Booking Accommodation before we go

Hi,

A friend and i will be going to Fiji for a week in early August. I was just wondering whether it is better (i.e. cheaper) to book accomodation before we go, or can you get cheaper rates over in Fiji either direct with the resort or through a travel agent?

We already have our first nights accomodation booked in Nadi town (as our flight arrives late) and from then on we are open to suggestions. We will probably spend the next 3 nights somewhere along the Coral Coast (as the islands might be too expensive for us for the whole 6 nights), and then venture out to one of the islands for the remainder of the time.

Our budget would probably be about FJ$250 per night for the room (on the island), and would prefer breakfast/meals included etc. Can anyone let me know if you can get cheaper rates once we are over there, and if anyone has any ideas about where we could stay, we would be more than open to them.

Thanks

I would think you'd get cheaper rates on-stie, esp. in August, as it won;t be that crowded. And with that budget, which is high for a lot of places in Fiji, you can do a good bit of bargaining.

But e-mail a few places in advance jsut to see what their regular rates are, and how their occupancy looks.

One problem is that distances are fairly large along the Coral Coast if you want to check out three or four places in one morning, for example. you'll need a car to do that easily, but it may be worth it if you want a good deal. Also, with a car you can get into Suva for the day, a bit inland another day, etc.

You can take buses for many things, but I'd hate to be searching for a hotel on the CC by using buses.

And book direct either by visiting the places, or by from from Nadi. don't go through an agent if you want the lowest rates.

...i get to only confirm what raro has said. Your budget is quite high especially if you are not spoilt for sleek resorts. There is a big spectrum of accommodation located on the main island Viti Levu - along the southern coral coast. The option on northern shores is weaker. U needn't book anything in advance let alone via an agent, just call them 1-2 days before you turn up. I travelled during a high season and never had problems whatsoever.
Further i recommend you visit some of the eastern islands off the mainland (Ovalau, Caqalai). Pictures on www.flickr.com/jirikoo