Ambassador Thermal Motel

3.5 star property
Hotel with 2 outdoor swimming pools, a short walk to Polynesian Spa

Photo gallery for Ambassador Thermal Motel

Indoor pool, 2 outdoor pools
Terrace/patio
2 bedrooms, blackout curtains, soundproofing, iron/ironing board
Exterior
Economy Apartment, 2 Bedrooms | Private kitchen

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Kitchen
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
The current price is AU$125
includes taxes & fees
15 Oct - 16 Oct

Explore the area

View map
Cnr Whakaue & Hinemaru Streets, Rotorua, 3040
  • Place, Eat Street
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Tamaki Maori Village
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Polynesian Spa
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Airport, Rotorua (ROT-Rotorua Regional)
    ‪11 min drive‬

Room options

Basic Studio, 1 Double Bed

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(8 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Heating
Kitchen
Fridge
TV
2 bedrooms
Fan
Blackout curtains
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Standard Apartment, 1 Bedroom

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(18 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Heating
Kitchen
Fridge
TV
Separate bedroom
Fan
Blackout curtains
  • 66 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Double Bed and 3 Twin Beds

Standard Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

Highlights

Soundproofed
Heating
Kitchen
Fridge
TV
2 bedrooms
Fan
Blackout curtains
  • 96 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 7
  • 2 Double Beds and 3 Twin Beds

Basic Studio, Multiple Beds

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(15 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Heating
Kitchen
Fridge
TV
2 bedrooms
Fan
Blackout curtains
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Economy Apartment, 1 Bedroom

7.6 out of 10
Good
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Heating
Kitchen
Fridge
TV
Separate bedroom
Fan
Blackout curtains
  • 66 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Basic Apartment, 1 Bedroom

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Heating
Kitchen
Fridge
TV
Separate bedroom
Fan
Blackout curtains
  • 66 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Economy Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Heating
Kitchen
Fridge
TV
2 bedrooms
Fan
Blackout curtains
  • 96 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Double Beds and 2 Twin Beds

Basic Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Heating
Kitchen
Fridge
TV
2 bedrooms
Fan
Blackout curtains
  • 96 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Double Bed and 4 Twin Beds

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About the area

Rotorua

Ambassador Thermal Motel places you in the centre of Rotorua, steps from Government Gardens and within a short 5-minute stroll of Rotorua i-SITE Visitor Centre. Highlights at this hotel include 2 outdoor swimming pools, and in-room kitchens and free WiFi. .Enjoy the indoor swimming pool and kids' swimming pool. Added amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas and laundry facilities. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .Attractions within a 10-minute drive of this 3.5-property class Inner City hotel include Polynesian Spa and Skyline Rotorua.

What's nearby

  • Eat Street - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Tamaki Maori Village - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Rotorua Night Market - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Polynesian Spa - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Skyline Rotorua - 6 min drive - 5.0 km

Getting around

  • Rotorua (ROT-Rotorua Regional) - 13 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Brew | Craft Beer Pub - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪The Fainting Goat - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Subway - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Fat Dog Cafe & Bar - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Mac's Steak - ‬5 min walk

About this property

Ambassador Thermal Motel

Hotel with 2 outdoor swimming pools, a short walk to Polynesian Spa
As a guest of Ambassador Thermal Motel, you'll find 2 outdoor swimming pools, an indoor pool, and a children's pool. WiFi is free in public spaces. Ambassador Thermal Motel also features tour/ticket assistance, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 3.5-star Rotorua hotel.

  • 19 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • 2 buildings
  • Self-service laundry
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • Smoking in designated areas
Ambassador Thermal Motel offers 19 accommodations with a hairdryer and an iron/ironing board. Accommodation at this 3.5-star hotel has kitchens with fridges, stovetops, microwaves and kitchenware and utensils.

Bathrooms include a shower and complimentary toiletries. This Rotorua hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Additionally, rooms include fans and blackout curtains. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free offsite parking within 5 metres
  • Street parking available
  • Free self parking on site

Things to do

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Children's pool
  • Indoor pool

Family friendly

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Children's pool
  • In-room kitchen
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Indoor pool
  • Laundry facilities
  • Soundproofed rooms

Conveniences

  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Guidebooks
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Outdoor furniture

Accessibility

  • No lift

More

  • 2 buildings
  • 2 floors
  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch TV with cable/satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Kitchen
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Tea bags/instant coffee

More

  • Fan
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 8:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open Monday - Friday (8:00 AM - 8:00 PM) and Saturday - Sunday (9:00 AM - 8:00 PM)
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in

Renovations and closures

The following facilities are closed seasonally each year. They will be closed from 16 March to 10 April:
  • One of the swimming pools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Breakage deposit: NZD 100 per stay

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts major credit cards, debit cards and cash
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts major credit cards, Visa, Mastercard, debit cards and cash.

National rating

For the benefit of our customers, we have provided a rating based on our ratings system.

