© Emerald Spa Motor Inn
© Emerald Spa Motor Inn

15 BEST Motels in Rotorua 🏘️ [2024]

© Emerald Spa Motor Inn

Where to Find the Best Motel Accommodation in Rotorua

Looking for self-catering accommodation? Something affordable yet room for the whole family or perhaps a private retreat for couples with a private spa pool? Rotorua can certainly provide with so many motel options that one street, in particular Fenton Street, has been nicknamed the “Motel Mile”. To make your choice a little less overwhelming, we’ve handpicked some of our favourites in this list of the best motels in Rotorua.

Once you’ve selected your Rotorua motel, be sure to plan the rest of your visit with the 25 Best Things to Do in Rotorua and The Complete Travel Guide to Rotorua.

1. Kings On Peace – The Best Motel in Rotorua

Just off Rotorua’s notorious “Motel Mile”, i.e. Fenton Street and along the aptly named quiet residential “Peace Street”, Kings On Peace offers one of the most luxurious motels in Rotorua. All apartments feature spacious showers, pod coffee machines with biscuits, dishwashers and more, while the motel’s upscale on-site facilities include bike repair and service tools and electric vehicle charging for each apartment!

Check Kings On Peace out:

15 BEST Motels in Rotorua 🏘️ [2023]© Kings On Peace

2. Aura Accommodation – Eco-Friendly Motel in Rotorua

An eco-friendly base located close to the infamous “Eat Streat” and the Rotorua waterfront, Aura Accommodation offers geothermally heated studios and apartments, as well as many other positive environmental initiatives that you only need to browse through their website to learn about. But what about the accommodation? Enjoy their outdoor pool, bike hire and reasonable prices on their well-appointed range of studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments.

Check Aura Accommodation out:

15 BEST Motels in Rotorua 🏘️ [2023]© Aura Accommodation

3. Capri on Fenton – Highly-Rated Motel in Rotorua

Capri on Fenton is situated mid-way on Fenton Street, a short drive from the city centre and other Rotorua attractions. The motel has 17 spacious units complete with kitchens and a geothermally-heated spa pool. There are studios for two up to two-bedroom apartments for families, each with a simple yet sleek design. The barbecue area beckons in summer, while individually-controlled thermal heating in each suite is sure to keep you toasty in winter.

Check Capri on Fenton out:

Arista Capri Motel© Arista Capri Motel

4. Arista of Rotorua – The Best Rotorua Motel for Families

A popular motel with families, Arista of Rotorua is well worth considering. No room is less than 62m (203ft) with most units sleeping up to six and featuring spacious living areas. You and your loved ones will even have a private spa pool to enjoy and you’re sure to keep warm in the thermally-heated rooms. Each unit also has a kitchenette to make use of while the little ones can play at the motel’s super playground! See more recommendations like this in our 20 Best Family Accommodations in Rotorua.

Check Arista of Rotorua out:

Arista Motel of Rotorua© Arista Motel of Rotorua

5. Emerald Spa Motor Inn – The Best Rotorua Motel for Couples

The perfect retreat for couples, Emerald Spa Motor Inn offers “Romance Packages” and irresistible spa rooms. Each unit has kitchenette facilities should you want to indulge in a quiet night in, as well as conveniences such as free WiFi and Sky TV. Outside you’ll find a heated pool, as well as 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. See more motels like this in the 15 Best Romantic Accommodations in Rotorua.

Check Emerald Spa Motor Inn out:

Emerald Spa Motor Inn© Emerald Spa Motor Inn

6. Silver Fern Rotorua Suites & Spa – Rotorua Motel with Spa

Silver Fern Rotorua ticks all the boxes. Budget rooms, family rooms, even honeymoon suites and executive rooms for business travellers… You’re sure to find a room to suit your travel style here while knowing that amenities such as spa pools/spa baths, electric blankets, baby equipment, room service breakfast and a late 11 am checkout is available. Silver Fern also boasts a day spa with a wide range of massages, body wraps and facials available. The motel is also located mid-way along Fenton Street within a short driving distance to town and other Rotorua attractions. We love this accommodation so much that we also rank it highly in Where to Stay in Rotorua: 50 Best Accommodations in Rotorua.

Check Silver Fern Rotorua out:

 Silver Fern Rotorua - Accommodation & Spa© Silver Fern Rotorua - Accommodation & Spa

7. BK’s Rotorua Motor Lodge – Cheap Motel in Rotorua

BK’s Rotorua Motor Lodge offers some of the most affordable motel rooms in Rotorua, ranging from simple “Queen Suite Studios” to more luxurious and spacious “Deluxe Queen Spa Studio Suites”, while interconnecting suites are available for groups and families, all of which have kitchenette facilities. Conveniently, BK’s Rotorua is located by a supermarket and within a short walk of the city centre. For more cheap motels, check out the 20 BEST Budget Accommodations in Rotorua.

Check BK’s Rotorua Motor Lodge out:

BK's Rotorua Motor Inn© BK's Rotorua Motor Inn

8. Sport of Kings Motel – Pet-Friendly Motel in Rotorua

Affordable and peaceful, Sport of Kings Motel is well worth considering. The 4.5-star motel situated just off Rotorua’s main street is in a convenient central location yet feels miles away from the hustle and bustle. The modernly refurbished motel has a range of stylish studios and apartments suitable for solo travellers, couples, families and even travellers with pets. While not all rooms feature a private spa, the geothermally-heated outdoor pool has an attractive setting among native plantings. While you’ll have access to your own kitchen, a cooked and continental breakfast can be delivered straight to your door. On arrival, you’ll also receive freshly ground coffee!

