Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa

Hi All,
I was looking at a 10 day stay at The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa this coming October.
I read some reviews via Google Maps & a lot of them were scathing! Particularly re dark, musty rooms; rude staff & greasy, fried foods. It doesn't really gel with the latest LP review.
Can anyone come to it's rescue? Or offer alternatives? Looking for some luxury in the medium to top end.
Cheers,
Inky

The Rarotongan was the first large resort type hotel on the island. It has it's faithful patrons who have stayed their many times. I give it high marks for family visits primaily because of it's many ammentities. It really depends on what you are looking for. I tend to prefer smaller places and therefore I would make other choices if you are comfortable without tennis courts and a full time restaurant. Aroa's Beachside is on the same side of the island has a better beach and has at least a small restaurant bar operation. The owners are on site and have barbeques twice a week with local musicians. Visit there website at www.aroabeach.com and see if their Inn fits your needs, if not I can suggest others

Papa Mike
Papa Mike's Cook Islands Handbook

Edited by: PapaMike

You better get moving for the better places in the Cooks, people tend to book in advance.

I wouldn't put much faith in the LP. (Who knows how much time they have actually spent visiting the Rarotogan themselves.) Check out accomodation reviews on Tripadvisor and also their excellent Cook Islands forum.

Check out accommodations on www.ck I agree with Papa Mike, consider the smaller places or even a house rental.

I must add, with 10 days, I would spend half on Aitutaki myself.

I would second silvanocat's suggestion about TripAdvisor. If you post this same question on the Rarotonga forum you will get lots of useful suggestions.

There are also lots of reviews for hotels and 'specialty lodgings' which include smaller properties and rental houses.

Personally, from what you say I would think there are lots of better alternatives than the Rarotongan. I went there first in the late 70s so it's been there a long time!

I'd avoid the Rarotongan, too big and impersonal. I agree with the others, pick a smaller place, and use TripAdvisor. Just discount the top 10% of reviews (usually friends or their own plugs) and the worst 10% (often competitors' reviews!).

If you can afford Sokala Villas, stay there.

Also, I agree with silvano, spend four or five days on Aitutaki if you can.

Raro: I totally agree about ignoring the top 10% and the worst 10% of reviews.

I should have mentioned that I recommend people looking at the details of the reviewer. Most, not all, first time reviewers should be treated with suspicion. If they've been on a forum asking questions then that's probably ok. I know that some places actually solicit reviews and others write them themselves. In fact there are a couple of places where there just aren't enough units for there to be so many brilliant reviews. Having said that, they can be very useful.

Agree with the useful comments above. If you are seeking luxury accommodation at the higher end, the smaller boutique resorts and stand alone accommodation properties would be your answer. Any particular area of Rarotonga where you wish to stay? Muri in Ngatangaiia around to Titikaveka has several luxury properties including Sokala (aging but still popular), Muri Beach Club, Pacific Resort beachfront units or their stand alone villas, Te Vakaroa, Te Manava, Rumours, Little Polynesian, Royale Takitumu - and lots of small private rental accommodation in between these. Aroa Beachside isnt luxury - more budget to mid price, yet it offers guests a homely/ fun stay. Aim to split your time 50/50 between Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Several nice accommodation/resort properties on this island, some mid range and several luxury. Rumours of Rarotonga are opening their new Rumours on Aitutaki (from now) and offering free interisland flights. Pacific Resort is popular with beachfront villas, onsite restaurant, and cafe - nice beach for swimming. Aitutaki lagoon is stunning. Regarding the Rarotongan, they have accommodation to suit all budgets including separate luxury 2/3 br villas on Rarotonga. Their Aitutaki sister resort is set in the best location on Aitutaki, being on a small private island with expansive lagoon views towards One Foot islet in the S/E corner.