Property is also known as

Ambassador Thermal
Ambassador Thermal Motel
Ambassador Thermal Motel Rotorua
Ambassador Thermal Rotorua
Ambassador Thermal Hotel Rotorua
Ambassador Thermal Motel Hotel
Ambassador Thermal Motel Rotorua
Ambassador Thermal Motel Hotel Rotorua

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Ambassador Thermal Motel?

Ambassador Thermal Motel offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Ambassador Thermal Motel?

As of 14 Oct 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Ambassador Thermal Motel on 15 Oct 2025 start from AU$125.03, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at Ambassador Thermal Motel?

Yep, Ambassador Thermal Motel has a free self car park.

Does Ambassador Thermal Motel have a pool?

Take your pick from 2 outdoor swimming pools, an indoor pool and a kids' pool.

Does Ambassador Thermal Motel serve breakfast?

Sure does, brekkie is offered daily.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Ambassador Thermal Motel?

No, Ambassador Thermal Motel does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Ambassador Thermal Motel?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM.

Are pets allowed at Ambassador Thermal Motel?

No, pets are not allowed.

Is there a golf course on site at Ambassador Thermal Motel?

There isn't one on site, but Government Gardens Golf is a short 8-minute walk away.

Ambassador Thermal Motel Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 224 out of 572 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 246 out of 572 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 70 out of 572 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 24 out of 572 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 572 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sifaga

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was perfect
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Joanna

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Daryl

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Rebecca

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Perfect location as you can walk to restaurants, the lake etc. Staff were friendly. The bathroom ceiling was covered in mould and the curtains ripped so if you’re wanting luxury, this is not the place to stay however you get what you pay for.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Chris

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ruth

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Family stay

Lovely clean room. Warm and comfortable. Great location, lovely view. Very friendly.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robyn

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice and comfortable, clean and warm, very polite and helpful staff. We will definitely be back
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mariam, Lower Hutt

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Superb location , super fast internet and big rooms with lovely staff.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Kirsty

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff. Loved the view from the room.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Austin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great place if you have a budget, pool was quiet and really nice.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Simon

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The place is very run down, the bathroom vanity was rotten and the shower head was not attached to the wall. The only chair was a ripped vinyl one.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Sarah

Liked: Staff & service
Great location, rooms were warm and beds comfy and clean. Easy check in and had everything you needed. The facilities are a touch outdated but a bit of a water-blast around the pools, leaf blow will make a difference. Cobwebs on stair handles, bugs on lights around pools etc often people notice these things. Otherwise perfect location to lakefront and eat street and will return.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Jannis

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Not happy at all
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Juan

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really enjoyed the thermal pool. Great experience on a cold moon lite night.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eric

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything in New Zealand is incredible
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Denis

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Like the location & good view.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Sandra

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very quiet and convenient
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Natalie

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Over all not a bad stay at the Ambassador. Great location for walking to the water front, park, eat street dining, government gardens and spas. There are 4 pool options and they are all heated which was amazing. However a few things could certainly be improved. There is only enough parking for approximately 5 cars on site, and standard size cars at best. Everyone else must park on the street and thats luck of the draw during the day. The decor, beds and facilities could do with an update, but were clean and tidy. We stayed in a room downstairs which was next to the owners. They were nice people; however the noise level that came from their quarters was alot and we did have to comment at one point. My only other comment which isnt a major but became slightly annoying, we booked a 1 bedroom apartment for 4 people (2x adults, 5yr old and 2 yr old), which had 3 beds as one child is still in a portacot. The annoying part was there was only 3 of everything offered in the room, 3 towels, 3 cups, 3 plates, 3 chairs, 3 knifes and forks etc. So not a big deal but like i said became annoying.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dorothea

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Friendly welcome. Speedy checkin. Spacious, clean, well equipped, warm and comfortable unit. Outdoor deck with view of lake. Fabulous large spa pool and nice thermal pool. Great location. Will definitely stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Mike

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Very hard seating no couch to sit on
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

2/10 Terrible

Stacey

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Unfortunately very dissatisfied. We lasted about 10 minutes after arriving. The staff were absolutely lovely.. but we got the room right next to the office so everyone who walks past would stare into your room and it had an awful stench of smell in it I just couldn’t handle it. The spa was tiny and pretty much in the garden, not suitable for more than 2-3 people :( and you had to walk down a dark Cora door and duck under the stairs to get to the main pool area. The pool says heated but was very cold. Not a lot of privacy around the area at all. Quite run down and dark. Was very disappointed and unfortunately gave our key back and booked accommodation elsewhere.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Omair

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a really good property to stay at for one night
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Kataraina

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Nice stay - thank you
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Aimee

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The property is very tired but pretty clean. There was no hot water for our stay and we were not informed about this. It was only after I asked that we were told there was a problem. Towels were clean but had lots of stains on them. The pool and spa were the best part of the accomodation.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Damon

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Excellent location near the waterfront. Walkable to everything in town, including Eat Street. Will definitely stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025