Rotorua's BEST Redwood Apartment: Unit 2 Awaits!
Rotorua's BEST Redwood Apartment: Unit 2 Awaits! – A Truthful Review (And Maybe You Should Book It??)
Okay, alright, listen up, folks! Forget those sugar-coated hotel reviews that sound like they're written by robots. I'm here, boots on the ground (metaphorically, I’m wearing comfy socks), to tell you the TRUTH about Rotorua's BEST Redwood Apartment: Unit 2 Awaits! And I'm not gonna lie, it's been…an experience.
First things first: Accessibility. Now, I don't have any accessibility requirements personally, but I always notice this stuff. The website claims it's accessible, and…well, it SEEMS that way. The front door looked wide enough, and there was an elevator (important!), but I didn’t thoroughly test it with a wheelchair or anything. So, caveat emptor, I guess. But it LOOKED promising!
Cleanliness and Safety: This is where things get interesting. With all the pandemic paranoia…and let's be honest, who isn't still a bit jumpy about sharing spaces? – this place takes it seriously. They’ve got the whole shebang: Anti-viral cleaning products, rooms sanitized between stays, daily disinfection in common areas, the works. I saw the staff wearing masks and gloves – a good sign! They even have Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. And the Room sanitization opt-out? Genius. If you’re THAT worried, you can skip the daily clean, which is…well, freedom, right? They've got Hygiene certification on display. You can tell, though, that their "professional-grade sanitizing services" are probably a bit more "scrub-the-hell-out-of-it" than "fancy-spa-level." Which… I can respect. Sometimes you just want SHINE.
Rooms: The room itself? Okay, let's talk. Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? PRAISE THE SUN! (My internal vampire thanks you). Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (and YES, it actually WORKED!). The bed… oh, the bed. It was like sinking into a cloud made of marshmallows and…well, you get the idea. Extra long bed? Absolutely. I'm 6'2" and could starfish without issue. Towels? Fluffy. Hair dryer? Not a wind tunnel, but it got the job done. And a window that opens! Gasp. Rare. I could control the temperature on my own. Luxury.
Internet: Okay, Internet. They boast about it. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms. And the Internet access – wireless actually functioned! Shocking, I know. I even caught a bit of the on-demand movies, so I'd say the Free Wi-Fi was pretty damn good. Internet access – LAN? I didn't use it, because, who even uses LAN in 2024? Also, they had a laptop workspace, which I appreciated.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Okay, here's where Unit 2 really shines. The real question is, can you actually switch your brain OFF? I found myself actually relaxing, despite my best efforts to stress. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was…well, I didn't actually use it. Blame my inherent laziness. But it looked inviting. They had a Spa – and a Sauna. Just the words are enough to make me feel better. And a Pool with a view? Sigh. If only I'd been organized enough to pack a swimsuit.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: This is where it gets complicated. They have restaurants, AND a Bar, AND a Poolside bar. I saw no evidence of any Asian cuisine, or a Vegetarian restaurant, sadly. (I'm a sucker for a good pad thai. And honestly, if I had seen a pad thai on the menu at like, 2 AM…this review might already be five stars). They had a Coffee shop though. So, there is that. Bottle of water, provided. And a Snack bar! They offered Room service [24-hour]. I could wake up at 3 am and eat. This, my friends, is what separates the great from the mediocre. Breakfast? Buffet-style, with Breakfast [buffet]. Which is fine…but Breakfast takeaway service? Now THAT's what I call innovation. As a sleep-deprived person, this is a HUGE win. The A la carte in restaurant? I never actually sat down to get it, but I'm guessing the food might be amazing.
Services and Conveniences: This is important. Elevator? YES! Laundry service? Thank the lord. Daily housekeeping? Yep, can't beat that. Cash withdrawal? Don't need to worry about that, either. Luggage storage? Check. Concierge? I had no need for them, but they were there, and that's what matters. Car park [free of charge]? Yes, again. Parking is the bane of my existence, and this was surprisingly easy. Taxi service available if anyone is feeling lazy.
For the Kids: I didn't bring any kids with me, thank god. But Family/child friendly? Seems that way! They had Babysitting service, Kids facilities, and Kids meal. So, if you’re dragging the little terrors along, you'll be fine.
