks, bars and vibrant nightlife.
Breakfast at the hotel is praised for its variety, quality and the scenic lake views from the breakfast room. Guests appreciate the made-to-order omelettes, smoothie machine, fresh juices and the policy of free breakfast for kids with a paying adult. Although there are occasional service lapses and some minor issues with specific food items, the overall breakfast experience is viewed positively.
The dinner experience at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside is also commendable, particularly the buffet dinner noted for its variety and quality, including standout seafood options. The in-house restaurant and bar offer a cozy ambiance and live music, enhancing the dining experience. Staff at the restaurant and bar are praised for their friendly and helpful service.
Rooms at the hotel generally receive positive feedback for their comfort and cleanliness. Guests appreciate the spaciousness, comfortable beds and excellent lake views. However, the hotel faces challenges with outdated decor and maintenance issues, particularly in the bathrooms and carpets. Despite these areas needing improvement, the overall room experience is favorable.
Cleanliness of the hotel receives mixed reviews. Many guests commend the clean and comfortable rooms, but there are notable concerns about dirty carpets, dated fittings and occasional cleanliness issues in public areas and bathrooms.
The hotel's staff consistently receive high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness. Reception and housekeeping staff are often described as professional, accommodating and efficient, contributing significantly to a welcoming atmosphere.
The free Wi-Fi service receives mixed reviews. While many guests find it fast and reliable, others report connectivity issues, especially in certain room types. Technical problems with room devices and the lack of streaming service options are also points of concern.
The gym facilities are well-received with guests appreciating the well-kept and well-equipped gym and spa pools. Although noted as slightly dated, the gym meets guests' needs for maintaining their fitness routines.
The pool area receives mixed feedback. While families particularly enjoy the heated, child-friendly pools and associated spa facilities, issues with pool size, cleanliness and maintenance are frequently mentioned.
Parking at the hotel presents a mix of experiences with some guests finding it convenient and others criticizing the limited and congested spaces. The $15 per day parking fee and lack of secure parking are common concerns.
Overall, Novotel Rotorua Lakeside provides a welcoming, comfortable stay with a prime location, excellent dining options and commendable service, though attention to refurbishment and better maintenance could further enhance the guest experience.
Categories
Breakfast at the hotel is praised for its variety, quality and the scenic lake views from the breakfast room. Guests appreciate the made-to-order omelettes, smoothie machine, fresh juices and the policy of free breakfast for kids with a paying adult. Although there are occasional service lapses and some minor issues with specific food items, the overall breakfast experience is viewed positively.
The dinner experience at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside is also commendable, particularly the buffet dinner noted for its variety and quality, including standout seafood options. The in-house restaurant and bar offer a cozy ambiance and live music, enhancing the dining experience. Staff at the restaurant and bar are praised for their friendly and helpful service.
Rooms at the hotel generally receive positive feedback for their comfort and cleanliness. Guests appreciate the spaciousness, comfortable beds and excellent lake views. However, the hotel faces challenges with outdated decor and maintenance issues, particularly in the bathrooms and carpets. Despite these areas needing improvement, the overall room experience is favorable.
Cleanliness of the hotel receives mixed reviews. Many guests commend the clean and comfortable rooms, but there are notable concerns about dirty carpets, dated fittings and occasional cleanliness issues in public areas and bathrooms.
The hotel's staff consistently receive high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness. Reception and housekeeping staff are often described as professional, accommodating and efficient, contributing significantly to a welcoming atmosphere.
The free Wi-Fi service receives mixed reviews. While many guests find it fast and reliable, others report connectivity issues, especially in certain room types. Technical problems with room devices and the lack of streaming service options are also points of concern.
The gym facilities are well-received with guests appreciating the well-kept and well-equipped gym and spa pools. Although noted as slightly dated, the gym meets guests' needs for maintaining their fitness routines.
The pool area receives mixed feedback. While families particularly enjoy the heated, child-friendly pools and associated spa facilities, issues with pool size, cleanliness and maintenance are frequently mentioned.
Parking at the hotel presents a mix of experiences with some guests finding it convenient and others criticizing the limited and congested spaces. The $15 per day parking fee and lack of secure parking are common concerns.
Overall, Novotel Rotorua Lakeside provides a welcoming, comfortable stay with a prime location, excellent dining options and commendable service, though attention to refurbishment and better maintenance could further enhance the guest experience.
