Is parking available at the hotel?

Parking is available on-site, but it is limited. Uncovered self-parking incurs a fee of NZD 15.00 per night, which includes in/out privileges. Reservations are not required.

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

Full breakfasts are available daily from 6 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee of approximately NZD 34 per person.

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

Check-in is from 2:00 PM, and check-out is until 11:00 AM. Early check-in is available for a fee, subject to availability, and late check-out incurs a fee of NZD 20, also subject to availability.

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

The hotel features limited wheelchair accessibility, including accessible public areas and facilities. Step-free entrances are available, and the property has elevators for ease of movement.

What is the hotel's location in relation to nearby attractions?

The hotel is centrally located in Rotorua, just 0.1 km from the Rotorua Night Market and 0.3 km from Kuirau Park. Other attractions like the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre and Rotorua i-SITE Visitor Centre are also within walking distance.

Does the hotel have a swimming pool?

Yes, the hotel features both indoor and outdoor heated pools. Pool access is available from 6 AM to 11 PM.

What are the hotel's policies regarding children?

Children aged 15 years and younger can stay for free when occupying the same room as a parent or guardian, using existing bedding.

Does the hotel offer extra beds or cribs for additional guests?

The hotel does not specify the availability of extra beds or cribs. Guests are encouraged to contact the property directly for any specific requests regarding additional sleeping arrangements.

Stay at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside

Average nightly price at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside by month, last 12 months (USD)
Month	Average price
January	$150
February	$224
March	$161
April	$138
May	$125
June	$97
July	$112
August	$106
September	$135
October	$135
November	$162
December	$152

What guests think

At Novotel Rotorua Lakeside, travellers praise the walkable lakeside setting and generally friendly staff, but many reviews consistently highlight dated rooms and bathrooms, uneven cleanliness, and operational frustrations that can detract from what is otherwise a convenient stay.

Thermal pools and the gym are popular when available, though guests report maintenance closures, temperature problems, a worn pool area, and occasional shortages of towels or robes. Rooms provide lake views and comfortable—but often very soft—beds, yet dated bathrooms, noise from Eat Street or corridors, and sporadic air‑conditioning or Wi‑Fi/paywall frustrations are common. Breakfast ranges from plentiful to average, room service can be hit‑and‑miss, and check‑in or responses are sometimes slow; on‑site parking is limited and typically charged. Expect a central, practical base with variable quality.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Guests like the thermal pools and gym when available, but many report closures, temperature issues, a tired pool area, and occasional towel or robe shortages. On-site parking is tight/limited and usually carries a fee.

Related guest reviews

8

Meagan

Oct 26, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The swimming facilities were fabulous. Room and bedding was comfortable with AC keeping room at a comfortable temperature. No bathrobes for going between the pool and our room. Bathroom is a little tired and dated. Wifi was great and staff were helpful. Loved that eat street was across the rd. Paid for the buffet breakfast, which was good value for money.

8

Nicole

Aug 30, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Everything was good except for the pool and spa not being open and no warning that it wouldn’t be available.

8

Ruby

Aug 13, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The hotel stay was lovely. Service was excellent, and the meals were absolutely fantastic - there is not one thing we could order that didn’t taste like it was from a high end restaurant, and we ordered quite a few things. Over our 4 days of stay, spas were unfortunately either under maintenance or not hot enough and a bit mossy.

10

Kusay

Jan 1, 2026

·

Stayed 5 nights

Great loved all extras like pool and gym

6

Karina Te

Jan 3, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Average hotel, the property is tired and needs a refurb - the pool definitely needs a deep clean. Otherwise, great service from the very helpful staff, good facilities and awesome location.

6

Jong Bum

Oct 27, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The main reason to book Novotel is to use swimming pool and hit spa, but they told me it is not available to use and it will be available next morning. But next day still could not use. Disappointed on it.

