Ready to soak up the best of Rotorua? Dive into our guide to the finest hotels featuring thermal pools. From soothing hot waters to exceptional stays, you’ll be in for a treat. We’ll show you the ultimate Rotorua retreats offering rejuvenation amidst natural geothermal bliss. Let’s explore these relaxing havens in the heart of Rotorua!
Rooms with Private Spas
- Wylie Court Motor Lodge – Suitable for families and couples, this is one of Rotorua’s best hotels for private thermal spas. They have the biggest range of Studios and Apartments featuring hot pools. They’re all under cover and some have larger outdoor spaces.
- Sport Of Kings Motel – This is the other property that offers a thermal pool in the room. But it’s only One-bedroom Apartment that has this feature. While it can cater to a small group of three, it’s more suitable for couples.
- Kowhai Motel Rotorua – While they don’t have private thermal pools, there is a hot tub in the One-Bedroom Apartment. It’s probably better than their small thermal pool in the public area.
Best Rotorua Hotels for Families
- Rydges Rotorua – Rydges Rotorua is one of the city’s best hotels for families because of its wide range of family-friendly amenities. The Two-bedroom Suite is ideal with room for four. Kids under 12 stay and eat for free. The hotel has an outdoor pool and hot tubs, plus the kids will love the Play Zone.
- Aura Accommodation – Aura Accommodation is highly rated by guests. The One and Two-bedroom apartments can accommodate 4 to 6 guests. The in-room amenities will come in handy including kitchens and washing machines. There are plenty of facilities on-site too including BBQs and a geothermal outdoor pool.
Cheapest Hotels with Thermal Pools
- Tasman Holiday Parks – Rotorua – Compared to pricier options in Rotorua, Tasman Holiday Park offers an affordable geothermal experience. The Standard Cabin is praised by visitors for being both comfortable and budget-friendly. If you book between April and June, you may find rates as low as $150 NZD per night.
- Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park – This holiday park stands out as one of Rotorua’s most affordable properties with thermal pools. The Basic Cabin offers a comfortable retreat for budget-conscious visitors. March and April are especially affordable. Although some months even have nightly rates starting at $88 NZD.
1. Rydges Rotorua
Overlooking the famous Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, Rydges Rotorua stands out as one of the area’s best thermal pool retreats. For the most comfortable stay, we recommend the Two-Bedroom Suite. It’s big enough for four and it’s ideal for families. Guests come to Rydges for the thermal experience, especially the year-round geothermal pool with two hot tubs. Chapman’s buffet is a Rotorua classic, offering fresh seafood, roasted meats, and delicious desserts.
- Guest Reviews: Our room was the perfect size for us and our two kids. The pools were the best part.
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Rooms: Two-bedroom Suite
- Address: 10 Tryon Street, 3043 Rotorua, New Zealand
2. Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
Located on the shores of Lake Rotorua, Novotel Lakeside is one of the area’s top thermal resorts. For an unforgettable experience, the Junior Suite is large and well-designed with incredible lake views. But what sets Novotel Lakeside apart from other hotels is the spa’s natural geothermal mineral pools. After the spa, you can relax with a walk around the lake or a swim in the indoor pool. For food, Atlas restaurant serves lunch and dinner buffets. Novotel is also a short walk to Eat Streat’s bars and restaurants.
- Guest Reviews: We had a 5th-floor room with a nice lake view. We loved the breakfasts.
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Rooms: Junior King Suites
- Address: Tutanekai Street, Lake End, 3215 Rotorua, New Zealand
3. Sport Of Kings Motel
Sport of Kings Motel surprises guests with its fantastic thermal pool experience. With public spa pools and a heated outdoor pool, it’s perfect for guests year-round. But the best part is the thermally heated rooms and apartments. The One-Bedroom Spa apartment features a private thermal hot tub, while the Two-Bedroom is perfect for larger groups. Some criticized the décor as too classic, but the real star at Sport of Kings is the thermal pools.
- Guest Reviews: We had a very spacious room with a lovely hot tub. The motel’s spa pool was amazing.
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Rooms: Two-bedroom Apartment
- Address: 6 Peace Street, Fenton Park, 3010 Rotorua, New Zealand
4. Tasman Holiday Parks – Rotorua
Tasman Holiday Park offers a unique geothermal experience, with a choice of stylish motel rooms, cozy cabins, and affordable campsites. For the most comfortable stay, we recommend the Poolside Motels. It’s big enough for four with a separate living area and a small kitchen. The two outdoor thermal pools are the main attraction. According to guests, they’re quite popular at night, for a relaxing dip under the stars.
- Guest Reviews: Accommodation was large and comfortable with everything we needed. The thermal pools were awesome.
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Rooms: Poolside Motel
- Address: 1495 Pukuatua Street, 3010 Rotorua, New Zealand
5. Wylie Court Motor Lodge
Located within walking distance of Rotorua’s central business district, Wylie Court is another top choice for thermal pools. Most rooms feature a thermal heated spa or plunge pool, but the best choice is the Premier 2-bed Apartment. There’s plenty of space, with a kitchen, sunroom, and a courtyard. Wylie Court also features a thermal in-ground swimming pool and a toddler’s pool. Some reviews mentioned maintenance issues, but overall, the variety of thermal pools available made for a positive experience.
- Guest Reviews: The room was comfortable and spacious and the in-room hot tub was perfect.