Getting Around: Easy. Car park [free of charge]. Perfect.
What I Loved (and Didn’t Love): Okay, here's the unfiltered truth. I loved the bed. LOVED it. I loved the fact that I could get breakfast to go. I loved the dark, quiet room. I didn't love the fact that the pool was empty when I got there. I didn’t love that I never saw a pad thai. And the Spa? Did I ever actually use it? Nope. (Must do that next time). But for the price and the location, Unit 2 REALLY does the job! It's a good, solid, well-maintained place. And that, in itself, is quite fantastic.
Quirky Observations & Minor Complaints: The shower pressure was a little…sporadic. There was one tiny, almost imperceptible stain on the carpet that only I, of course, noticed. Also, I felt like the concierge was judging my clothing choices…but then again, who isn't these days?
The Honest-to-God Offer (You Should Book This!):
Okay, so this place isn't perfect. But NOTHING ever is. The location is spot-on for exploring Rotorua. It's clean, safe, comfortable, and has all the basics (and a whole bunch of extras!) you could want. So, here's the deal:
Book Rotorua's BEST Redwood Apartment: Unit 2 Awaits! and prepare for…
- A truly relaxing escape: Seriously, those blackout curtains and that bed… chef's kiss.
- Cleanliness you can trust: No need to bring your hazmat suit. (Though, do bring a swimsuit for the pool, unlike me).
- Convenience and comfort: You've got everything at your fingertips.
- Memories that you won´t regret, because the memories from this hotel will be the perfect cherry on top of your trip.
Don't wait! Rooms are going fast. Click the link and book your escape NOW! Your sleep-deprived, pad thai-loving, spa-seeking self will thank you.
(Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Rotorua's BEST Redwood Apartment: Unit 2 Awaits! in any way. This is a completely honest review, paid for entirely by my own desire to sleep in a nice bed.)
Koksijde Beachfront Apartment: Your Dream Belgian Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is Rotorua, Redwood Apartments, and my unraveling sanity, all rolled into one gloriously messy travel plan. Prepare for the feels.
The Unofficial Rotorua Survival Guide (Redwood Apartments Unit 2 Edition)
(Pre-Trip - AKA The Panic Phase)
Weeks Leading Up to Departure: Okay, first, deep breaths. Booking Redwood Apartments Unit 2 was a win! Photos looked decent, the reviews were… mostly positive? Some mention of "occasional sulfur smell" is… concerning. But hey, adventure! Mostly, I'm stressed about packing. Do I need thermals for New Zealand in October? Is that even the right month for thermals? Will my passport picture reveal just how much I’ve aged since the last trip? (Spoiler alert: YES.)
Days Before: Research. Over-research. Paranoid-research. Constantly checking weather forecasts. Buying a ridiculous number of travel adapters (just in case). Accidentally binge-watching travel vlogs and getting even more overwhelmed. The pre-trip anxiety is peaking. Send help (and maybe a bottle of wine).
(Day 1 - Sulfur Haze and First Impressions)
Morning (Auckland Airport - Disaster Zone): Flight delayed. Of course. Grabbed a terrible coffee from the airport. Question if this trip will be a disaster. Board the flight, somehow survive the screaming baby.
Afternoon (Rotorua Arrival - Fragrant Welcome): The transfer driver (bless his soul) was already making jokes about the smell. As we drove into Rotorua, the first whiffs of sulfur hit. It's… intense. It's like a thousand rotten eggs are having a party. Pull up to Redwood Apartments. Unit 2. It's…smaller than I imagined. The pictures lied. Then, the smell hits again, but inside. I hope I can keep my window close, while I unpack.
Evening (Redwood Apartments - Settling In (ish)): Unpack. Or attempt to unpack. The sulfur aroma is still there, lingering like a persistent, smelly friend. Try to embrace it, call it "character". Have a cup of tea (thankfully, no sulfur smell). I'm thinking of getting takeaways, but I am too tired. Think about getting into bed now.
(Day 2 - Geothermal Glory and The Mud Bath Meltdown)
Morning (Te Puia - Geothermal Extravaganza): Okay, this is actually something. The geysers are magnificent. The Maori cultural performance was breathtaking. The heat is… impressive. Walking around the geysers is a delight.
