7.5

1,222 reviews

Ambassador Thermal Motel

Ambassador Thermal Motel

1101 Hinemaru Street, Rotorua, 3040, New Zealand

Choose dates to view prices

Outdoor swimming pool

Indoor swimming pool

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Tour desk

Private entrance

Parking On Site

Soundproof rooms

Ambassador Thermal Motel

Ambassador Thermal Motel in Rotorua is a playful, easygoing base for exploring New Zealand’s geothermal city. Expect comfort with handy touches like free Wi‑Fi, free private parking, a private entrance, and a kitchen setup that makes longer stays feel at home. An outdoor pool and an indoor pool offer splashy downtime after a day of adventures.

Located at 1101 Hinemaru Street, Rotorua, New Zealand, about 0.7mi from Rotorua city center. Minimum price starts from $84. Reviews: 1,276.

Key amenities include an outdoor swimming pool and an indoor swimming pool, free private parking and free on-site parking, free Wi‑Fi, a tour desk, private entrance, soundproof rooms, a kitchen with kitchenware and kitchenette, a balcony with a view, free toiletries, non-smoking rooms, and air conditioning available for an extra charge.

After a day out exploring Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, three heated pools are ready for a soak: two outdoor pools and one indoor pool, all adults-only. A private entrance makes arrivals feel easy and breezy, while a kitchen setup with kitchenware and a kitchenette keeps longer stays feeling comfortable. End the evening on a balcony with a view, then refresh with complimentary toiletries before planning the next day’s adventures.

Practical perks include free Wi‑Fi and free private parking, along with a tour desk to map Rotorua’s highlights. Non-smoking rooms keep the vibe fresh, and air conditioning is available for an extra charge for those warm Rotorua nights.

Located at 1101 Hinemaru Street, Rotorua, about 0.7mi from the city center, the spot blends easy access with flexible sleep options. Room configurations include studios and several apartment layouts, with some accommodating up to 10 adults and 6 children, offering a range of choices for different group sizes. Non-smoking rooms are available, adding to the comfortable, traveler-friendly feel.

Closest airports

Rotorua Airport

3.8mi

Tauranga Airport

32.1mi

Whakatane Airport

38.7mi

Taupo Airport

42.9mi

Hamilton International Airport

53.6mi

Most popular amenities

Outdoor swimming pool

Indoor swimming pool

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Tour desk

Private entrance

Parking On Site

Soundproof rooms

Kitchen

Non-smoking rooms

Kitchenware

Kitchenette

Balcony

View

Free toiletries

Soundproof

Rooms

One-Bedroom Apartment in Ambassador Thermal Motel

Show 5 photos

Apartment, 1 Bedroom

3 Twin Beds

1 Double Bed

710 sqft

Kitchen

Private Bathroom

Kitchenette

View

x10

+

x6

More details

Featuring a private entrance, this apartment consists of 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. Guests can make meals in the kitchen that comes with a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and a microwave. The apartment features carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, soundproof walls, a dining area, as well as a wardrobe. The unit offers 2 beds.

Two-Bedroom Apartment in Ambassador Thermal Motel

Show 6 photos

Apartment, 2 Bedroom

2 Double Beds

2 Sofa Beds

1010 sqft

Kitchen

Private Bathroom

Kitchenette

Kitchenware

x10

+

x6

More details

This spacious apartment features a fully equipped kitchen.

Studio in Ambassador Thermal Motel

Show 3 photos

Studio

1 Twin Bed

1 Double Bed

375 sqft

Kitchen

Private Bathroom

Kitchenette

Balcony

+

More details

This studio includes a kitchenette.

Studio in Ambassador Thermal Motel

Show 3 photos

Studio, Double/Twin

1 Twin Bed

1 Double Bed

375 sqft

Kitchen

Private Bathroom

Kitchenette

Balcony

x3

+

More details

Studio, Queen Size

1 Double Bed

270 sqft

Kitchen

Private Bathroom

Kitchenette

Kitchenware

x5

+

x3

More details

Show 5 photos

Economy Apartment, 2 Bedroom

More details

Basic Studio

1 Double Bed

More details

Room - 2 Double

2 Double Beds

More details

Quadruple Room, Panoramic View

+

More details

1-Bedroom Superior Apartment

Economy Apartment, 1 Bedroom

More details

1 Bedroom

x10

+

x6

More details

2 Bedroom

x10

+

x6

More details

Guest reviews

7.5

1,222 reviews

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

Comfort

Location

Facilities

Staff

Value for money

WiFi quality

Featured reviews:

🇳🇿

Wairama

9.1

April 2025

Emojis dont seem to be working on this form?. Staff , cleanliness, value for money, location were excellent. Was on ground floor so didnt need to climb stairs and the small thermal sauna situated outside my room was an added bonus. Was lovely being so close to lake front and central city and could easily walk everywhere.

