Is parking available at the hotel?

Complimentary parking is available for guests, with both on-site and limited parking options. Valet parking is also offered.

What type of breakfast is offered and what are the serving hours?

A buffet breakfast is available daily from 6:30 AM to 10 AM for a fee of approximately NZD 38 for adults and NZD 19 for children.

Does the hotel allow pets?

Pets are not allowed at the property, although service animals are exempt from this policy.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in starts at 2:00 PM and ends at 11:00 PM, while check-out is at 10:00 AM. Early check-in and late check-out are available for a fee, subject to availability.

What accessibility features does the hotel offer for guests with disabilities?

The hotel provides step-free entrances and wheelchair-accessible facilities, including public areas and rooms. Additionally, there are designated smoking areas and non-smoking rooms available.

Where is the hotel located in relation to local attractions?

The hotel is situated in Fenton Park, Rotorua, close to natural attractions like Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest and Lake Rotorua. Cultural highlights such as Tamaki Maori Village and Mitai Maori Village are also nearby, with easy access to local activities including golfing.

Does the hotel have a swimming pool?

Yes, the hotel features an outdoor heated pool, operational seasonally. Guests can enjoy the pool during designated hours.

What are the policies regarding children staying at the hotel?

Children are welcome at the property, with one child aged 12 years or younger staying free when occupying the parent's or guardian's room using existing bedding.

What are the policies regarding extra beds and cribs?

The hotel does not offer rollaway or extra beds. However, cribs may be available upon request, and it is recommended to contact the property in advance to confirm availability.

Distinction Hotel Rotorua - 4 Star Accommodation

Average nightly price at Distinction Hotel Rotorua by month, last 12 months (USD)
Month	Average price
January	US$161
February	US$459
March	US$143
April	US$153
May	US$120
June	US$107
July	US$102
August	US$110
September	US$126
October	US$163
November	US$199
December	US$165

What guests think

At Distinction Hotel Rotorua, travellers consistently praise the friendly, helpful staff and hearty breakfast, while noting the property is older with dated decor and some maintenance issues, plus occasional cleanliness lapses that suggest the hotel would benefit from refurbishment.

Rooms are generally comfortable and sometimes spacious, but many lack air conditioning, can feel dark, and a few guests report corridor or traffic noise alongside minor in-room maintenance problems. Guests enjoy the hot pools and spa area, gardens, and on-site dining—especially the Japanese restaurant—though some shared spaces feel dated and there are occasional complaints about pool cleanliness; parking is available and typically feels secure. The location is quieter and outside the city centre, convenient for the Redwoods and nearby Māori villages or geothermal walks, but less handy for downtown dining and shopping. Expect an older, service-forward stay with decent amenities on the quieter side of town.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Hot pools/spa and the pool area are popular, and there is on-site dining and bar service; several shared areas (e.g., gym/laundry) feel dated, pools were occasionally reported dirty, and parking is generally secure.

Related guest reviews

8

Heather

26 Apr 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

We enjoyed our stay at The Distinction and were happy to see that all the facilities were available such as Mr Yakitoris Restaurant and the Grotto pools. Handy location for anyone Biking in the Redwoods or visiting the Secret Spot Hot Pools. Good that cars have secure, off street, free parking.

10

Lisa

24 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The morning buffet and outdoor hot tub. Loved the Japanese Restaurant.

8

Archina

6 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Good place, relatively clean. Rooms were a bit outdated, no aircon, low light so not bright or daylight friendly , old bathroom fixtures, mould like on the sink area. Staff were friendly other shared areas were tidy but a little outdated like the laundry, gym and the bathrooms downstairs. Good breakfast.

6

JUNE

23 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

It’s dated but clean. The air conditioner makes noise. The carpark has a security fence and feel more safe.

10

Chris

15 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Loved the hot pools

6

Oksana

3 Jan 2023

·

Stayed 19,359 nights

That property needs a renovation, everything very old. Swimming pool dirty

8

PETER

27 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Our Deluxe Twin room with balcony has a fantastic view. Reasonably furnished. The room was clean but a glass shelf was a little dusty. The building is old and has a nice old-school charm but could do with some TLC. Friendly staff everywhere you go. Great options breakfast buffet but would like to see more fresh fruit/ cut fruit. Bar & restaurant services are good and reasonably priced. Loved the garden, the pools and the spa!

8

Nina

24 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Lovely pool area

8

Donna

12 Jan 2022

·

Stayed 9 nights

The staff were excellent, friendly and helpful. The room and beds were comfortable, the pool clean and accessible. Breakfast was a limited choice but tasty. The bathroom does need a revamp, with no ventilation it was very damp. It was disappointing that toiletries still come in individual plastic bottles and there is no obvious recycling opportunities. There is limited food from the bar although the in-house Yakatori restaurant is excellent. The location is a bit far out of the centre and away from most attractions.

