Rotorua-38.11830100,
176.30201000,
77 Robinson Avenue, Holden's Bay(Show on Map)
7.9
Good
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Summary of reviewsWai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort is celebrated for its picturesque and serene location on the shores of Lake Rotorua, offering stunning views and easy access to local attractions. Guests appreciate the tranquil setting, which provides a restful escape from the city's hustle and bustle while still being conveniently close to Rotorua's central area. The resort's lakeside environment enhances the experience with beautiful scenery and outdoor activities available right on the doorstep.
The resort's accommodations receive praise for their spaciousness and cleanliness. Many guests highlight the appealing views from their rooms, adding to the serene atmosphere. Comfort is paramount with well-appointed rooms featuring amenities such as smart TVs, semi-kitchenettes and occasionally jacuzzis. Although some rooms may require minor renovations, the overall consensus is that the resort offers a pleasant and comfortable stay with a peaceful ambiance.
The dining experience at Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort stands out as a significant highlight. The restaurant is renowned for its high-quality cuisine with fresh, delicious meals prepared by skilled chefs. The dinner service is particularly well-regarded despite minor critiques regarding menu variety and pricing. Guests commend the friendly and efficient staff for their excellent service. However, the limited operating days of the restaurant can be an inconvenience for some.
Breakfast receives mixed reviews; while many guests enjoy the freshly cooked, tasty meals in a beautiful dining area, others point out issues such as limited options and inconsistent service. Despite some drawbacks, when the breakfast service is at its best, it leaves a positive impression.
The resort's spa facilities enhance the relaxing experience with guests particularly enjoying the spa baths, massages and various pools. Positive feedback highlights the therapeutic and luxurious treatments, although better maintenance and cleaning of the spa areas are recommended for an improved experience.
Excellent customer service is a hallmark of Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort. The staff, from reception to spa services, is frequently praised for their friendliness, helpfulness and attentiveness, contributing to an overall positive guest experience.
Parking is another strong point with a large, well-lit and secure area available for guests. The convenience and safety of the parking facilities are well-regarded, enhancing the overall hassle-free stay.
While the Wi-Fi service receives mixed reviews due to issues of speed and stability, the availability of smart TVs somewhat compensates for connectivity problems. However, improvements in internet quality would enhance the guest experience.
Overall, Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort shines as a tranquil lakeside retreat with excellent dining, comfortable accommodations and commendable service. With some attention to minor details and improvements in certain areas, the resort promises a memorable and relaxing stay for its guests. Show more
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Resort Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
This resort reinvests at least 10% of its profits in community and sustainability initiatives and has at least 80% LED lighting. It provides biodegradable coffee stirrers and has eliminated plastic soft drink and water bottles. The resort offers reusable cups and tableware, utilizes eco-friendly toiletries, and implements water-efficient showers and a comprehensive recycling policy.
Resort for Honeymoon
This resort is a quiet and romantic getaway spot on the Rotorua lakefront. Couples can enjoy the day spa, hot pools, steam room, and outdoor pool. The resort provides a relaxing atmosphere with opportunities to wander the lakefront and watch the sunsets.
Resort with Spa
This resort is New Zealand's only Cultural Destination Spa Resort, located on the shores of Lake Rotorua. It features the award-winning Mokoia Restaurant, and the internationally acclaimed WaiOra Day Spa with complimentary jacuzzi use. The spa offers traditional Māori Mirimiri healing practices and uses geothermal muds.
Family Friendly Resort
This resort offers spacious villas with lake views, a day spa, a heated pool, and cultural experiences. It is suitable for families looking for a relaxing getaway.
Romantic Resort
Offering a quiet romantic getaway on the Rotorua lakefront, this resort features a day spa, hot pools, a steam room, and an outdoor pool. The lakefront location provides excellent sunset views, enhancing the romantic ambiance.
Resort with Swimming Pool
This resort provides a lakeside spa experience, complemented by relaxing pool facilities. It offers a tranquil retreat for guests.
Outdoor Pool
Resort with Free Wi-Fi
This resort provides free Wi-Fi, which allows guests to stay connected. It's a spa resort that offers a relaxing environment.
Resort with Parking
The spa resort offers parking for guests. This resort likely provides well-maintained and spacious parking areas, ensuring ease of access and security for guests' vehicles.
