Rotorua, 4 Barnard Road-38.108866,176.22449(Show on Map)
8.8
Excellent
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+5 Photos
+ 3 Photos3
Checkin - Checkout dates
1 Room2 Guests
Info
Summary of reviews
Ripple Rotorua enjoys high praise for its prime location, offering convenient access to numerous local attractions such as the Skyline Gondola and Mitai Maori Village. Despite being slightly north of the city center, guests appreciate the peaceful surroundings and the short drive or scenic walk to Rotorua's dining and shopping areas. Families particularly value the safe and secure environment, ample parking and the natural settings complete with a lovely garden and spring.
The hotel’s breakfast services are frequently highlighted with guests commending the delicious and timely room service breakfast. The breakfast experience is rated as great value for money, adding a delightful start to the day for many.
Dining at Ripple Rotorua's onsite restaurant receives glowing reviews for its exceptional quality. Guests often describe the meals as a highlight of their stay, praising the variety and preparation of dishes. The convenience of a high-quality restaurant within the hotel premises enhances the overall guest experience.
Rooms at Ripple Rotorua are celebrated for their cleanliness and comfort. Spacious and well-appointed, the accommodations provide modern amenities and fully equipped kitchens, making them especially convenient for families. Private spa baths in some rooms add a touch of luxury, although minor issues like aging decor and occasional maintenance concerns are noted.
The cleanliness of the hotel is consistently commended with spotless rooms and well-maintained grounds contributing to a pleasant stay. The staff at Ripple Rotorua are particularly lauded for their exceptional service, friendliness and attentiveness, significantly enhancing the guest experience.
While the WiFi service receives mixed reviews, many guests report stable and reliable connectivity suitable for streaming services. The hotel's swimming pool and spa are popular features, praised for their cleanliness and warmth, making them enjoyable even in colder months.
The parking facilities are largely appreciated for their convenience and ample space, although some guests find the spots tight for larger vehicles. As for bedding, the comfort level generally receives positive feedback with many guests enjoying the heated mattresses, despite occasional issues with pillows and bed stability.
Overall, Ripple Rotorua stands out as a favorable choice for travelers seeking a balance of accessibility, comfort and friendly service at a decent value. The hotel's focus on providing a clean, comfortable and enjoyable experience makes it highly recommended for a wide range of visitors, from families to solo adventurers.
Categories
Accessible
Ripple Rotorua has features for disabled guests and wheelchair access. Some units are entirely wheelchair accessible and located on the ground floor. Accessible parking and accessible toilets are available.
Heated Pool
This resort offers a heated pool accompanied by a spa pool, providing a combined option for swimming and relaxation in warm water.
Boutique-Style
Pool
Heated Pool
Outdoor Pool
Parking
Outdoor Pool
Rooms with Jacuzzi / Hot-Tub
Room Types
Superior Studio with Outdoor Hot Tub This suite has a microwave, a large hot tub overlooking a tranquil trout stream and patio. It also includes a LCD TV with satellite channels.
Standard Studio UnitThis studio features a 40-inch LCD TV with satellite channels and a kitchenette with a stove-top, microwave and kitchenware.
One Bedroom Unit with Outdoor Hot Tub This apartment features a private hot tub located on an outdoor patio. The living area offers a 40-inch LCD TV with satellite channels. There is a kitchen equipped with a stovetop, microwave and kitchenware.
Please note that there is no capacity for additional guests.
Two Bedroom ApartmentThis apartment features a kitchen with a stove, microwave and kitchenware. The living area offers a a 40 inch LCD TV with satellite channels.
Family Apartment with Outdoor Hot Tub This 2-storey suite offers 2 bathrooms and a private hot tub located on an outdoor patio. There are 3 single beds upstairs and the living area offers a double Murphy Bed which comes out of the wall. The kitchen offers a stove-top, microwave and refrigerator. The living area and bedroom each offer an LCD TV with satellite channels.
Standard One Bedroom UnitOffering free toiletries, this suite includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The fully equipped kitchenette has a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and a microwave. The suite features carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, air conditioning, a private entrance, as well as a tea and coffee maker. The unit offers 2 beds.
Two Bedroom Apartment with Outdoor Hot Tub This suite features a toaster, electric kettle, oven and spa bath.
