Review of Novotel Rotorua Lakeside 4*

My 1st stay at this hotel was only OK however the company I work for has this hotel as a prefered accomodation choice and this being the only option for my trip I had to book for a 2nd time staying for 2 nights — HOWEVER this is going to be the last time I allow our comapny to waste money on what can only be described as a very poor, 3rd rate customer experience. My room was dated, shabby in its overall appearance, poorly heated and the fragrance of the region permeated into my room on the 1st night not completely sure how this occurred given no windows were open. As I was travelling on my own I wanted to order room service, however there was no in dining menu in the room and it took 25 minutes for someone to deliver this to my room. I ordered the chicken dish which arrived within an acceptable timeframe however it was overcooked, therefore dry and utterly tasteless. Later on in the evening I tried to purchase an in house movie depsite trying 3 times to do so, my selection (Dallas Buyers Club) simply would not load and play. The TV hummed very loudly and the reception was very poor — shadowing and out of focus picture. The only way to not hear the humming was to turn the volume down however it had to be turned down to such an extent it impacted on being able to hear the rather poor choice of viewing. In addition the choice of standard TV channels, and a couple of additional channels which included a 24 hr yoga channel do not cut it in the 21st century. The 2nd evenings meal was no better this time having selected the vegetarian option it arrived uncovered, some parts if this poorly presented dish were luke warm others overcooked, bland and stone cold. My checkout was handled efficiently however I noticed there was no attempt made to understand whether I'd enjoyed my stay or asked if there was anything they could improve on. I suspect the front office team know better than to ask that question for fear of what the answer may be. I would not under any circumstances recommend this hotel to anyone who expects a 21st century hotel experience, which at the very least should include a clean modern well appointed room, TV channel options which include movies and good well presented food.