Palm Court Motor Inn

288 Fenton Street, 3010 Rotorua, New Zealand
HOTEL OVERVIEW
You know what struck me first about Palm Court Motor Inn? It’s got this unexpectedly solid presence on Fenton Street – and honestly, that’s saying something because Fenton can feel a bit like a highway at times with all the tourist traffic heading to Te Puia and the various geothermal attractions. But once you pull into their parking area (which, thank god, is actually decent-sized), there’s this immediate sense that someone here actually cares about the details.
I mean, don’t get me wrong – it’s still a motor inn, so you’re not walking into some luxury resort lobby. But the rooms are genuinely well-maintained, and here’s the thing that surprised me: the soundproofing is actually pretty good. I was expecting to hear every car rumbling past on Fenton Street, but honestly slept better than I thought I would. The beds are comfortable enough that I didn’t wake up feeling like I’d been wrestling with a mattress all night, and the bathrooms – well, they’re clean and the water pressure doesn’t make you want to cry, which puts it ahead of half the places I’ve stayed in Rotorua. There’s this faint sulfur smell that drifts through occasionally (you can’t really escape it anywhere in Rotorua), but it’s not overwhelming like some places closer to the main geothermal areas.
What I really appreciated was how walkable everything felt from here. You’re maybe a fifteen-minute stroll to the lakefront, and there are actually some decent cafes within easy reach – not just the touristy spots that charge you twenty bucks for eggs benedict. The staff seem to know the area well too; when I asked about avoiding the crowds at Kuirau Park, they gave me specific timing advice that actually worked out. The whole place has this lived-in feel that’s refreshing after staying at some of those sterile chain hotels that could be anywhere in the world. I’d say the 7.1 rating feels about right – it’s not going to blow your mind, but it does what it promises without any nasty surprises. For the price point, especially during peak season when Rotorua accommodation gets ridiculously expensive, Palm Court delivers solid value. It’s the kind of place where you can actually relax after a day of tourist activities without feeling like you’re roughing it or blowing your budget on unnecessary frills.
HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS


Reviews
Staff: 8.0
Comfort: 7.3
Location: 8.5
Free WiFi: 7.5
Facilities: 7.1
Cleanliness: 7.1
Value for money: 7.0
Darren from New Zealand (24 March 2025)
I liked the spa pool being inside the unit.The unit was clean and tidy..
What could be improved: The motel sign wasn't lit up which made it a little hard to find in the dark..
Sabera from New Zealand (4 August 2024)
Nice spacious rooms and private hot tub out the back. Lovely owners. Nothing a fresh hint of paint can't brighten up.
What could be improved: Shower cubicle could do with an upgrade. Half the beds are needing new mattresses.
Christopher from New Zealand (1 July 2024)
Good location
Very convenient
Chris from New Zealand (5 March 2024)
Was quiet and peace full.
What could be improved: Nothing
Rodney from Australia (19 February 2024)
Easy to navigate around
Shane from New Zealand (16 February 2024)
Didn't have the Motel Breakfast, ate in town. The location is fine, easy and within driving distance. Not a problem.
What could be improved: The noisy people in Room 11. They argued most of Saturday night and we could hear it most of the time... wasn't happy!
Kararaina from New Zealand (5 January 2024)
Location great. The private spa pool was great. The bed wonderful.
What could be improved: A lot of furniture cluttered in the room. Only 2 towels provided for 2 people for 2 nights. Was told milk free first night only. Parking tight.
Dion from New Zealand (3 October 2023)
Good location
What could be improved: Noise from next door number 6 banging doors and car doors outside after 10 while trying to sleep.
Peter from New Zealand (23 August 2023)
That the unit had it's own spa pool with outdoor seating and was every clean and warm. The location was excellent for our time in Rotorua and it was the second time we used Palm Court in the last 8 months.
Rachel from New Zealand (16 July 2023)
- Loved the private spa pool, which was very handy considering we were visiting Rotorua for a Rugby League Tournament and with all the walking we done over the 3 days, it was a need! - Had all the cooking utensils needed to cook simple meals and a microwave and also an option to use the in-house cooking facilities which was adjacent to each unit...
SURROUNDINGS
What's nearby:
- Marist Park: 1.2 km
- Smallbone Park: 2.2 km
- Rotorua Lakefront: 2.6 km
- Rotorua Skate Park: 1.7 km
- Timberlands Limited: 1.5 km
- Volcanic Playground: 2.5 km
- Matariki Cultural Centre: 2.3 km
- Rotorua Government Gardens: 1.9 km
- Whakarewarewa Maori Village: 1.4 km
- Ikeda Hall Peace Garden Entrance: 2.7 km
Restaurants & cafes:
- Restaurant Urbano Bistro: 250 m
- Restaurant Ranolf Fish & Chips: 850 m
- Restaurant Oppies Fish & Chips and Chinese Takeaway: 650 m
Top attractions:
- Zorb Rotorua: 10 km
- Buried Village: 14 km
- Paradise Valley Springs: 11 km
Natural beauty:
- Lake Lake Rotorua: 0 m
- Forest Redwoods Treewalk Rotorua: 2.5 km
- Mountain Mount Ngongotaha Reserve: 14 km
Closest airports:
- Matamata Airport: 77 km
- Tauranga Airport: 73 km
- Rotorua Regional Airport: 7 km
ROOMS
- Estimated price from: $118. Studio with Hot Tub with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
- Estimated price from: $125. Twin Studio with Hot Tub with 1 single bed and 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
- Estimated price from: $160. One-Bedroom Apartment with Hot Tub with 2 single beds and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 4
- Estimated price from: $208. Two-Bedroom Apartment with Hot Tub with 3 single beds, 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 4


FACILITIES
Bedroom:
- Linen
- Wardrobe or closet
- Alarm clock
Kitchen:
- Dining table
- Toaster
- Kitchenware
- Electric kettle
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
- Kitchenette
Bathroom:
- Towels
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
- Bath
- Shower
Outdoors:
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Garden
Services:
- Daily housekeeping
- Wake-up service
- Tour desk
- Express check-in/check-out
- Room service
Wellness:
- Hot tub/Jacuzzi
- Spa and wellness centre
Activities:
- Hot tub
- Golf course (within 3 km) Additional charge
Living Area:
- Dining area
- Sofa
- Seating Area
- Desk
Accessibility:
- Entire unit located on ground floor
Languages spoken:
- English
Safety & security:
- Smoke alarms
Media & Technology:
- Flat-screen TV
- Satellite channels
- Telephone
- TV
Great for your stay:
- Spa and wellness centre
- Private bathroom
- Parking
- Kitchenette
- Free WiFi
- Room service
- Flat-screen TV
- Spa bath
- Bath
- Free parking
Other for your stay:
- Electric blankets
- Non-smoking throughout
- Heating
- Private entrance
- Carpeted
- Fan
- Family rooms
- Ironing facilities
- Non-smoking rooms
- Iron


HOUSE RULES
Pets:
- Pets are not allowed.
Groups:
- When booking more than 4 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.
Check-in:
- From 14:00 to 21:00
Check-out:
- From 08:00 to 10:00
Cancellation/prepayment:
- Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please check what conditions may apply to each option when making your selection.
HOTEL ADDRESS
288 Fenton Street, 3010 Rotorua, New Zealand
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