Budget but Great Accommodation Options

Accommodation Options and Reviews

Craig and I have just sat down to review some of the accommodation options trying to work out what would be suitable for most people.

Factors we have tried to consider include

1. Price per couple or family
2. Proximity to restaurants or grocery stores for those wanting self catering options
3. If full kitchen facilities are available or kitchenette
4. Air Conditioning, ceiling fans and mosquito nets
5. Inclusions such as breakfast, scooter, cruises, pool etc
6. Use of kayaks, snorkelling gear
7. Location either on the beautiful inner lagoon or the sunset side of the island

For couples or singles our recommendation is Paradise Cove  

I would really like to book these ASAP.  There are 10 beachfront bungalows here for couples/singles, with garden suites just behind, and also 2 FAMILY units in garden suites that will accommodate 2 adults and 2 children.  For a Couple/Single just $150 per night for a FAMILY just $230.  I am confident that if we book as a group and soon we will get it even cheaper than this.

Its a 2-3min drive or 10min walk to Paradise Cove for restaurant eating and cocktails.  30min walk to town

Units are small, clean and tidy, definitely the nicest for this price.

The people we are thinking could stay here are:

• Sacha and Whanau
• Stace (portacot available!!!!)
• Mum Williams
• Kurt and Jess
• Karl (probs you could stay with Scott or Paul too)
• Mark and Steph
• Mel and Paul
• Leens and Rorz
• Bing and Rich
• Fee and Allan
• Excel crew
• Jackie and Keith
• Sue and Bob

This is actually most of the wedding crew!  So we would easily book the place out. Plus our family are likely to be staying next door at the Are-a-Matatui Villas, with a night or two at either the Pacific Resort or Tamanu both of which are close by and have bars and restaurants.

Ranginui's Retreat

This would be the only other comparable accomodation on the lagoon side, close to Ootu Beach, very close to Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa, Samades Restaurant, and also where our wedding cruise departs from.  Craig and I always thought we would rather stay at this part of the island because the lagoon here is like heaven.  But after reading some reviews on Trip Advisor there seem to be some drawbacks.  It is a long scooter ride to get to groceries/supplies.  One reviewer quoted $24 for a sandwich at Samades, and comparable prices at the Lagoon Resort and Spa.  So either its expensive eating out, or you need a scooter to access groceries to take advantage of kitchen facilities in your unit.  However they advertise a 

5 night package- $840 per couple, under 2s free and $40 per night for extra person

So for 2 adults and 2 kids (over 2) it works out to be $248 per night

A couple works out to be $162

The inclusions appear to be VERY good and make it excellent value for money. These are:

• airport transfers
• a lagoon cruise for 2 people
• scooter hire (not sure how long for)
• kayaks
• breakfast starter pack
• and it has a pool

There are 2 units with aircon but you pay extra for that, but the units are fully screened for mozzies.

We would also suggest to the above people to consider this option plus Scott and Paul's families especially if Craig's Mum and Steve stay at the Lagoon Resort and Spa.

Samade, and Ootu

Samade ($200 per couple per night for 3 nights) as you have read also has a bar/cafe/restaurant.  Craig and I have had dinner here and its location looking out over the Lagoon is AWESOME!  Though none of the accommodation is on the beach.  It seems over priced for what you get.  You would need a scooter or car to get supplies if not eating out.  Close to Lagoon Resort and Spa.  I have read that service here is not good.  On the PLUS side each unit is air conditioned.
Ootu can cater for a family at $350 per night.  Ootu is supposed to be "the beach" to be at.  It is near Samade and Lagoon Resort and Spa, so on the beautiful lagoon part of the island and where the cruises leave from.  It can accomodate up to 6 people ($425 per night)so could be a very good option for you WEBBER FAMILY.
Please don't consider Inano.  We have read so many reviews about the crazy lady that runs it, She asks for money for just about every little extra thing including use of kayaks, she also boils the water to sell to you, generally not good.

If you would like to stay at Paradise Cove or Ranginui's retreat please let me know ASAP and I'll make a group booking.  If you want to stay at the other options please make your own arrangements, but let me know what you are doing.