Rotorua is a small region on New Zealands North Island, known for its geothermal hot springs, bursting geysers, and dynamic lake and mountain landscapes. It’s the island’s most significant natural tourist attraction, where tourists and locals come to bathe in the magical waters, admire the scenery, and experience the inspiring force of nature.
The town of Rotorua itself is small and simple enough to keep you busy for only a few nights. Set along the shore of the gorgeous Lake Rotorua, you’ll find everything from restaurants, bars, shops, and accommodation in a central area, which is super safe and walkable. Since you’ll likely only spend a few days here, staying in one of the best motels in Rotorua is a great way to explore the region while saving cash.
Motels in this area are centrally located, affordable, and comfortable for a short stay. They also offer all the amenities you could possibly need, along with a few luxurious extras like swimming pools and barbeque decks.
Other than thermal springs and spa, and incredible views, visitors flock to the region to learn about the local Maori culture at Te Pa Tu village, as well as the ghost town of Te Wairoa, which was turned into a swamp when the volcano of Mount Tarawera erupted in the 1800s.
The entire area is steeped in a wave of mystery and intrigue. While it can be hard to find suitable accommodation in other places in the country, the town is rarely overpopulated with tourists, so you won’t struggle to find a place to rest your head after an adventure in Rotorua. Take my advice and browse through this list of the top ten motels in Rotorua:
King Room with Spa Bath at Pure Motels and Guest House
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > A five-minute drive from the heart of town and Lake Rotorua
- > Room service and free parking on site
Studio at Brylin Motel
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Spacious studio with kitchenette
- > Complimentary toiletries and tea and coffee facilities
One Bed Suite with Spa at Best Western Braeside Rotorua
- > $$$$
- > 2 Guests
- > Swimming pool, garden, and BBQ facilities
- > Room service and restaurant on site
Staying in a Motel in Rotorua
As the North Islands’ most popular area, accommodation can get pricey in Rotorua, with hotels, spa resorts, and bed and breakfasts usually charging an increased rate during busy seasons. Motels are a great option that offers a comfortable room for a reasonable price.
Motels typically have a bad rep for being simple, unsanitary, and located on roadsides in the middle of nowhere. However, this isn’t the case for the best motels in Rotorua, which are pretty close to luxurious if I say so myself!
This type of accommodation typically offers all the basics of a hotel without some of the opulent extras. You can expect convenient amenities like complimentary toiletries, tea, and coffee facilities, free parking, and daily room cleaning. But you can forget about evening turn-down service, on-site restaurants and lobbies, and spas. Of course, there is always an exception to the rule, and Rotorua does have its fair share of fancy motels on the market.
It’s the perfect option for those looking for accommodation that falls somewhere between a hotel and a hostel.
What to Look For in a Motel in Rotorua
Motels might be a simple and affordable option for your trip to New Zealand, but that doesn’t mean you’re necessarily signing up for an uncomfortable or inconvenient experience.
Location is essential to factor into your decision when choosing the best motels in this town. Unlike many bigger cities, where motels sit on the outskirts of the center along major highways, many of Rotorua’s motels are centrally located in the heart of the town. This helps with knowing where to stay in Rotorua.
The best accommodation is located on the shore of Lake Rotorua, the main feature of the small town of Rotorua. If you like to be in the buzz (a relatively small buzz compared to other cities), look for a property within walking distance of the main center of Rotorua. Alternatively, you could find a motel off-the-beaten-track in a more serene natural setting.
The accommodation you choose will depend on how many guests you travel with and whether you’re visiting with children. Plenty of motels offer spacious family-sized rooms and even a few self-catering apartments with multiple bedrooms.
I recommend finding a place with a fully equipped kitchen if you visit with children. Fussy food preferences can turn a vacation into a stressful experience, and it is always worthwhile having a space to feed your children that isn’t always in public.
Booking.com has the widest variety of motels advertised in this region. There are also a few properties on Airbnb, but the selection is more limited.