2

Heang

4 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Noisy', Dirty room was terrible definitely not a 4 star hotel, comparing to other branded hotel would onlly be given 1 star hotel room, Oh by the way elevator was out of service during our stay very unprofessional

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Feedback is mixed: many guests found rooms clean and tidy, but others reported dusty surfaces, dirty bathrooms or public areas (including pools), damp bathrooms with poor ventilation, and occasional housekeeping misses like unwashed cups or spoons.

Related guest reviews

4

Stephen

27 Jan 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I actually made a complaint to the hotel regarding the noise during the night of our stay. The guests opposite had left their door ajar and their kids were running up and down the corridor directly outside our room. Nothing was done, no member of staff intervened and although my complaint was acknowledged all I received was an apology for a night without any sleep. Also would like to draw attention to the dirty public areas, the hot pools were filthy. The hotel needs serious atttention and upgrading, frankly a bit grotty.

6

Kirk

26 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great price and service. Hotel could use a refresh in the common area but rooms were clean.Hotel is located in a residential area not close to city center. Nice and quite but not convenient for dining and shopping.

8

Keegan

4 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great place just the cleaning part was disappointing spoons wasn't changed and surfaces not wiped.

8

Archina

6 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Good place, relatively clean. Rooms were a bit outdated, no aircon, low light so not bright or daylight friendly , old bathroom fixtures, mould like on the sink area. Staff were friendly other shared areas were tidy but a little outdated like the laundry, gym and the bathrooms downstairs. Good breakfast.

8

Viren

21 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

It was clean and nice.

8

PETER

27 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Our Deluxe Twin room with balcony has a fantastic view. Reasonably furnished. The room was clean but a glass shelf was a little dusty. The building is old and has a nice old-school charm but could do with some TLC. Friendly staff everywhere you go. Great options breakfast buffet but would like to see more fresh fruit/ cut fruit. Bar & restaurant services are good and reasonably priced. Loved the garden, the pools and the spa!

8

Donna

12 Jan 2022

·

Stayed 9 nights

The staff were excellent, friendly and helpful. The room and beds were comfortable, the pool clean and accessible. Breakfast was a limited choice but tasty. The bathroom does need a revamp, with no ventilation it was very damp. It was disappointing that toiletries still come in individual plastic bottles and there is no obvious recycling opportunities. There is limited food from the bar although the in-house Yakatori restaurant is excellent. The location is a bit far out of the centre and away from most attractions.

8

Shane

29 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

A bit dated but very clean and tidy, friendly staff, great location.

2

Heang

4 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Noisy', Dirty room was terrible definitely not a 4 star hotel, comparing to other branded hotel would onlly be given 1 star hotel room, Oh by the way elevator was out of service during our stay very unprofessional

4

Luke

12 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Upon arrival we had an inspection of the room, it was very dirty. The cups had been used and put back where they were suppose to be so they weren’t checked also surrounded by dust, the room was not dusted at all, above everything was a thick layer of dust. hair in the bathroom on the floor and the bath tub had a grease ring around it. We had booked with intentions that we’d have a view, we did not and we were also in the darkest section of the building. The situation of getting to and from parking is ridiculous we are able to exit building through a back door, but not return through the same door via the carpark, you had to walk from the car park all the way around through to the lobby entrance, this was a major inconvenience for us and our family as we had little ones, but also gear we wanted to take back to our room . However great service from the staff member who delivered our room service orders :)

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are comfortable and sometimes large with good beds and occasional views, but decor is dated, lighting can be dim, and many rooms lack air conditioning; some guests noted noise and minor maintenance issues.

Related guest reviews

2

Jonathan

1 Jan 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

This hotel which claims it is 4 stars has no air conditioning in most rooms but does not tell you nor does Expedia tell you when you order so beware. I hope that Expedia is responsible enough to either drop this listing or explicit or warn potential guests. It is unreasonable to pay almost $400/night for a room without a/c and not be able to sleep in 2024! It is also far away from the centre of action and an old and tired property. Stear clear!

8

Kerry

24 Feb 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Comfortable Bed.

6

Jason

26 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Unfortunately, the upkeep of the premises and property has lapsed to a point that it looks very dated. A lack of power points for electronics and no aircon made it a very lack lustre stay

6

Gail

21 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

While our room was tidy and clean, the hotel was very tired and dark - it could definitely do with a facelift. We could hear noise coming from other rooms, and the whole room vibrated when a truck went past outside - for these reasons, I wouldn't stay at the Distinction again.

