Fiji (Nadi) One Night Layover - Recommendations

Sorry, this should be a FAQ. (I have searched).

I have a 1-day overnight layover; and am looking for (1) transport/hotel recommendations and (2) what to see/do. I'm a retired backpacker, slightly disabled (limited walking). I arrive at NADI 5:am and leave 14:00 the next day. Folks recommend crossing the Island to (Suva?).

At the airport: Is there a hotel referral service ? Baggage-check? Money Exchange or ATM?
What's best budget or midrange hotels near airport? in Nadi?

Is there a bus to Suva? Where? How much? How long? Or, what?
How about best basic easy-access, budget to mid-range places to stay in Suva?

Any other options or ideas for an over-night or 1-day layover?

Thanks,

It's a three or four-hour bus ride to Suva, I dont think it's worth it for the time you have. There are several hotels just north of the Nadi airport, one across the road, and a few on the way south into Nadi town. I'd pick one and just spend the arrival day in Nadi. With a 2pm departure the next day you have to be at the airport about noon or so, so you might spend the morning near the Denarau, etc.

Another option would be to overnight in Lautoka.
Its not far from Nadi and has a few more things to see and do.

The hotel across the road from the airport is Raffles Gateway. With your slight disability ask them for a ground floor room - shouldn't be a problem.
Agree with Raro that Suva is too far, you'd spend most of your time on the bus. An alternative would be to get a local bus to Lautoka for a look around (not much more than $1, less than an hour, bus stop outside Raffles). But in consideration of ease of movement, you could probably hire a cab cheaply enough who would take you there & ferry you round for a look here & there, wait for you if you wanted to say, get out & look round the market - worth a look. Raffles has a tour desk which could help you out there.

Raffles has a shuttle to/from the Airport even though it's only a 5 minute walk-don't take a cab as they will overcharge.

Easy to change money @ the airport open 24/7.

Thanks a bunch; I appreciate it.
Local lodging sounds great, leaving me free to explore and enjoy -- without time-stress.

Best wishes.

I stayed at the Novatel which was cheapest to get on a walk in rate. If your up from it Id even suggest you go to an island in the Mamanuca's for a day and night and get a morning transfer back to the airport. Much nicer than staying on the mainland. Try Mana or Beachcomber. Enjoy.