5-Star Resort
This resort offers a unique spa experience alongside luxurious accommodations. Its lakeside location provides stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Resort with Outdoor Pool
This lakeside spa resort includes an outdoor pool, providing a relaxing experience alongside spa treatments. Its location on Lake Rotorua enhances its appeal.
Business Resort
Cheap Resort
Accessible Resort
Room Types
Deluxe Double or Twin RoomLocated on the ground floor, all deluxe studio rooms have a king bed which can be split to provide twin share accommodation. Rooms have modern tiled bathrooms with shower, enjoy uninterrupted views of Lake Rotorua from your patio.
Superior SuiteLocated on a higher floor, this room has a spacious bathroom with a heated towel rail. Guests can enjoy uninterrupted views of Lake Rotorua from their private balcony.
Suite with Lake ViewThis suite's special feature is the hot tub. This suite consists of 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a bath and free toiletries. The well-fitted kitchenette features a refrigerator, kitchenware and a microwave. The air-conditioned suite provides a flat-screen TV with streaming services, soundproof walls, a tea and coffee maker, a seating area as well as lake views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
7.9
Good
Location
Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort, located on the shores of stunning Lake Rotorua, is praised for its picturesque and peaceful setting. This tranquil lakeside retreat is conveniently situated just a short drive from Rotorua's central city, making it an ideal base for exploring local attractions such as the Redwoods, geysers and the airport. Guests regularly highlight the beautiful views of the lake from both the rooms and the property's grounds, offering a serene environment perfect for leisurely walks and relaxation.
Despite being slightly out of town, the resort's position away from the city's hustle and bustle is often appreciated for the quiet and restful experience it provides. Its location is particularly advantageous for those with their own transport, placing them within easy reach of main shopping areas, restaurants and other amenities while still being only a 10-minute drive from Rotorua's city center.
The lakeside setting not only provides stunning sunset views and beautiful scenery but also ensures easy access to various outdoor activities. With clean, well-maintained facilities, friendly and helpful staff and a serene atmosphere, Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort stands out as a tranquil haven beside the lake, offering both comfort and convenience to its guests.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort has received mixed reviews. Guests frequently highlighted positive aspects such as tasty and reasonably priced meals, describing the breakfast as delicious, lovely and fantastic. The breakfast was often praised for being freshly cooked to order and served in a beautiful dining area with great views, adding to the overall pleasant atmosphere. Many found the breakfast provided at the restaurant to be of high quality and worth the visit with some specifically mentioning the available facilities and the overall cleanliness as additional perks.
However, several reviewers pointed out a number of drawbacks. Many felt the breakfast service was disorganized and noted limitations in the menu options. Issues such as late breakfast start times, the restaurant being closed on certain days of the week and no in-room breakfast alternatives were common points of dissatisfaction. Some guests were disappointed with the quality of certain food items, describing specific instances where breakfast was horrendous or overpriced. The lack of a continental option and the early cut-off time for breakfast further contributed to the mixed sentiments.
Despite the varying experiences, the breakfast at Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort still managed to leave a positive impression on many guests, especially when the service was at its best.
Dinner
At the Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort, guests consistently praise the dining experience, particularly highlighting the restaurant's exceptional cuisine. The food receives high marks for quality with several guests noting that meals were fresh, delicious and cooked to order. Chef Jay and the overall kitchen staff are frequently commended for their culinary skills with some diners declaring their evening meals to be the best they've had in ages.
The atmosphere in the restaurant is generally well-regarded, though there are mentions of limited menu options which some visitors feel could benefit from offering more wholesome and healthy meals. Despite the occasional critique of the menu’s variety, standout dishes such as the pork loin, scallops and steak earn glowing reviews with the steak notably being described as the best ever eaten by one guest.
Service in the restaurant is another positive aspect with staff being described as friendly and efficient. Although there were occasional delays and the need for additional training for new staff was mentioned, the level of service generally meets guest expectations.
One downside noted by several guests is the restaurant’s operating schedule, as it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. This closure has led to some inconvenience for arriving guests who have few alternative dining options nearby. Additionally, food prices are a point of contention for some, who feel the meals are somewhat overpriced.