8

Archina

6 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Good place, relatively clean. Rooms were a bit outdated, no aircon, low light so not bright or daylight friendly , old bathroom fixtures, mould like on the sink area. Staff were friendly other shared areas were tidy but a little outdated like the laundry, gym and the bathrooms downstairs. Good breakfast.

4

Yash

28 Dec 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

For the price we had paid for one night, not having AC in the room and a fan which didn’t work properly. If turned on it would make a large whirring noise not letting you sleep the whole night. Didn’t even sleep the whole night as it was extremely hot and uncomfortable. Wouldn’t stay here again

8

Leonie

17 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Only stayed one night and did not use all the amenities on offer, apart from the bar. Very comfortable and clean. Had a spacious room with separate bedroom. Would stay again.

6

Kangson

3 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We had a recently stay at Distinction Rotorua, the staff was friendly, the continental breakfast was great with a variety of choices. We found the room a bit old.

8

PETER

27 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Our Deluxe Twin room with balcony has a fantastic view. Reasonably furnished. The room was clean but a glass shelf was a little dusty. The building is old and has a nice old-school charm but could do with some TLC. Friendly staff everywhere you go. Great options breakfast buffet but would like to see more fresh fruit/ cut fruit. Bar & restaurant services are good and reasonably priced. Loved the garden, the pools and the spa!

2

Liangqian

5 Jan 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

It's the year of 2024, I paid more than $300 and there's NO AIR-CONDITIONING in the room. The manager guy stated that they didn't list "air-conditioned" in room description on the booking page, so it's a fair play, and i should check the room description more carefully. Well, "electricity" is also not listed, and there's electricity, I'm so grateful.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Service is widely described as friendly and helpful, with upgrades, room adjustments, and assistance such as rides to attractions; however, a few guests felt staff didn’t intervene effectively in noise disturbances.

Related guest reviews

4

Stephen

27 Jan 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I actually made a complaint to the hotel regarding the noise during the night of our stay. The guests opposite had left their door ajar and their kids were running up and down the corridor directly outside our room. Nothing was done, no member of staff intervened and although my complaint was acknowledged all I received was an apology for a night without any sleep. Also would like to draw attention to the dirty public areas, the hot pools were filthy. The hotel needs serious atttention and upgrading, frankly a bit grotty.

10

KEI

15 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great Customer service, food was good, amenities are good quality

10

Curley

8 May 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The service was excellent. The room was amazing. We were upgraded and looked after

8

Archina

6 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Good place, relatively clean. Rooms were a bit outdated, no aircon, low light so not bright or daylight friendly , old bathroom fixtures, mould like on the sink area. Staff were friendly other shared areas were tidy but a little outdated like the laundry, gym and the bathrooms downstairs. Good breakfast.

10

George

15 Feb 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Excellent assistance driving us to Te Puia in wet weather.

8

PETER

27 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Our Deluxe Twin room with balcony has a fantastic view. Reasonably furnished. The room was clean but a glass shelf was a little dusty. The building is old and has a nice old-school charm but could do with some TLC. Friendly staff everywhere you go. Great options breakfast buffet but would like to see more fresh fruit/ cut fruit. Bar & restaurant services are good and reasonably priced. Loved the garden, the pools and the spa!

10

Teina

16 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

My family thoroughly enjoyed our time at the hotel, especially the heated pool🤗Loved our time at the hotel.staff were very helpful and pleasant.

8

Shane

29 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

A bit dated but very clean and tidy, friendly staff, great location.

10

Miria

13 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

How comfortable the whole thing was. Me and my family will choose to come back our next family stay. The staff were very helpful and friendly with all my grandchildren some staff and cleaners stopped and talked to them which I found how friendly they all were. Thank you very much for the beautiful night and stay there.

4

Luke

12 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Upon arrival we had an inspection of the room, it was very dirty. The cups had been used and put back where they were suppose to be so they weren’t checked also surrounded by dust, the room was not dusted at all, above everything was a thick layer of dust. hair in the bathroom on the floor and the bath tub had a grease ring around it. We had booked with intentions that we’d have a view, we did not and we were also in the darkest section of the building. The situation of getting to and from parking is ridiculous we are able to exit building through a back door, but not return through the same door via the carpark, you had to walk from the car park all the way around through to the lobby entrance, this was a major inconvenience for us and our family as we had little ones, but also gear we wanted to take back to our room . However great service from the staff member who delivered our room service orders :)

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

In a quieter residential area outside the centre; handy for the Redwoods and nearby Māori villages/geothermal walks, but less convenient for downtown dining and shopping.

Related guest reviews

6

Kirk

26 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great price and service. Hotel could use a refresh in the common area but rooms were clean.Hotel is located in a residential area not close to city center. Nice and quite but not convenient for dining and shopping.

