Lakeview Motel Wanaka
by the TopOfHotel team
A budget motel whose private balconies frame the best panoramic lake-and-Alps view at this price.
A budget motel whose private balconies frame the best panoramic lake-and-Alps view at this price.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
The rooms come with a small kitchen and enough living space to be practical, but several reviews agree on the same point: they are dated and need a refresh. A few guests mention a damp smell in the bathroom. The honest way to read this place is a budget motel with a standout view, not a pretty boutique — book it for what it is and you will be happy.
Food and amenities
Every room has its own kitchen, so you can self-cater rather than eat out every meal. The standout feature here is the private balcony on each room, which is where you will spend your mornings. Staff get good marks too — guests describe them as friendly and quick to share local tips.
Location and getting there
The motel sits on a hillside above the lake, which is exactly why the view works and why it is quieter than staying down in town. The Wanaka lakefront is about a 5-minute walk away — a comfortable stroll down for restaurants and the water. One thing to plan for: the stairs from the parking area up to the rooms are rough, so take extra care with heavy bags or if you are travelling with older family.
Things to know before booking
The view is the reason to come and the dated rooms are the price you pay for it. Reviews flag two specifics: a possible damp smell in some bathrooms, and the rough, slippery-when-wet stairs up from the car park. Neither is a dealbreaker at this rate, but go in knowing the rooms are basic.
Our take
For around $94 a night, an 8.7/10 Agoda score and a private balcony framing Lake Wanaka and the snow-capped Alps, this is hard to beat on view-per-dollar. One guest summed it up — waking to the sunrise from the balcony made the whole trip worth it. Come for the panorama and the quiet, not for new-room polish.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps from a private balcony — the best view you will get at this price tier.
- Reviewers call it very quiet, well away from town noise, so it works for real rest rather than a busy night out.
- Comfortable beds, and friendly staff who hand out good local tips.
- Scores 8.8/10 on Agoda, which is a lot higher than what you actually pay for the room.
- Every room has its own balcony, so the morning coffee and the sunrise come with the booking — one guest said waking up to it made the whole trip worth it.
- The rooms are dated and need a refresh — a few reviews specifically mention a damp smell in the bathrooms.
- The stairs up from the parking area to the rooms are rough and get slippery when wet, which is awkward with heavy bags or older travellers.
- It is a budget motel with a great view, not a polished boutique — set expectations accordingly before you book.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Things to do near Wanaka
Day tours, attraction tickets and experiences around Wanaka — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
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Insider Tips
- Ask for a room facing the lake — the panoramic balcony view is the whole reason to stay here.
- Pack light or make a couple of trips up the rough parking stairs, especially in wet weather or with older travellers.
- The lakefront is about a 5-minute walk downhill, so you can leave the car and stroll into town for dinner.