/
7

1,885 reviews

Based by the Lake

Based by the Lake

7 Tuwharetoa Street, Taupo, 3330, New Zealand

Choose dates to view prices

Skiing

Restaurant

Adults only

Free wifi

Bar

Sun deck

Lake view

Non-smoking rooms

Based by the Lake

Welcome to Based by the Lake, a stunning 4-star hotel located at 7 Tuwharetoa Street in Taupo, New Zealand. Situated just 0.8mi from the city center, this hotel offers a perfect blend of convenience and tranquility. With 1885 reviews from satisfied guests, you can trust that your stay here will be nothing short of exceptional.

Featuring a range of top-notch amenities, Based by the Lake ensures a memorable stay for all its guests. Whether you want to unleash your inner child at the water park or enjoy a relaxing round of golf with a picturesque lake view, this hotel caters to all tastes. For those seeking entertainment, live music performances are offered free of charge, adding a lively touch to your evenings.

Unwind in the comfort of non-smoking rooms with private bathrooms and balconies, while taking in the breathtaking views of the lake. With free Wi-Fi, a bar, restaurant, sun deck, and complimentary toiletries, Based by the Lake goes above and beyond to make your stay unforgettable. Whether you're here for the skiing, mini golf, or simply to soak in the serene surroundings, this adults-only hotel promises a truly delightful retreat by the lake.

Indulge in a culinary journey at Based by the Lake's very own Cornerstone Taproom, where the ambiance strikes a balance between family-friendly and modern. Treat your taste buds to a delightful fusion of European and BBQ grill cuisines. With flavors that will tantalize your senses and an inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploration. Enjoy a hearty meal with loved ones or savor a quiet dinner for two in this cozy setting.

For your convenience, Based by the Lake accepts cash as well as popular payment methods such as Mastercard, Visa, and Eftpos. This flexible approach ensures a hassle-free check-in and check-out process, allowing you to focus on what truly matters – enjoying your time at this lakeside retreat. No need to worry about currency exchanges or payment preferences; the hotel caters to your needs, making your stay as smooth as possible.

Whether you choose the Standard 2 Beds, Deluxe 1 Double Bed or 2 Beds, or Budget room type, you can expect a comfortable and accommodating stay for up to 2 adults and 1 child. Each room is designed to provide a relaxing sanctuary after a day of activities. Unwind in a smoke-free environment with necessary amenities to enhance your stay, including complimentary toiletries and balcony access. Embrace the tranquility of the lake views as you recharge for another day of adventure at Based by the Lake.

Closest airports

Taupo Airport

3.5mi

Rotorua Airport

42.3mi

Most popular amenities

Skiing

Restaurant

Adults only

Free wifi

Bar

Sun deck

Lake view

Non-smoking rooms

Live music/Performance

View

Free toiletries

Balcony

Rooms

Show 8 photos

Deluxe

2 Double Beds

2 Twin Beds

1 King Size Bed

130 sqft

Balcony

Tea/Coffee maker

x6

+

x3

More details

This deluxe room provides a King size bed, private bathroom, TV and tea and coffee. It also features lake and mountain views.

Show 8 photos

Deluxe, King Size

1 King Size Bed

130 sqft

Balcony

Tea/Coffee maker

x6

+

x3

More details

This deluxe room provides a King size bed, private bathroom, TV and tea and coffee. It also features lake and mountain views.

Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room - Sanctuary - No Children in Based by the Lake

Show 5 photos

Dormitory Sanctuary, Single, Female Only

1 Bunk Bed

160 sqft

Lake view

City view

Balcony

Shower

+

More details

This female-only dormitory includes an private bathroom with a hair dryer and hair straighteners.

Double Room with Private Bathroom - No Children in Based by the Lake

Show 5 photos

Double Room, Private Bathroom

1 Double Bed

130 sqft

Lake view

City view

Private Bathroom

Tea/Coffee maker

+

More details

This double bedroom features private bathroom facilities, tea and coffee and a TV. The rooms are street-facing and provide views of Taupo's bar and restaurant area.