2

Jonathan

1 Jan 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

This hotel which claims it is 4 stars has no air conditioning in most rooms but does not tell you nor does Expedia tell you when you order so beware. I hope that Expedia is responsible enough to either drop this listing or explicit or warn potential guests. It is unreasonable to pay almost $400/night for a room without a/c and not be able to sleep in 2024! It is also far away from the centre of action and an old and tired property. Stear clear!

10

Leonie

9 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

A return visit, as we find the hotel handy to everything without being right in Rotorua. Clean comfortable room with good parking.

8

Heather

26 Apr 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

We enjoyed our stay at The Distinction and were happy to see that all the facilities were available such as Mr Yakitoris Restaurant and the Grotto pools. Handy location for anyone Biking in the Redwoods or visiting the Secret Spot Hot Pools. Good that cars have secure, off street, free parking.

10

Stacey

6 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Was nice and handy to where we needed to be. Was a bit noisey when trying to sleep think it might of been the air conditioning units and our glasses in our room had finger marks all over them so cleaners might want to make sure they check them when they clean but other than that was a good place to stay.

10

Sarah

8 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Such a great stay, the rooms were so lovely and comfortable. Such a quick walk to the surrounding Māori villages and geothermal walks

8

Eric

17 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Very nice place to stay, away from the business.

8

Donna

12 Jan 2022

·

Stayed 9 nights

The staff were excellent, friendly and helpful. The room and beds were comfortable, the pool clean and accessible. Breakfast was a limited choice but tasty. The bathroom does need a revamp, with no ventilation it was very damp. It was disappointing that toiletries still come in individual plastic bottles and there is no obvious recycling opportunities. There is limited food from the bar although the in-house Yakatori restaurant is excellent. The location is a bit far out of the centre and away from most attractions.

8

Shane

29 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

A bit dated but very clean and tidy, friendly staff, great location.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

Breakfast earns frequent praise, and the on-site Japanese restaurant is well liked; some mention limited bar food, but overall food and drink experiences are positive.

Related guest reviews

8

PETER HAN JOO

1 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The room interior is a bit old. The breakfast is good.

10

Catalina

16 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Excelente desayuno bufet

Translate

10

Lindy

9 Jan 2023

·

Stayed 19,363 nights

Super comfortable, great breakfasts, friendly staff

10

James

31 Jan 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Large room, tidy, nice pool and breakfast was great

10

Lisa

24 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The morning buffet and outdoor hot tub. Loved the Japanese Restaurant.

10

Sandra

25 May 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The breakfast was delightful.

8

Archina

6 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Good place, relatively clean. Rooms were a bit outdated, no aircon, low light so not bright or daylight friendly , old bathroom fixtures, mould like on the sink area. Staff were friendly other shared areas were tidy but a little outdated like the laundry, gym and the bathrooms downstairs. Good breakfast.

8

PETER

27 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Our Deluxe Twin room with balcony has a fantastic view. Reasonably furnished. The room was clean but a glass shelf was a little dusty. The building is old and has a nice old-school charm but could do with some TLC. Friendly staff everywhere you go. Great options breakfast buffet but would like to see more fresh fruit/ cut fruit. Bar & restaurant services are good and reasonably priced. Loved the garden, the pools and the spa!

8

Donna

12 Jan 2022

·

Stayed 9 nights

The staff were excellent, friendly and helpful. The room and beds were comfortable, the pool clean and accessible. Breakfast was a limited choice but tasty. The bathroom does need a revamp, with no ventilation it was very damp. It was disappointing that toiletries still come in individual plastic bottles and there is no obvious recycling opportunities. There is limited food from the bar although the in-house Yakatori restaurant is excellent. The location is a bit far out of the centre and away from most attractions.

10

Rebekah

15 May 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great place great staff and the coffee and high tea are one of the best

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
1 $198	2 $174	3 $167	4 $215	5 $167	6 $189	7 $186
8 $187	9	10	11 $176	12 $427	13 $169	14 $180
15 $193	16 $190	17	18	19 $179	20 $196	21 $347
22 $192	23 $347	24 $344	25 $186	26 $206	27 $347	28
29	30

Distinction Hotel Rotorua

Prices for Distinction Hotel Rotorua

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Superior Room

Deluxe King Room

Executive Suite

Room #4750322

Junior Suite

Standard Room

Deluxe Twin Room

Room #4750313

Room #4750326

Room #4750336

Room #4750328

Room #4750315

Room #4750327

Room #4750318

Guest reviews of Distinction Hotel Rotorua

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

FAQs about Distinction Hotel Rotorua

Prices for upcoming dates

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1	2	3
4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	20	21	22	23	24
25	26	27	28	29	30	31 $191