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Rooms: 2-Bed Apartments with Spa
- Address: 345 Fenton Street, 3010 Rotorua, New Zealand
6. Prince’s Gate Hotel
The Prince’s Gate is a historical boutique hotel offering one of the best thermal pool experiences in Rotorua. For the hotel’s most exclusive room, we recommend the Dutchess Suite. Guests rave about the space, with a king bedroom, a large lounge area, and a spa bath in the ensuite. But Prince’s Gate’s biggest attraction is the three thermal pools. They also have a plunge pool and sauna. For over 100 years, Dukes Restaurant has been a Rotorua tradition, serving New Zealand’s best dishes, fine wines, and cocktails.
- Guest Reviews: The balcony room was perfect. The thermal bathing facilities were fabulous.
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Rooms: Dutchess Suite
- Address: 1057 Arawa Street, 3010 Rotorua, New Zealand
7. Aura Accommodation
Aura Accommodation’s central location puts them close to everything, from Lake Rotorua to Eat Streat. For the best room, you’ll want to book the Two-Bedroom Superior Apartment. It’s perfect for groups or families, with a kitchen, a washer and dryer, plus a large sunny deck. The mineral pool here is a bit small but still very clean. There’s also a nice outdoor pool which kids will enjoy.
- Guest Reviews: Our apartment was spacious and well-equipped. We loved the thermal pool.
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Rooms: Two-bedroom Superior Apartment
- Address: 1078 Whakaue Street, 3010 Rotorua, New Zealand
8. Cleveland Thermal Motel
Cleveland Thermal Motel is an underrated motel in Rotorua. You’ll find everything from cozy studios to spacious two-bedroom apartments. For bigger groups, there’s a Three-Bedroom Apartment with a large living area, full kitchen, and large outdoor patio. Most guests enjoy the onsite mineral pools even though it’s a bit small. For kids, there’s plenty to do with a freshwater outdoor pool and a playground with swings and slides.
- Guest Reviews: We had a well-appointed room for a family of 5. The thermal pools were the highlight of our stay.
- Star Rating: 3 stars
- Best Rooms: Three-bedroom Apartment
- Address: 113 Lake Road, Koutu, 3010 Rotorua, New Zealand
9. Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park
Conveniently located close to Pohutu Geyser, Rotorua Holiday Thermal Park is popular with families. There’s plenty of accommodation including Log Cabins and Motel Suites. On the property, the resort’s three thermal pools are the main attraction. There’s also an outdoor swimming pool which according to reviews was a family favorite. Some comments mentioned the amenities were a little basic. But the holiday park is also one of the cheapest options in Rotorua for thermal pools.
- Guest Reviews: The cabin was awesome and bigger than expected. The thermal baths were so relaxing.
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Rooms: Motel Suite
- Address: 463 Old Taupo Road, 3015 Rotorua, New Zealand
10. Lake Lodge Motel Rotorua
Lake Lodge Motel is a top thermal pool hotel within a short walk to Lake Rotorua. The Two-Bedroom Apartment is perfect for families, with a sofa bed in the living room, a full kitchen, plus a furnished deck with lake views. Outside, there’s a thermally heated swimming pool. It’s the ideal spot to relax in the afternoon. For a fun night out, Lake Lodge Motel is only a short walk to the popular bars and restaurants of Rotorua’s Eat Street.
- Guest Reviews: Great location on the lake. The apartment was large and well-equipped with a nice kitchen.
- Star Rating: 3 stars
- Best Rooms: Two-bedroom Apartment
- Address: 1190 Lake Road, 3010 Rotorua, New Zealand
11. Kowhai Motel Rotorua
Kowhai Motel Rotorua is a small retreat in the city’s central business district. They have plenty of rooms for families. But the most popular accommodation is the One-Bedroom Apartment since it has a hot tub. It’s arguably a better experience than the thermal pool outside. They also have a small swimming pool. Its central location is one of the biggest benefits since you’re steps from cafes and restaurants.
- Guest Reviews: The rooms were spacious and comfortable. We loved the heated pool and the mineral pools.
- Star Rating: 3 stars
- Best Rooms: One-Bedroom Apartment
- Address: 1232 Ranolf Street, 3010 Rotorua, New Zealand
12. Regent of Rotorua Boutique Hotel
Compared to other Rotorua Hotels, this boutique hotel stands out as one of the city’s most stylish. The Executive Two-bedroom Suite is the most luxurious. Inside, you’ll have designer furniture, a separate lounge, and a lovely ensuite. The Regent Room is one of Rotorua’s favorite restaurants, serving New Zealand’s finest dishes and cocktails. The pool area is also beautiful. And while the thermal pool is functional, enhancing the decor would elevate the experience.
- Guest Reviews: We loved how spacious and comfortable our suite was. We highly recommend the heated pool and indoor hot spa.
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Rooms: Executive Two-bedroom Suite
- Address: 1191 Pukaki Street, 3010 Rotorua, New Zealand
Rotorua Hotels Map
Best Rotorua Rooms
| Rotorua Hotels | Best Rooms |
| Rydges Rotorua | Two-bedroom Suite |
| Novotel Rotorua Lakeside | Junior King Suites |
| Sport Of Kings Motel | Two-bedroom Apartment |
| Tasman Holiday Parks – Rotorua | Poolside Motel |
| Wylie Court Motor Lodge | 2-Bed Apartments with Spa |
| Prince’s Gate Hotel | Dutchess Suite |
| Aura Accommodation | Two-bedroom Superior Apartment |
| Cleveland Thermal Motel | Three-bedroom Apartment |
| Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park | Motel Suite |
| Lake Lodge Motel Rotorua | Two-bedroom Apartment |
| Kowhai Motel Rotorua | One-Bedroom Apartment |
| Regent of Rotorua Boutique Hotel | Executive Two-bedroom Suite |