Overall, the dining experience at the resort seems to leave a lasting impression of excellence with many guests highly recommending dinner at the on-site restaurant. The commendations for top-quality meals and great service make it clear that the resort's restaurant is a hidden gem, contributing significantly to guests' positive experiences.
Rooms
Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort offers generally comfortable and spacious accommodations with standout views of the lake, making it a picturesque setting for a stay. Many guests have appreciated the cleanliness and neatness of the rooms, which are often described as tidy and well-maintained. The size of the rooms has been highlighted positively with many reviewers mentioning ample space in bedrooms, bathrooms and living areas, adding to the comfort factor.
The views from the rooms, particularly those overlooking the lake, have been a significant highlight. Guests frequently mention enjoying attractive views, which add a serene touch to their stay. The resort also provides well-appointed rooms with useful amenities, including smart TVs, semi-kitchenettes and even jacuzzis in some cases, catering to a variety of guest needs.
Quietness is another high point with many guests noting the peacefulness of the location despite it being somewhat distant from town. Comfortable beds and effective heating systems, such as heat pumps, ensure a cozy environment conducive to relaxation.
However, the resort shows signs of needing renovations in some areas. Some rooms were described as tired, outdated or in need of a spruce-up. Occasional issues such as a lack of basic utensils, small room sizes for some guests and noise from thin walls were mentioned. While many rooms were beautifully kept and well-furnished, others had minor maintenance issues like hanging cords from TVs or minor cleanliness concerns.
Overall, Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort mostly delivers a pleasant and comfortable stay with spacious and clean rooms, excellent lake views and quiet, relaxing surroundings. With a few upgrades and attention to minor details, it could further elevate the guest experience.
Beds
At Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort, guest feedback on the beds highlights a mostly positive experience with some variability. The majority of the reviews emphasize the comfort of the beds, using terms such as very comfortable, comfy and super comfy frequently. Cleanliness also appears to be a consistent praise point; guests appreciate fresh and clean bedding. Many found the beds to be big, warm and conducive to a good night's sleep.
However, there were occasional concerns. Some guests noted that the beds were hard, uncomfortable or consisted of two single mattresses pushed together, leading to discomfort. There were also mentions of beds being too flat or thick, causing some discomfort for specific guests. Despite these few negative remarks, the general consensus leans heavily towards a positive sleeping experience, complemented by the spacious and well-maintained rooms furnished with comfortable bedding. The resort seems to cater well to those looking for both relaxation and a good night's sleep, albeit with minor inconsistencies in bed comfort.
Cleanliness
Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort elicits mixed reactions when it comes to cleanliness. Many reviewers praise the resort for its clean and tidy rooms, emphasizing attributes like very clean beds, spotless bathrooms and a generally comfortable and clean environment. Words like lovely and relaxing appear frequently alongside mentions of clean sheets and pillowcases. Some reviewers also note the spacious and warm rooms, as well as the friendly staff who contribute to an overall pleasant stay.
However, not all feedback is positive with several guests pointing out significant shortcomings in cleanliness and maintenance. Some rooms showed signs of neglect, including cobwebs, mouldy bathrooms and dusty surfaces. Problems like dirty balconies, stained baths and mouldy shower tiles are mentioned, suggesting a need for more thorough housekeeping. The resort's public areas and facilities, such as pools and exterior buildings, were occasionally described as dirty or run-down, reflecting an overall lack of upkeep.
In conclusion, while many guests appreciate the clean and comfortable rooms at Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort, there are notable concerns about inconsistent maintenance and cleanliness, both within the rooms and in shared spaces.
Staff
Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort is renowned for its excellent customer service and incredibly friendly staff. Guest reviews frequently highlight the staff's warmth, helpfulness and attentiveness. From the moment of arrival, guests are greeted with welcoming smiles and a professional demeanor, creating an inviting atmosphere. The reception staff, in particular, receive high praise for their helpfulness and courteous behavior with specific mentions of Amy and Nysh for going above and beyond in assisting guests.
The spa staff also contribute to the positive experience with their friendly and supportive nature, ensuring that visitors enjoy a relaxing stay. Management is noted for their efficiency and responsiveness to guest needs and the duty manager, Joseph, is commended for exceptional service.