Only one bed had a side light - not a problem as was on my own but would have been if my partner had been able to come. Also only one comfortable arm chair - again as above. Only two mugs for hot drinks so had to ask for another mug when I had visitors- but everything else I needed in kitchen area.

🇮🇪

Lúcás

8.2

June 2025

Very spacious room. And despite the cold weather outside, stayed a good temperature. Good location - round the corner from the main bars and restaurants; and very close to the 2 main thermal spas in town. I also liked the selection of pools at the hotel. The fact there were 3 of them made up for them each being a little small. And gave a choice of different temperatures.

The sofa chairs weren't very soft any more. The lighting was quite harsh (for example: no bedside lamps - just the big ceiling light above the bed). Toiletries were minimal.

🇳🇿

Kisile

9.1

March 2025

Great location—just a 3-minute walk to Wai Ariki, with QE Health right across the street, and a 10-minute walk to Polynesian Spa. The room had a stunning panoramic view of the lake. Despite the hotel being fully booked, it was quiet. The thermal pools were excellent, and the beds were very comfortable. The room was spacious, clean, and well-equipped. The kitchen was spotless and had everything needed for cooking, including utensils, salt, pepper, tea, and coffee. Shower gel, shampoo, and clean towels were provided. The staff were fantastic—kind, helpful, and always positive. The room had air conditioning, a heater, and everything necessary for a comfortable stay. Highly recommended!

I liked the hotel's location, the beautiful view from the room, the cleanliness, the friendly staff, the thermal pools, and the comfortable beds.

🇬🇧

Deven

9.1

January 2025

Really nice place in a very central location in Rotorua. The motel has everything you could need, all the amenities in each room, making it liveable for probably months on end if required. We stayed for 3 nights and were very comfortable, plenty of space and daily cleaning and towel changes if required. Plenty of facilities on site, 3 pools all heated, on-site laundry facilities ($4 per load for washing or drying) and a drying room. The manager/front desk staff member was very friendly and helped with any query. He provided change for the washing machine, and even allowed us to borrow an umbrella as we explored the town. Highly recommended for anyone coming to stay in Rotorua.

If anyone is sensitive to smell, it's very close to the sulphur point in Rotorua, so coming out of the room, it's a very strong smell. There is also a sulphur pool in the motel, so that could also affect people. During our stay, we had some quite loud guests or long term residents, so wasn't as peaceful as we'd have liked but it's liveable.

🇳🇿

Crichton

8.2

October 2024

The location was was within walking distance to the city centre. Loved that the lake & park was only a 3 minute walk away. Although our room was pretty plain, it had everything we needed & the price was reasonable too. It has a thermal indoor pool & separate spa, which we didn't utilize, however, we did utilize the outdoor heated pool which was lovely. Our towels & bathroom necessities were replenished everyday which was good. The young man who runs the facility was awesome too. We will definitely be booking with The Ambassador again on our next visit too.

There were two adults & one child staying at the hotel, but there were only two towels available. Luckily I had brought my own towels for swimming. Mind you, I guess if I had asked for another towel I may have been given one lol

🇳🇿

Beate

8.2

August 2025

Loved that they were able to put us right next to the pool. The pool was lovely and warm (hot even!), clean and a great size. The room was perfect for our needs and it was clean. We felt very welcome.

Just to be aware that the motel is old. There were things not working - light in the kitchen, switch in the bathroom, the oven and although clean when we arrived, we got ants in the kitchen and fridge. But we passed that all on, so that will have all been fixed, I’m sure.

🇳🇿

Jane

9.1

March 2025

Loved the location and the friendlliness of the staff. The bed was super comfy and loved all the amenities in the room. Cater for what we wanted as we were only staying just one night. We were blessed to be upgraded, thank you to the property manager. Easy walking distance to all of the local attractions and restuarants. Excellent value for money. Will definitely look at staying again, maybe a bit longer. Well done Amabassaor!

Can't really comment on just one night stay of what could be better, but first impressions do count.

