Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Aitutaki - Best cheap accomodation

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Cook Islands

Dear all,
what is the best cheap accomodation on the island?
Matriki - Amuri Guesthouse - The Castle - Josie's - Runway Lodge - Paratroopers Motel - Turia's Guesthouse - Tiare Maori Guesthouse?
I can find some info on the web about Matriki, Amuri GH and Josie's, but not much about the other ones.
Can anyone recommed some links, or give some suggestions on these places?
Runway Lodge looks nice from the pictures, does it have screens at the windows?
And how long it takes by bicycle to go from Ootu Beach to the main village?
Thank you very much for your kind help.

It's about 9 Km to Arutanga from Samades at OOtu Beach. On a hot day against the wind on a pushbike it can be a slog. I'd suggest the other side of the island for lodging. Better and longer beach, more choices for lodging and more places to eat if your not on a motor scooter. Matriki has a very good location.

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Matriki is fantastic. My favorite place to stay in the Cook Islands. You may need to book it in advance. It is getting popular these days.

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I stayed at Amuri GH and Matriki in August/September last year. Matriki is good for location, it's on the beach, but the beach huts have no ensuites, the garden unit does.
Amuri GH is not on the beach, but is very cheap ($40 for a single, $70 for a double) and also very clean. No ensuite either, but the shared his- and hers-bathrooms are spotless, as is the kitchen. Lovely people that run it too, they are very helpful and make you feel very welcome.

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I stayed at Gina's Garden Lodge, in the centre of the island.
http://www.ginasaitutaki.com/ginas-garden-lodges.html
Just 75 nzd a night for my own private bungalow!
"Queen" Gina is one of the chiefs (ariki) of the island.

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I stayed with a local family back in 2008, when I visited Aitutaki. They had a mango plantation and a big house with a few free rooms. It was cheaper than any of the guesthouses, I think. If you are interested, I can dig out their email address.

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hi tishobj, it's long time but do you have the email adress?

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