Hotel near Golf Courses
This hotel lists a golf course within 2 miles (3 km) among its activities. The Government Gardens Golf Course is also a short 13-minute walk away.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
A proud member of the Rotorua Sustainable Charter, this hotel has an active environmental policy and holds Qualmark Gold status. It has eliminated single-use plastics by using wooden key cards and bamboo products for toiletries. The hotel operates on 100% renewable energy and has strategies for waste elimination and diversion, including comprehensive sorting of various waste types.
Hotel for Honeymoon
Located on the shores of Lake Rotorua, this hotel offers stunning views and comfortable accommodations. Its lakeside setting provides a romantic backdrop for a honeymoon getaway.
Family Friendly Hotel
Located right next to the lake in the centre of town, this hotel has an excellent pool and offers a great buffet breakfast. Its central location makes it convenient for exploring the city with the family and is close to Eat Street and the lakefront.
Romantic Hotel
Situated on the lakefront, this hotel provides easy access to the lake and city attractions. The comfortable rooms and amenities make it a suitable choice for a romantic stay, allowing couples to enjoy the scenic surroundings.
Hotel with Swimming Pool
This hotel features relaxing geothermal spa pools, providing a unique and therapeutic swimming experience. Its lakeside location adds to the ambiance.
Heated Pool Indoor Pool
Business Hotel
This hotel is in an excellent location on the shores of Lake Rotorua and has easy access to shops and eateries. It offers a heated indoor pool, geothermal spa, fitness center, buffet breakfast and dinner, and a bar. The rooms are spacious and comfortable with cable TV, a large work desk, and ironing facilities.
Hotel with Parking
Being a hotel, Novotel typically includes parking facilities for guests. The hotel's infrastructure ensures structured parking spaces and easy accessibility, making it convenient for travelers.
EV charging stations
Accessible Hotel
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside offers a 'City View King Room with Special Access Bathroom'. The hotel is wheelchair accessible with accessible parking, a wheelchair-accessible path to the elevator, a wheelchair-accessible registration desk, and a lift.
Hotel with Gym
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside offers a gym that consistently receives positive feedback from guests, often described as fantastic, great, or excellent. The facilities are noted for being well-kept and well-equipped, complementing the hotel's geothermal spa and hot pools.
Hotel with EV Charging Stations
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside, shared with ibis Rotorua, offers four electric vehicle charging stations. These include Tesla Destination chargers (two Tesla Type 2 at the back) and a Type 2 socket (one slow Type 2 at the front reception).
5-Star Hotel
Located on the shores of Lake Rotorua, this hotel offers a blend of comfort and convenience with stunning views. Guests can enjoy relaxing geothermal spa pools, modern amenities, and easy access to Rotorua's attractions.
Hotel with Indoor Pool
This hotel offers a convenient indoor pool complex, including a great heated indoor pool and a nice kids' pool. The presence of thermal and spa pools enhances its appeal for families and individuals seeking relaxation.
Hotel with Heated Pool
This hotel features a heated indoor swimming pool and four private geothermal mineral pools, ensuring a comfortable swimming experience regardless of the weather and offering therapeutic benefits.
Luxury Hotel
Guest Reviews
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside stands out for its exceptional location, a recurring highlight in guest reviews. The hotel is ideally situated right next to the beautiful lake with scenic views that add a serene touch to any stay. Proximity to Eat Street, a hub of diverse dining options, makes it incredibly convenient for guests to indulge in local cuisine without needing to travel far. The central location also means that many amenities and attractions, including parks, playgrounds and the city center, are just a short walk away. Families particularly appreciate the easy access to child-friendly areas, while general visitors enjoy the closeness to shops, bars and night-life, ensuring a vibrant yet comfortable stay. The hotel's facilities, such as its pools, lobby and bar, along with clean and spacious rooms, receive positive nods, but it’s undeniably the superb location that remains its most commendable feature.
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside's breakfast offerings have received a mix of reviews with the majority leaning towards positive feedback. Guests consistently commend the variety and quality of the buffet breakfast, highlighting it as a major highlight of their stay. The inclusion of fresh food, such as made-to-order omelettes and a smoothie machine, has been particularly praised, along with delicious options like porridge and fresh juices. Families found the selection abundant and appreciated that breakfast is free for kids with a paying adult.
