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Hotel Description

At VU Thermal Lodge you'll be within a 30-minute stroll of Waipahihi Botanical Gardens and Maori Carvings. Highlights at this beach motel include 10 spa tubs, and in-room kitchens and free WiFi.

Flat-screen TVs, coffee/tea makers, and hair dryers are featured in all 17 rooms. Additionally, kitchens, microwaves, and free toiletries are available. Housekeeping is available on request.

This smoke-free motel offers an outdoor pool, free WiFi in public areas, and a terrace. Added amenities include a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and laundry facilities. There's also the convenience of free self parking.

Places within a 30-minute walk of this 3-star Taupo motel include Taupo Marina and Boat Ramp and Taupo Museum and Art Gallery.

Economy Studio, 1 King Bed, Ground Floor

Bed Count 1 King Bed Maximum Occupancy 2 Max
NZ$206* Per night/room 2 Apr. - 3 Apr.

One Bedroom Thermal Spa Super King Suite Ground Floor (adult only)

Bed Count 1 King Bed Maximum Occupancy 2 Max

Lakefront Thermal Spa Studio King Bed Ground Floor (partial view)

Bed Count 1 King Bed Maximum Occupancy 2 Max

Lakefront 1 Bedrom Super King Suite (upper floor , no spa)

Bed Count 1 King Bed Maximum Occupancy 2 Max

1 Bedroom Super King Suite with Balcony (upper floor no spa)

Bed Count 1 King Bed Maximum Occupancy 2 Max

Exclusive Studio Suite, 1 Queen Bed, Hot Tub, Ground Floor

Bed Count 1 Queen Bed Maximum Occupancy 2 Max

VU Thermal Lodge ratings based on 51 Verified Reviews

Review Summary
4.5 out of 5 4.5 out of 5.0
Room cleanliness 4.5 out of 5.0
Service & staff 5.0 out of 5.0
Room comfort 4.5 out of 5.0
Hotel condition 4.5 out of 5.0

Guest reviews for VU Thermal Lodge

Everyone (33) Couples (15) Family (4)
3 out of 5
Great location, loved the thermal tub in our King room but this place needs an upgrade! Very outdated & the pavers around entrance at steps to pool were loose & covered with fake grass which was dangerous! Has great potential though with some much needed love & attention :)

Posted by on 17 Feb. 2024

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5 out of 5

Posted by on 27 Dec. 2023

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5 out of 5

Posted by on 30 Oct. 2023

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5 out of 5
Really wonderful property. Super kind and love the private spa option.

Posted by on 23 Sep. 2023

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4 out of 5
Both the outdoor pools and our pool inside the unit were very therapeutic

Posted by on 4 Sep. 2023

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Comment from Hotel Management

13 Sep. 2023 by carol

thank you

5 out of 5

Posted by on 7 Mar. 2023

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Comment from Hotel Management

28 Mar. 2023 by Carol

Thank you

4 out of 5
Just ok

Posted by on 23 Jul. 2022

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Comment from Hotel Management

6 Aug. 2022 by carol

thank you

5 out of 5
Great friendly operators

Posted by on 12 May 2022

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Comment from Hotel Management

21 May 2022 by carol

thank you

5 out of 5
Great position,quirky,loved the random crab light

Posted by on 28 May 2021

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Comment from Hotel Management

30 May 2021 by carol

Thank you

4 out of 5
Reception EXCELLENT, rooms clean and paint etc fresh, but site is VERY tired. Noisy due to lakeside traffic and no double glazing. Musty smell in room, which in fairness may be related to the thermal pool smell. With many other sites in similar price brackets, offering much newer accommodation, we would look at others.

Posted by on 8 Apr. 2021

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Comment from Hotel Management

7 May 2021 by carol

thank you

Renovations + Closures

The property will be renovating from March 16 2024 to August 31 2024 (completion date subject to change). The following areas are affected:

  • Swimming pool

During renovations, the motel will make every effort to minimize noise and disturbance.

Property Features

VU Thermal Lodge offers its guests 10 spa tubs and an outdoor pool. WiFi is free in public spaces. Hot springs, a terrace, and tour/ticket assistance are also featured at VU Thermal Lodge. Self parking is free. This 3-star Taupo motel is smoke free.