Room - 2 Twin

2 Twin Beds

160 sqft

Lake view

Private Bathroom

Shower

x10

+

x6

More details

This twin room features a private bathroom, a carpeted floor and lake views. The unit offers 2 beds.

Deluxe Double or Twin Room - No Children in Based by the Lake

Show 8 photos

Deluxe, 2 Twin Beds

1 Queen Size Bed

2 Twin Beds

130 sqft

Lake view

Private Bathroom

Balcony

Tea/Coffee maker

More details

Show 8 photos

Deluxe, Doubleortwin

1 Double Bed

Balcony

Tea/Coffee maker

+

More details

Budget Double Room - No Children in Based by the Lake

Show 4 photos

Budget

1 Bunk Bed

130 sqft

City view

Private Bathroom

Tea/Coffee maker

Shower

+

More details

This private room includes a private bathroom and tea and coffee.

4 Bed Ensuite Dormitory - No Children in Based by the Lake

Show 5 photos

Ensuite Dormitory, 4 Bed

1 Bunk Bed

160 sqft

City view

Shower

+

More details

Dormitory, Bunk

1 Bunk Bed

170 sqft

City view

Private Bathroom

Shower

+

More details

Rooms are 16 square yards.

Show 2 photos

Dormitory, 4 Bed

215 sqft

Free wifi

+

More details

Dormitory

+

More details

Guest reviews

7

1,885 reviews

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

Comfort

Location

Facilities

Staff

Value for money

WiFi quality

Featured reviews:

🇳🇿

Stephen

8.2

December 2024

See below. The room (210) was satisfactory for my short (2 nights stay). Outside weather/temperatures were warm so heating/cooling were not required. Location was very convenient for The Great Lake Exhibition Centre shops and restaurants. Noise from shop's backyard extraction fans was noticeable but bearable. Kitchen balcony was appreciated.

The room (303) initially allocated to us had double bed---our booking had specified twin room (2x single beds). Luckily, this was not a problem since a twin room (room 210) was available. However, this was a "downgraded" room without "Balcony, TV, Tea/coffee maker, Heating, Fan, Electric kettle. I was told we would receive a discount ($43) which I would have to claim from Booking.com.

🇬🇧

Leah

8.2

December 2024

This hostel is great value for money, we booked a private room with en-suit, the facilities are good but inconsiderate guest let this hostel down.

The hostel is on the same street as multiple bar and clubs so can get very noisy at night, unfortunately this isn't advertised when booking. There seem to be not one staff member around after 9pm, on one of the nights we were kept awake from 2am - 5am because drunk guests where being loud and banging on door but there was no staff around the sort this.

🇦🇺

Hana

8.2

November 2023

I love this place and have stayed every year (the last 4 years). Location is in the heart of the town by the lake front, lots of food venues within easy walk and great view of the mountains from the 3rd floor rooms (ask as it not from all the rooms). The rooms are clean with tea, coffee, linen supplied (although most rooms are on the small size we had a bigger than usual room, which I'll ask for next year). Kitchen facilities are nice and big with a lovely seating area overlooking the lake

STAIRS (hope you're fit because you have to lug your suitcases up 2 flights). We travel by car so make sure we only have a small suitcase each

🇳🇿

Sarah

9.1

November 2024

We were told it would be noisy as it was a Friday night but ear plugs in our room. We stayed in room 303 which is at the back of the building away from the nightclubs so we only heard very distant noise and didn't bother us. Parking right next door was great. Very close to everything you'd need.

Lift was broken, keep that in mind if needing that. We were on the 3rd floor so it wouldn't be easy for some. The jug in our room didn't work so we couldn't use the coffee facilities in the room. The shower was a bit mouldy in places.

