Hotels/hostels in Tarawa

Hi there,

I can see that this is not the most visited forum, but would there by chance be anyone who knew anything about hostels or hotels in Tarawa. I'll be arriving in Tarawa by boat on the 16th of September and I'll be leaving Tarawa by plane on the 17th, so I need somewhere to sleep that's not too far from either the airport or the port/pier and it shouldn't be too pricey either (I've just been sleeping on a small boat with 10 others for five weeks, so I guess I'm not too picky:-D)
Thank you for any help.
Best,
Eva Maria

Check the following link:

http://www.visit-kiribati.com/kiribati/cms/to_stay/</a><BR><BR>Look for accomodation on South Tarawa. The is no road to North Tarawa (only as far as Buota), which is more quiet and beautiful.

The port is Betio (on the west side of South Tarawa), the airport is at Bonriki (on the east side). There is only one road from east to west and plenty of small minibusses to take (wait for a nice one with loud music and ask if they go all the way to the airport). It's a bit over one Australian dollar to get from Betio to Bonriki. When you want to get out, scream 'taiaoka ikai!' (or 'stop here please').

Clich here for a map of Tarawa: http://encarta.msn.com/map_701516953/Tarawa.html</a><BR><BR>Have a good trip!

Wouter

Some photos of Kiribati

The Otintaai (sp?) at Bikenibeu is the "best" hotel on Sth Tarawa. It's close enough to the airport to go out early, check your luggage and clear customs, then go back to the hotel for breakfast. The mini-bus runs again once the incoming plane flies overhead!

(At least that was the way it operated in 1999 - not exactly "world's best practice" as far as anti-terrorism measures, so it may have changed a bit now!)

The other hotel that came with recommendations at that time was called (I think) "Mary's" at Bairiki, which is just over the causeway from Betio, and therefore considerably (by Tarawa standards) further from the Airport. It also has a great restaurant attached, which used to do terrific crispy fried fish with sweet chili sauce!

What a shame to only have overnight in such a remote place, but I guess 5 weeks on a small boat getting there will give you plenty of opportunities to experience the vastness & magic of the Pacific!

Enjoy your adventure!

Rob

I stayed 2 nights at Mary's in February. Wasn't all that impressed, smelled like sewage the whole time I was there. Moved to the Otintaai Hotel, much more comfortable and at about $88AUST., not that much more expensive (price includes breakfast). They recently got a new manager and chef, the food was quite good - the beer cold. Another option is the recently opened Fema Lodge (fattylolomi@yahoo,com), however, no amenities, if staying only one night, I'd recommend the Otintaai (get a room in the delux wing, second floor #36 - #40).

Based on your limited stay and with a departure from Bonriki I too recommend the Otintaai since they do/did provide airport transfers. Just remember to book it through their Reception the night before. If all goes pear shaped on the day of your departure and the bus fails to show then public buses will take you to the airport that is roughly 15 minutes drive. Be aware though that many public buses only go as far as the hospital so you will need to confirm the driver will take you to Bonriki. Having said that I have never had problems with the Otintaai service.

Based on your arrival date (a Sunday) and assuming you'll be docking in Betio for Immigration/Customs clearance then consider in your plans about how much baggage you'll be carrying. The weekend could be a 'pay week' and that means local buses are full most of the time. Taxi service is useless. Drive time by public bus Betio to the Otintaai is around 40 minutes with a fare of $1.40 AU approximately.

Following the link mentioned above to visit-kiribati etc check out Sweet Coconut Motel. I stayed there in 1999. Only Otintaai is closer to the airport.

thanks for the comments here, too. useful to me as well.

has anyone travelled there since july 2007 or is this the time not to be there

As the first person said, this is not a very frequented forum.

I will be going to Tarawa this fall for work related stuff aboard a ship and want to spend a few days goofing off at the end of my work. I am looking for a low key, bungelow sort of place right on the beach with excellent snorkeling right there.

Deos anyhone have any experience with this sort of place either on Tarawa or one of the other close by islands? Is christmas island a cool place?

Thanks..Bob