Skotel Alpine Resort

We loved this place so much we stayed longer!! The facilities for the kids were amazing - it gave us parents time to unwind and enjoy the peace and scenery from the lodge lounge whilst the kids played safely and happily. The hosts Kaz & Sam were impeccable - friendly, helpful and happy to have a chat but not intrusive in the least. The lodge had books about the area to borrow which we enjoyed as we sipped wine in front of the fire and watched the sunset. We enjoyed the hot tub spa. The room was comfortable and the views amazing. A lovely menu for breakfast and dinner and bar menu in the afternoon. So glad we stumbled across this little peaceful gem!

We stayed in Chalet 1 and it has big enough space for our family, our two big bags and four carry ons. This cabin has a deck and a dedicated parking for our vehicle. There’s a towel warmer in the shower area and the entry hall. Entry to the accommodation was just wide enough to lug a bag. It was a bit tricky going to the shower area coming from the inside as the doors both swing outwards but we found a way to make it work. My children loved that the Wifi still works in the public carpark at the bottom of Ngauruhoe Terrace. Breakfast buffet is $25 and feels expensive for what’s on offer. Not sure if it was the weather or poor lighting in the restaurant but somehow it affected the palatability of the food. For dinner it was a hit for my my husband and myself (we ordered the salmon and vegan lasagna), but a miss for my two children (they ordered the pasta of the day and the fish and chips). Pasta was too creamy and the fish batter was not that crispy. The clouds parted on our last day and Mount Ngauruhoe showed itself. We love that we have a good view of it from the deck. Overall it was a good stay. This accommodation is positioned well for exploring the national park.

The room kept making loud creeking sound, kept waking me up. Bathroom has no vent/fan. Spa was unavailable. Otherwise, convinenent place to stay and family friendly.

Overall a pleasant stay. Location is amazing, food in restaurant was good and price was reasonable. Had a horrible checkout experience. Went to check my kids room 15 minutes before checkout time and the room was already stripped even though I hadn’t checked out yet. The guy (who turned out to be the owner) said that he knocked on the door and when no one answered he went outside and looked in the windows and when he couldn’t see anyone he let himself in to clean the room! I was not happy with this as kids could have been in the bathroom or getting changed and had headphones in. His wife said he’s not a pervert looking in the windows and that people leave their keys In the room and leave. They knew that I was still in my room as I had asked for a late checkout that was declined so could have asked me if the kids still needed their room. Both the owner and his wife tried to make out like this was normal practice and I was the one who had a problem which was not a nice way to end our stay. He did begrudgingly apologise in the end but I wouldn’t stay again. I felt they didn’t take the personal security of their guests seriously and understand how this made me feel and tried to make out like I was being unreasonable. Never stayed at any hotel anywhere in the world that strips your room while you still have the keys and haven’t checked out.