🇳🇿

Coreen

8.2

December 2024

Although compact the room was comfortable with a newly renovated and tiled generous sized bathroom. It was quiet on the 3rd floor with a view out to the lake. Fantastic central location enabled us to walk everywhere. Large adjoining carpark. Communal kitchen on the 1st floor is well stocked with equipment and large fridges.

The lift only takes you to the 1st floor so as long as you don't mind carrying luggage up a fairly narrow stairway it's fine. No fridge in the room.

🇳🇿

Debbie

8.2

February 2024

Central location, free parking, provided ear plugs, which were needed

We had 2 walk up 3 flights of steep stairs, to get to our room, bit tricky with luggage. Did not realise this is a back packers, very noisy. When we arrived there was no way to get into reception area, finally reached a young guy on the phone, who let us in, was told no booking for us, then found it after I asked him to double check. We had pre paid, was told no payment received had to show him my visa payment via Internet banking . This is 1st time this has occurred with booking.com. very loud music until 1am. No remote for TV, very hot stuffy room

🇬🇧

Min

9.1

September 2023

Haven't stayed in hostel for a long time, initially, I was bit worried about the facilities and perhaps noisy in the night from other younger guests. But it was far better than I thought, (not sure if it was because of winter season). 1) Location, few mins walk from Intercity bus stop; 2) I booked a single room with private bathroom. Room is small but very clean bed, with a nice bathroom. Facing the road but not noisy at all; 3) the staff (Wendy) is very friendly, she helped me with luggage and provided lots local information. She let me feel warm and welcoming. I'd like to stay there again.

Not lift from 2nd to 3rd floor during the time I stayed, was bit hard for me as I had knee issues, but the staff was very helpful, she helped me to take luggage to my room.

🇪🇸

Núria

8.2

March 2023

Super nice location, just in the street with plenty of shops and bars and restaurants. Just one street from the lake also! The stuff are very nice. The room is big enough to have your space and the bathroom is perfect. They leave little details like shower gel & shampoo, coffee and the. All perfect!

The internet didnt work properly, we had plenty of signal but didnt work. The beds made a lot of noise while you sleep, the fact that we were 3 in the room made it a bit unconfortable. But we enjoyed our stay. Check well the check in times!!! We almost not made it on time!😓

🇳🇿

Dean

10

September 2024

I liked the staff they are awesome, really friendly and will go out of there way for you, I loved the view of the lake from the balcony above the street.and the price is ridiculously cheap and it's in town across from the park, excellent Taupo night life

Not enough hooks to hang clothes up no table to put your essentials on and the bed was 2 singles pushed together very hard lumpy mattress.

🇳🇿

William

9.1

October 2024

Great location, clean room, good bathroom. Staff were friendly and check-in was extremely easy. Right across the road from restaurants and bars. Big, free carpark next door.

Can be noisy in rooms as right in the middle of town, but that is to be expected. Climbing the stairs up to our room on the 3rd floor wasn't that fun after a night in town, but really not a problem at all.

Points of Interest Around Based by the Lake

Attractions

Taupo Museum

0.2mi

Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings

0.5mi

Waipahihi Botanical Gardens

2.2mi

Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley

2.4mi

Craters of the Moon

2.9mi

Huka Falls

3mi

Huka Prawn Park

4.4mi

Wairakei Terraces and Thermal Health Spa

4.5mi

Mt. Tauhara

5mi

Lake Taupo

9mi

Orakei Korako

15.2mi

Volcanic Activity Centre

24.8mi

Tongariro River

27.3mi

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

28.2mi

Lady Knox Geyser

28.3mi

Restaurants

Cornerstone Taproom

Cuisines

  • European
  • GrillBbq

Ambiances

  • Family Friendly
  • Modern

Amenities of Based by the Lake

Skiing

Restaurant

Adults only

Free wifi

Bar

Sun deck

Lake view

Non-smoking rooms

Live music/Performance

View

Free toiletries

Balcony

Stay rules - Based by the Lake

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Curfew

  • Parking

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property