Three Bedroom Apartment with Outdoor Hot Tub This apartment's standout feature is the hot tub. This spacious apartment includes 1 living room, 3 separate bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a shower and free toiletries. In the well-fitted kitchen, guests will find a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and an oven. The air-conditioned apartment offers a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private entrance, a tea and coffee maker, a seating area as well as garden views. The unit has 5 beds.
Superior Two Bedroom Apartment with Outdoor Hot TubGuests will have a special experience as the apartment offers a hot tub. Featuring a private entrance, this air-conditioned apartment consists of 1 living room, 2 separate bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a shower and a hairdryer. The well-fitted kitchenette features a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and a microwave. The apartment provides a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a tea and coffee maker, a seating area, a dining area as well as garden views. The unit offers 3 beds.
Superior One Bedroom Unit with Outdoor Hot TubThis apartment's special feature is the hot tub. Featuring a private entrance, this air-conditioned apartment consists of 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The fully equipped kitchen features a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and an oven. The apartment provides a tea and coffee maker, a seating area, a dining area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, as well as garden views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Three-Bedroom ApartmentFeaturing a private entrance, this air-conditioned apartment is comprised of 1 living room, 3 separate bedrooms and 1 bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The well-equipped kitchen features a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. The apartment offers a tea and coffee maker, a seating area, a dining area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, as well as garden views. The unit offers 5 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.8
Excellent
Review Summaries
Location
Ripple Rotorua is set in a prime spot that has won over many guests for its convenience and accessibility. The hotel is ideally positioned within walking distance to several noteworthy attractions like the Skyline Gondola, Mitai Maori Village and the Luge, making it an excellent base for tourists keen on sightseeing. Its location just across the road from popular spots like the Skyline Rotorua and Mini Golf means visitors have an array of activities right at their doorstep.
Despite being slightly north of the city center, guests appreciate the quiet surroundings that provide a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Rotorua. While the hotel is not centrally located, it is still within easy reach of the city's shopping and dining areas, requiring only a short drive or a leisurely walk along picturesque routes. Furthermore, the proximity to a public bus stop adds to the convenience of exploring farther attractions like the Agrodome farm.
Families particularly enjoy the safe and secure environment, along with well-maintained grounds that feature lovely settings and a natural spring. Ample parking and easy access to major roads ensure a smooth and hassle-free stay.
Overall, the location of Ripple Rotorua is praised for striking a perfect balance between accessibility to Rotorua's main activities and a calm, tranquil setting, making it an ideal choice for both relaxation and adventure.
Breakfast
Ripple Rotorua consistently receives high praise for its breakfast offerings. Guests frequently highlight the impressive room service breakfast, underlining its convenience and timeliness. The food, whether enjoyed for breakfast or dinner, often garners descriptions such as amazing, excellent and delicious. Families appreciate how easy and tasty the breakfast experience is, noting that it arrives warm and hearty.
The price point is also mentioned favorably with several reviews describing the breakfast as great value for money. The restaurant's breakfast, whether delivered to the room or enjoyed onsite, is highlighted for its quality and superb preparation. While there is one minor note about the lack of specific kids' options on the menu, overall, the breakfast experience at Ripple Rotorua stands out as a significant highlight for its guests, adding a delightful start to their day.
Dinner
Ripple Rotorua offers a dining experience that consistently impresses its guests with many highlighting the exceptional quality of the food available at the onsite restaurant. Patrons frequently laud the restaurant as fantastic, amazing and even the highlight of their stay, often praising the delicious and wonderfully prepared meals, ranging from fresh Caesar salad rigate to the best Chinese ribs in New Zealand.
The variety and quality of the menu are appreciated with guests noting the restaurant as a hidden gem offering superb dishes that often leave diners completely satisfied. While some might find the pricing on the higher side, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the top-notch food and service. The convenience of having a high-quality restaurant open for dinner within the hotel premises adds to the appeal, making dining at Ripple Rotorua not just a meal, but a notable part of the travel experience.
Rooms
Ripple Rotorua offers a mix of spacious, clean and well-appointed rooms accompanied by modern amenities and thoughtful touches. Guests frequently commend the hotel's cleanliness with rooms described as spotlessly clean, inviting and equipped with comfortable beds. The hotel’s provision of fully equipped kitchens is particularly appreciated by families and those who prefer self-catering, enhancing the convenience of their stay.
