We are on our fifth hotel in the South Island of New Zealand in the last 10 days, and this was the worst value for money that we we have encountered. Perhaps all hotels in Te Anau are expensive because of their proximity to the Sounds - I am not sure. The staff were friendly and helpful, and this hotel is well located. For a family of four, it was a bit small- basically, we could not all open our bags at once and have any room to move around - and the kids had to sleep in the living room. The rooms had been recently upgraded and superficially were very clean and quite well equipped. Three of us suffer from dust allergies and found the room unbearably dusty due to the presence of an ancient sofa containing a pull out bed which had obviously not been thoroughly cleaned for years. Also, the living room window fronts on to a street so unless all the blinds are closed the family is on show at all times. To be fair, one advantage of the window was that the room was wonderfully warm on returning from the cold windy afternoons. The room was not well insulated so the cold drafts kept me awake at night. I am being fussy i know but staying here was not relaxing and we basically tried to stay out of the room as much as possible as it was not comfortable to hang out in - more a place to sleep only. Definately not as fresh and clean and spacious for the money as other hotels we have stayed at in other cities on the South Island.

We researched many places in Te Anau and ended up chosing Lakefront Lodge. It could not have been more perfect for us. Location is lovely on the edge of the lake however rooms do not have a lake view. Dont let this put you off though as it was an ideal base for us.The rooms were lovely and immaculate and had everything you could possibly need.
The lady on reception - I think it may have been Adrienne was extremely helpful and booked various trips for us too. Glow-worms and Milford Sound were the two we did and well worthwhile.

If we ever come back to Te Anau we would stay here again for sure.

You really need to look behind the façade of the name to appreciate what’s on offer at Lakefront Lodge. I chose this motel from a quick search of the internet and the ever present accommodation guides, available wherever you go in New Zealand. I made the mistake of looking at the many names and the many pictures and then assuming that they all had similar positions facing Lake Te Anau.

Lakefront Lodge may have the owner’s accommodation directly facing the lake, but none of the accommodation does. It all faces directly on to the street – there’s no view for you, but there’s a great view for everyone else walking past as they look directly through your window into your lounge or bedroom.

So if you want the view of the lake, which is amazingly spectacular, from your room, then don’t stay here. There are many others which do offer that amazing sight. In fairness, the Lodge’s publicity doesn’t claim lake views, and its photos are genuine, which on very close examination do hint at the lack of view. It’s really all in that name.

Enough about that name. The units have all recently been constructed and are still in excellent condition. They are immaculately clean and have everything you need for a good night’s sleep. The quality of the furniture and fittings is of an appropriate standard; the bed is supremely comfortable; and our unit had a very large, easy to use bathroom with big, fluffy towels.

Reception was efficient, friendly and helpful. Going into Autumn we had to rely on a very inadequate heater – shame the night storage heaters had not yet been switched on. The wireless internet was very efficient with good performance – but so expensive NZD10.00 for 2 hours. Why does the mark-up on this type of service have to be so high??

In summary. Good standard for a motel if all you want is a place for a restful night and a good scrub up, in the shower, in the morning. If you want that view of Lake Te Anau – then try somewhere else.

Excellent apartments close to the main area of Te Anau, restaurants shops etc, just a couple of minutes walk away.
Loveley clean and comfortable apartment with all appropriate facilities, would love to return