Distinction Hotel Rotorua

Hotels
8 (713 reviews)
390 Fenton Street , Rotorua , nz

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Fitness facilities (surcharge)
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Room service
Family rooms
Lift / Elevator
Luggage storage
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great breakfast
Friendly staff
Good amenities
Cons:
Cleanliness issues
Room maintenance concerns

Categories

Cleanliness
7.25
Several reviews indicated issues with cleanliness, including dirty pool and old bathrooms.
Service
8.25
General sentiment showed friendly and helpful staff, despite issues with check-in.
Location
7.75
Mixed feedback; good location overall but not perfect as per a few reviews.
Room Quality
7.25
Comments about rooms being old and maintained poorly, though some were satisfied.
Amenities
8.25
Positive mentions about the facilities, especially the pool and breakfast.
Value for Money
8.25
Guests felt they received good value for the overall amenities provided.
Food and Beverage
8.75
Consistent praise for the breakfast quality and restaurant services.
Overall Experience
8.25
Overall positive sentiments encourage guests to recommend and return.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-08 18:53

Property Description

Luxurious Accommodation
Situated just 500 meters from the renowned Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, The Distinction Hotel in Rotorua offers modern rooms and suites with en suite bathrooms, satellite TV, and broadband internet. Many rooms feature private balconies with picturesque views of the golf course, pool, or forest.

Diverse Dining Options
Guests can indulge in a culinary journey at the hotel's three restaurants, including a Japanese sake restaurant, a bar, and a classic à la carte dining experience. Whether craving authentic Japanese flavors or international cuisine, there is something to satisfy every palate.

Convenient Location
Conveniently located next to Arikikapakapa Golf Course and a short drive from Rotorua International Stadium, the hotel is also just minutes away from the Polynesian Spa, city center, and Lake Rotorua. With complimentary car parking, free Wi-Fi, and access to nearby attractions, The Distinction Hotel ensures a memorable stay.

Ready to experience luxury and convenience at The Distinction Hotel Rotorua? Book your stay now and elevate your travel experience.

Important information:

Please note that Distinction Hotel Rotorua requires a NZD $1 credit card pre-authorization or NZD $50 cash deposit upon check in to cover any incidental charges.

Please note that there is a 2% transaction fee when you pay with a credit card or a Visa or MasterCard debit card.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Airport code: ROT

Property Policies

  • Groups

    When booking more than 4 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 12 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    Children from 12 years old to 16 years old stay for NZD 50 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

8
Based on 713 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.25
Service: 8.25
Location: 7.75
Room Quality: 7.25
Amenities: 8.25
Value for Money: 8.25
Food and Beverage: 8.75
Overall Experience: 8.25
F
Foliaki • family_with_children • nz
10
2026-05-21 • via Nuitee
F
Faith • solo_traveller • nz
7
Pros:

Rooms and connection spaces

Cons:

A little cold in the reception area

2026-05-21 • via Nuitee
J
Jean • couple • za
8
Overall it was good value for money and I will recommend this hotel.
Pros:

The team was extremely friendly and helpful - I have to mention Zee at reception in particular. She was outstanding!!
The fact that Free Secured parking was available.
Loved the pool and Mr Yakitore Restuarant.

Cons:

The Pastries and Sausages at Breakfast.
Pastries are over baked - hard and dry. You are throwing away a lot of money each day. Prepare less and prepare them properly - it will go a lot further.
The sausages are horrible. Pieces of bone in mine on the first day and not good flavour.
Housekeeping did not remove dirty cups when they cleaned the room, nor did they replenish any of the coffee and sugar. Other than that, the room was in great condition.

2026-05-19 • via Nuitee
W
Wade • extended_group • nz
10
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and would definately book in again.
Pros:

I loved my room it was perfect - loved the lounge. I dont remember if there was a jug in the room - i dont remember seeing one but that coulve been helpful.

Loved the choices of food available especially the sticky date pudding and hearing the Maori music.

It would've been good to be able to join the buffet once the performance had ended.

Cons:

This is just a me thing, no water cooler on the 2nd floor.

2026-05-09 • via Nuitee
Y
Yong Seog • family_with_children • nz
7
Not bad
Pros:

I had a great time relaxing and enjoying the hot pool in a comfortable atmosphere. The breakfast was also very satisfying, and I personally really liked the location as it was not far from the Redwood forest

Cons:

I am an Asian who has been living in New Zealand for over 9 years. My family and I all speak English, and we are also running our own business here.

During our recent stay, I felt uncomfortable due to what seemed like discriminatory treatment from the reception and the hotel restaurant staff.

Having previously worked in the hotel industry myself, I understand that large group bookings from certain countries can sometimes create challenges for staff, especially when language barriers lead to misunderstandings and increased stress.

