With scenic landscapes and an abundance of healing geothermal waters, Rotorua is an ideal destination for a relaxing retreat.
Tourists stumble upon unique foot pools and forest-lined thermal streams on their excursions, and there are several natural hot springs and private pools as well.
We checked over 200 properties in Rotorua and uncovered the best hotels with thermal pools on-site.
These hotels capture the essence of Rotorua and have received top ratings from previous guests.
1. East West Studio Apartments
The lovely self-contained apartments of East West Studio boast a cozy layout with geothermally heated swimming pool.
It is conveniently located 10 minutes walk from a renowned Polynesian Spa, and only a kilometer from Lake Rotorua.
Warmly decorated rooms have Domestic Ventilation System and Eco-friendly thermal heating system.
You’ll find the rooms well-equipped with fridge, microwave ovens, toaster and coffee makers, as well as lavish toiletries and bathrobes.
All the rooms overlook the soothing thermal swimming pool opened for guests round the clock.
Enjoy free continental breakfast every morning, and ask the tour desk to assist with fun activities such as geothermal parks, horse riding and skydiving!
- Guest Rating: 9.7
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Address: 6 Toko Street, 3010 Rotorua, New Zealand
2. Aura Accommodation
With sustainability at its core and lovely mineral pools at its disposal, Aura Accommodation offers a refreshing retreat for nature lovers.
The cheery and colorful apartment hotel is just 1 km from the Polynesian Spa, 4 km from the village Whakarewarewa and 5km from Skyline Rotorua.
From deluxe studios to one or two bedroom apartments, all rooms offer a homely thermal heating with fully equipped kitchens.
Large two bedroom apartments feature wide balconies bathing in warm sunlight, while two bedroom superior units also have a private front patio.
The 365 day outdoor swimming pool stays warm (28-32 degrees) in summers and hot (34-38 degrees) in winters.
Known for their curative and therapeutic properties, the mineral water pools are ideal for soaking in and melting away the entire day’s weariness.
- Guest Rating: 9.2
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Address: 1078 Whakaue Street, 3010 Rotorua, New Zealand
3. Rotorua TOP 10 Holiday Park
With a wonderful location adjacent to Kuirau Park, Rotorua TOP 10 Holiday Park offers affordable rooms ranging from small units to quaint cabins.
The lovely campsites allow you to surround yourself with nature on stunningly beautiful grounds with macrocarpa furnishing and exciting outdoor BBQ facilities.
Lake Rotorua and Mitai are only 5 minutes drive, while Te Puia is just 7 minutes drive away.
Some rooms have kitchenettes, while others boast a breezy outdoor dining area, along with a communal TV lounge that has a fireplace.
There are two outdoor mineral swimming pools opened from 8am to 8pm, with the water heated to 27 degrees in summers.
The custom built complex also has two thermal pools.
One pool is heated lightly to 40 degrees, while the other pool is slightly lower at 38 degrees.
At night, a dreamy blue-lit boardwalk lights up the property with over 250 native plants.
- Guest Rating: 9.0
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Address: 1495 Pukuatua Street, 3010 Rotorua, New Zealand
4. Sport Of Kings Motel
The stylish upscale Sport Of Kings Motel is situated in the Fenton Park neighborhood and offers casual rooms surrounded by natural landscapes.
Sport Of Kings Motel is only 2 kilometers from the soothing mineral pools of the Polynesian Spa and famous Rotorua Museum.
Enjoy your stay in laidback studios with kitchenettes, or 1-2 bedroom suites that have fully-equipped kitchens.
Spa apartments also feature private thermal pools, and larger units add separate living areas.
There’s an all-year geothermally heated outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers.
Enjoy fresh continental breakfast every morning, and make use of the BBQ facilities and enjoy a meal on their large outdoor table.
- Guest Rating: 8.9
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Address: 6 Peace Street, Fenton Park, 3010 Rotorua, New Zealand
5. Cleveland Thermal Motel
The comfy, low-rise Cleveland Thermal Motel features spacious grounds with perky, well-maintained garden and lush lawns.
The hotel is 5 minutes drive from the Polynesian Spa, 12 minutes drive from Whakarewarewa Village and 29 minutes drive from Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.
All rooms have kitchen facilities and range from compact studios to 1-2 bedroom apartments.
Live like royalty in the motel’s Cleveland Cottage with modern furnishing, 3 bedrooms and full kitchen along with close proximity to many restaurants and cafés.
There’s an all-year heated freshwater swimming pool surrounded by blooming flowers and perky grassland.
The unwinding indoor geothermal pools have temperatures maintained from 37 to 40 degrees, and are wonderfully soothing with natural mineral waters.