Room sizes generally receive positive feedback with many guests highlighting the ample space available, from large family suites with multiple bathrooms to smaller, cosy units. The presence of private spa baths and whirlpools in some rooms adds a touch of luxury, though occasional issues such as cold water in whirlpools and odd bathroom layouts are noted.
Despite broad approval, some areas show signs of aging and would benefit from updates, particularly in room decor and carpeting. However, these minor shortcomings are often overshadowed by the quality of room service and the overall comfort provided.
The onsite restaurant receives praise for its good food, enhancing the overall guest experience. The picturesque setting by a stream, coupled with outdoor amenities such as tennis tables and an inviting pool, further contribute to a pleasant stay. Ripple Rotorua successfully combines comfort, cleanliness and convenience, making it a favorable choice for various types of travelers.
Beds
Ripple Rotorua has garnered mixed feedback regarding their beds, but the positive remarks highlight the strong points of their accommodation. Many guests have described the beds as very comfortable with several users praising the presence of heated mattresses, which add an extra touch of coziness. The comfort of the beds has been frequently mentioned with phrases like "comfy", "best sleep away from home" and "comfy big beds" making recurring appearances. Some guests specifically appreciated mattresses that were soft but didn't compromise on comfort, while others found the firmness of the beds to be just right.
However, there are a few points of criticism. Some guests found the pillows too soft, which affected their sleep experience and there were mentions of beds being either too hard or too soft for certain people's preferences. There were also comments about beds moving around quite a bit, which could be disruptive during sleep.
Overall, Ripple Rotorua seems to offer a generally positive sleeping experience with a broad range of bed comfort levels that cater to different preferences, although there might be occasional issues with the firmness and stability of the bedding.
Cleanliness
Ripple Rotorua has garnered positive feedback from guests with a strong focus on cleanliness. The hotel rooms are consistently described as very clean, tidy and well-maintained. Guests particularly appreciate the spacious and comfortable accommodations with many highlighting the spotless presentation of the rooms and the property overall.
Reviews also mention that the kitchen appliances and facilities are new and clean, contributing to a pleasant stay. The hotel grounds, including the lovely gardens with a natural stream, are well-kept, adding to the overall appeal. Guests have also praised the clean and comfortable linens and the high standard of room service.
While a few negative comments noted issues such as cigarette ashes on the deck, a dirty item on the couch and some maintenance concerns in shared areas, these were exceptions in an otherwise overwhelmingly positive set of reviews. Overall, the hotel's commitment to cleanliness, combined with friendly staff and a pleasant atmosphere, makes Ripple Rotorua a highly recommended choice for visitors.
Staff
Ripple Rotorua is consistently praised for its exceptional staff, making it a standout choice for travelers. Guests routinely describe the staff as amazing, lovely and incredibly helpful. The front desk is often highlighted for being particularly knowledgeable and accommodating with receptionists going above and beyond to provide detailed advice on local attractions and logistical support. The welcoming atmosphere extends from the front desk to the waiters, who are noted for their sociability and excellent service in the onsite restaurant. Guests report feeling as though they were being treated like family, thanks to the warm and engaging hosts.
Customer service at Ripple Rotorua is highly commended with frequent mentions of a very friendly and informative staff. Visitors appreciate the personal touches, such as a welcoming bottle of wine and consistently rate the service as top-notch. Despite occasional mentions of less friendly encounters, the overwhelming sentiment is one of warmth and attentiveness, making the overall experience at Ripple Rotorua wonderfully pleasant. The positive interactions with staff enhance the overall stay, ensuring that guests feel well-cared for and valued during their visit.
Wi-Fi
Ripple Rotorua offers a mixed experience when it comes to WiFi connectivity. Several guests have reported the WiFi as being good, stable and even awesome during their stay. Strong and reliable connections seem to be a highlight for many, allowing guests to enjoy all Sky channels, Netflix and other streaming services without issues. However, there are also mentions of weaker WiFi signals, intermittent connectivity and difficulties in connecting to the hotel's WiFi network at times. While some guests enjoyed uninterrupted service, others faced challenges, especially with specific devices like smart TVs. Despite these occasional hiccups, the general feedback leans towards a satisfactory internet experience for streaming and browsing.