10

Jason

Jul 20, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Great location. Room was a bit dated however it served its purpose. Pool area needs a major update. Love the little bar. Parking is very tight.

8

wilhelmina

Apr 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

the property is aging but we like the hot swims and eat street is close by and nice walking. cleanliness could be better and every time we seem to need to ask for something, this time it was dressing gowns to go to the pool, and no pool towels! so for the price paid, it should be better

4

Louraine

Aug 25, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

I choose the park for the pool, however it was not advertised that it was under maintenance and not in use.

6

Daniel

Jul 11, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Check in was long as only one person on reception, property is ok but showing its age. Charged $15 to park overnight in the hotels own parking area was not acceptable.

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Cleanliness

Cleanliness is inconsistent: many cite stained carpets, mouldy or dusty bathrooms, and missed housekeeping, though some report clean rooms. Several guests also noted lingering odours or leftover items from previous stays.

Related guest reviews

4

Tracy

Feb 4, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

I booked the Novotel Rotorua without checking any reviews as I have always regarded Novotel a reliable brand and we had a funeral to attend. The room wasn't cheap but supposed to be 4 star. Our room had a nice view but.. The carpet was badly stained and filthy looking and same with the arms on the sofa. The grout in the bathroom tiles was also stained and overall looked grotty. Our friends room was the same. The bedding was clean (the bed was obviously old but had a topper pad) but everything else felt dirty.

2

Mohammed

Sep 14, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

There was stains on bed sheet. Black spots on pillows. Lipstick marks on pillows. Bathroom had human hair all over the walls

2

Ma'am

Aug 25, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

First time at Novotel. Once stepped into the room I already got bitten by fleas on my feet and legs. Carpet needs deep cleaning and couch have stains in them. Never felt uncomfortable ever in a hotel. Staffs are excellent with the service and have provided us a new room and felt a little relieved because the crawlies subsided but the toilets are dirty and have stained in the bath in shower and the ceiling is also dirty and rotting. The hotel needs renovation and is tired. I praised the staffs for being accommodating and helpful though.

6

Kaijun

Mar 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location. Evening check in staff really friendly. Property definitely showing signs of decay. Cleanliness concerns: hair everywhere in the bathroom when checked in, dusk accumulated on surface, sheets and pillow cases with stain, A/C dusty. Mattress soft and out of shape, pillows too flat.

4

Jonathan

Mar 4, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The pillows were terrible and there were no alternatives. Other than the beds, which were spotless the rooms were grimy - everything was dated, the bath was stained and there was a hair ball rolled into a fresh towel. The welcome and service

2

Laurent

Dec 26, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Je ne sais pas par où commencer… La première personne à l’accueil a été fort désagréable. Nous sommes allé voir une autre jeune fille très souriante qui a « bien voulu » nous trouver un trolley pour les bagages. Le reste est catastrophique : la chambre était sale, les toilettes fuyaient, la grille d’aération de la salle de bains était tellement pleine de poussière qu’elle ne remplissait plus son rôle.. Tout est vieux, décrépi, rouillé et sale.. J’allais oublier… le buffet… mon Dieu… tout était insipide, la viande n’était même pas tenue au chaud (malgré des lampes IR) et tout ça pour une somme indécente… C’est simple, je pense que nous aurions mieux mangé au McDo…

10

Vassa

Jan 29, 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean room, friendly staff.

8

Glenn

Jun 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location, but the cleaning needs work.

2

Sophie

Sep 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Needs a good clean, bathroom was blocked and dirty black mold in the bath. Carpets are run down badly n it smelled

6

Christian

Jan 18, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Start with the good: great location and friendly staff. Tons of dining options around the area. The bad: The room was dirty. Carpet definitely needs a shampoo cleaning. The tub didn’t look properly cleaned out. The couch had crumbs under it. There was a ball left behind in the drawers. The worst part was that when I was packing up to leave. I generally look under the bed to make sure I didn’t leave anything behind. To my surprise, I found another guest’s dirty flip flops. I hope this is an isolated incident.

