Payments made by partners impact the order of prices displayed. Room types may vary.
The listings of booking offers for each property take into account the compensation paid to us by our partners. Prices shown may be for varying room types. Prices displayed are the lowest available, corresponding to the least expensive room type available, as provided from our partners as of the time of the user’s search.
Golden Glow Motel
Full view
View all photos(129)129


Room & Suite (2)

Dining (1)
Did you already book this hotel?
Tell us so we can help you plan.
About
#27 of 45 motels in Rotorua
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Offering spacious studios and family apartments with a private spa pool, Golden Glow Motel is a 5-minute walk from Rotorua Town where various shops and restaurants can be found. It offers free parking, free fast speed WiFi and a free shuttle from the bus station. Heated guest rooms have a kitchenette with a microwave, hot plates and a toaster. Each has a flat-screen TV with over 50 satellite channels. The en suite bathroom comes with toiletries and shower. A self-service guest laundry service is available and luggage storage is provided. Motel Golden Glow is a 10-minute walk from the Polynesian Spa and Lake Rotorua. It is a 15-minute drive from the Rotorua Regional Airport and a 20-minute drive from Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Hot bath
Spa
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Express check-in / check-out
Self-serve laundry
Valet parking
Wifi
Non-smoking hotel
Room features
Housekeeping
Seating area
Telephone
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Kitchenette
Microwave
Flatscreen TV
Bath / shower
Refrigerator
Kitchenware
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Centrally Located
Languages Spoken
English, Chinese
Location
253 Fenton Street, Rotorua 3010 New Zealand
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 75 out of 100
75
116 Restaurants
within 1 kilometer
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
Traveller rating
- 85
- 54
- 13
- 11
- 26
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
Selected filters
- Filter
- English
Popular mentions
Sort by:
Detailed Reviews
We had 2 double beds and a spacious room with everything we needed except air conditioning, we were supplied with a fan but it was very hot. There is a private hot tub outside at the rear which was a nice touch.
The location is on the outskirts of town and is quiet, there are supermarkets close by and restaurants are a short drive, its in an east location for all the local attractions.
We had room 10 which was a little noisy as the stairs from the upper level came down outside the room.
The location is on the outskirts of town and is quiet, there are supermarkets close by and restaurants are a short drive, its in an east location for all the local attractions.
We had room 10 which was a little noisy as the stairs from the upper level came down outside the room.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Unique little place to stay at while in Rotaura. Spa bath is a great plus to staying in this motel. Lovely staff who show you to your room and where everything is located. Great location easy to access shops and fast food chains.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed in the room with the spa. It was cozy. Beds were very comfortable. Fresh towels each morning. The staff members were lovely and polite. Motel is only walking distance to the central mall and food stores which is convenient. Enjoyed our stay
Read more
Date of stay: March 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was the worst place I have stayed in the world.
Mouldy ceilings, disgusting grime all over the floor, ripped wall paper, dirty pots and pans, only one element working, unsecure window that wouldn't lock, and no smoke alarms or sprinklers.
When we approached the manager for a discount he said no, none of the rooms have smoke alarms, and just walked away.
Do not ever stay here!!!!@@@@
Mouldy ceilings, disgusting grime all over the floor, ripped wall paper, dirty pots and pans, only one element working, unsecure window that wouldn't lock, and no smoke alarms or sprinklers.
When we approached the manager for a discount he said no, none of the rooms have smoke alarms, and just walked away.
Do not ever stay here!!!!@@@@
Read more
Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Have stayed here 3 times and found it comfortable although a bit run down. This time on arrival we discovered at least half of the units were occupied by people placed there by the Government for emergency housing. After 4 hours my wife was so concerned for her safety we left and found another motel. We were not advised of the situation when booking and after travelling from Auckland were shocked but gave it a go. I paid for one night on arrival (instead of the 2 originally booked) and the owner REFUSED to refund any of my money. I will NEVER stay here again and would NOT recommend this motel to anyone. P.S. In future I will always ask if there are any emergency housing people staying at any motel or hotel I am thinking of staying at in New Zealand.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2021
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip: Stay away.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This review is from June 2022. The photographs of this hotel on various websites ( including Trip Advisor, Booking.com and Trivago) totally misrepresent this establishment. All these websites give the hotel strong ratings which are not warranted. The hotel is in a state of disrepair, with the grounds and rooms in a filthy condition. The rooms can be described a grubby - and that is being generous. Moreover, the hotel is currently run as emergency housing and when we arrived there was a large group adolescent males present, raising concerns about safety. Given that, if booking on line, you are required to pay in advance, the misrepresentation of this hotel appears deliberate on the part of hotel management and it would be my advice that anyone considering this hotel inspect it before paying. Booking site should reconsider listing this hotel and it’s ratings, given its current state of disrepair.