- Guest Rating: 8.8
- Star Rating: 3 stars
- Address: 113 Lake Road, Koutu , 3010 Rotorua, New Zealand
6. Fernleaf Motel
The beautiful Fernleaf Motel captures the timeless kiwi charm surrounded with lush greenery and boasts a quaint architecture.
Fernleaf Motel is only 2 minutes walk to Central Mall, 3 minutes drive from the beautiful Lake Rotorua and 5 minutes drive from Polynesian Spa.
Cozy studios and apartments have a homely setting with thermal heating and fully equipped kitchens.
Large two bedroom unit adds separate sitting and dining areas along with high-end amenities and free toiletries.
The large outdoor swimming pool has heated thermal water maintained between 30-34 degrees in summers, and 34-38 degrees in winters.
Genuine mineral spa pool is blessed with healing geothermal waters with soothing and therapeutic properties to unwind and tend to those sore spots.
- Guest Rating: 8.8
- Star Rating: 3 stars
- Address: 23 Toko Street, 3010 Rotorua, New Zealand
7. Holiday Inn Rotorua
Flaunting a warm, welcoming vibe with homely layout and comfy rooms, Holiday Inn Rotorua is ideal for romantic retreats and family vacations.
The hotel is only a minute walk from Whakarewarewa Geothermal Reverse and Living Maori Village, and 4 km from Redwoods Tree walk and Kuirau Park.
Comfortable guest rooms have a soothing layout with all the basic amenities and en suite bathrooms.
Lavish suites feature separate lounges, and all rooms have complimentary tea or coffee makers and Sky TV Channels.
The hotel has year-round geothermal heated outdoor pool opened from 7 am to 9:30 pm.
On-site dining includes the tasteful Chapman’s Restaurant with upscale New Zealand a la carte menu.
For drinks, head to Chapman’s bar where you’ll find an extensive range of wine and cocktails.
- Guest Rating: 8.6
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Address: 10 Tryon Street, 3043 Rotorua, New Zealand
8. Red Rock Thermal Motel
The unassuming Red Rock Thermal Motel circles a buoyant stream and offers affordable accommodation to guests.
Boasting a tranquil setting, the motel is 10 minutes walk from Kuirau Park, and 2 kilometers from the famous Polynesian Spa.
Lovely studios and single bedroom units feature well-equipped kitchenettes and bathrooms with wet room style showers.
Some deluxe studios also add a private patio deck, while the gorgeous cottages have a more spacious setting and are nearest to thermal spa pool.
There’s a large outdoor pool with wonderfully soothing geothermal waters, as well as an indoor hot tub.
With a lovely garden, a lively BBQ area and playground for kids, this is an ideal place for family vacations.
- Guest Rating: 8.6
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Address: 109 Lake Road, 3210 Rotorua, New Zealand
9. Ambassador Thermal Motel
Surrounded by major attractions and rich with geothermal waters, Ambassador Thermal Motel offers one-of-a-kind stay.
Enjoy a quiet and cozy ambiance with the warm, welcoming shores of Lake Rotorua only 5 minutes walk away, and Polynesian Spa at 9 minutes walk.
From homely studios to 1-2 bedroom units, all rooms have fully-equipped kitchenettes and cozy sitting areas.
Upgraded studios also add airy terrace or balconies.
The motel has a genuine mineral thermal pool, an outdoor spa and a soothing heated swimming pool.
There’s also a BBQ area and freshly prepared continental breakfast every morning.
- Guest Rating: 8.6
- Star Rating: 3 stars
- Address: 1101 Hinemaru Street, 3040 Rotorua, New Zealand
10. Wylie Court Motor Lodge
Enjoying a wonderful spot on sublime leafy grounds a short walk from Rotorua’s Central Business District, Wylie Court Motor Lodge is well-loved by tourists.
The hotel is only 15 minutes walk from Te Puia and 28 kilometres from Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.
Warmly decorated Twin Studios have private courtyard with hot pool or heated spa pool, while Family Apartments have privet plunge pools.
Charming Executive Studios and Apartments have private heated spa pools, and all the rooms offer kitchenettes, mini fridges, microwaves and tea or coffee makers.
In the public shared space, there’s a geothermally heated in ground swimming pool, a toddler’s pool, and a beautiful poolside gazebo to cool down in summers.
You can also explore the exquisite gardens beautified with native plants and tasteful art pieces.
- Guest Rating: 8.4
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Address: 345 Fenton Street, 3010 Rotorua, New Zealand
11. Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort
Tucked along the sandy shores of Lake Rotorua, Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort offers tremendous scenic beauty.
