Novotel Rotorua Lakeside Hotel 4.5 stars

Always welcoming, friendly staff, also the room we where given was a wonderful experience.

From check in to check out the experience was relaxing and stress free. Even with COVID-19 looming over our heads, disinfectant and strategies were in place to help prevent any issues. Of course it comes down to individuals playing their part too, but overall I was happy with my experience. The rooms were spotless, bed and pillow was very comfortable and breakfast was devine, costly, but there was plenty of variety with lots of healthy options. Thank you Novatel.

Everyone helpful. Dining room staff let us sit away from other dinners due to our age (over 70) both for dinner & breakfast.

Accor membership it’s a part of their hotel chains amazing

Very satisfied with cleanliness of room and staff welcome under the existing virus that is troubling Nz .

I sent two emails prior to our stay requesting a certain room configuration (neither were answered). On arrival we were checked in by a trainee and the duty manager and allocated our room. The room unfortunately featured a queen size bed rather than an extra-large double bed that we had requested. On top of that the room reeked of stale cigarette smoke which drove us to request a room transfer. We were advised that the hotel's description of a extra-large double bed is in fact a queen. We decided to go back to two double beds and were allocated room 527 (if I recall correctly). We had to go back to the old room to repack. Unfortunately the keys for the old room didn't work anymore which necessitated another trip to reception. We then successfully moved into our new room but observed the tired nature of the furniture, e.g. the stain damage on the bedside cabinets. Similarly the duvet cover (which is a sheet) had food stains on it that were hidden by the way it was folded. We also found out that one of the keys for the new room had not been activated, so after the pool we needed to return to reception for this to be sorted. We have stayed a number of times over a number of years and have noticed the gradual removal of amenities. The most recent being the sauna. However because of the Novotel's location and thermal pools, it remains our accommodation of choice when in Rotorua.

We booked and paid for a room for 3 people but only got 2 bath towels and 2 pool towels. We asked reception for the missing towels and were told housekeeping would deliver them. They never turned up.

Nice hotel although very quiet. Only problem was with reception

I had a few health issues with my mum whilst staying there and the staff were very professional and very helpful

Looks modern, but is getting tired inside. Poor building design, Vast entrance chamber with usually one registration clerk holding the fort. We had pre-paid and this gave problems: 1) hotel gave us a room off the peg which was not as described when booked; this was changed without rancour. 2)Pre booking with breakfast produced a smiling but irritating demand for signatures after a long hike there as they treated us like liars and had to phone front desk which you can hear ringing echoing 250yards away but not picked up. Once past the polite ‘guard’ you pick up a coffee and trudge another 50yards to a table near the hot food. Foods OK and staff will tweak menu to suit guests. Again though, the monumental architecture bites as you find yourself making the 50yds tramp to refill your cup. Rooms clean but tired fittings and shaver socket frazzled and sizzled (Had been for quite a long time I’d guess).

We left Rydges Hotel in disgust after being given dirty rooms. Novotel staff bent over backwards to help us as we arrived without a booking. Great location too.

The receptionist Emma was great. The place was as quiet as a cemetery and the bar did not open until 3pm. Restaurant was great. Our toilet needs a new washer in the toilet cistern as it leaks. Otherwise great.

Clean room, however facilities are dated

We have an account with Novotel but it seems that is not enough and I had to put my credit card down as security. I had booked a full charge back but when going to breakfast in the morning I am asked to then pay for it there and then. This was similar to an even worse experience in Auckland the week before when the staff made a mistake with my booking and made me wait 30min while they sorted a larger group who arrived after me. I was booked for a full charge back and then again asked to put my CC down and again asked to pay for my breakfast in the breakfast area. This is not a seamless system and frustrating for any customer.

Hotel is right by the lake and Eat St. Lovely sized rooms, comfy beds and good food. Staff were friendly and helpful.