Read more
Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do not stay here it is disgusting. Dirty linen on bed, bed bugs, dirty pillowcases, holes in the walls, black mold in the shower, OMG the list goes on. I refused to stay here, and when I asked for a refund the Chinese man was very rude and told me to get out of his motel and to never come back. My pleasure as it is a health hazard. No smoke alarms or sprinkler system in the room.
Very, very bad and to charge $140 for a night is a joke. I wouldn't even house my dog in there for a night. This should be closed down. Health department should be involved si he can clean up his act. Just plan gross!!!!!
Very, very bad and to charge $140 for a night is a joke. I wouldn't even house my dog in there for a night. This should be closed down. Health department should be involved si he can clean up his act. Just plan gross!!!!!
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pictures online looked great. Location great. Motel host/manager was great and friendly. Family unit...curtains didn't have enough hooks and were drooping. Walls looked grubby. Bed covers were empty faded duvet covers and bit stained. No complimentary hand soap. No soap in shower soap dispenser either. Toilet roll dispenser - there wasn't one, toilet rolls stacked on toilet cistern. The floor in shower room stained and was rotten looking around the skirting of toilet and shower wall. All windows sills were dusty and grubby looking. The spa bath had hair in the plug hole, from previous people. However sheets and pillow cases were clean and crisp. We booked for 5 people, only 4 shower towels and 4 spa towels. Lastly some of the dishes weren't clean and some were dripping wet.
Read more
Date of stay: October 2021
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip: This motel accommodates people for emergency housing, beware!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I stayed at the Golden Glow motel on Monday and Tuesday night. I received a very warm welcome and was shown how to use everything. That was fabulous! The sheets didn't fit the beds. The throws appeared to be duvet covers and also didn't cover the beds. The towels provided for the bathroom were nice and clean. The towels provided for the spa were mismatched and stained. There was a seat by the spa that looked like it was an outside chair that needed a cushion. Just left bare. Even a fake plant would have been nice. There were leaves and some rubbish outside my room that were just left there. The room etc was clean. Just uncared for and no effort made to make it pretty. There was also no plug or complimentary bathroom items. Disappointed. I wouldn't stay there again.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2021Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wouldn't bother staying here again. Pretty disgusting room. Holes in the walls, bed propped up on bricks,microwave not able to be used,light bulbs missing, windows in bathroom not able to be closed, curtains ripped.Everything felt very dirty and disgusting. Duvet had stains over it. We didn't even bother to get into the bed itself lucky we had some blankets in our vehicle. The only good 2 things would be the big spa bath and sky channels. But personally would much rather a clean room. Last but not least the unit above us was an absolute nightmare thumping around all night with music blearing we barely had any sleep. With the state of our room i dont know how this place can stay open an absolute dump.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Dont bother
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Dear
Thanks for your question, there is one toilet with separate show and spa pool in those one bed room units.
Thanks
"Avoid staying here check out facilities when you get there they are nothing like pictures."Read full review
…
PRICE RANGE
$103 - $151 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
golden glow hotel
LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandBay of Plenty RegionRotorua DistrictRotorua
NUMBER OF ROOMS
19
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your ListingGOLDEN GLOW MOTEL - Updated 2024 Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions about Golden Glow Motel
Which popular attractions are close to Golden Glow Motel?
Nearby attractions include Fancy Meow Cat Cafe (1.0 km), Rotorua Antiques & Collectables (0.7 km), and Polynesian Spa (0.8 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Golden Glow Motel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a spa, and free parking.
Which room amenities are available at Golden Glow Motel?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
Is parking available at Golden Glow Motel?
Yes, free parking and valet parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Golden Glow Motel?
Conveniently located restaurants include EL Mexicano Zapata Cantina, El Mexicano Zapata Express, and Barrel & Co..
Is Golden Glow Motel located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.8 km away from the centre of Rotorua.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Golden Glow Motel?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Chinese.
Are there any historical sites close to Golden Glow Motel?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village (1.9 km), Polynesian Spa (0.8 km), and Te Puia (2.1 km).
Is Golden Glow Motel accessible?
Yes, it offers reduced mobility rooms. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.