Cook Islands Hotels

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  • worldkiwi profile photo worldkiwi
  • Reviews: 992

5 out of 5 starsUser Rating

Kura's Kabanas: Great accommodation at Muri, Rarotonga!

For my second trip to Rarotonga, in April 2011, I decided that I would treat myself, so I splashed out beyond my normal budget traveller's habits. Wanting to stay at Muri Lagoon for this trip, I found Kura's on the web and it seemed one of the more reasonably priced hotel options. When a close family friend decided to join me, it made the tariff even more reasonable.
Kura's Kabanas is situated just north of Muri Beach proper. The four cabins, are sweetly appointed little detached beach bungalows. The kitchen facilities in the cabins were spotless and equipped with all the utensils you need to make home away from home. The attached 'ensuite' bathrooms had all the standard features you'd expect. Hot water was courtesy of the solar panel powered tank on the roof and on the one rainy afternoon we had, we used the booster switch.
We totally enjoyed our stay at Kura's. We didn't want to leave, and I would recommend this place to anyone wanting to stay in the Muri area.

Unique Quality: Robin (Kura's husband) will pick you up at the airport and bring you back to the motel. What a surprise when we met Robin and received 'eis (like a Hawaiian Lei) - richly scented garlands of tropical flowers - draped round our necks! This was just such a perfect symbol for the warmth and hospitality Robin and Kura show to their guests.
The motel itself is situated on the edge of the upper Muri Lagoon, with a small shallow sandy beach in front of it - the perfect place from which to launch a kayaking exploration of the turquoise waters of this - Rarotonga's most picturesque stretch of coastline. We also enjoyed the short walk or wade (depending on the tide) from the motel down to the main beach at Muri.

  • Opinion of Price: about average
  • Address: Muri, Rarotonga.
  • Phone: +68227010
  • Website: www.kkabanas.co.ck
  • Written May 12, 2011
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Kura's Kabanas, Muri, Rarotonga.

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  • Tusitala profile photo Tusitala
  • Reviews: 58

5 out of 5 starsUser Rating

2.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Pacific Resort Rarotonga: Right on Muri Lagoon

They've got the atmosphere just right here ... a blend of size and scale, and island charm and efficiency. A great management team comprising locals and internationals ensures that everything is just so.

Villas have huge bathrooms, high ceilings, and plenty of privacy in little courtyards at the rear.

Breakfast is served on the sand of Muri Beach, looking out to the motus and reef. Or another open-sided restaurant behind, built over a pond oasis.

Highly recommended.

Unique Quality: Want to paddle out on the lagoon? Grab a kayak and go. Or just laze on the deckchairs already laid out for your benefit.

Pool is fairly small, but great for kids, amid a lush tropical oasis.

Internet access.

  • Opinion of Price: more expensive than average
  • Address: Main Road, Muri
  • Related to: Spa and Resort, Food and Dining, Luxury Travel
  • Written May 8, 2009

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  • Tusitala profile photo Tusitala
  • Reviews: 58

5 out of 5 starsUser Rating

2.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Pacific Resort Aitutaki: Conde Naste's choice ...

Conde Nast picked this as one of the hottest resorts (in not THE hottest) in the world in 2008. So expectations were high to say the least.

But where was everybody? I damn nearly had the resort to myself, such is the beauty of the Cook Islands experience (and the tragedy of poor airline connections)

The villas stretch out along the beach from the main building built around a rock promontary and pool. Perfect for lovers, honeymooners ... well, any couple really.

Help yourself to a bike and ride into town or around the island.

Unique Quality: The double bed facing straight out onto the sand with thousands of miles of the South Pacific Ocean in front of you was awesome. Adjacent the villa, the large hammock got an absolute workout. Beautiful pareu (sarongs) and a CD were provided which immediately put you in the island mood.

Happy hour at the pool bar was an unforgettable sight: hundreds of tea light candles flickering away, and a darn good mojito.

Island Night is highly recommended. What a seafood feast!!! Dancers and drummers easily outnumbered the audience.

  • Opinion of Price: most expensive
  • Related to: Spa and Resort, Luxury Travel
  • Written May 8, 2009

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  • prazlin profile photo prazlin
  • Reviews: 31

5 out of 5 starsUser Rating

2 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Etu Moana: The place to stay in Aitutaki

Jo-Anne and Jim , the owners really created a jewel with the Etu Moana. Everything about the place is spot on....from the fantastic villas designed with great attention to detail, the beautiful lush garden to the great, excellent helpful and genial staff it was all perfect.
Early reservation is recommended since its usually fully booked months in advance.