🇦🇺

Shani

10

March 2025

Staff at reception were so nice, and let us get into room a bit early. Location was good as we had free parking out the front all day, and could walk to 'Eat Street' Tip for new visitors to Rotorua. You would need a car to drive (about 30 km) out of town to see the Thermal Wonderlands. We didn't see any thermal activity in the town park, "Kuirau Park" so that wasn't really worth the walk. Also nothing to see at Sulphur Point, so I don't suggest walking that direction either.

New mattress protectors required in our Room 11.

🇳🇿

Mereraukura

10

July 2025

The location is great and the room was a size big size for my family and I, staff are very welcoming and friendly. And our room was away from everyone else which was a great due to the fact my kids can sometimes be quite loud.

The curtains were still pulled over so it was a bit cold when we got into the room, but nothing the heat pump couldn’t fix warmed up really fast, and there was no heater/fan in the bathroom. The leather on the couch was also coming off.

🇳🇿

Bonnie

8.2

June 2025

Loved the location, loved the view from our room, i liked the underfloor heating and the room was so cozy and warm which was nice as we stayed during winter. We enjoyed the thermal pool as well.

The beds aren't the comfiest, and the room decor/furnishings looked a bit old and worn.

Points of Interest Around Ambassador Thermal Motel

Attractions

Sulphur Point

0.2mi

Government Gardens Rotorua

0.2mi

Blue Baths

0.2mi

Rotorua Museum (Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa)

0.2mi

Polynesian Spa

0.4mi

Te Pā Tū (Tamaki Māori Village)

0.6mi

Velocity Valley

4.4mi

Redwoods Forest Whakarewarewa

5.2mi

Lake Okareka

5.6mi

Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake)

5.7mi

Lake Rotokakahi (Green Lake)

6.8mi

Waimangu Volcanic Valley

12.7mi

Mt. Tarawera

15.1mi

Lady Knox Geyser

16.4mi

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

16.5mi

Pools

Location

  • Outdoor

Features

  • Heated

Age restrictions

  • Adults only

Availability

  • All season

Location

  • Indoor

Features

  • Heated

Age restrictions

  • Adults only

Availability

  • All season

Amenities of Ambassador Thermal Motel

Outdoor swimming pool

Indoor swimming pool

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Tour desk

Private entrance

Parking On Site

Soundproof rooms

Kitchen

Non-smoking rooms

Kitchenware

Kitchenette

Balcony

View

Free toiletries

Soundproof

Stay rules - Ambassador Thermal Motel

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Curfew

  • Parking

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property

Frequently Asked Questions - Ambassador Thermal Motel

What's the check-in and check-out schedule at Ambassador Thermal Motel?

Guests at Ambassador Thermal Motel can check in between 02:00 PM and 09:30 PM. Check-out time is set for 10:00 AM.

Is free parking available at Ambassador Thermal Motel?

Yes, there is free private on-site parking available at the Ambassador Thermal Motel.

How much does a stay at Ambassador Thermal Motel cost?

Starting prices for Ambassador Thermal Motel are around $84. This may vary based on room categories and travel dates. To confirm rates, please provide your stay dates.

What are the room types available at Ambassador Thermal Motel?

The hotel offers Queen Studios, Studios, and One-Bedroom Apartments. The Queen Studios have a room size of 269 sqft, accommodate 2 adults and 1 child, and have a double bed. The Studios have a room size of 377 sqft, accommodate 3 adults and 1 child, and have a twin bed and a double bed. The One-Bedroom Apartments have varying sizes ranging from 538 sqft to 710 sqft, accommodate 3-4 adults and 1 child, and have various bed configurations including twin beds, double beds, and sofa beds.

What are the main attractions at Ambassador Thermal Motel?

Guests at the Ambassador Thermal Motel can spend their time enjoying the leisure amenities provided by the hotel. They can make use of the outdoor swimming pool, which is available all year round, and is heated for their comfort. There are also two indoor swimming pools available, one specifically designed for adults, where guests can relax and unwind. For families traveling with children, there is a separate kids' pool, ensuring that everyone can have a fun and enjoyable swimming experience. Additionally, guests can also make use of the hot spring bath, which is a perfect way to unwind and rejuvenate after a long day of activities. With these leisure amenities, guests can have a memorable and relaxing stay at the Ambassador Thermal Motel.

Is there a swimming pool at Ambassador Thermal Motel?

The hotel has three pools. Pool 1 and Pool 2 are both outdoor pools that are available all year round. They are exclusively for adults and are heated. Pool 3 is an indoor pool, also for adults only and heated.

Are both cash and credit cards valid payment options at Ambassador Thermal Motel?

Yes, both cash and credit cards are valid payment options at Ambassador Thermal Motel.