VU Thermal Lodge
94 reviews
#31 of 64 Hotels in Taupo
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2 Taharepa Road Hilltop, Taupo 3330 New Zealand
Lowest prices for your stay
US$100
Booking.comUS$110
Expedia.comUS$100
eDreamsUS$110
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Room & Suite (45)
Pool & Beach (6)
About
#31 of 64 hotels in Taupo
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Hey! Want a nice holiday in Great lake Taupo? VU Thermal Lodge could offer you at least two things: 1; the view of the lake and mountains 2; the natural mineral bath. Location is superb, by the lake and opposite the reserved park, 500 square meters decking. Unique untreated mineral water from underground bore, 10 out 17 rooms have private mineral tubs(adjustalbe temperature); a communal bath house and a heated outdoor swimming pool(25C all year). Holiday makers and business travelers are welcome.
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Full view
Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Airport transportation
Spa
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Self-serve laundry
Street parking
Wifi
Hot bath
Swimming pool toys
Outdoor pool
Fence around pool
Shuttle bus service
Sun terrace
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Room features
Air conditioning
Private balcony
Kitchenette
Microwave
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Lake View
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
English, Chinese
Location
Full view
42Car recommended
Grade: 42 out of 100
126Restaurantswithin 10 km
42Attractionswithin 10 km
94Reviews0Q+A15Room tips
Reviews
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Popular mentions
Initially looking at the photos of the place, the rooms and motel look recently renovated, and seemed well worth the cost. However, upon arriving, 1st impressions were, "this isnt what the photos show"; "little bit of false advertising going on here". However, not one to judge a book by its cover and to give everything a chance, the hope was that the room would be as good as the website showed and stated. Well, long story short, it wasn't. Not just the motel but the room itself. The motel looks dated and very cheaply built. Even the workmen ship looks cheap too, including the products used. The paint, the carpet on the stairs and patio, hell, even the card readers on the doors; it all looks like it was brought at the $2 shop. Then the room itself. Um, put it this way, the floor tiles on the kitchen and bathroom floors and the tv were the only new/recent things in the entire room. Only mentioning 3 things: 1: a massive Bench oven,that belongs in the 70's, instead of a microwave, which is found in any other motel. 2: the so called "2 in 1 shampoo/ body wash". Ya felt more dirtier/grubbier after using that, compared to before hopping in. WAY Better off buying/providing both your own, AND ACTUAL, shampoo and soap. 3: unless you're wearing very dark sunglasses, dont bother turning on the light in the shape of a balloon/lantern. Its brighter than the brightness of burning magnesium. ( plus: - the bed was very hard, - no sky tv + not all freeview channels work either, - the a.c unit is in the wrong place; pointless only cooling/heating a smidge of the room, instead of the whole room, - only one power socket on one side of the bed; no option of extension lead either, - buy own milk, unless you feel like using 6 sample sized tubs for your coffee. - hope everyone parks straight and proper in car parks, otherwise, good luck; it's not the best. In a nutshell, if your happy to stay and pay at a motel that is not only falsely advertised and way over priced, but was designed and built for extremely cheap, including the "Far East" interior design, and b.y.o is better than what's provided, then by all means, stay here. Oh, and the lake is best viewed from the downstairs, outside and uncovered deck. Lovely views of the road from your room. #wontstayhereagain #disappointed #wasteofmoney #rattenshizer…
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Date of stay: January 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Helpful
Response from Carol Miller, General Manager at VU Thermal Lodge
Responded 3 weeks ago
Your personal and racist taste determines your review is full of rubbish. We have the very unique geothermal facilities that have been popular to new guests and returning ones; we have been scored 9 out of 10 by guest reviews on hygiene standard. Keep your limited view on buying your own home.
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Absolutely loved this place. From the warm welcome to the incredible views to the rooms with personal spa pool. Just perfect. Bed was comfy, room, bathroom, kitchen was everything required but the additional private spa pool room was such a special addition! Great location too. And naturally heated outdoor pool. Everything we could have hoped for. Not 5 star luxury but also not 5 star prices. Great value for a fabulous stay!!!
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Date of stay: November 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Helpful
Absolutely gorgeous place with attention and care to detail - you can really feel a lot of love has been put into the place. The owner/manager was quirky and friendly - we appreciated her warmth and hospitality. We had our own private thermal spa just off the bedroom with lake views leading on to a massive deck on the corner of the park and beach. You can dig for hot water right outside on the lake too! Will definitely be coming back. Highly recommend!
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Date of stay: October 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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+1
Very tired motel. Booked through booking.com. Seriously overpriced for what it is. Location is fine, but awful traffic noise. Bedroom/ unit photos bear no resemblance to actual room. Dark, with poor design ( making unit feel very small) and horrible damp smell in bathroom which had mould in the shower. Can’t recommend. Won’t stay again
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Date of stay: October 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
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We stayed in a studio unit with a private, outdoor thermal pool in a covered area at the rear of the unit. What a treat! The room was cosy, comfortable and clean and the host friendly and helpful. It was an easy walk (15min) beside the lake to town. Taupo topped our best meal, best breakfast and best coffee list. The former at Fox and Hounds, the latter two at Replete. Wish we’d stayed longer!
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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PRICE RANGE
US$81 - US$126 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
lakefront hotel taupo, lakefront motel taupo
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Lakefront Motor Lodge
LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandWaikato RegionTaupo DistrictTaupo
NUMBER OF ROOMS
17
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about VU Thermal Lodge
Which popular attractions are close to VU Thermal Lodge?
Nearby attractions include Maori Rock Carvings (0.9 km) and Taupo Mini Golf (1.2 km).
What are some of the property amenities at VU Thermal Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and a spa.
Which room amenities are available at VU Thermal Lodge?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
Is parking available at VU Thermal Lodge?
Yes, free parking and street parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to VU Thermal Lodge?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Brantry, Mole & Chicken, and Jolly Good Fellows.
Are there opportunities to exercise at VU Thermal Lodge?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does VU Thermal Lodge have an airport shuttle?
Yes, VU Thermal Lodge offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at VU Thermal Lodge?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Chinese.
Does VU Thermal Lodge have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the lake view available here.