Many visitors enjoyed the well-designed breakfast layout, noting that the food was tasty and well-presented with a significant number rating it as excellent or even the best they've experienced. The breakfast room's scenic lake views further enhance the dining experience.
However, some guests noted areas needing improvement, such as the high cost, lack of diversity and occasional service lapses during peak times. Complaints about lukewarm food, crowded dining spaces and certain items like thick, undercooked pancakes were mentioned, but these were in the minority.
Despite some critiques, the overall consensus is that the buffet breakfast at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside is enjoyable, plentiful and a great start to the day with many guests eager to highlight it as a memorable part of their stay.
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside offers a range of dining experiences that frequently receive high marks from guests. The buffet dinner, in particular, garners praise for its variety and delicious options with standout mentions of seafood choices and island-style raw fish. Both breakfast and dinner buffets are often described as amazing and superb with many guests enjoying the assortment and quality of the food.
The in-house Atlas Restaurant and Clarkes Bar add to the hotel's appeal. Guests appreciate the cozy ambiance of the bar and the live music during weekends. Friendly and helpful room service and bar staff contribute positively to the dining experience. Despite some comments about the food being pricey, many guests find the meals worth the cost, calling them good, great and even exceptional.
However, not all reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Some guests express disappointment with the buffet quality and value for money, mentioning issues like cold food, limited dinner options and missing delicacies. The breakfast buffet also receives mixed reviews with a few guests finding it average with limited choices.
Overall, though, the majority of reviews highlight a satisfying dining experience with good food quality and friendly service, making dining at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside a generally pleasant aspect of their stay.
The rooms at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside offer varying experiences for guests with largely positive feedback highlighting the comfort and cleanliness of the accommodations. Many guests appreciated the comfy beds and praised the spaciousness of certain room types, such as the Junior Suite and the Executive Room. The views, particularly the lake views, garnered frequent accolades, making these rooms especially desirable. The in-room amenities, cleanliness upon arrival and daily housekeeping were also noted favorably by many guests.
However, several areas for improvement were consistently mentioned. The decor and facilities in the rooms are aging with many guests pointing out the need for upgrades, particularly in bathrooms where fixtures appeared old and in need of renovation. Carpets and furnishings were frequently described as worn and stained and some rooms were reported as not being clean to the expected standard with issues like dusty surfaces, mold and unemptied bins.
Additionally, functionality issues such as air conditioning not working properly, showerheads needing replacement and dated, small bathrooms were reported. Inconveniences at check-in, such as rooms not being ready on arrival or limited towels and amenities, were noted by several guests.
In summary, while the Novotel Rotorua Lakeside provides comfortable and spacious rooms with excellent views and helpful room service, the hotel faces challenges with outdated decor, cleanliness and maintenance that could diminish the overall experience. The property's proximity to attractions and various amenities remain appealing, though attention to refurbishment and better upkeep could significantly enhance guest satisfaction.
Guests at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside frequently praised the comfort of the beds, often describing them as super comfy, very comfortable and exceptionally soft. Many reviewers highlighted that the beds contributed to their best sleep ever with remarks about the nice linens and clean bedding. However, some guests noted that the beds were too soft, which led to issues like sagging and rolling into the middle. Occasional comments mentioned that some beds were bumpy and worn out, detracting from the overall comfort. The pillows also received mixed feedback with a few guests pointing out unpleasant smells and insufficient support. Despite these isolated concerns, the consensus indicates that the hotel generally offers a high level of sleeping comfort with most guests finding the beds to be a major highlight of their stay.
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside has received mixed reviews regarding the cleanliness of its facilities. Many guests commend the hotel for its clean and comfortable rooms with several reviews noting that the rooms were tidy upon arrival and housekeeping staff were generally friendly and did a good job. The bathrooms, while dated, were described as very clean in multiple instances and shared spaces also received positive remarks for their cleanliness and presentation.
However, numerous reviews pointed to significant issues with overall cleanliness and maintenance. Some guests reported dirty carpets, dusty vents and dated fittings that desperately need updates. There were specific mentions of unclean bathrooms with several reviews detailing stained towels, mouldy tiles and unclean showers. Public areas, including corridors and the pool, were often highlighted as needing more thorough cleaning and maintenance. The property itself appeared tired with worn-out carpets, stained walls and other signs of wear and tear throughout.
