accommodation aitutaki

Hi
Thanks for all the advice when I last posted - it makes such a difference hearing from people who actually know the place you're going to.
Anyway having decided to spend a few days on Aitutaki , I've been reading as much as I can about the different accommodation available.
I like the sound of Ranginui's Retreat, and also Inano Beach Bungalows and would love to hear from anyone who's stayed at either.
I was also wondering if anyone had any recommendations. I'm sure I've probably overlooked fantastic possibilities but I'm going crosseyed studying them all
Thanks
Tricia

Very open ended question, give us some input. Ie; do you want beach front, air conditioning, kitchen, you get the idea .........

Told you I was going cross eyed, also obviously stupid with looking at all the possibilities.
We want something close to beach but not necessarily beachfront, definitely some sort of kitchen, would love air con but settle for fans, and hopefully under $160 pn and must have screens.
I've looked at tripadvisor but there's so many conflicting stories I got even more confused. Not knowing the area doesn't help of course
I've heard back from Inano and they sound pretty reasonable but I'd just like some other opinions if possible before I commit
Thanks
Tricia

We stayed at Sunny Beach Lodge this past September and were quite pleased with our choice. We had a large unit with a kitchen and eating area - no A/C ,only fan but with the screened windows we had great ventilation in the end unit. We were steps from the beach and could walk to town. A short walk up the beach past the Pacific Resort there was some good snorkeling. Our older unit was $85NZ but they also have some newer bungalows right on the beach which I don't have any information on. They don't have a website but you can check them out at www.cinews.co.ck - e-mail Aroha, she was very helpful. Hope this helps.

Thanks newfie for the suggestion
I'd thought about Sunny Beach but haven't heard back from them yet and I sort of prefer the sound/look of the other side near Ranginui, Inano, etc
So far I haven't been able to get hold of any feedback re Inano which is our current preference but I have to say everything I read about Sunny Beach has been very positive

depends what's your budget but you can book the first nioght in one place and then move if you don't like the standard.
The cheapest hostels are pretty basics.

Try Samade on the Beach! It's right next to Ranginui's and Inano is around the bend back in the bay.
Samade has a bar/restaurant frequented by the guests at the above named resorts. It's a great place
with a/c and a kitchenette (no stove). There is one other place called Popoara which is behind Ranginui's,
not on the beach but cheap and clean with a kitchen, and screens! The owner is a really nice guy!
These are the least expensive bungalows on the lagoon side of the island.

Try Paradise Cove for really cheap and the sunsets are great!
Or Rino's Beach Bungalows on the same sunset side.

Sunny regards,
shully

We just returned from Aitutaki - there in Jan. 07 Stayed at Ranganui's and were very happy we did. It's on the lagoon side which is stunningly beautiful. Our private bungalow was right on the sandy beach - padded chairs, it had fans -didn't need AC at all, screens, had kitchenette, refrig w/ freezer, burners. Free kayaks available anytime on the beach, and a pool. We explored pretty thoroughly and thought it was a good value. Cost about $NZ125 - 5 night "deal". Samade's is a 2 minute walk - it has a restaurant, Island night, good swimming beach, bungalows not directly on the beach. There are cheaper places but we thought being on the lagoon was worth it. Friendly caretakers - couple with baby. They rent scooters. have fun.

Was at the beach front one at Inano in September. Really spacious and kept cool with fans (can't remember re: aircon) lovely view from decking and very private. Not good swimming out front but you have the beach and bar at Samade a few minutes walk away. The room at Inano was nice and big, especially good after being cramped at one of the beach front things at Paradise Cove where you couldn't swing a cat and things were just not quite right. Have also stayed at Samade which were nice as well. Just prefered Inano.

I highly recommend Inano Beach Bungalows - my husband and I stayed there in 2005 and just visited Aitutaki again about a month ago and paid a visit to Inano while on another visit to Aitutaki. We weren't able to stay there again because our budget this time is much lower as we are travelling for a year. When we stayed in 2005, we decided to get married there and the owners arranged everything with us for a fair price as we didn't want a 'package deal'. They had scooters for hire at a very low rate as well. When we stopped by to pay a visit a few weeks ago, the owners remembered us and we found out we could have made a deal with them,but after we visited them but sadly, it was too late to change our other arranged low budget accommodation :( ) Anyway, the bungalows are spacious and immaculate with good beds, a kitchenette, and bathrooms. The owners are lovely and helpful.