Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
by the TopOfHotel team
Novotel Lakeside has the best location on this list — right on the lake and next to Eat Streat, with reliable Accor standards behind it.
Novotel Lakeside has the best location on this list — right on the lake and next to Eat Streat, with reliable Accor standards behind it.
In-Depth Review
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside is a 4-star Accor hotel that holds the best address in town — right on the lake and next to Eat Streat, the pedestrian lane that gathers Rotorua's restaurants into one strip. It scores 8.4 on Agoda and 8.6 on Booking.com.
Rooms and decor
Rooms come in the standard Novotel style, split into Lake View and City View. Lake View looks out to the water and Mokoia Island; City View faces the park. The rooms are clean and fully kitted out, with free Wi-Fi, a coffee maker and a minibar. Worth knowing: parts of the building haven't been renovated evenly, so ask for a recently updated room when you book.
Food and amenities
The outdoor hot pool is open year-round, and the fitness centre is small but covers the basics. Atlas Cafe & Restaurant serves New Zealand food, but most guests walk out to Eat Streat next door instead — there's more choice and it works out better value.
Location and getting there
You're on Lake Rotorua and next to Eat Streat, an 8-minute walk to Polynesian Spa and the Government Gardens. Te Puia is 3 km away and Rotorua Airport (ROT) is about 9 km. The location cuts a lot of driving time — it suits travelers who'd rather walk to things than sit in a car.
Things to know before booking
Parking isn't free — about $11 a night, though there's public parking nearby. Some rooms are older, so request an updated one. And the in-house restaurant runs pricier than the spots right next door on Eat Streat, which is where most people end up eating anyway.
Our take
Novotel Lakeside is the pick for couples, families and travelers without a rental car who want a central lakeside base and a hot pool on site. You trade free parking for being able to walk straight out to dinner and the water.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- Prime address — right on the lake and next to Eat Streat, so dinner and the waterfront are both a short walk out the door.
- Outdoor hot pool open year-round, plus a full fitness centre on site.
- Reliable Novotel by Accor standards, with English-speaking service.
- Lake-view rooms look out to Mokoia Island in the middle of Lake Rotorua.
- An 8-minute walk to Polynesian Spa and the Government Gardens.
- Parking is not free — around $11 a night, though there's public parking nearby.
- Some reviews note older rooms, since parts of the building haven't been renovated evenly — ask for an updated one.
- The hotel restaurant runs pricier than the options right next door on Eat Streat.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Things to do near Rotorua
Day tours, attraction tickets and experiences around Rotorua — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
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Insider Tips
- Ask for a Lake View room — you get Mokoia Island and the sunrise over the water.
- Eat Streat is a 2-minute walk, so you never have to drive to find a meal.
- Use Polynesian Spa instead of the hotel pool on a day you actually want a long soak.