Overall, while the hotel received praise for having clean rooms and comfortable amenities, it seems to struggle with maintaining consistent cleanliness standards, particularly in the bathrooms and public areas. The hotel appears to benefit from a deep clean and updated facilities to meet guest expectations.
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside receives consistent praise for its friendly and helpful staff with numerous guests highlighting their positive experiences with the hotel team's service. The reception staff are frequently noted for their efficiency and friendliness, ensuring check-ins and check-outs proceed smoothly. Guests often describe the staff as lovely, accommodating and professional, indicating a strong commitment to customer service throughout the hotel.
The housekeeping team has received accolades for maintaining cleanliness and being prompt in handling requests, such as providing fresh linens and extra towels. Specific mentions of the bar and restaurant staff point to courteous and professional service, enhancing the overall dining experience for guests.
While the majority of reviews focus on the positive interactions with the staff, there are occasional mentions of areas for improvement. Some guests found certain staff members less responsive or not as friendly as others with isolated incidents of unprofessional behavior at the front desk. A few reviews mentioned slow service and a lack of communication regarding additional charges, such as parking fees.
Despite these few negative remarks, the general consensus among guests is that the staff at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside are generally excellent and contribute significantly to a welcoming and pleasant hotel experience. The team is often described as going out of their way to assist guests with many employees leaving lasting positive impressions on visitors.
The wifi experience at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside has received mixed reviews from guests. Many praised the hotel for offering free WiFi, which was a pleasant surprise as the website indicated it would be chargeable. Some guests found the WiFi to be fast and reliable throughout the property with good coverage and strong connections in their rooms. Other positive feedback included the ease of accessing free WiFi and its availability for guests' convenience.
However, there were also several instances where the WiFi did not meet expectations. Some guests reported weak or non-existent WiFi in their rooms, particularly in twin double bed rooms and encountered issues with unreliable or unconnected WiFi service. There were specific mentions of the WiFi not being enabled or accessible without purchase, which was a letdown given the expectations set by the room rate.
While some rooms were equipped with smart TVs, guests noted the absence of access to streaming services. Additionally, there were occasional technical problems with room Chromecast devices, which staff were unable to resolve.
Overall, while many guests enjoyed fast and free WiFi during their stay, there were significant inconsistencies in the service that suggest room for improvement.
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside offers a gym that receives positive feedback from guests. Many commend the gym as fantastic, great or excellent with well-kept and well-equipped facilities. The gym and pool areas are often noted together, highlighting the overall good quality of leisure amenities. The spa pools and gym facilities stand out as favorite features, contributing to the guests' enjoyment.
While most praise the accessibility and solid workout options, some acknowledge that the gym is slightly dated but remain functional. Minor suggestions include the need for wipes or spray to clean equipment. Despite a few busy times, guests appreciate having access to an on-site gym that stays open late, allowing for flexibility in workout schedules.
Overall, the gym at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside is sufficient for maintaining a fitness routine while traveling with clean and accessible facilities that enhance the stay experience.
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside's pool facilities offer a mixed experience for guests. On the positive side, many visitors appreciated the pool with particular praise for children-friendly amenities and the additional thermal pools. Families often highlighted how much their kids enjoyed the swimming areas. The pools being heated and available till late were also seen as beneficial. The cleanliness of the indoor pools was generally noted and some guests enjoyed the associated spa facilities.
However, several issues were frequently highlighted. A common complaint was that the pools were too small and sometimes crowded, not aligning well with the hotel's size. Many guests found the pools to be colder than expected and not adequately heated. Cleanliness was an area of concern with reports of dirty pools, algae presence, broken tiles and even insects around. There was also feedback regarding the lack of pool towels and the overall dated condition of the pool area, suggesting a need for refurbishment.
In summary, while the pool facilities at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside have their strengths, particularly for families, there are notable areas such as size, cleanliness and maintenance that need attention to meet guest expectations fully.
At Novotel Rotorua Lakeside, the parking situation presents a mix of experiences for guests. Generally, the hotel offers on-site parking which some guests found to be readily available and easy to use. There were also mentions of ample and free parking on occasion, adding a convenience factor for many. The presence of a Tesla charger in the car park was appreciated.