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Rooms

Rooms are spacious with some lovely lake views, but decor—especially bathrooms—is dated, beds skew soft, and some guests report corridor or Eat Street noise plus occasional air‑conditioning or Wi‑Fi/paywall frustrations.

Related guest reviews

6

Andre

Mar 27, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great location but in desperate need of a refurb - especially the bathrooms they are very tired.

10

Kathleen

Oct 19, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

The bed was very soft which may suit some travellers but not me

2

Günter

Mar 24, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Die Zimmer abgewohnt, das Badezimmer hatte rostigen Duschkopf, Türscharniere rostig, Türe beschädigt. Die Schallisolierung sowohl der Fenster, als auch Wände und Türen, mangelhaft!

10

Stacey

Oct 2, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location - noisy from eat street bars if on that side.

6

Lawrence

Sep 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Whilst the staff were very pleasant and the room was nice the one night stay was negatively impacted by the fact the rooms are not sound proofed. You can hear every noise from the corridor. This was exacerbated by the loud noise coming from the Rotorua Mega Fun Carnival over the road where you can hear the tannoy announcer word for word until late so there is no opportunity to relax. Shame this was not pointed out at the time of booking as it’s a major negative.

8

Amie

Jul 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We chose Novotel because of its closeness to the lake front as we were attending the Matariki drone show. We were very thankful for room service as the lines for food at the event were far too long for us with two young children. Room had amazing views. Bathrooms need a refresh but otherwise everything we needed.

8

Shelley

Jul 10, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great hotel apart from the rooms being way too hot and air cooling system not up to scratch

10

Trudy

Oct 10, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Lovely location, beautiful rooms, convenient

8

Shawn Michael

May 25, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We had ti pay for wifi so didnt use it. Its 2025... free Wifi, get it. We had to pay for parking... get real. $15/day and paying almost $700 for the stay. Get real. Outrageous.

10

Dan

May 25, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The property was conveniently located lakeside and across the street from the Eat Street area and downtown shops & boutiques. The breakfast was bountiful and we particularly enjoyed the ability to make our own fresh pressed juices and smoothies. The room was clean and spacious and seemed updated, although the bathroom seems to be in need of updates as the mirror was cracked, the tub grout was a bit stained, and the shower curtain was too short. Those cosmetic deficiencies aside, it was a nice place to overnight en route to Auckland.

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Service

Staff are often friendly and accommodating, but understaffing leads to slow or very late check-ins, unanswered phones, and miscommunication. Experiences range from standout individual service to poor resolution of issues.

Related guest reviews

6

Aminah

May 12, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Had issues with payment even before my stay I booked with third party contacting them was difficult and not helpful. During my stay check in was quite a slow process and room albeit clean was very old, shower needed some wd40 it was very rusty and nothing at all like my previous stays at Novotels. I tried to call reception for approx 15 mins no answer so i had to call emergency and even then nothing. This was very unsafe and poor service/management. Facilities were okay, it was clean and the location was really good.

10

Debbie

Sep 16, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Our favourite interaction was with Sunny. She was warm, friendly and a great laugh. It set the tone for our stay, which we thoroughly enjoyed. Thanks Sunny! You’re the best x

8

Fiona

Mar 14, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Had a great stay at Novotel. Staff were helpful & friendly. The building does seem a little dated & could do with a revamp however our room was clean & comfortable. Great location.