  • 17 guestrooms or units
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Terrace
  • No smoking on site

Internet

Available in all rooms: Free WiFi

Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking

Free self parking

Transport

  • Parking: Free self parking

Room Amenities

VU Thermal Lodge offers 17 air-conditioned accommodations with coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Accommodations at this 3-star motel have kitchens with microwaves. Bathrooms include showers and complimentary toiletries. This Taupo motel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Flat-screen televisions come with digital channels. Irons/ironing boards, hair dryers, and change of towels can be requested. Housekeeping is provided daily.

  • In-room kitchen
  • Flat-screen television
  • Digital channels
  • Microwave
  • Coffee maker
  • Shower
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Hair dryer
  • Toiletries (free)
  • Iron and ironing board available
  • Air conditioning
  • Ensuite bathroom
  • Change of towels (on request)
  • Change of bedsheets (on request)

Spa Services

  • Indoor mineral hot springs (Japanese-style onsen)
  • Number of indoor hot springs - 11
  • Number of outdoor hot springs - 1

Hotel Policies

Check-in

  • Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM
  • Minimum check-in age is: 18
  • Check-in time ends at 8:30 PM

Special check-in instructions:

The front desk is open daily from 2:00 PM - 8:30 PM. This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival.

The front desk at this property is open daily from 2:00 PM - 8:30 PM.
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival.

Check-out

  • Check-out by 10:00 AM

Payment types

Children and extra beds

  • Children younger than 18 are not allowed at this adults-only property. All guests 18 and older are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Pet Policy

  • No pets allowed

Policies

Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.

A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.

Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, debit cards, and cash. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. This property uses geothermal energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions and guests can access their rooms with a mobile device. Contactless check-in and contactless check-out are available.

  • No rollaway/extra beds available
  • No cots (infant beds) available
  • No lifts
  • Minimum guest age is 18
  • Caters to adults only
  • Front desk opens daily at 2:00 PM
  • Front desk closes daily at 8:30 PM
  • Debit cards
  • Events/parties not allowed
  • Staffed front desk
  • Smoke detector
  • Renewable energy source - geothermal
  • Property is cleaned with disinfectant
  • Staff wear personal protective equipment
  • Protective clothing is not available for guests
  • No shield between guests and staff in main contact areas
  • Guests are provided with free hand sanitiser
  • Social distancing measures are in place
  • Contactless check-in is available
  • Property confirms they are implementing enhanced cleaning measures
  • Individually wrapped food options are not available
  • No gap period between guests' stays
  • Staff temperature checks are not conducted regularly
  • Temperature checks are not available to guests
  • Bed sheets and towels are washed at a temperature of at least 60°C/140°F
  • Commonly touched surfaces are cleaned with disinfectant
  • Property confirms they are implementing guest safety measures
  • Contactless check-out is available
  • Guest accommodation is not sealed after cleaning
  • Electrostatic spray is not used for disinfection
  • Cashless transactions are available
  • Masks are not compulsory at the property
  • Contactless food service / room service is available
  • Reservation is not required for facilities on site
  • Property follows sanitisation practices of COVID-19 Guidelines (CDC)
  • Property does not offer on-site COVID-19 testing
  • Property does not require health documentation at check-in
  • Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
  • Comprehensive recycling policy

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: NZD 300 per accommodation, per stay
  • Deposit is payable by bank transfer and is due within 48 hours of booking the reservation.

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 2.5 percent

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

Hotel Names

  • VU Thermal Lodge Taupo
  • VU Thermal Taupo
  • VU Thermal
  • VU Thermal Lodge Motel
  • VU Thermal Lodge Taupo
  • VU Thermal Lodge Motel Taupo

You should know

  • The seasonal pool will open in January and close in December.
  • Pool access available from 8 AM to 9 PM.
  • Hot springs access available from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
  • This is an adults-only property and guests under 18 years old aren't allowed.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Alcohol isn't served at VU Thermal Lodge.

National Rating

This property does not have a Qualmark® rating. For the benefit of our customers, we have provided a rating based on our rating system.

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Frequently Asked Questions

*Price based on the lowest price found within past 24 hours and based upon one night stay for two adults over the next thirty days. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.