However, numerous guests pointed out that parking spaces are limited and can get quite congested, particularly in the evenings. The parking area is often described as tight and sometimes difficult to navigate. Some reviews mentioned that parking spaces were occasionally hard to find, leading to frustration.
A recurring theme in the feedback was the parking fee of $15 per day, which many guests felt was not adequately communicated during booking. This additional cost was a point of contention for several visitors who expected free on-site parking. The issue of the parking area not being secured also surfaced with some guests feeling uneasy about the safety of their parked vehicles.
Despite these challenges, those who did secure parking generally found it satisfactory. The parking experience at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside might benefit from improved communication regarding fees and an expansion of available spaces to better accommodate all guests.
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside offers a family-friendly environment, making it an excellent choice for those traveling with children. The pool area is a highlight, frequently enjoyed by kids, although it might get crowded during school holidays. The hotel provides clean and spacious family rooms, well-equipped to meet the needs of families. Its prime location is superb for access to local attractions and family activities with a playground just a minute's walk away.
Families appreciated the thoughtful touches like Easter Bunny visits, free soft toys for children and special birthday surprises organized by the attentive hotel management. However, a few guests noted minor inconveniences such as insufficient hot drink cups and occasional delays in fulfilling requests for essentials like toilet paper.
Overall, the positive feedback from families suggests that Novotel Rotorua Lakeside is a great spot for a family holiday, providing a safe and enjoyable stay for both parents and children. The hotel's family-friendly approach and convenient location near local attractions make it a favorable option for those looking to explore Rotorua with their loved ones.
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside presents itself as a four-star hotel, but experiences vary significantly. Some guests have found the cleanliness to be on par with higher standards and the hotel offers good value for the money in comparison to other local options. However, there are notable concerns about the facilities being outdated and breakfast not meeting the expected high standards for a 4.5-star rating.
The hotel is suitable for those seeking a good standard of accommodation at four-star prices and it generally ranks well among guests within this category. That being said, several visitors felt the quality did not fully justify the hotel's star rating or the cost, signaling a mismatch between expectations and the actual experience provided.
While considered a great hotel by some, it appears that the consistency in service and amenities could use some improvement. For families and those looking for modern facilities, the experience may fall short of expectations, suggesting the hotel might be more accurately rated as a three-star establishment rather than a four or 4.5-star one. Overall, while it provides a solid value experience, potential guests should carefully weigh their expectations against the actual offerings.
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside caters well to business travelers, offering a range of amenities tailored to their needs. The hotel's location is convenient for business purposes and guests appreciate the ample desk space and clean meeting rooms. Business facilities are generally regarded as good with acceptable services and a business-oriented focus. The concierge services are also well-regarded, adding to the overall business-friendly experience. However, some guests have noted issues with the prompt provision of receipts and the availability of ironing boards, which are important for business stays. Despite these minor drawbacks, the hotel remains a solid choice for business travelers.
The Novotel Rotorua Lakeside promises a commendable and accessible stay for guests with disabilities. Despite some downsides such as a slow check-in process and occasional issues like stuck wardrobe doors or the inconvenience of climbing into a bathtub for a shower, the hotel boasts overall accessible rooms and a well-maintained lobby. The location is particularly noted for its accessibility for different needs, offering step-free access for guests and consistent onsite parking facilities.
A major highlight across the reviews is the staff’s friendliness and their willingness to assist, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all guests. However, some concerns were noted such as the closed disability access doors and issues with water or toilet facilities in certain rooms. Despite these, the positive aspects, such as the helpful and friendly staff, play a vital role in ensuring a comfortable stay for guests with disabilities.
Guests at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside commonly highlight the hotel's heated pool as a notable feature of their stay. The pool, though described as small by some, offers the added benefit of being indoors and protected from weather, making it especially appealing for families and children during rainy days. Many reviewers appreciated the geothermal aspects of the pools, noting the inclusion of thermal and mineral pools which add to the overall experience. Some visitors did mention that the temperature of the heated pool was cooler than expected with a few guests referencing previous stays when the pool was warmer. Despite these occasional comments, the heated pool remains a pleasantly surprising amenity for many guests. Additionally, shared spa and hot pools provided various options for relaxation. Overall, the hotel's assortment of heated and geothermal pools contribute positively to the guest experience.
