18 Best Luxury Accommodations in Rotorua 🍸 [2023]

Where to Find Luxury Hotels and Lodges in Rotorua

Settle for no less than the best for your stay in New Zealand’s “hotspot”. With some of the most prestigious names in hotels, as well as spa resorts gracing the lakeshores, you’ll hardly have trouble finding luxury in Rotorua. With the town’s geothermal activity, the luxury of unwinding in a thermal hot pool is always an option, but we’ve picked out the best of hotels, motels and resorts offering private hot pools/spa baths, fantastic dining and most luxurious facilities on offer in Rotorua. Check out our top recommendations on this list of the best luxury accommodations in Rotorua.

While you’re here, you might also be interested in the 10 Best Luxury Experiences in Rotorua and The Luxury Guide to Rotorua.

1. Solitaire Lodge

Starting with the most prestigious luxury lodge in Rotorua, Solitaire Lodge boasts a premium position on the shores of Lake Tarawera surrounded by native bush and volcanic vistas. Your all-inclusive stay doesn’t just include lodging in one of the elegant guest rooms but a complimentary mini bar, a full country breakfast, a light lunch, pre-dinner drinks & canapés and a five-course evening meal. You’ll certainly find a reason to work up an appetite with the arrangement of a private catamaran excursion on the lake or to some secret hot springs, paddling with the lodge’s supplied kayaks and dinghies, or blissfully doing nothing at all…

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10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Rotorua 🍸 [2023]

2. Peppers on the Point Lake Rotorua

A stunner on the lakefront, Peppers on the Point Lake Rotorua is a former 1930s mansion redesigned into a luxury hotel. There’s never a dull moment between the tennis court, spa treatments, library and farm animals on the grounds, while if the weather isn’t playing ball, you can always relax with a DVD from the library, set the jets on your private corner spa bath or curl up with a book in front of the lounge’s fireplace (that’s if you’re not doing the 15 Things to Do in Rotorua on a Rainy Day).

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3. Pullman Rotorua

Towering high in the heart of Rotorua city, Pullman Rotorua boasts five-star luxury to go with its five-star views. Its “Executive Suites” with 180-degree vistas of the lake and city, as well as a luxurious freestanding bathtub, is the most impressive of its selection. Outside of your room and through the elegantly modern halls and foyers, you’ll find the farm-to-table cuisine of the Barrel & Co. Bar and Grill and indulgent treatments at Massage Eden Lifestyle & Wellness Spa.

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4. Regent of Rotorua

Luxury travellers may want to consider the fabulous design-driven Regent of Rotorua. This 4.5-star hotel conveniently located in central Rotorua offers a chic and contemporary style from its furnishings to its facilities. Choose from a range of rooms from the intimate “Cutie Room” for couples to the spacious “2-Bedroom Executive Suite” with designer furniture. A stay here includes WiFi, access to an outdoor heated pool, private mineral pool, a mini gym, DVD library, lounge and wine bar, as well as the Regent Room restaurant serving sharing plates and tempting tapas.

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5. Ngamihi Lodge

Escape to Rotorua’s nearby Lake Okareka by staying at Ngamihi Lodge. There are three inviting suites at this designer B&B, some of which have two bedrooms should you have a larger group. When you’re not relaxing at your elegantly styled lodge or dining on Kiwi cuisine cooked up by your local hosts, said hosts can arrange a number of exclusive experiences for you, from boating to making use of the available bicycles and kayaks. As one of the most memorable B&Bs in the area, we had to list it in the Where to Stay in Rotorua: 50 Best Accommodations in Rotorua.

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6. Prince’s Gate Hotel

Class and elegance radiate from the Prince’s Gate Hotel in central Rotorua. If you’re not visiting for their acclaimed high tea, then at least stay in one of only 50 luxury rooms and suites with traditional decor, luxurious bathrobes, Sky TV and some with a kitchenette and upgraded sumptuous furnishings. In true Rotorua style, guests have access to thermally heated pools, of which there is not one but three! There is also a private hot pool and sauna available. The food at The Duke’s Bar and Restaurant is modern European with a strong emphasis on French cooking. The restaurant also offers a “Taste Indigenous New Zealand” degustation experience.

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7. Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel

A stylish retreat on the shores of Lake Rotorua, Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel is well worth considering for a special occasion or “just because”. Bask in the views and enjoy elegant spaces throughout the property. The one acre of manicured grounds consists of rose gardens, sweeping lawns, an outdoor pool, a “secret grotto” and a sandy beach with a private jetty. As for your room, enjoy modernly appointed “Lakeview Suites” with full glass sliders to bask in those views or perhaps opt for more space and added tranquillity in one of the “Garden Suites”.

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8. Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort

Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort is the place to unwind, rejuvenate and indulge in Rotorua, boasting a fabulous day spa complete with spa pools, a plunge pool and a sauna infused with local herbs. Stay in either the “Deluxe Room” which opens up onto the resort’s swimming pool or the “Superior Suite” with a private balcony and double spa bath. Contemporary fine dining can be experienced at the award-winning Mokoia Restaurant serving Pacific Rim cuisine, as well as grill dining. For more on Rotorua’s dining scene, be sure to check out The Food Guide to Rotorua: Places to Eat & Food Tours.

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9. The Willows

Experience affordable lake-edge luxury with friends and family at this wonderful holiday home near Skyline Rotorua. The Willows is kitted out with a gorgeous garden, free use of kayaks, a spa pool and free WiFi, so there’s no risk of boredom here. As for sleeping arrangements, there are four bedrooms sleeping up to 12 guests, making it the ideal place for a family reunion. Speaking of which, see more child-friendly recommendations in the 20 Best Family Accommodations in Rotorua.