The Top 10 Motels in Rotorua
If you’re looking for a convenient, affordable, and comfortable place to stay in Rotorua, I’ve compiled a list of the top ten best motels in Rotorua to make your search a bit easier.
Overall Best Value Motel in Rotorua – Room 2 at Rotorua City Homestay
- $$
- 2 Guests
- Access to a jacuzzi, shared garden, and courtyard
- Minutes walk from Rotorua CBD
Although not technically a ‘motel,’ this room offers all the amenities of one, with a few additional luxuries. It is in the heart of the town, a short walk to the lake shore and various local restaurants, and can be booked for a deal of a price.
You’ll get access to a shared Jacuzzi and garden courtyard area on top of your private room (with a double and single bed) and bathroom. The room has a heater and a fan, perfect year-round weather, as well as a mini-fridge stocked with drinks and snacks.
Best Budget Motel in Rotorua – Studio at Brylin Motel
- $
- 2 Guests
- Spacious studio with kitchenette
- Complimentary toiletries and tea and coffee facilities
Motels are known for being an affordable type of accommodation, and Brylin Motel offers the best value for money if you’re on a tight budget. The motel offers spacious rooms just fifteen minutes walk from the Whakarewarewa Thermal Village.
Some suites offer multiple bedrooms with a full kitchenette, a living and dining area, and an ensuite bathroom. As the best motel in Rotorua on a budget, other convenient amenities include free parking and Wi-Fi, facilities for disabled guests, and tea and coffee makers in each room.
Best Motel for Couples in Rotorua – King Room with Spa Bath at Pure Motels and Guest House
- $$
- 2 Guests
- A five-minute drive from the heart of town and Lake Rotorua
- Room service and free parking on site
Located in the southern neighborhoods of Rotorua, Pure Motel and Guest House feels a world away from civilization. However, it’s just a five-minute drive into the center and a fifteen-minute drive from the airport, yet it offers a relaxing space surrounded by nature.
Guests can use a spa bath in the suite and use the fridge, microwave, and TV. The rooms are self-contained buildings, offering maximum privacy and space. The friendly concierge and staff will be glad to help you with anything you need during your stay.
Best Motel for a Group of Friends in Rotorua – Standard Two Bedroom Apartment at ASURE Rotorua International Motor Inn
- $$
- 6 Guests
- Fully- equipped apartment with kitchenette and two bedrooms
- An outdoor pool and airport shuttle
One of the newer motels built in the town, ASURE Rotorua International Motor Inn, is just a short drive from the city center, close to the shore of Lake Rotorua. As the best motel in Rotorua for a group of friends, the accommodation has a bunch of shared facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center with a sauna, free private parking, and a garden.
All units have air conditioning and are fitted with a TV, mini-fridge, kettle, and complimentary toiletries. The property is ideally located for those with a car and is close to Paradise Valley Springs, Buried Village, and the local airport.
Over-the-Top Luxury Motel in Rotorua – One Bed Suite with Spa at Best Western Braeside Rotorua
- $$$$
- 2 Guests
- Swimming pool, garden, and BBQ facilities
- Room service and restaurant on site
The words ‘motel’ and ‘luxury’ don’t usually mix well together, but in this case, trusted hotel brand Best Western has gone above and beyond to make the Braeside Rotorua one of the more opulent motels in the town. It’s located just outside the center along the lake shore close to the Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park, offering a more peaceful and natural setting.
Guests can enjoy shared barbeque facilities, a swimming pool, and a garden and take advantage of daily housekeeping services. Some rooms even include a private spa bath. Unlike most motels, you can dine at the on-site dinner restaurant, which serves tasty local dishes and wines.