Pool
Ripple Rotorua boasts a popular swimming pool and spa that guests frequently praise for cleanliness and warmth. The heated pool, in particular, has garnered compliments for being excellent during winter, making it pleasant and relaxing for both kids and adults. Despite some mentioning that the pool appears smaller in reality compared to its depiction on the website, many appreciate the well-maintained and inclusive design. The surrounding area, featuring a lovely garden and playground, further adds to the appeal, providing a relaxing and enjoyable environment. Amenities such as pool towels and a shared BBQ area have been noted as contributing positively to the overall experience. Although a few reviews suggest that some aspects of the pool area could use an upgrade and better accessibility, the consensus highlights a great location with ample space to swim and unwind.
Parking
Ripple Rotorua offers a variety of parking options that generally cater well to guests' needs. Most guests appreciated the ample and free parking available with many noting the convenience of parking right outside their door. The property features an underground parking area, praised as great and comfortable by some visitors. Overall, the parking system was described as good and easy to use with allocated spaces ensuring guests have a designated spot.
However, some reviewers noted that the parking spots could be tight, particularly for larger vehicles, suggesting that the area might be more suited for smaller cars. Additionally, the entrance to the hotel’s parking area was mentioned to be quite narrow, which could be challenging when multiple vehicles are entering or exiting simultaneously. A few guests found the parking a bit awkward or experienced issues with available spots close to their unit. Despite these minor drawbacks, the majority of guests found the parking situation convenient and satisfactory with plenty of spaces and free parking as significant positives.
3 Star
Ripple Rotorua offers affordable three-star accommodation with reasonable rates, making it good value for money. The rooms are spacious, clean and include a kitchen, although the furnishings and fixtures show some age and might be considered outdated. Despite these minor shortcomings, the cleanliness of the rooms is a standout feature. While there is no breakfast provided, the standard facilities make it a suitable option for those seeking budget-friendly lodging with decent service.
Accessible
Ripple Rotorua offers a private and spacious villa that is notably accommodating for guests with disabilities. The hotel ensures ease of access with the entrance and pathways being wheelchair-friendly. Guests have found the accessibility particularly beneficial for the elderly and those with mobility issues. There is an accessible toilet located downstairs, further adding to the convenience. Although the spa is not directly accessible from the hotel, it is still easy to reach and maintains high temperatures that guests appreciate. Overall, Ripple Rotorua strives to provide good room and service, especially considering its three-star rating, making it a commendable option for travelers requiring accessible facilities.
Heated Pool
Ripple Rotorua's heated pool frequently garners positive remarks from guests. The pool is described as warm, lovely and a greatly appreciated feature of the hotel. The availability of a heated swimming pool and spa often comes as a pleasant surprise for visitors, who find the facilities clean and fabulous. Certainly, the presence of a heated pool enhances the overall experience, providing a relaxing and enjoyable amenity for hotel guests.
Outdoor Pool
The outdoor pool at Ripple Rotorua has received numerous positive notes from guests. It is often described as a heated outdoor pool, ensuring a warm and pleasant swimming experience. The pool area is praised for being clean and featuring plenty of seating as well as towels readily available. Families, in particular, find the pool delightful with children especially enjoying it. Guests also appreciate the shared pool and BBQ area with the addition of an outdoor spa adding to the overall appeal. Overall, this well-maintained pool area impresses with its warmth, cleanliness and ample amenities.
Boutique-Style
Ripple Rotorua offers a charming and cozy boutique experience that makes it stand out as a special destination. This cute property, often described as a cute motel, exudes a fairy tale-like atmosphere that guests find enchanting. The well-themed decor enhances this charming vibe, contributing to the cozy and boutique ambiance that many visitors appreciate.
Guests note that the place is clean and provides great value, making it an attractive option for travelers. While some mention that the facilities have a dated feel, the overall experience remains positive due to the unique character and intimate setting of the hotel. The compact restaurant on-site adds to the convenience and appeal, rounding out what many see as a delightful stay.
FAQ
Yes, Ripple 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 Ripple Rotorua.
No, Ripple Rotorua doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Ripple Rotorua.