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10. City Lights Boutique Lodge

On the slopes of Mt Ngongotaha, City Lights Boutique Lodge offers one of the most luxurious B&B accommodations in Rotorua. There are three guest rooms available with lavish shared spaces, especially the spa pool on the expansive deck with million-dollar views of the Rotorua countryside. Otherwise, there is also a self-catering cottage available. Other features of the boutique accommodation include a sauna, gym and lounge with a computer and other facilities to help organise a spectacular trip. See more couple-centric stays like this in the 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Rotorua.

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11. Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua

With an idyllic location on the shores of Lake Rotorua, Sudima Hotel is a fantastic option for a luxury honeymoon or family getaway. Treat yourself to the on-site spa, do a few laps in the heated pool and dine at the Okareka Restaurant & Bar serving Kiwi dishes along with lake views. There are three room types with a sleek and modern design, including “Superior Rooms” and “Superior Plus” sleeping up to three people each, while the “Family Room” comfortably sleeps a family of four. Families will also love the babysitting services available.

Check Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua out:

12. Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Enjoy a pampered stay in the “Deluxe Rooms” and “Club Rooms” of the Millennium Hotel Rotorua, complete with a private outdoor spa pool and soft-tone furnishings. Those staying in the Club Room will have exclusive access to the adults-only Club Lounge and enjoy luxuries such as NZ-made wool throws and marble bathrooms. When enjoying some downtime at the Millennium, make use of the on-site spa, fitness centre, gym, pool and wine and dine at the ultra-sleek Bar Zazu or casual Brasserie Poolside Restaurant. Their fine dining venue can be found at Restaurant Nikau should you want to celebrate a special occasion.

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13. Novotel Rotorua Lakeside

Stay in a modern 4.5-star hotel in the heart of Rotorua at the Novotel Rotorua Lakeside. While you’re only moments away from Rotorua’s dining precinct, Eat Streat, the hotel offers a fabulous bar and restaurant with a lake-view terrace. As for the rooms, relax with the earthy tones of the interior and large picture windows so you can make the most of the Rotorua scenery. The hotel offers three types of suites and five types of studios, the “Suites” being the most luxurious options with corner rooms available, an espresso machine, pillow menu, audio docking station, ensuite with spa bath and more. Extra facilities include a fitness centre, babysitting and an indoor heated pool. See how the hotel compares to the 10 Best Hotels in Rotorua.

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14. Emerald Spa Motor Inn

The perfect retreat for couples, Emerald Spa Motor Inn is Rotorua’s luxury motel offering “Romance Packages” and irresistible spa rooms. Each unit has kitchenette facilities should you want to indulge in a quiet night in together, as well as free WiFi and Sky TV. Outside are a heated pool, mountain bike storage and wash-down facilities. While the motel is a little out of town, it’s just a few minutes from the acclaimed Whakarewarewa Redwoods Forest. Discover more of Rotorua’s upscale motels in the 20 Best Motels in Rotorua.

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15. Regal Palms Resort

The Regal Palms Resort boasts luxury and home comforts in its collection of suites suitable for couples and families. Each suite features a private hot pool and either a kitchenette or full kitchen facilities. Guests have access to a heated swimming pool, Sky TV, a DVD library, free WiFi, children’s playground, barbecue area, nine-hole mini-golf course, sauna, tennis court and the list goes on! In between, take the time to relax by the fire in the Guest Bar and Lounge or sit outside on the patio while sampling New Zealand wines and spirits.

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16. VR Rotorua Lake Resort

A tranquil retreat on the shores of Lake Rotoiti and a 15-minute drive from the hustle and bustle of town, VR Rotorua Lake Resort is well worth considering for a luxury weekend away. The lodge-inspired resort spans across 7 acres of manicured gardens, a swimming pool, spa and sauna, dining room and 42 luxurious rooms and suites. Lake view and garden view rooms are available with a king or twin layout, while your most luxurious offerings are the “Executive Suite Spa Room” and the “Executive Suite”. Dining at The Grill is a must with award-winning beef and lamb dishes impeccably presented.

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17. Arawa Park Hotel

Boasting some of the largest hotel rooms in Rotorua, Arawa Park Hotel certainly gives you the space for luxury. The 4.5-star hotel has 135 modern-meets-classic guestrooms, 95 of which feature a spa bath. Families, couples and business travellers are all catered to here with “Superior Rooms”, “Family Rooms”, “Deluxe King Rooms” and “Suites” available. The central meeting point of this luxury hotel is in the airy Atrium Restaurant, while other amenities at the hotel include a bar, gym and conference rooms.

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18. Gemini Lodge

Finally on our list of the best luxury accommodations in Rotorua, indulge in a recipe of indulgence at Gemini Lodge. There are four stunning holiday homes among the gorgeous lakeside grounds to choose from, with options suitable for couples up to an outstanding eight people! The property has a large outdoor pool under palm trees, a spa pool, a private jetty on Lake Rotorua, a fire pit, a gym, kayaks and more. For more stays where you can sort out your own food, check out the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Rotorua.

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More Luxury Accommodations in Rotorua

Now that you know the best luxury accommodations in Rotorua, check out what awesome things there are to do, as well as alternative accommodations:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Luxury Travel Guide to Rotorua.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.

Contact Laura via our contact page