Karaka Tree

Worst motel experience we've ever had. DO NOT STAY HERE!!! My young family stayed at Karaka Tree Motel during the school holidays, and it was an incredibly disappointing experience from start to finish. The biggest issue was that we had no hot water for our entire stay. We were repeatedly told it would be fixed, but nothing was ever done. Eventually, reception stopped answering our calls altogether. There were no blankets on the beds, and when we asked for extra bedding, our request was refused. My wife had to go to The Warehouse and buy blankets just so our family could stay warm. The only heating provided was a small fan heater, which was nowhere near adequate. Other advertised or expected amenities were also missing, including milk for tea and coffee and SKY TV, despite it being advertised online. To make matters worse, the room was dirty and did not resemble the standard shown in the online photos. The customer service was equally poor. Reception repeatedly told me I needed to speak to the manager but refused to provide his contact details. I was assured the manager would contact me on Monday, but I never received a phone call or any follow-up. Overall, this was by far the worst motel experience we've ever had. The lack of basic amenities, poor communication, and complete absence of customer service made what should have been a relaxing family holiday extremely stressful. I would not recommend staying here.

Stayed here over supercar weekend. I had stayed here like 10yrs prior. It is NOTHING like the website. It's definitely old and definitely been well lived in. However... its cheap. We got the budget room - no spa. Under $200 a night in peak weekend - every other hotel was over 350. Its run down. Needs painting. Needs weeding. Needs a skip for all the broken bits around. But - the room was clean. Bed was super comfortable. Staff friendly and helpful. Shower is crap ( bad pressure) But clean. There is no TV in budget room FYI. Parking is good. Access to Taupo and to motorway is good. Is what it is. Dont look at photos on their website. That was many moons ago. I would stay again if I wanted a cheap safe room. Beats a backpackers with shared toilets. Lol.

AWFUL! Dirty, dark, run down. Furniture is old & disgusting. Don't vacumn under beds or other furniture. Kitchen Bench is cracked & dirty. Bathroom is just yuck! Unfortunately, already booked & paid online. 😪 1 night stay. Will be out of here early in morning. Office is filthy & stinks of curry. The place is just yuck. Wouldn't recommend it at all.