레이크뷰 로지 카라피로(Lakeview Lodge Karapiro)

On paper (and Tripadvisor!) , this looks great. The Lodge iteself is very comfortable, great layout, well equipped, and fantastic views. However, the unavoidable elephant in the room is the main Highway, which thunders past 24 hours a day. It is on a hill; so you have lorries changing gear going up and using their engine brakes going down. It is constant, even indoors with the windows shut. Service was also poor. Bed and breakfast turned out to be a delivery of milk,bread, margarine, orange drink (not juice), tomatoes and eggs on Day 1, then nothing for the remaining 4 days. The Booklet says the Lodge will be serviced daily; apart from a change of towels on Day 3, nothing; not even bins emptied. A faulty cooling/heating unit caused the electrics to trip regularly. We reported this, but it was still broken when we returned for a final (pre-booked) night two weeks later.

When I first stumbled upon this villa on Google Maps and the official website, it seemed almost too good to be true. There must be a catch! But everything was as perfect as it seemed online. Our Host, Helen is the most thoughtful, gracious host I have ever met! She is super prompt and provided me and my family with all the information we needed and showed us around. The villa is just perfect! It is beautifully decorated and furnished with particular attention to all the details for the best comfort. The attention to detail was incredible! It very much lives up to the photos. The grounds were impeccable and simply beautiful. Location is incredible!
 Our stay at Lakeview Lodge Karapiro was magical beyond all expectations. If we come back to Karapiro, we would not consider staying anywhere other than here. Absolutely perfect! To Helen, thank you very much for taking care of us and of our needs during our stay!