Afternoon (Polynesian Spa - Mud Bath Mayhem): Now, this is where things get real… and muddy. The Polynesian Spa itself is lovely, a beautiful setting. The lakes are nice, and the pools look like the cleanest water ever. The mud bath? Let's say it's an experience. It's a sensory overload of sludgy goodness. At first, it's fun. Smearing that black, volcanic muck all over yourself, feeling like a pampered swamp creature. Then, the mud gets in… everywhere. My hair, my ears, my… other places. It's itchy. It's sticky. It's a full-body commitment. The mud is great, but now I understand the word "sticky".
Evening (Redwood Apartments - Post-Mud Rinse and Regret): Shower. And shower again. And again. I swear, I'm still finding mud bits. And that distinct sulfur "aroma" is clinging to me like a bad perfume. Dinner is take out (burgers, because I'm classy). Feeling exhausted but also strangely exhilarated.
Late Night (Redwood Apartments – the Quiet of Night): Looking back on the day, I am feeling better. It's interesting to see the geothermal sights. Everything isn't perfect, but it will be okay.
(Day 3 - Forest Forays and Kiwi Cravings)
Morning (Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest): Time to do something active. The Redwood Forest is incredible. The tall trees are beautiful. The fresh air is a massive relief after the sulfur assault.
- Mistake Alert: Tried to do a beginner biking trail I am not a beginner mountain biker! Sprained my ankle. Ugh. I will just have to take it slow now.
Afternoon (Recovering and Re-evaluating): Back at the apartment, nursing my ankle. I'm starting to embrace the slow life. Maybe I'll watch some TV.
Evening (Dinner and A Plan): I think I want to eat at a restaurant. I'll search for a local restaurant specializing in Maori food. I'll feel relaxed!
(Day 4 - Unexpected Delights and Sudden Departures)
Morning (The Local Market - A Surprise Find): Today, I feel better! The local market. It turned out to be amazing. I ate fresh fruit and bought some gifts. I am happy!
Afternoon (The Gondola Ride - A View to Remember): The gondola ride up Mount Ngongotaha was so gorgeous!
Evening (Redwood Apartments - packing): I will wake up at dawn for the flight. I had a truly amazing time.
(Departure Day - Farewell, Rotorua!)
Morning (Redwood Apartments - Goodbye, Smell-o-Vision): Early flight back. The sulfur smell has somewhat faded (or maybe I'm just used to it?). Waking up early is rough, but seeing the sunrise over the city. This is it.
Airport Adventures: Grab another terrible airport coffee. Reflect on my incredible journey. Rotorua, you were weird, wonderful, and definitely memorable. You were a messy, sulfurous, geothermal, mud-slinging, redwood-filled adventure. And, against all odds, I kind of loved it.
Rotorua Redwoods Apartment - Unit 2: You *Seriously* Want to Know? Here We Go...
Okay, spill the beans: Is Unit 2 Actually Worth Booking at the Redwoods Apartments? The *Real* Truth?
Alright, alright, settle down. "Worth it" is a loaded question, isn't it? Look, the photos? They're *accurate*. The Redwoods are beautiful, the location is killer, right on the edge of the forest. Unit 2 specifically? Well... let's just say it's like dating. On a good day, you're head over heels. On others... you might be whispering a few choice words under your breath.
Honestly? I booked it last year. HUGE family trip, thought it would be idyllic. And parts of it *were*. Waking up to the smell of pine needles, the kids running wild in the forest, evenings spent on the balcony... pure magic. But then... the Wi-Fi went kaput on Day 2. And the washing machine, let's just say it had a grudge against my favourite hiking pants. They came out looking like they’d been through a zombie apocalypse.
So, worth it? Depends. If you're after Instagram-perfect perfection, maybe not. If you can roll with the punches, appreciate the beauty surrounding you, and have a decent data plan, then yeah. Absolutely. Bring a little patience. And maybe a backup plan for laundry. Seriously, that washing machine...
What's the Deal with the Kitchen? Got everything I *actually* need? (Because those stock photos are always lying...)
