Stayed here recently while at a conference in Rotorua. It was a clean enough room, though mine didn't have a view at all. The location was fantastic in terms of being able to stroll through town and down to the lakeside. A few things were just a bit tired though - the bathroom was TINY and the shower leaked all over the bathroom floor even with the door shut tight. Horrible linen and no spares to be found in the cupboards. The staff were really nice (the guy in the restaurant brought some food up to my room when I ordered it even though the Ibis don't do room service) and friendly. The restaurant was pretty terrible, just as there were few options and they were all fairly nasty types of food, but I found out later you could actually go to the brasserie at the Novotel and still charge it back to your room at Ibis. I found out too late though! All in all a fairly bland experience, but good enough for a business trip.

I have reviewed the Novotel, which is the sister Accor property and right next to the Ibis in Rotorua. I still usually prefer to stay at the Ibis for the following reasons:

1) The price is always about 100NZD per night cheaper than the Novotel, despite being in the same location

2) The Ibis is clean, comfortable and has very friendly staff

3) The breakfast buffet is completely adequate with decent choices, including some Asian options like Miso Soup and Congee

You'll find the beds *slightly* firmer at the Ibis, as compared to Novotel, but there is not enough of a difference to pay more for the Novotel, in my opinion. The showers used to have a problem with the water temperature fluctuating, but this seems to be resolved now, so I have no real complaints, except that the TV choices can sometimes be a bit narrower at this property - sometimes the Rotorua tourist info channel can have a lot of static and noise.

The Ibis does not have a pool or a spa, but to be honest, most of the hotel pools and spas are pretty average, so you save money and miss out on the disappointment!

Ibis is also best walking option to the best restaurants in downtown Rotorua. See my Novotel review for further comments!

The Hotel Ibis is a newer building and it deserves the 3 star rating I believe it has. It is modern and clean in a European way. The rooms are a bit on the smaller side but functional and comfortable and clean. Our room only had a shower but the bathroom was overall satisfactory. The hotel has a lounge in the reception area with a full bar. They put on an impressive breakfast buffet for $20 NZD. The staff are very friendly and helpful with finding attractions and activities. They have a guest laundromat where you can wash and dry your clothes for $2 each for wash and dry. It is connected to the Novotel next door and for $10 you can use their pool, gym, and private thermal pools as well as charge services such as spa treatments to your room. Our only complaint was that the windows don't open and we found that the room became a bit warm despite trying to control the temperature with the in room thermostat. I think the hotel would be a good option for families.

We stayed here for one night only but could have stayed longer. It is a typical Ibis Hotel. What set it apart was the very friendly and welcoming staff. It is also very conveniently located in Rotorua. The beautiful lake and Maori village Ohinemutu
are just minutes away. There are also heaps of restaurants and cafes nearby. The venue was extremely quiet, clean and comfortable.