The refreshing high-end resort is only 6 kilometers from Redwoods Tree walk and 9 kilometer from Kuirau Park.
Relaxed guest rooms have all the basic amenities with tea or coffee makers, along with beautifully furnished balconies or terraces.
We highly recommend Lake-View Superior Suite for couples.
This room has stunning views of Lake Rotorua from private balconies, where you can also have a candlelit dining experience on request, along with a double hot tub bath.
The award-winning luxurious spa features massage therapies with mineral-rich geothermal muds, herbal sauna, fragrant steaming, hot spa pools, and solar-heated pools.
Experience fine-dining at the resort’s Mokoia Restaurant offering exotic Pacific Rim cuisine with spectacular views of Lake Rotorua.
- Guest Rating: 8.3
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Address: 77 Robinson Avenue, Holden’s Bay, 3042 Rotorua, New Zealand
12. Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua
As its name suggests, the beautiful Sudima Hotel overlooks Lake Rotorua and offers laidback accommodation ideal for a romantic retreat.
The hotel is only 2 minutes walk from Polynesian Spa and 5 minutes to Tamaki Maori Village.
Wonderful guest rooms have breathtaking views of the lake, and all come with basic amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screens and coffee makers.
Some upgraded rooms also have airy balconies amidst a more spacious setting.
Reinvigorate with competitive massage services, a geothermally heated indoor pool and three private spa pools.
Indulge in a delectable dining experience at Okareka Restaurant & Bar overlooking the magical waters and serving unique dishes with a special ‘Kiwi’ twist.
- Guest Rating: 8.2
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Address: 1000 Eruera Street, 3010 Rotorua, New Zealand
13. Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park
The beautiful Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park offers sprawling grounds akin to a lush park, and opens up to exciting mountain biking tracks.
The hotel is only 8 minutes’ drive from Central Rotorua, and is close to the Whakarewarwa Forest.
Room types include cozy motel units, rustic cabins, campsites and backpacker dorms with communal kitchen, BBQs, TV rooms, laundry and bathrooms.
The large self-contained units allow families or couples to have an intimate vacation experience with all the basic amenities.
Spend quality time with your kids by making use of the cricket pitch, rugby field, tennis, netball courts, children’s mountain bike tracks and fun playgrounds.
All guests will have free access to soothing hot thermal pools and a seasonal swimming pool.
- Guest Rating: 8.1
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Address: 463 Old Taupo Road, 3015 Rotorua, New Zealand
14. Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
Enjoying a sublime lakeside location, Novotel Rotorua Lakeside overlooks the beautiful Lake Rotorua in all its glory.
The hotel is just 1 kilometer from the wonderful hot springs of Government gardens and the lively Rotorua Night Market.
Laidback guest rooms have all the basic amenities, including well-stocked minibars and coffee makers.
Upgraded rooms add wonderful views of the lake, while suites also have soothing whirlpool tubs.
The spa area is truly one-of-a-kind with geothermally heated indoor pool that melts the entire days stress away, as well as a soothing sauna and hot tub.
The on-site restaurant offers casual dining along with a cozy bar that has a fireplace.
- Guest Rating: 8.0
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Address: Tutanekai Street, Lake End, 3215 Rotorua, New Zealand
15. Cosy Cottage Thermal Holiday Park
Nestled in the heart of Rotorua, Cosy Cottage Thermal Holiday Park borders the lake shore and offers exquisite views of Mokoia Island.
You’ll experience a rustic, tranquil lifestyle while still staying close to the buzz and excitement of the city.
The rooms are geothermally heated to keep you warm in winters with plenty of hot water in showers.
From large bedroom flats to cozy 1-2 bedroom cottages, all rooms have well-equipped kitchenettes and private bathrooms.
Alternatively, make use of on-site power and tent sites for an idyllic camping experience.
Bathe in healing thermal waters with hot pools and a seasonal swimming pool.
The hotel also provides spades to dig for Lake Rotorua’s hot water reserves, an activity that kids seem to love!
- Guest Rating: 7.8
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Address: 67-69 Whittaker Road, 3010 Rotorua, New Zealand
Rotorua Hotels Map
Rotorua has a lot of natural beauty to offer, and these hotels capture all of it by making use of Rotorua’s natural reserves and geothermal waters.
While any of these hotels offer a pampering stay, I personally love the amenities and general vibe of Wylie Court Motor Lodge.
All rooms have private thermal whirlpool tubs or plunge pools, ideal for an intimate experience with your loved ones.
Find More Rotorua Hotels with Thermal Pools