Check Sport of Kings Motel out:

Sport of Kings Motel© Sport of Kings Motel

9. Rotorua Motel – Rotorua Motel with Thermal Swimming Pool

You can’t go too far wrong with the modern furnishings and spa bath accommodation of the Rotorua Motel. Most rooms come with either a spa bath or spa pool and a small-yet-modern kitchen that you’ll find a joy to cook in. You’re also free to bathe in the outdoor thermal pool or spa pool, as well as have access to conveniences like free WiFi. The motel is a short walk from the supermarket and the city centre. For alternative stays with excellent self-catering facilities, check out the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Rotorua.

Check Rotorua Motel out:

Rotorua Motel© Rotorua Motel

10. Best Western Braeside Rotorua & Conference Centre – Rotorua Motel in Fairy Springs

This resort-style motel features plenty to keep guests entertained, from a heated swimming pool to mini golf. The Best Western Braeside is tucked away on the leafy street just across the road from the Skyline Gondola in Fairy Springs, boasting a good alternative location in Rotorua. Rooms feature spacious kitchenettes so you can prepare your own meals, while some rooms have luxurious features like private hot tubs, balconies and stream views. For more hotel-style stays, check out the 20 Best Hotels in Rotorua.

Check Best Western Braeside out:

15 BEST Motels in Rotorua 🏘️ [2023]© Best Western Braeside Rotorua & Conference Centre

11. Regal Palms Resort – Holiday Motel in Rotorua

While not strictly a “motel”, the Regal Palms Resort has a collection of self-contained suites suitable for couples and families. Each suite features a private hot pool and either a kitchenette or full kitchen facilities. Guests also have access to a heated swimming pool, Sky TV, a DVD library, free WiFi, a children’s playground, a barbecue area, a mini-golf course, a sauna and a tennis court! The resort also has a Guest Bar and Lounge serving New Zealand wines and spirits.

Check Regal Palms Resort out:

Regel Palms Resort© Regel Palms Resort

12. Hideaway of Rotorua – Motel Farmstay in Rotorua

Hideaway of Rotorua might be out of town but it’s arguably closer to the action with Agrodome, Zorb, Wingspan and Skyline Rotorua nearby. The countryside motel prides itself on being one of the most family (and pet) friendly accommodations in Rotorua and we couldn’t agree more! Between the motel-style units and apartments, there are four acres of parkland to explore with a children’s playground, picnic areas and farm animals.

Check Hideaway of Rotorua out:

15 BEST Motels in Rotorua 🏘️ [2023]© Hideaway of Rotorua

13. Thermal Oak Motel – Rotorua Motel with Mineral Spa Pools

A popular option on the Motel Mile, Thermal Oak Motel has a selection of stylishly renovated studios, apartments and a flat for a reasonable price. Some of its most striking facilities are the two mineral spa pools for guests to indulge in (who needs to go to the Polynesian Spa?!), rooms with geothermal heating and air-conditioning, laundry machines and on-site parking.

Check Thermal Oak Motel out:

15 BEST Motels in Rotorua 🏘️ [2023]© Thermal Oak Motel

14. Cleveland Thermal Motel – Rotorua City Centre Motel with a Pool

Just down the road from Kuirau Park and a short walk or drive into town, Cleveland Thermal Motel offers relaxing accommodation with its own indoor mineral pool! There’s room for just about all groups here, with a selection of studios and multi-bedroom apartments to even a separate cottage sleeping up to eight! The eco-friendly motel also harnesses geothermal activity to heat its rooms, showers and swimming pool.

Check Cleveland Thermal Motel out:

15 BEST Motels in Rotorua 🏘️ [2023]© Cleveland Thermal Motel

15. Malones Spa Motel – Rotorua Motel with Spa Pools

If you’re looking for something a little more stylish on the “Motel Mile”, then set your sights on the four-star Malones Spa Motel. The accommodation features 20 rooms with cable TV, on-demand movies and basic kitchenette facilities. Room choices consist of large studios and one-bedroom apartments. Most rooms also feature a private hot tub or plunge pool. There is a large garden area, while a golf course and spa centre provide more entertainment nearby.

Check Malones Spa Motel out:

Malones Spa Motel© Malones Spa Motel

[CLOSED] RotoVegas Motel of Rotorua

[Update: This motel is now an emergency housing venue in Rotorua and is no longer a tourist accommodation].

Located on the stretch of road known as the “Motel Mile”, RotoVegas Motel of Rotorua is a top choice along Fenton Street. The modern and vibrant decor is refreshing, complementing the kitchen facilities and private spa pools in most rooms. The Studio or Studio with a spa pool presents some of the best rooms for couples, while families will find more than enough space in the variety of apartments. The motel also features a barbecue area, hot room, heated outdoor pool, mountain bike storage and wash-down area, petanque course and more.

More Motels in Rotorua

Now that you know the best motels 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 Complete Travel Guide to Rotorua.

Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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