Our second stay here this year. Room 14 again! You can lie in bed and catch a glimpse of the lake across the road. Our room had a queen bed, single bed, fridge, microwave, cooktop stove, all expected kitchen things, huge bathroom, iron etc.

Other reviews indicate that furnishings are old but that isn't the case. Note that we stayed in the Motel section. Right next door are the apartments which we haven't been in. Paid about NZ$140.00 per night.

Location cannot be beaten. You can walk in to town in 2 minutes. The Lake is directly across the road.

WI-FI: just go down to reception for your 'slip of paper' which will give you the password and 2hrs each day. Free!

EATING: at the back of the Motel, walk across the road for Burger King, Golden Arches and Liquor stores! Another five minutes strolling and there are lots of nice restaurants. Try the Thai one!

THINGS TO DO: walk down to the jetty where the Waikato River commences its journey. Book a 2hr boat ride out on the lake, helicopter flight, trout fishing. For TRAMPERS like ourselves, drive up Spa Rd and just past the Bungy Jumping site, turn left to a car park. You can walk to the Huka Falls from here, along an easy track, takes one hour each way. Very worthwhile. Once you reach the falls, you can continue in the same direction, for another two hours (one way) to Aratiatia Dam. We didn't have time to do this.

We went to De Brett's hot pools. Very nice. Not cheap. NZ$20.00 each. There was a family rate though. You could try the AC baths.

So much to do and so little time! Stay at least five nights in Taupo. The longer you are there, the more you find to do. Taupo has a population of 22,000 so not a big place. Very easy to find your way around.

GETTING THERE: this trip we flew in to Rotorua, direct from Sydney! Easy! Rotorua Airport has been 'International' since Dec. 2009. It's a tiny little airport. Within 25mins of landing, we had cleared Customs, picked up our hire car and were en route to Taupo. It took 55 mins driving to get to Taupo, a beautiful, easy trip. I believe flights are only Saturdays and Tuesdays from Sydney (Virgin/Air NZ). If you are looking for a week away or even a few days, this is a great little getaway. No stress other than the trials and tribulations of Sydney Airport!!

We went to Taupo for a weekend to get away. We wanted to be close to town and this was perfect. Close to bottle shop and restaurants. We ended up gettting Indian, who the manager refered and it was great! Plus a bottle of wine and we stayed in as it was a very cold night.

The room is large, with celan well equiped kitchenette, the bed linen is good quality and the bed was comfortable. The bathroom was very clean, although yes I agree with the frosted window next to the toilet which backs onto another hotel, so people can see you "sitting" or "standing" at night with the light on. Very large spa bath that was satisfactory alothough it did have some some poor grout work, but really that didnt bother us. We were very satisfied with the warm room and the Managers were very poite and freindly!

One thing that was out of anyones control was there a large Loud inconsiderate group of people staying at the Motel who chose to ruin our stay completly, by having a domestic until 4.00am in the morning! We went home tired not rested!

Would still stay here again it was good vlue for money.

Stayed here for business. Was booked by work mate. The room was just massive. Much larger than what would be defined as standard NZ motel room. A real nice touch was the heater already on when the weather was absolute rubbish. Well done to who ever did that.
The biggest let down was the bathroom. Frosted windows right next to the toilet. I'd rather not have anyone on the outside have any idea of what natural business I'm doing. Overall cleanliness was very poor. Given that I have a completely shaved head, how can there be hairs etc in the shower, hairs on the towels, hairs on the hand basin??? Honestly disgusting. The bathroom itself is very much showing its age. Tile work and repairs that look like they were done by a retarded and blind chimpanzee with a very bad tick!! One point for first timers, the car park is extremely small and very hard to get a park. If you get one, don't move your car.
The biggest redeeming feature of this motel is its location. Literally a 5 minute or less walk to the main part of the town. And out the front of the motel, right on the doorstep to the lake. Great views for the tourists.

Arrived late in the day and proprietors were very helpful and friendly. Room was spacious, comfortable and immaculate with great views across the lake. Location is close to wide range of dining options but still remains peaceful. Highly recommend to others. The Indian Restaurant nearby (easy to find as its the nearest Indian restaurant, and its on the first floor overlooking the lake) serves a great goat curry.