Mels Retreat

Hotels
9.6 (96 reviews)
99 Awakino Road , Te Kuiti , nz

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Terrace
BBQ facilities
Express check-in/check-out
Safety deposit box
Hot tub/Jacuzzi
Sauna
Non-smoking throughout
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great service
Stunning views
Comfortable rooms
Good amenities
Cons:
Cleanliness issues with bedding

Categories

Cleanliness
8.16
One review mentioned a smelly bed and unclean bedding.
Service
10
Many reviews praised Mel's welcoming attitude and helpfulness.
Location
10
Gorgeous views and peaceful surroundings were frequently highlighted.
Room Quality
9.66
Rooms had hidden extras and were described as comfortable.
Amenities
9.66
Breakfast included and various snacks provided, along with a hot tub.
Value for Money
9.66
General sentiment reflects great value based on overall experience.
Food and Beverage
9.66
Highly appreciated breakfast and snacks that were provided.
Overall Experience
10
Guests expressed satisfaction and described it as a perfect stay.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-09 07:28

Property Description

Luxurious Amenities
Enjoy the sauna, hot tub, and sun terrace, along with free WiFi and private parking.

Charming Accommodations
Relax in front of the flat-screen TV, savor wine and fruits, and indulge in premium bed linen and towels.

Delightful Dining Options
Wake up to a continental breakfast, opt for breakfast in your room, or grill at the barbecue facilities.

Important information:

The property will only accommodate the number of guests specified in the booking confirmation.This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Managed by a private host
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 10:00 AM

Location

Guest Reviews

9.6
Based on 96 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.16
Service: 10
Location: 10
Room Quality: 9.66
Amenities: 9.66
Value for Money: 9.66
Food and Beverage: 9.66
Overall Experience: 10
D
Dion solo_traveller nz
10
Pros:

The view was spectacular ! Our kids love to see the dog, cats, pony and horses! Toys included for infants and toddlers! Sauna was nice, needs 20 minutes to heat up, very nice in a cold winter night with spa in evening. We made dinner on the heated terrace with BBQ, that was a great outdoor feel.

2026-06-14 via Nuitee
D
David couple gb
5
Potentially lovely place but soiled, unclean and disappointing
Pros:

The location is excellent and the facilities within the Garden room are good ,although the en-suite is tiny ,particularly the sink.

Cons:

We arrived by car into the parking area by the gate into the property. Unfortunately I did not see the two large piles of dog faeces in the parking area. I stepped from the car straight onto one of them. I spent the first fifteen minutes of our stay cleaning my heavily soiled shoes and the pathway around the entrance.
The lawn which has to be crossed to reach the garden room door also had signs of previous dog or cat faeces, despite recent rain.
Mel came into the garden room shortly after our arrival, along with a cat, and immediately announced that "I was not expecting you". We explained about the dog faeces and she informed us that she has a large greyhound. The following morning we awoke to the meowing of another cat by the doors into the garden. There was a new pile of dog faeces adjacent to our parked car.
I leave people to judge if they wish themselves or their children to stay here

2026-06-10 via Nuitee
R
Rachelle solo_traveller nz
8
A quick overnight stay between locations so didn't really get to enjoy all the features.
Pros:

Easy booking at the last minute, clean, spacious and comfortable room. Would've been good to have been provided with a small book/leaflet advising of the location of things - specifically the fridge and cooking facilities being outside of the room.

Cons:

Not being advised of the fridge and cooking facilities being outside of the room - outside, under the porch. Am sure, it just slipped his mind and assumed I noticed these things before entering the room.

2026-06-07 via Nuitee
A
Alessandra couple nz
10
2026-06-04 via Nuitee
J
JUN extended_group cn
10
非常棒的民宿
Pros:

地理位置非常好,风景非常美!

Cons:

没有

2026-05-28 via Nuitee
N
Nadia solo_traveller au
10
Pros:

Love ❤️ everything!
Mel was so lovely.
The view was just beautiful. 😍
I love the animals, we were even allowed to pat the horses 🐎 and a pony.

Love, love....love.

Morning sun so beautiful I sat and watched the sunrise.

Cons:

Nothing that I didn't like!

2026-05-22 via Nuitee
D
David couple us
9
Friendly hosts and lots of food in the frig; great views of the town and hills
Pros:

The owners were super helpful and the view of the town was amazing. They stocked the frig with free food, snacks and drinks. We had the large room in front which was very comfortable; the shower was great too. The town doesn't offer that much but they have a great New World supermarket and we used Mel's as a base for visiting the caves.

Cons:

Use their address to find their driveway up the hill but it's easy to find off the main road out of town.

2026-05-07 via Nuitee
P
Peter couple nl
10
2026-05-02 via Nuitee
N
nagarjun family_with_children nz
9
2026-04-30 via Nuitee
J
Janine couple au
8
2026-04-23 via Nuitee
P
Peter solo_traveller nz
7
Pros:

Comfy bed. Nice snacks and treats

2026-04-21 via Nuitee
D
darius extended_group nz
9
Pros:

excellent location, amazing views and the thought put into making your stay comfortable was amazing.

2026-04-20 via Nuitee
S
Surinee family_with_children nz
10
Fabulous
Pros:

We had a great night stayed. Very comfortable and made us feel like home☺️ We wish we could stay longer. Thanks Mel for all the treats you gave us and see you again!

Cons:

N.A

2026-04-17 via Nuitee
L
Laurent couple ch
10
Excellente adresse à recommander. Vraiment bien.
Pros:

Tout. L’accueil, la simplicité, le confort, le service, la propreté, le petit déjeuner à disposition, le jacuzzi, …. Proximité des caves de Waitomo.

Cons:

Rien.

2026-04-17 via Nuitee
B
Ben couple nz
10
A great little spot to explore the Waikato from. Very private & tranquil, we’ll be back!
2026-04-09 via Nuitee
A
Amy family_with_children us
10
Beautiful view, comfy beds, delicious breakfast, and nice hosts.
Pros:

The view was amazing -- it looked like a painted movie scene. The beds were exceptionally comfy. The homemade banana bread was the best I've ever had, along with the homemade spreads and everything available in the fridge for breakfast.

2026-04-09 via Nuitee
D
Daniel couple nc
10
2026-04-08 via Nuitee
B
Benjamin solo_traveller nz
10
Thank you very much for having us
Pros:

Was absolutely amazing, there was everything you would need and more. We cooked dinner while we were there and enjoyed the amazing view in front of the outside fire. Our little girl loved the animals and exploring. The place was another level of clean, inside and out which added to the comfort of the stay and the owners were very welcoming and friendly

Cons:

N/A everything was perfect for us

2026-04-04 via Nuitee
G
Graham couple gb
10
Pros:

Perfect place, quiet, out of town with excellent facilities.

Cons:

nothing. Track to approach is quite steep and narrow....not an issue but need to be aware.

2026-03-31 via Nuitee
D
David couple au
8
Pros:

Quiet,rural aspect

Cons:

Mab a bit cluttery and to do book needed an up date

2026-03-31 via Nuitee