The kitchen. Oh, the kitchen. Okay, the basics are there. And when I say basics, I mean *basics*. Think: you've got a fridge, a stove, a microwave (praise be!), and questionable cutlery. Don't go expecting a chef's paradise. I'm not kidding.
I remember trying to make pancakes ONE morning. Pancakes! Seemed simple enough. But the non-stick pan? More like 'sticks-to-the-bottom-like-grim-death' pan. Half the pancakes ended up as offering to the bin. Ended up eating cereal. Because the cereal was the only way to get quick food.
So, it's functional. You can (probably) whip up a simple meal. But pack your own good knives, a decent spatula, and maybe a backup non-stick pan if you're a pancake aficionado. I'm speaking from experience. And don't even get me started on the lack of storage space for snacks. I’m a snacker!
Location, Location, Location! How close are we *really* to the Redwoods? And, like, to the shops and restaurants?
Okay, *this* is where Unit 2 shines. You're practically IN the Redwood Forest. Seriously. You walk out the door and BAM! Giant trees, trails galore. It's ridiculously convenient. I mean, we literally stumbled out of bed one morning, grabbed our hiking boots, and were lost (blissfully) in the woods within minutes. Best part? The smell. That pure, crisp Redwood scent is amazing.
As for shops and restaurants? You're a short drive (or a decent walk) from the Rotorua town center, BUT I will say, if you don't have a rental car? Uber might become your best friend. Or, it can be like the worst! I hate waiting for Uber, especially when hunger hits. It is a decent location, really! But I'm just nitpicking.
So, proximity to the Redwoods? Top marks. Location-wise, depends on your priorities and how much you *really* love walking. And also, depends on how much you love food.
What about the Noise? Is it Peaceful or Do I Need Earplugs?
Noise... ah, the siren song of a peaceful getaway! Okay, here's the scoop. Generally, it's pretty darn peaceful. The Redwoods themselves are surprisingly quiet; the trees kind of absorb everything. The sounds of nature usually win out – birdsong, the wind rustling through the leaves... pure tranquility.
However, proximity to other units... well, that's always a gamble. I’ve stayed there twice. One time, bliss. The other time, the kids next door had a drumming competition until 11pm. And my sleep is sacred! So, maybe pack earplugs? Especially if you're a light sleeper. I am. Can't sleep without them, really.
Traffic noise, however, is minimal. The windows are pretty good at blocking that out. But yeah, neighbours, and maybe the odd late-night hiker. In all honesty, I think it would be alright.
The Bedrooms and Bathrooms: Are They Clean and Comfortable? (And please, no more tiny showers!)
Right, let's get real about the important stuff. The bedrooms and bathrooms. The basics are covered. Sheets are clean. Towels are provided. But the *comfort* factor? That's the golden question. I'm not going to lie to you. I've stayed in nicer. And I’ve stayed in worse.
The beds? Perfectly adequate. Not the cloud-like, sink-into-oblivion kind, but they'll do the trick. Enough space, and for a good night's sleep, nothing more. And the bathrooms? They're *fine*. The showers aren't exactly spa-like, and you might struggle to swing a cat, but hey, they do the job. Hot water? Usually. Pressure? Adequate. Nothing to rave about, but nothing to complain about either. Mostly.
Cleanliness? Generally acceptable. I’m a stickler for cleanliness. I check the corners. I check under the beds. I might be a little bit OCD. But hey, I want my stay to be comfortable! On my first visit, there was a hair in the shower drain and that drove me crazy. But, I'm probably projecting onto you, and you'd be fine.
Any Hidden Fees or Gotchas I Should Know About? Things the Booking Website "Conveniently" Leaves Out?
Ah, the dreaded hidden fees. Gotta love 'em. Thankfully, I didn’t encounter any *major* nasty surprises. Standard stuff. Cleaning fees, which are pretty standard these days.
The main thing is probably the lack of a decent grocery store that is close enough. So what I would do is get any groceries before you go. And plan ahead. It is, after all, a lodge. The lodge is pretty great.
So, nothing too outrageous! Just be aware of what you're signing up for. And read the fine print. (Ugh, I hate doing that, but it's a necessary evil!)
Okay, Final AssessmentHotel Near Me Search