Despite a few isolated incidents where staff may have seemed overwhelmed or less responsive, the overwhelming sentiment is one of satisfaction. The resort not only boasts a picturesque lakeside location and excellent facilities but also benefits from a team that is consistently dedicated to providing superb hospitality.
In summary, Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort's staff is a testament to the importance of genuine, friendly service in enhancing a guest's stay, making it a preferred destination for those looking for comfort and exceptional customer care.
Wi-Fi
Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort receives a mix of feedback regarding its Wi-Fi service based on guest reviews. Despite some critical points, there are mentions of accessible and decent Wi-Fi coverage. Guests appreciate the availability of free Wi-Fi and some even highlight excellent connection in certain areas. The rooms are equipped with smart TVs offering services like Netflix and Google Play, which adds value to the in-room entertainment experience for many.
However, numerous reviews highlight issues with the Wi-Fi, such as slow speeds, frequent disconnections and overall instability. Many guests found the internet to be weak and temperamental with some noting difficulty in maintaining a stable connection. This inconsistency also affects the smart TVs, making it hard to stream content or watch TV without interruptions.
While there are a few instances of good Wi-Fi experiences, the recurring theme in the reviews is one of disappointment with the internet service, suggesting a need for improvements to enhance the overall guest experience.
Spa
Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort offers a range of spa facilities that generally receive positive feedback from guests who appreciate the relaxing and rejuvenating experiences. Many guests highlight the spa baths in the rooms as being particularly enjoyable, providing a personal touch of luxury. The volcanic stone massages and other spa treatments available on-site add to the overall appeal, allowing guests to indulge in relaxation without having to leave the resort.
The outdoor hot tubs, indoor and outdoor heated pools and steam rooms are frequently praised for being perfect spots to unwind after a day filled with activities. Guests find the spa pools and jacuzzis a delightful bonus with some mentioning the pleasure of enjoying these amenities while taking in the lovely views of the lake and Mokoia Island. The spa and mineral pool areas contribute significantly to the resort's calming atmosphere and are often described as a highlight of their stay.
Nonetheless, there are some areas that need attention. A number of reviews point out that the spa facilities require better maintenance and more frequent cleaning. Instances of non-working saunas, cold or dirty spa pools and occasional instances of equipment needing repair detract from the overall experience. Some guests also mention that certain amenities were not operational during their stay, which could be disappointing for those looking forward to using these facilities.
Overall, Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort's spa offerings are generally well-received with many guests praising them as a fantastic addition to their stay, despite some needed improvements in maintenance and consistency in service.
Parking
Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort offers an ample and convenient parking experience for its guests with a large, well-lit and secure public parking area situated in front of the hotel. Guests consistently appreciate the ease and availability of parking spaces, highlighting the complimentary nature of the service. The resort ensures that parking is never an issue, even during peak times, providing numerous spaces close to the facilities.
Despite the distance of some parking spots from the rooms, the resort’s emphasis on safety and convenience makes up for it. The parking area is well-maintained and secure, ensuring guests' peace of mind. A significant number of reviews point out the adequate lighting in the parking zones, adding an extra layer of security.
Additionally, the free onsite parking is a delight for guests, complemented by the helpfulness of the staff, such as in the instance where an employee assisted in defrosting car windows. While there are minor mentions of breakage and distance concerns, the overall consensus is positive, making the parking situation at Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort hassle-free and guest-friendly.
Family
Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort is widely praised for being an excellent destination for families, offering a range of family-friendly amenities and activities. The shallow area next to the spa pool and sauna is ideal for kids and families, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for younger guests. The resort’s rooms are spacious enough to comfortably accommodate larger families and come equipped with conveniences such as smart TVs, portacots and even spa baths in some rooms.
Many reviews highlight the welcoming atmosphere, noting the resort as a perfect spot for family celebrations and gatherings. The scenic lakeside location adds to the charm, providing beautiful views to wake up to, which contributes to a wonderful family stay. The presence of children’s play areas and facilities for bike storage further enhance the family-centric environment.
While the restaurant and family activities were appreciated, there were occasional mentions of inconvenience due to limited amenities. However, the overall impression remains favorable with the resort being described as a lovely and safe place for both kids and adults to relax. Families can enjoy quality time together in this tranquil lakeside setting, making it a cherished getaway for those traveling with children.