4

Carwyn

Jan 3, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Standards seem to have slipped since we last stayed. Our room was not ready even 2 hours after check in time and so we asked for complimentary breakfast which they agreed to. However, in the morning our room number wasn't on the breakfast list. Once we explained, the staff member at breakfast said they wouldn't make a record of it and invited us through. FYI we sat 4 feet from a large but dead cockroach. At check out we were asked to settle the bill for breakfast. Not long after check in, we had someone claiming to be a maintenance person arrive to fix a basin. We didn't let them in as they weren't in obvious uniform and front desk had said our check in delay was due to linen shortages and didnt mention any repair work. When we double checked with front desk, they said no maintenace job had been logged for our room. FYI, the water didn't drain during our stay so it probably was required. The room and bed covers were in need of a bit of general repair and upkeep. There were annoying things like not being supplied with enough toilet paper or handwash, and our hand towel was taken and not replaced. We also had another guest's call put through to our room because front desk misdirected them to us instead of the duty manager. Little things but cumulatively making for a negative experience. Staff were pleasant to engage with but feels now that perhaps they were insincere or ineffective.

10

Maria

Apr 28, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Exceptional staff at reception - we had 3 different bookings from the same whanau (mum and 2 daughters and their whanau), she was able to arrange us all to be on the same floor which was ideal for the kids and babies as we could easily go from rooms if we needed to do stuff. Great temp for the pool, very good spot went to eat street for dinner. Lovely stay

6

Karen

Nov 26, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Unfortunately the staff let the hotel down. They are understaffed and the current staff do not smile and generally unfriendly and casual. Also slow to respond - poor service. Parking is a trap, onsite parking $15 a day. Restaurant food poor.

10

Abbey

Sep 12, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Absolutely fantastic staff at this hotel. Just a note, they charge for parking

6

Sanjay

Dec 23, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

I had an overall positive experience at the Novotel hotel, primarily due to its excellent location with stunning lake views and the enjoyable geothermal hot tubs. The staff were friendly and accommodating, which greatly enhanced our stay. However, the room we were initially assigned appeared outdated, and the entire hotel could benefit from updated furnishings to provide a more modern feel. While the Chromecast and internet services were functioning well, we were moved to another room. During the move, my wife accidentally left some clothes behind. When we contacted the front desk, they initially informed us that housekeeping had not found the items. Determined to retrieve her clothes, my wife returned to the front desk. With persistence, she was directed to housekeeping, and after a thorough search, her clothes were successfully located. This experience highlighted the importance of persistence in resolving issues. Despite the initial oversight, I was pleased with our stay and appreciated the overall hospitality. However, I had higher expectations for service quality from a Novotel property and hope to see improvements in the hotel's furnishings and room maintenance in the future.

4

Shaileshni

Jan 3, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Apart from being a convenient location, it was a disappointment to stay at the hotel. Definitely not a 5 star. Maybe a 3. Staff appear not to be well trained. Lacking knowledge of general information about the property. We had to get our room key activated several times. No shower gel, obviously missed by the cleaning staff. Pillows had feather coming out of it constantly. Overall very poor service.

2

stephanie

Jan 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

extremely late check in 10pm due to staff and not ringing to say room is ready.Arrived at 4pm to be told room was not ready he noted my number and said he would ring when it was ready, i hadn't heard anything so repeatedly tried ringing from about 7pm finally got through about 9pm to say hed forgot to ring and room was ready. had to change all afternoon plans around this and kids were grumpy and tired

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Excellent lakefront position beside Eat Street with easy walking access to dining, parks, and attractions. Some guests experienced late-night noise from nearby bars or events.

Related guest reviews

10

Beatrice

Feb 10, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great hotel right across the street from Rotorua Lake! Easy walk to Eat Street where there were many great restaurants to choose from.

8

David

Oct 5, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Comfortable bed and great location to restaurants in Eat Street.

6

Grant

Mar 27, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Extremely noisy with bar over the road playing loud music until 1am and hotel scissor lift operating on exterior of building before 7am. A notice in room notified of exterior painting but not of noise and certainly we we not noticed prior to getting to room. Good location close to waterfront and restaurants. Parking is limited at hotel but free in nearby street. Hotel entrance confusing with exit blocked off and you need to reverse out from under reception veranda

8

Lawson

Jan 6, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The big advantage of this hotel is the location. Handy to tourist attractions.

