Pillars Hotel Taupo
by the TopOfHotel team
Pillars Hotel is a small, quiet boutique with a house-like feel — good value for couples.
Pillars Hotel is a small, quiet boutique with a house-like feel — good value for couples.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
Pillars Hotel Taupo is a small boutique stay in a quiet part of Taupo, with fewer than 20 rooms done in a warm, cottage style — and each one is a little different. The reviews mostly land on the same two points: how clean the rooms are and how soft the beds feel. The garden-facing rooms are the ones people ask for, since they're quiet and the view is the nicest in the place.
Food and amenities
There's a small café on site doing breakfast, coffee and drinks, and guests single out the coffee and the homemade baking. Beyond that the appeal is low-key rather than loaded: free parking, free Wi-Fi, and a few free bikes to borrow from the front desk. There's no pool or spa — this is a house-like boutique, not a resort.
Location and getting there
The hotel sits about 1.5 km from the town centre — a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute drive. It's close to Two Mile Bay and the Lakefront, where the scenic lakeside walk starts, and Huka Falls is an 8-minute drive away.
Things to know before booking
A few honest caveats. You're 1.5 km out, so reaching the restaurants means a car or that 20-minute walk. There are only a handful of rooms, which means it books out — reserve well ahead. And there's no pool or spa on the property, so families chasing resort facilities should look elsewhere.
Our take
Pillars Hotel fits couples, honeymooners and solo travelers who want quiet and a personal, boutique feel without paying resort prices. The trade-off is the short hop into town and the lack of resort extras — fine if calm is what you're after, less so if you need a pool on the doorstep.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- A small boutique with a friendly, peaceful atmosphere rather than a big-resort feel.
- A leafy garden front and back, shaded by mature trees — a nice spot for morning coffee or an evening wine.
- Owners and staff who pay attention to the details, with personable, hands-on service.
- Rates from about $56 a night, which is good value for a boutique-level room.
- Free parking and free Wi-Fi.
- It sits 1.5 km from the town centre, so you'll want a car or a 20-minute walk to reach the restaurants.
- There are only a handful of rooms, so book well ahead.
- No pool or spa on site — this isn't a resort.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Things to do near Taupo
Day tours, attraction tickets and experiences around Taupo — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
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Insider Tips
- Ask for a garden-facing room — they're the quietest and the prettiest.
- The staff can set up a Tongariro Crossing tour at a fair price — just ask at check-in.
- There are a few free bikes to borrow at the front desk; the ride into town is easy.