Best Motel for Families Visiting Rotorua – Deluxe Family Room with Spa Bath at Hideaway of Rotorua
- $$
- 4 Guests
- Playground with swings and slides
- On a lush farm just a short drive from the town center
If you’re visiting with your family and need a child-friendly spot to stay, the Hideaway of Rotorua is easily the best motel in Rotorua for families. It is located just north of the central town, which means it is surrounded by more greenery and nature while still being just a five-minute drive into the center.
The motel offers self-catering apartments with full kitchens and private balconies with outdoor seating. The rooms are modern and recently refurbished, featuring tons of natural light and airflow. Ideal for kids, there is a children’s playground on the property, where kids can play on swings, slides and explore a tunnel system in the garden.
Best Motel in Rotorua for Backpackers – Four Bed Mixed Dorm at Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua NZ
- $
- 1 Guest
- Games room with pool table, climbing wall, and in-house bar
- Shared kitchen and dining room
Visitors looking for a social hostel scene will fare well at the Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua, which is famous for its in-house rock-climbing wall. The accommodation is in downtown Rotorua, walking distance from everything you might want to check out while in town.
Other than the climbing wall, it has a shared kitchen where you can store food and prepare meals, a living room, a games room, and an on-site bar where you can meet and network with other backpackers.
Top All-Inclusive Motel in Rotorua – Executive Studio at Silver Fern Rotorua Suites and Spa
- $$$
- 2 Guests
- Hot tub and day spa and wellness center
- Close to the famous Polynesian Spa and Mitai Maori Village
Another one of the best motels in Rotorua for luxury seekers, Silver Fern Rotorua Suites and Spa, is located in south Rotorua, a short walk from the Rotorua Golf Club. As the closest thing you’ll get to an all-inclusive motel, it features an on-site day spa with a hot tub, perfect for a relaxing stay on the North Island.
The rooms are fitted with a kitchen or kitchenette, and guests can use the barbeque to prepare outdoor meals. You can rent bikes from reception and cycle around the lush lake area or just relax in front of the TV and enjoy the warmth of the electric blankets on a wintery day.
Best Motel in Rotorua for Long-Term Travelers – Studio at Aura Accommodation
- $$
- 3 Guests
- Private kitchenette and living area with balcony
- A short walk from Eat Street and Government Gardens
If you choose to make Rotorua your temporary home, Aura Accommodation offers the perfect combination of a good location, affordable price, and great amenities that will make you feel right at home.
The studios and rooms have a full kitchen to prepare your food, a small living area, and a bedroom. Guests can also use the geothermal heated outdoor pool or indoor soaking tub, as well as laundry facilities on site. It’s also ideally located within walking distance of the lake, Government Gardens, and Eat Street – perfect for an extended visit.
Best Motel with Hot Tub in Rotorua – Executive Suite with Hot Tub at Executive On Fenton
- $$$
- 2 Guests
- Free parking and breakfast included in the rate
- A two-minute drive to Lake Rotorua
Hot tubs tend to be common in this region, which is blessed with naturally warm water heated by underground geothermal springs. The Executive On Fenton features spacious and modern accommodations just a few minutes from the lake. Rooms are fitted with either a spa bath or spa pool, as well as a kitchenette and seating area.
Not only does it have a hot tub, but it doubles as the best motel in Rotorua for digital nomads, with a stable internet connection and a work desk provided in each room. A daily breakfast is provided for an additional charge.
Don’t Forget Your Rotorua Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Motels in Rotorua
Motels are one of the most common types of accommodation on the market, typically popular with road trippers and adventurers looking for a last-minute place to rest their heads. However, these properties have grown a lot since their inception and now offer hotel-like amenities within city and town centers.
The best motels in Rotorua offer guests an affordable alternative to a hotel, with all the comfort yet fewer luxury amenities. Whether you’re visiting for a quick overnight stay or are arriving without much of a plan, there are plenty of different motels to choose from in Rotorua.
Before you depart on your thermal hot spring adventure, remember to organize a good insurance plan for your trip. There is nothing worse than injuring yourself or losing something while abroad, and it is always better to be safe rather than sorry.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