10

Stacey

Oct 2, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location - noisy from eat street bars if on that side.

10

Ashley

Jul 12, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location, close to lots of activities and restaurants. Would definitely stay here again!

10

Kate

Aug 25, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great location on the lake. Breakfast was great, however they could have done with another coffee machine! Loved it!

8

Conrad

Feb 14, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location near Village Green. Very central, across the road from Eat Street.

8

Jim

May 13, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Location is great.

10

Raewyn

Jul 30, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great stay at Novotel. Comfy bed/pillows. Great breakfast. Right next door are multiple choices of eateries. Parking is on the street or paid secure next door. Park and lake right opposite. It was at the centre of all our activities by car so very convenient.

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Dining

Breakfast is often praised for range and value, though others found it average or understocked, and coffee capacity can lag. Room service quality and availability are inconsistent.

Related guest reviews

8

Meagan

Oct 26, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The swimming facilities were fabulous. Room and bedding was comfortable with AC keeping room at a comfortable temperature. No bathrobes for going between the pool and our room. Bathroom is a little tired and dated. Wifi was great and staff were helpful. Loved that eat street was across the rd. Paid for the buffet breakfast, which was good value for money.

8

Erin

Sep 22, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Breakfast menu could be better.

10

juston

Jan 7, 2026

·

Stayed 3 nights

Room Service steak was well done when I ordered Medium Rare. Dissapointed but everything else great

10

Linda

Aug 8, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The buffet breakfast and dinner were ok - could have been some better options but there was plenty to eat and enough choices to ensure everyone will find something suitable to them.

6

Lauren

Jan 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was in need of some updating and repairs. Breakfast was very expensive and average. Thermal pools were a great addition, connected to an awesome gym. Hotel was just over the road from 'eat street' with heaps of dining options. Fabulous location.

6

Nalisha

Oct 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Breakfast needs a upgrade, slight boring. Needs another coffee machine. Omelettes should be included in the cooking station.

6

Hayley

Jul 14, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location, great facilities and the food (dinner and breakfast) was delicious. This is our 5th visit and we have never been let down.

6

Sharlene

Dec 12, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

The food at the buffet was terrible.

8

Nikolaos

Sep 12, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Service was mediocre. Room service is childish with a doggy bag and while I was assured my car will be in the front waiting for me at 7am I arrived and the car was not there and they told me it would take 15minutes.

10

Dan

May 25, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The property was conveniently located lakeside and across the street from the Eat Street area and downtown shops & boutiques. The breakfast was bountiful and we particularly enjoyed the ability to make our own fresh pressed juices and smoothies. The room was clean and spacious and seemed updated, although the bathroom seems to be in need of updates as the mirror was cracked, the tub grout was a bit stained, and the shower curtain was too short. Those cosmetic deficiencies aside, it was a nice place to overnight en route to Auckland.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
1 $128	2 $149	3 $133	4 $137	5 $608	6 $150	7 $146
8 $150	9 $135	10 $174	11 $131	12 $161	13 $146	14 $146
15 $149	16 $153	17 $153	18 $625	19 $167	20 $127	21 $133
22 $130	23 $133	24 $133	25 $179	26 $608	27 $137	28 $137
29 $153	30 $150

Novotel Rotorua Lakeside

Prices for Novotel Rotorua Lakeside

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, City View

Twin Room, 2 Queen Beds, City View

Room, 1 King Bed, Lake View

Room, 1 King Bed, City View

Executive Suite

Royal Suite, 3 Bedrooms

Twin Room, 2 Queen Beds, Lake View

Junior Suite, 1 King Bed, Lake View

Guest reviews of Novotel Rotorua Lakeside

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Security deposit

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Novotel Rotorua Lakeside

Considering this hotel for your Rotorua trip?

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 $140	23 $173	24 $304
25 $140	26 $119	27 $117	28 $119	29 $120	30 $103	31 $170