Guest reviews back up lodge's top rating

BIG BOOST: Hamurana Lodge Boutique Hotel owner Fred Novella. PHOTO/FILE

The team at Rotorua's Hamurana Lodge Boutique Hotel have celebrated the new year in style after being ranked as one of the top hotels in New Zealand and the South Pacific.

The lodge was rated as one of the top in the Romance, Luxury, and Small Hotel categories of the prestigious Trip Advisor Travellers' Choice Awards.

Hamurana Lodge Boutique Hotel ranked second in the top hotels for Romance in New Zealand and a respectable fifth in the Top Luxury Hotel category.

The awards are based on reviews and opinions of travellers from around the world.

Guest reviews of the hotel backed up their success.

"Upon arrival we were greeted by our hosts Patrick and Joey.

"The service from that moment was exceptional and could not be faulted.

"Nothing was too much for our wonderful hosts who ensured we were always taken care of and were always helpful," one guest said.

The hospitality team at Hamurana Lodge cover a range of nationalities which has served them well in catering to the varied needs and expectations of their international guests.

Lodge manager Patrick Gao said a large part of their success came down to the lodge's picturesque location and beautiful decor and ambience "which combine to provide the perfect setting for relaxation and pampering".

Mr Gao was quick to acknowledge the efforts of the lodge's owners who had been actively marketing the hotel to some of the world's emerging tourism markets. "This has resulted in a new niche of clients eager to experience boutique, service- orientated properties to discover New Zealand and in particular, the Rotorua region and its people."