The indoor pool at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside offers mixed experiences for guests. Many appreciate the convenience and enjoyment of the indoor pool complex, particularly highlighting the great heated indoor pool and a nice kids’ pool. Families find the indoor pools perfect for their needs and the presence of both thermal and spa pools adds to the hotel's appeal.
However, some guests have noted that the pool can be too small for the size of the hotel and have mentioned issues such as the pool being very cold and the area needing better maintenance. Complaints include the pool area being smelly and not always having towels available. Despite these drawbacks, the indoor pool remains a valued feature, especially for families and those seeking a relaxing soak in the spa or thermal pools.
Location Show Map
Location
Breakfast
Many visitors enjoyed the well-designed breakfast layout, noting that the food was tasty and well-presented with a significant number rating it as excellent or even the best they've experienced. The breakfast room's scenic lake views further enhance the dining experience.
However, some guests noted areas needing improvement, such as the high cost, lack of diversity and occasional service lapses during peak times. Complaints about lukewarm food, crowded dining spaces and certain items like thick, undercooked pancakes were mentioned, but these were in the minority.
Despite some critiques, the overall consensus is that the buffet breakfast at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside is enjoyable, plentiful and a great start to the day with many guests eager to highlight it as a memorable part of their stay.
Dinner
The in-house Atlas Restaurant and Clarkes Bar add to the hotel's appeal. Guests appreciate the cozy ambiance of the bar and the live music during weekends. Friendly and helpful room service and bar staff contribute positively to the dining experience. Despite some comments about the food being pricey, many guests find the meals worth the cost, calling them good, great and even exceptional.
However, not all reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Some guests express disappointment with the buffet quality and value for money, mentioning issues like cold food, limited dinner options and missing delicacies. The breakfast buffet also receives mixed reviews with a few guests finding it average with limited choices.
Overall, though, the majority of reviews highlight a satisfying dining experience with good food quality and friendly service, making dining at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside a generally pleasant aspect of their stay.
Rooms
However, several areas for improvement were consistently mentioned. The decor and facilities in the rooms are aging with many guests pointing out the need for upgrades, particularly in bathrooms where fixtures appeared old and in need of renovation. Carpets and furnishings were frequently described as worn and stained and some rooms were reported as not being clean to the expected standard with issues like dusty surfaces, mold and unemptied bins.
Additionally, functionality issues such as air conditioning not working properly, showerheads needing replacement and dated, small bathrooms were reported. Inconveniences at check-in, such as rooms not being ready on arrival or limited towels and amenities, were noted by several guests.
In summary, while the Novotel Rotorua Lakeside provides comfortable and spacious rooms with excellent views and helpful room service, the hotel faces challenges with outdated decor, cleanliness and maintenance that could diminish the overall experience. The property's proximity to attractions and various amenities remain appealing, though attention to refurbishment and better upkeep could significantly enhance guest satisfaction.
Beds
Cleanliness
However, numerous reviews pointed to significant issues with overall cleanliness and maintenance. Some guests reported dirty carpets, dusty vents and dated fittings that desperately need updates. There were specific mentions of unclean bathrooms with several reviews detailing stained towels, mouldy tiles and unclean showers. Public areas, including corridors and the pool, were often highlighted as needing more thorough cleaning and maintenance. The property itself appeared tired with worn-out carpets, stained walls and other signs of wear and tear throughout.
Overall, while the hotel received praise for having clean rooms and comfortable amenities, it seems to struggle with maintaining consistent cleanliness standards, particularly in the bathrooms and public areas. The hotel appears to benefit from a deep clean and updated facilities to meet guest expectations.
Staff
The housekeeping team has received accolades for maintaining cleanliness and being prompt in handling requests, such as providing fresh linens and extra towels. Specific mentions of the bar and restaurant staff point to courteous and professional service, enhancing the overall dining experience for guests.
While the majority of reviews focus on the positive interactions with the staff, there are occasional mentions of areas for improvement. Some guests found certain staff members less responsive or not as friendly as others with isolated incidents of unprofessional behavior at the front desk. A few reviews mentioned slow service and a lack of communication regarding additional charges, such as parking fees.
Despite these few negative remarks, the general consensus among guests is that the staff at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside are generally excellent and contribute significantly to a welcoming and pleasant hotel experience. The team is often described as going out of their way to assist guests with many employees leaving lasting positive impressions on visitors.
