Rising Trout named best B&B

BEST B&B: David and Elizabeth Keay, owners of The Rising Trout B&B, say being friendly and accommodating helps their business be successful. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

Rotorua is one of the best places to stay in the country, according to the latest Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Awards.

The awards are determined by customer reviews on the Trip Advisor website, one of the world's most recognised travel websites.

The Rising Trout B&B was fourth of the top 25 B&Bs and Inns in New Zealand, and was number one for Rotorua.

David and Elizabeth Keay have owned the B&B for the last four years, after they moved to Rotorua from Auckland.

"It's amazing, number one yet again in Rotorua and fourth in the country. We have worked hard at it, it's great, so we are really proud of ourselves," Mr Keay said.

"Trip Advisor has been amazing for us. We haven't got a day spare until March 29."

Mrs Keay said they put in extra effort so people would enjoy their stay.

"I think being friendly, accommodating and giving people what they want most, and being right on the water, that's what makes it I think."

Mr and Mrs Keay were planning to sell the house and the business to be able to be closer to their grandchildren.

"We have made a big decision with regret and excitement.

"It is a great business and a real credit to Rotorua is how people enjoy it so much here," Mr Keay said.

Arista of Rotorua took out the number one spot in the Top 25 Hotels for Families in New Zealand, as well as placing 10th in the Top 25 Hotels for Families in the South Pacific, and 24th in the Top 25 Hotels for Service in New Zealand.

Arista of Rotorua owner Mike Gallagher was chuffed with the placings.

"Rotorua, as a whole, has done extremely well on the awards this year and we think this is fantastic. We see Rotorua doing really well in the coming two years so its about local accommodation providers trying to work out how to capitalise on those two years."

"I think it's awesome for Rotorua. Overall Rotorua has done really well because what it shows is that we all work bloody hard to give a good service and to give a good tourism spiel because so often we get tourists come here first, and then when they leave they say we in Rotorua were the friendliest people in New Zealand."