Rotorua, New Zealand
Regent of Rotorua
Monochrome thermal motel
Rotorua, New Zealand
Renovated
2024
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Wellness SocialOutside the door
The house
IHGMonochrome thermal motel
A mid-century motor lodge remade in crisp black and white, running on courtyard cocktails and indoor geothermal soaking.
What it’s good at
Notable
Monochrome guest rooms with custom perforated screens echoing rising geothermal steam.
Listed
The poolside Regent Room bar pours cocktails across courtyard loungers and dining tables.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Regent of Rotorua has its own indoor mineral pool where guests can soak in the region’s famous waters, and just for fun, a heated outdoor pool, too.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The restaurants along Eat Streat and the Rotorua lakefront are both an easy walk away.
The rooms
Compact rooms stick to a crisp monochrome palette, with rainfall showers set against colorful bathroom tiles.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The courtyard pool is heated to 28 degrees Celsius year-round and set with black loungers beside a waterfall wall.
The spa
The Regent Room Restaurant & Bar
The monochrome dining room serves contemporary New Zealand fare under black chandeliers, opening out to the pool patio.
How it began
Built in 1964 as a brick motel, the original units were stripped to their concrete walls during the boutique redesign.
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.