Wi-Fi
However, there were also several instances where the WiFi did not meet expectations. Some guests reported weak or non-existent WiFi in their rooms, particularly in twin double bed rooms and encountered issues with unreliable or unconnected WiFi service. There were specific mentions of the WiFi not being enabled or accessible without purchase, which was a letdown given the expectations set by the room rate.
While some rooms were equipped with smart TVs, guests noted the absence of access to streaming services. Additionally, there were occasional technical problems with room Chromecast devices, which staff were unable to resolve.
Overall, while many guests enjoyed fast and free WiFi during their stay, there were significant inconsistencies in the service that suggest room for improvement.
Gym
While most praise the accessibility and solid workout options, some acknowledge that the gym is slightly dated but remain functional. Minor suggestions include the need for wipes or spray to clean equipment. Despite a few busy times, guests appreciate having access to an on-site gym that stays open late, allowing for flexibility in workout schedules.
Overall, the gym at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside is sufficient for maintaining a fitness routine while traveling with clean and accessible facilities that enhance the stay experience.
Pool
However, several issues were frequently highlighted. A common complaint was that the pools were too small and sometimes crowded, not aligning well with the hotel's size. Many guests found the pools to be colder than expected and not adequately heated. Cleanliness was an area of concern with reports of dirty pools, algae presence, broken tiles and even insects around. There was also feedback regarding the lack of pool towels and the overall dated condition of the pool area, suggesting a need for refurbishment.
In summary, while the pool facilities at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside have their strengths, particularly for families, there are notable areas such as size, cleanliness and maintenance that need attention to meet guest expectations fully.
Parking
However, numerous guests pointed out that parking spaces are limited and can get quite congested, particularly in the evenings. The parking area is often described as tight and sometimes difficult to navigate. Some reviews mentioned that parking spaces were occasionally hard to find, leading to frustration.
A recurring theme in the feedback was the parking fee of $15 per day, which many guests felt was not adequately communicated during booking. This additional cost was a point of contention for several visitors who expected free on-site parking. The issue of the parking area not being secured also surfaced with some guests feeling uneasy about the safety of their parked vehicles.
Despite these challenges, those who did secure parking generally found it satisfactory. The parking experience at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside might benefit from improved communication regarding fees and an expansion of available spaces to better accommodate all guests.
Family
Families appreciated the thoughtful touches like Easter Bunny visits, free soft toys for children and special birthday surprises organized by the attentive hotel management. However, a few guests noted minor inconveniences such as insufficient hot drink cups and occasional delays in fulfilling requests for essentials like toilet paper.
Overall, the positive feedback from families suggests that Novotel Rotorua Lakeside is a great spot for a family holiday, providing a safe and enjoyable stay for both parents and children. The hotel's family-friendly approach and convenient location near local attractions make it a favorable option for those looking to explore Rotorua with their loved ones.
4 Star
The hotel is suitable for those seeking a good standard of accommodation at four-star prices and it generally ranks well among guests within this category. That being said, several visitors felt the quality did not fully justify the hotel's star rating or the cost, signaling a mismatch between expectations and the actual experience provided.
While considered a great hotel by some, it appears that the consistency in service and amenities could use some improvement. For families and those looking for modern facilities, the experience may fall short of expectations, suggesting the hotel might be more accurately rated as a three-star establishment rather than a four or 4.5-star one. Overall, while it provides a solid value experience, potential guests should carefully weigh their expectations against the actual offerings.
Business
Accessible
A major highlight across the reviews is the staff’s friendliness and their willingness to assist, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all guests. However, some concerns were noted such as the closed disability access doors and issues with water or toilet facilities in certain rooms. Despite these, the positive aspects, such as the helpful and friendly staff, play a vital role in ensuring a comfortable stay for guests with disabilities.
Heated Pool
Indoor Pool
However, some guests have noted that the pool can be too small for the size of the hotel and have mentioned issues such as the pool being very cold and the area needing better maintenance. Complaints include the pool area being smelly and not always having towels available. Despite these drawbacks, the indoor pool remains a valued feature, especially for families and those seeking a relaxing soak in the spa or thermal pools.
Yes, Novotel Rotorua Lakeside has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Indoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside.
No, Novotel Rotorua Lakeside doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside.
Yes, Novotel Rotorua Lakeside has a gym.
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