We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
Contact accommodation for availability.
There are similar hotels available.
View all
Dennis K
Toronto, Canada

A Rural Wonderland

5.0 of 5 bubblesReviewed Apr 18, 2019
We liked this B&B on the outskirts of Rotarua.

It's a ten minute drive from Rotarua and is located on a large tract of land with sheep, donkeys and other farm animals.

The hosts were informative and the breakfasts were scrumptious.

Date of stay: March 2019
Problem with this review?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louise D, Owner at Doolan's Country Retreat, responded to this review
Responded Apr 19, 2019
Many thanks for your kind review.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nearby Hotels
  • Hotels.com
  • ZenHotels.com
    C$216
  • Algotels
12.6 km from Doolan's Country Retreat
Free Wifi
Free parking
  • Hotels.com
  • ZenHotels.com
    C$251
  • Priceline
11.8 km from Doolan's Country Retreat
Free Wifi
Free parking
Pool view
  • Hotels.com
  • ZenHotels.com
    C$173
  • Algotels
10.8 km from Doolan's Country Retreat
Free Wifi
Free parking
Restaurant
  • Hotels.com
  • Official Site
    C$175
  • Algotels
9.8 km from Doolan's Country Retreat
Free Wifi
Free parking
  • Hotels.com
  • Official Site
    C$168
  • Algotels
10.1 km from Doolan's Country Retreat
Free Wifi
Free parking
  • Hotels.com
  • ZenHotels.com
    C$257
  • Priceline
10.0 km from Doolan's Country Retreat
Free Wifi
Restaurant
getlstd_property_photo
  • Hotels.com
  • ZenHotels.com
    C$416
  • Trip.com
11.3 km from Doolan's Country Retreat
Free Wifi
Superior 1 bedroom Suite
  • Algotels
  • ZenHotels.com
    C$155
  • Hotels.com
11.9 km from Doolan's Country Retreat
Free Wifi
Free parking
Exterior view
  • Hotels.com
  • Novotel
    C$253
  • Algotels
9.7 km from Doolan's Country Retreat
Free parking
Pool
Exterior
  • Expedia.com
  • ZenHotels.com
    C$187
  • Hotels.com
10.5 km from Doolan's Country Retreat
Free parking
Pool
View more hotels in Rotorua
Reviews (353)
Filter reviews
353 results
Traveller rating
334
15
3
1
0
Traveller type
Time of year
LanguageAll languages
More languages
Traveller rating
334
15
3
1
0
See what travellers are saying:
Selected filters
Filter
Updating list...
18 - 23 of 353 reviews
Reviewed March 23, 2019 via mobile

We were fortunate to find Louise and Marks when looking for accommodation in Rotorua and what a bonus, such a lovely home and garden with views of the lake. Louise welcomed us with afternoon tea and hand made treats before running through the local attractions and providing information only a local would know and that you would never get from a hotel concierge. A 10-15 min drive into town and close to many other local attractions. Our first night we went to the local street food market and the Redwood Forest which were fantastic. Louise and Mark are so genuine and quickly work out people’s interests and recommend the sights accordingly, we thoroughly enjoyed our time with them and went back to stay for two more nights to make sure we saw everything we wanted to before heading back to Auckland. We felt so welcome and at home as though we were old friends visiting. A very comfortable and clean home with everything you need and delicious breakfasts to get the day started. Definitely a highlight of our NZ holiday.

Date of stay: March 2019
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Thank KJS1926
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louise D, Owner at Doolan's Country Retreat, responded to this reviewResponded March 25, 2019

Thank you for sharing your experience and your kind words. We really appreciated that you went to support our Chiefs as well as stopping to have a great cuppa along the way. Sharing stories with our neighbours is a lot of fun and gaining friends along the way even better.

Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed March 11, 2019

We could´nt believe that we will stay in such a big house. The location is remote and overlooking the lake but only 15 min from Rotorua center. Louse is a one of the nicest host we ever had and you feel immediately well and like coming back to good friends.

Room tip: there is one room with no en suite bathroom and the rooms have different sizes.
Date of stay: February 2019
  • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
    • Location
    • Cleanliness
    • Service
Thank jörg m
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louise D, Owner at Doolan's Country Retreat, responded to this reviewResponded March 11, 2019

Thank you for your kind words and for being fabulous guests it's a pleasure to share our little piece of paradise.

Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed March 10, 2019

We were blessed to have had the luxury of staying here for three nights. From the very first step inside until our departure, we felt right at home with Louise and Mark. They are genuinely interested in you as guests and go the extra mile to make you feel comfortable in their home. We had many great conversations and good laughs, both at the breakfast table in the morning and outside on the patio while stargazing at night.

Furthermore, the location of the B&B is great. It is in the middle of nice gardens lying on top of a hill overlooking lake Rotorua (without being in the sulphur smells). The house itself has unique architecture which creates a nice and cosy atmosphere, and the rooms are comfortable and spacious. The decoration with Louise's own paintings give a nice touch.

We wouldn't have mind spending some extra nights here, and we would most definately love to return here some day!

Date of stay: February 2019
  • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
    • Location
    • Rooms
    • Service
Thank Fritsvh
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louise D, Owner at Doolan's Country Retreat, responded to this reviewResponded March 11, 2019

Thank you for your kind review we are thrilled you enjoyed your stay with us and even better we got to experience the stars!

Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed February 20, 2019

Sadly we were only here for one night but wished we'd booked for longer!

On arriving Louise welcomed us and ushered us to join her and some other guests having tea on the patio. Not only was there tea but also some homemade sweet treats which were lovely! The setting for the B&B is beautiful and we stayed talking and admiring for ages but as we had made a booking (hangi meal) for the evening we eventually had to go out.

On our return, Mark & Louise were watching TV however, they immediately stopped watching and joined us on the patio just (literally) staring into space - the sky was mesmerising.

Our room was huge (as was the bathroom) and beautifully decorated. The whole house is open plan (apart from the bedrooms and bathrooms!) and this is reflected in Mark and Louise's hospitality. The setting is heavenly, only a couple of miles out of town, but a world apart.

The breakfast was plentiful and tasty. We would love to return one day!

Date of stay: January 2019
  • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
    • Value
    • Location
    • Service
Thank SarahBSSE
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louise D, Owner at Doolan's Country Retreat, responded to this reviewResponded March 11, 2019

Thank you for your kind words. We love to stare at the stars and spot the satellites and show off the Southern Cross in our special place on earth.

Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed February 1, 2019

Awe inspiring retreat. Fabulous views and magnificent garden. It is so relaxing we had to drag ourselves away to visit local attractions. Louise and Mark are perfect hosts. It truly is a 5 star home away from home.

Date of stay: January 2019
  • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
    • Rooms
    • Cleanliness
    • Service
Thank Anna R
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louise D, Owner at Doolan's Country Retreat, responded to this reviewResponded March 11, 2019

Thank you for your kind words. We loved hearing of your travel adventures especially the fishing up North where you caught and ate your catch of the day. Sharing recipes and family stories was fun and a reminder that the world is a smaller place than we think - after all we are neighbours who have Edmond Cookbooks! Congratulations on your 5th Anniversary we hope we can help you celebrate the 10th!

Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
View more reviews