For this reason, I considered the possibility that the staff’s attitude toward us may have been influenced by the presence of a tour group from a specific country staying at the hotel on the same day.

However, I would like to emphasize that we were not part of that group, and in fact, we did not overlap with them at any time during our stay. Despite this, we felt that we were treated in a similar manner, seemingly based on our appearance as fellow Asians.

I do not believe that language barriers should be seen as a fault of any guest. However, it was disappointing and uncomfortable to experience such treatment from local staff. It was also concerning that an apology was only offered after we raised a complaint, rather than being addressed proactively.

I hope this feedback can help improve awareness and ensure fair and respectful treatment for all guests in the future.

2026-04-15 • via Nuitee
D
Duane • family_with_children • nz
5
It served the purpose - a last minute get away and affordable.
Pros:

Good location and bike facilities.

Cons:

The hotel was tired, had no aircon.

2026-04-14 • via Nuitee
L
Line • couple • dk
8
Generelt et skønt ophold, god morgenmad og rart at være
Pros:

Et skønt hotel. Vi havde en altan ud til en lille grøn oase. Super hyggeligt

Cons:

Måske lidt for meget ventetid i restaurant og ikke så meget plads.

2026-03-14 • via Nuitee
M
Mike • couple • au
7
Locatin great. Would not stay there again.
Pros:

Tried this hotel for the first time. Retaurant was good. Rooms need updating. No air conditioning and the roof lining may contain asbestos as this was done many yares ago.

Cons:

Room was small. Paid $343.00 and thought was would have had a better room. Room cieling is concerning. This type of roof lining did have asbestos some years ago. No air conditioning which I would have expected.

2026-03-09 • via Nuitee
M
Maddie • couple • au
10
The distinction is different from other hotels. We have been coming for years and the grottos, Mr Yakatori and the break
Pros:

It has so many unique offerings

2026-03-05 • via Nuitee
C
Carolyn • solo_traveller • nz
9
Cons:

Pool but was cold

2026-02-26 • via Nuitee
R
Ryan • extended_group • au
8
lovely staff and lovely food
Pros:

the staff were lovely

Cons:

some rooms unfortunately do not have air conditioning :(

2026-02-10 • via Nuitee
G
Graeme • family_with_children • gb
8
2026-01-29 • via Nuitee
P
Plimmer • extended_group • nz
8
Quiet comfortable adequate
Pros:

Great breakfast. Comfortable bed. Friendly staff. Nice room

Cons:

No shampoo or soap. And a bit stingy on
the milk. A little expensive

2026-01-28 • via Nuitee
H
hannah • family_with_children • au
6
2026-01-24 • via Nuitee
G
Genie • couple • nz
9
Relaxing and great… will come back again!!!
Pros:

Nice and clean property… tried all the restaurants in the property and my kids loved them
The staff at the reception were lovely and easy to deal with… my kids weren’t initially added in my booking but sorted it quickly when checking in…

Cons:

No direct entry from the parking lot at night from the hotel but relatively safe as a family (might be scarier when alone) to walk from our car out the gated parking lot and through entrance of the hotel…

2026-01-20 • via Nuitee
T
Tiriana • family_with_children • nz
8
2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
N
Natasha • family_with_children • nz
10
Definitely recommend for families
Pros:

Very impressed with the facilities available kids absolutely loved the outside heated pool and the fact the pool and spas didn’t close till 10am made it even more exciting for the kids

Cons:

There were no information booklets in the bedroom so didn’t know what food was available to order for room service or what number to dial to reception

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
A
Ani • family_with_children • nz
8
Awsome
Pros:

Breakfast n comfy bed

Cons:

Room fridge didn’t work.
Shower head needs fixing.
Bath tub also needs repairing

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
P
Param • family_with_children • nz
9
Pros:

Heated pool and spa

Cons:

Exhaust fan not working in the bathroom

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
P
Philip • family_with_children • au
1
Overpriced tourist trap that took away from the amazing Rotorua. Avoid.
Pros:

I liked seeing the distinction hotel in my rearview mirror as I drove away from there.

Cons:

I am sure that this was a great hotel back in the day, however for $375 per night! This is a joke, there are NO redeeming features to this hotel, and it is atrocious that they believe they can command this price. the rooms are dark, old and smelly! The curtains were dirty and ripped and if you are unfortunate enough to stay here do yourself a favor, just have a look under the bed and guess how long it has been since the carpet was vacuumed. The marketing photos do not represent the actual state of the establishment. The breakfast was average at best, AND the staff were completely un-interested unhelpful and as to the features of the area! In fact, they had no idea at all! NB: You work in a tourist area! perhaps just a little script to follow? Just to be clear, I stay in a lot of places for work and have worked in the hotel industry, and this is the first review I have ever been compelled to write.

2026-01-11 • via Nuitee