I booked well in advance as the ads I saw appealed, as did the thought of a natural hot stream. I specifically asked for linen as I was travelling from overseas and not carrying any of my own. I also booked in advance for a Saturday night for the restaurant. This was May 2013 and I booked in March. Plenty of time for them to have emailed me to tell me the restaurant had closed, which they didn't bother to. It was cold and raining when I arrived and the place looked spooky and deserted. The proprietors had gone on holiday leaving relatives in charge; the restaurant was shut (I had no food with me) but they offered to cook fish & chips or steak & chips for an extra $22 (no thanks). The cabin they booked me into was cold with no heating and NO LINEN, smelled musty and was old. I went back to reception and told them that I had specifically booked a room with linen provided and they "upgraded" me to a "motel" room which was $12 a night extra. As I was staying for 2 nights that was an extra $24, which I stupidly paid. I tried the room they gave me but because of the rain there was a 6" deep unavoidable puddle at the door, so I asked for a different room, this too had a puddle but a bit shallower. Inside was old-fashioned, with laminex peeling from the benches, a dripping shower which I could hear through the wall all night. At least the bed was comfy and there was an electric blanket and bed lamps. I had to drive up to Rotorua to get some food!! I decided to give up on the place the next day and took off to my next destination (Te Aroha). I did not want to make a fuss with the people there so I just wrote off the money I had paid. I would not recommend ANYONE to stay there. I didn't even go to the stream as the path was boggy and slippery. A real disappointment. Someone should buy the place and do it up because the general concept is good but the owners just could not be bothered.
Rating: -/10
Jane West - Australia
21st April 2014

Cannot even rate this. It was terrible. Absolutely filthy and falking apart. Showers a nightmare and toilets a horror movie. The grounds are disgusting with rats...dead at that lying in kids so called playground which is more like a lethal play area. Booked four nights left after 1 as was worried would get sick....refused refund even after explaining the health risks involved with staying here. Looked at pool filtering system and it did not work it was a hose running into filthy old pool with no chlorine and the changing sheds were falling apart. Im shocked they are open for business
Rating: -/10
aliesha - NZ
5th January 2015

When here for the Hot Pools, Hot Pools?, hahaha what a joke, 2 empty pools, was told you want a swim there the creek top side is upto 38 to 40 water fall was colder, someone for got to turn on the heat, luke warm was the top side no way was i going in, dont even go there spend the extra $2 per night and go 10 minutes up the road its worth the trip. Hated the place
Rating: -/10
Peter - Hamilton
3rd September 2012

am letting you know that I wasn't impressed with our room 21 Motel Room we recently stayed in to attend a wedding at the River Lodge. Others in our group had bigger rooms for the same price I might add. Our room smelt old and musty with squashed mosquitos on the walls and in curtains and looked very tired. No phone and poky little mirrors one couldn't even get a full length view of how I looked for a wedding. Plugs scarce for appliances to do my hair, limited lighting and to top it off my husband couldn't believe I had paid $125 a night for this standard of accommodation. How can you justify charging that much. We would have been better off travelling the extra distance and staying somewhere half decent in Taupo. I seriously think you need to look at your prices and make some major makeovers if you expect people to pay that price. We have stayed in many motels throughout NZ and this would have to be the biggest rip-off ever. I am contemplating on advising the River Lodge our thoughts as they may want to reconsider recommending your accommodation. My husband reckoned $80 would have been adequate for what we received.
Rating: -/10
Pauline - NZ
20th February 2012

I would advise people to check the standard of cleaning before paying for your room. This is an older motel (which is fine), however the cleanliness leaves a lot to be desired. Mouldy shower, old and dirty toilet seat, rubbish in drawers, dust balls etc. Also the dairy/takeaway next door (as described in their website) is no longer there. You have to travel into Taupo or Rotorua for supplies. I would think twice before booking in here. For the price of the room, you will get a far higher standard by staying in Taupo or Rotorua.
Rating: -/10
Paula - Bulls
10th May 2010