Cook Islands Hotel Tips by catalysta

I got a fantastic deal with Canada 3000 on staying here for 12 nights, but unfortunately that tour outfit was a casualty of 9/11. Ordinarily I choose much smaller & more intimate inns or B&B's than this. It is a full resort, with all the amenities, and everything is priced accordingly.

So I strolled down the road or motor-scootered elsewhere for meals. In exploring further, I decided I'd likely consider Muri Beachcomber, if I were to go again (which I'd like to do!).

Unique Qualities: The resort is located in a great spot on Aroa Beach, with excellent snorkeling right outside your door. If you do stay there, it's well worth upgrading to a beachfront room , I was so glad I did. Sleep with your patio doors open, and let the sound of waves rhythmically pounding the reef and palm fronds rustling lull you to sleep.

The Rarotongan is also reknowned for its Wednesday & Saturday night traditional island Umukai Feast, a fabulous array of foods cooked in an "umu", or underground oven. Stuff yourself silly while you watch the erotic & enregetic traditional Cook Island dancers.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$180 and up  » Currency Converter
Directions: Aroa Beach, about midway between Avarua & Muri Lagoon

I can't word it better than they do:
"With the concept and design of our complex we have tried to give the backpacker a higher quality of budget accommodation by creating a feeling of spaciousness with all our rooms, i.e. high ceiling, open plan living and large decking areas, but keeping "Budget Price" in mind. "

Unique Qualities: Choose between the self-contained bungalow with private kitchen, sun deck & bathroom, a range of private rooms, or the dormitory style housing. They offer FREE airport pick-up as well, so you really can't beat it!
Prices run from NZ$20 to NZ$70, you do the math.

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Theme: Inn
Comparison: least expensive

Address: Along the main road, see map on website
Website: http://www.rarotongabackpackers.com/location.htm

For lots of specific information about other accommodations, take a look at the Island Hopper Vacations website (see link below). They provide not only hotels & resorts, but longer term rentals, and a section with listings for budget & backpacker accommodations as well. There are also links for eco tours, birdwatching, cruising, deep seas fishing, & just about anything else you may wish to check out.
The people in their office in Avarua are great, very helpful & friendly even if you aren't there to purchase a tour of any kind.


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Theme: Other

Address: Island Hopper Vacations
Website: http://islandhopper.co.ck/home/welcome.aspx