4 Star
Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort, while showcasing a beautiful property and offering good value for money, appears to fall short of its four-star rating according to guest experiences. Many reviews highlight the resort's great location, comfortable and fairly clean rooms and the presence of amenities such as a spa, lake view, pool and fine dining restaurant. The staff is often described as exceptional and helpful, contributing to an overall pleasant stay.
However, there are significant concerns about the resort's upkeep and the quality of certain services. The property feels dated with several guests noting that it needs substantial maintenance and upgrades. The condition of the rooms and facilities has been described as worn out and not reflective of the pictures advertised. Issues such as limited supplies in rooms, poor wifi and lacking some facilities expected of a four-star hotel were frequently mentioned. Moreover, the quality of the restaurant and overall service did not meet the four-star standard, leading some to categorize the experience as more fitting for a three-star motel rather than a resort.
In summary, Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort offers a mixed experience with strong points in location, basic comfort and staff service but falls short in maintaining the expected standards of a four-star resort.
Business
Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort receives mixed reviews from business travelers. Many find it an excellent option, praising the comfortable rooms, spotlessly clean accommodations and essential amenities like good internet access and a hotel shuttle service. The resort offers solid four-star accommodations, complemented by a quiet location, off-street parking and easy access to work-related destinations.
The reception and conference facilities also receive positive notes, making the resort suited for business conferences and events. It provides free laundry service, which proves handy for longer stays and is noted as a convenient choice for business travel with a business-friendly area to operate within.
However, there are some areas of concern. Some guests feel it's out of the way with no walking-distance dining options, necessitating a drive to find food. Instances of poor customer service, such as issues with billing and lack of timely communication, have caused dissatisfaction among certain guests. Nonetheless, despite these drawbacks, the resort remains a generally solid option for business travelers seeking a peaceful and comfortable stay.
Accessible
Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort generally offers a commendable level of accessibility for guests with disabilities. The resort provides accessible rooms that are reported to be well-equipped and convenient, ensuring that guests have everything they need. The accessibility features are designed to accommodate wheelchairs, making it easier for those with mobility issues. Facilities across the hotel, including large parking areas and pathways with easy access to the lake, contribute to a comfortable stay for all visitors.
Guests have noted the generous size and spaciousness of the accessible rooms, which offer both comfort and practicality. However, some feedback highlighted areas for improvement, such as slippery bathroom floors, a challenging lip to navigate and instances where the rooms felt somewhat dated. Despite these concerns, the overall sentiment about accessibility at Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort is positive, pointing to its ongoing efforts to cater to guests with disabilities.
Honeymoon
Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort offers a picturesque setting that many guests have found ideal for a honeymoon. Honeymoon suites are available and provide a romantic atmosphere, enhanced by beautiful lake views and well-maintained facilities. Guests have appreciated early check-ins, making their stays more convenient, especially for those celebrating their honeymoon. The spa tubs and romantic pools are frequently highlighted as perfect for relaxation and indulgence, adding an extra touch of luxury to the experience. While most found everything to be absolutely perfect, some mentioned minor disappointments such as room amenities not being restocked. Overall, the resort has been described as one of the best stays for honeymooners with special packages tailored to create a memorable romantic getaway.
Romantic
Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort offers an idyllic retreat, perfect for couples seeking a romantic escape. The beautiful lakeside setting, coupled with a serene and very quiet location, creates a wonderfully romantic atmosphere. Guests highlight the exceptional romantic restaurant and the allure of the scenery, especially when the stars come out and during sunset, enhancing the overall experience.
The resort excels in creating special moments with personalised touches like room decorations featuring balloons and rose petals, particularly noted by honeymooners. The presence of a spa bath or jacuzzi in many rooms adds to the luxurious and intimate feel with several reviews noting how clean and quiet these facilities are. Special setups, including champagne, have been appreciated by many couples celebrating anniversaries or special occasions.
Whether it’s the peaceful lakeside environment, the romantic ambiance enhanced by the calming presence of the lake or the thoughtful gestures by the staff, Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort comes highly recommended for a romantic getaway.
Yes, Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
Yes, a spa is available at Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort.
No, Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort.
No, Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort doesn't have a gym.