Lakefront Lodge Taupo

If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to live inside a shoebox, look no further – this motel has nailed the experience. The room was so small the double bed practically needed planning consent to fit inside, leaving us to play a game of luggage Tetris with our bags and bodies.nnFor added excitement, the jug was mounted on a shelf hovering ominously above the bed – nothing says “relaxing getaway” quite like the prospect of a boiling-water shower in your sleep. The shower itself provided its own thrills, with a broken head fitment that gave you a refreshing spray in whatever random direction it pleased.nnSoundproofing? Forget it. Every cough, conversation, and shower from the neighbouring rooms created a live audio track of other guests’ Taupo adventures. It was like staying in a dormitory, but without the charm or camaraderie.nnOn the plus side, it certainly gave us plenty to talk and laugh about afterwards. If you’re looking for quirky, cramped, and character-building accommodation – this is your spot. If not, maybe keep driving

I stayed in the small double bed studio. The room size was fine, with enough space to move around. However, some details let it down. The fans on the floor weren’t assembled, and while heating was available, it was only through a cheap floor fan heater that felt like a potential fire risk.nnThe bathroom had a generous size but lacked practicality. There was no shelf or holder for soap and shampoo, the shower head wasn’t adjustable and detached too easily, and the drain cover just slid around — which felt like a slipping hazard.nnOn the positive side, the windows could be opened which was good for airflow, and there’s a pool outside, though I didn’t try it. The staff presence was minimal — they mostly just looked at you when you passed reception, without any real welcome or engagement.nnOverall, this place works if you just need somewhere to spend the night, but it lacks the comfort and attention to detail that would make it more enjoyable.

My extended family, 19 first cousins, recently had our family reunion here. The rooms are a bit dated, but very clean and the welcome was warm and very accommodating for us all. As one of 3 single women we booked the family unit, 2 bedrooms 3 beds and a kitchen that soon became the gathering place. The on site restaurant was fabulous, they assigned a whole area to us for dinners and breakfasts and even let us use, for free, another room to set up photos etc. I really enjoyed my stay at the Lodge and believe the rest of my family did too. Many thanks to the lovely staff.

The room was extremely nice and well appointed. The view from the front windows is amazing.nThe thing that put us off the most was the incredible amount of noise from the Social Club Restaurant directly above us. We found the bed to be quite hard.nOnce the noise stopsThe restaurant closed at 9.00pm we thought it was good value for money.

There were loose power sockets, the drainage whole in the shower was loose, there was no microwave or iron. The receptionist said to come and collect the microwave from reception!!!! Poor service. We had to fill the kettle up from bathroom tap! No kitchen facility to use to wash our cups, no forks or knifes or spoons, the beds weren’t made, on returning to my room my personal belongings were missing. This is unacceptable!!! Never going to this place again.