  • Opinion of Price: less expensive than average
  • Website: www.etumoana.com
  • Related to: Romantic Travel and Honeymoons
  • Written December 4, 2008
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etu moana

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  • richmonder63 profile photo richmonder63
  • Reviews: 22

5 out of 5 starsUser Rating

Tiare Village: Nice Backpacker Chalet's

Tiara Village is a nice place to stay on a budget with either private rooms in a chalet, or dorms. It is has a nice social scene with a common area with kitchen, television, and vcr. I stayed here for a week in November 2003, and paid $15.50 a night for a private room in a chalet

Unique Quality: There is a nice uncrowded small pool which often has local small kids playing at, they will even ask for permission first. Easy walking distance to beach, town, and the airport

  • Opinion of Price: least expensive
  • Address: Tiare Village, PO Box 719, Atupa, Rarotonga
  • Website: http://www.tiarevillage.co.ck/
  • Related to: Beaches, Backpacking, Budget Travel
  • Written January 6, 2008
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  • Femkehaagsma profile photo Femkehaagsma
  • Reviews: 3

4 out of 5 starsUser Rating

2.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Rarotonga backpackers: Great backpackers accomodation

Great hostel. We stayed at the hillside (You can choose between hillside and beachfront) We already planned a stay on a beach location on aitutaki so decided to stay on the hillside.

Unique Quality: Good, clean accomodation. Great people. Nice kitchen and swimmingpool.

  • Opinion of Price: less expensive than average
  • Website: www.rarotongabackpackers.com
  • Related to: Beaches, Budget Travel, Backpacking
  • Written May 17, 2007
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  • robandken profile photo robandken
  • Reviews: 3

4 out of 5 starsUser Rating

2.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Puaikura Reef Lodges: Small And Perfect

For most, this would be considered a motel. One level, no spa, no restaurant - just relaxing. We stayed in a one bedroom "lodge room" with kitchen and patio. There is a bbq area if you want to use it.

If you're expecting 5 star butler service then this isn't for you. If you want very nice landlords and just want to chill, then you have it here. The place has a pool as well. The landlord helped us in renting scooters which are an essential if you want to really do some fun sight-seeing. The landlords also help have plenty of the coral reef shoes you'll need (in many sizes).

Unique Quality: Pool, help arrange scooter rental, free use of coral reef shoes and snorkeling equipment, friendly staff and service!

  • Opinion of Price: about average
  • Address: Avarua Rarotonga, Cook Islands
  • Phone: 00682 23537
  • Website: http://www.puaikura.co.ck/
  • Related to: Motorcycle, Diving and Snorkeling, Music
  • Written December 20, 2006

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  • easterntrekker profile photo easterntrekker
  • Reviews: 1949

3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Aroko Bungalows: Aroko Bungalows- one of the best values

These are a really good value . The are well maintained and have a nice wide deck looking over the lagoon . The only thing you have a bout a 15 minute walk to the actual beach . Keep in mind it is a very pleasant walk however...
There are a dozen or so little cottages in all...looked like the were working on one when we were there. Fans only!

  • Opinion of Price: least expensive
  • Address: Muri Beach , Rarotonga
  • Related to: School Holidays, Family Travel, Budget Travel
  • Written December 11, 2006
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  • easterntrekker profile photo easterntrekker
  • Reviews: 1949

3 out of 5 starsUser Rating

3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Muri Beachcomber: Muri Beachcomber- right on the beach

What this hotel lacked in charm in made up for in its location . These condo units are right on the beach . It has a nice restaurant too. We really like grill night!! The seaview units have a full kitchen and great view. Children over 12 are welcome ...and rooms are suitable for three
Very friendly staff.

Unique Quality: There is a lounge available with a micro wave refridgerator . Very convenient if you want to hand out after check out ...if you have a late flight. They even have a shower available!!

  • Opinion of Price: about average
  • Address: Muri Beach . Rarotonga
  • Website: http://www.beachcomber.co.ck/
  • Related to: Seniors, Family Travel, School Holidays
  • Written December 11, 2006
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  • easterntrekker profile photo easterntrekker
  • Reviews: 1949

4 out of 5 starsUser Rating

3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Rarotongan Beach Resort: Rarotongan Beach Resort - A touch of luxury

This is a fabulous resort , with 156 rooms. It's really beautiful with lots of thatched roofs...and the wonderful sands of Aroa Beach on the south western tip of Rarotonga.
It's a little pricey though...for the Cook Islands!!

We went there for island night and it was the best!! Food is terrific.

  • Opinion of Price: most expensive
  • Website: http://www.pacific-resorts.com/cook-islands/rarotonga/muri-beachcomber/index.html
  • Related to: Spa and Resort, Romantic Travel and Honeymoons, Seniors
  • Written December 11, 2006
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Q: Searching for Advice on Cook Islands "Hi VTers - My husband and I are doing research for our next vacation and one of the places we are considering are the Cook..."

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