Top Hotels in Avarua
Top 10 hotels in Avarua, Cook Islands
At the base of the rugged, dramatic mountains of Rarotonga lies Avarua, a modest capital boasting a number of bustling outdoor markets, several restaurants and bars, boutiques and the National Museum of the Cook Islands. Along the Main Street you will find fine handicrafts and perfumes, as well as the black pearls for which the area is known. Although conditions are rarely reliable for swimming, there are dive sites in the area, including the famous Wreck of the Matai.
Restaurants in Avarua
1. Club Raro Resort
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 366 reviews
Located on the Northern Coast of Rarotonga, Club Raro Resort sits on the edge of the Pacific Ocean with spectacular views out to the reef break and beyond. Club Raro Resort is located a short 10-minute drive from Rarotonga International Airport, and just a 5-minute drive from downtown Avarua. We have a selection of room types that will match your needs. From Garden and Poolside family rooms to Adults Only Ocean View rooms and self catering options, we have something for very traveller. Club Raro has one of only two swim-up bars on the island.
Good basic facilities and nice staff.
Reviewed By kererucornerA good basic clean resort with no frills hence the affordability. Lovely staff doing their best. Great cocktails and bar service and loved the swim up bar. Pool great and also has a tiny pool for littlies. Beautiful ocean view but unfortunately the rocky beach access hazardous and too windy for relaxed snorkeling so not suitable for kids. Only thing we were highly unimpressed with was their beach towel policy. When we asked for some it was $20 cash only per towel bond. We had no cash so asked to charge it to our room like everything else but were not aloud. This didn’t make sense to us and as we were running late for our activity had to go without towels. All in all a nice place to stay but probably better suited for adults or older kids.
2. The Islander Hotel
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 287 reviews
The Islander Hotel is a great value for money 3 star beachfront hotel directly across the road from Rarotonga International Airport on the waterfront featuring 11 Cabanas, Islander Restaurant, Tiki Bar, pool, outdoor dining, sandy beach, daily sunsets and unpretentious island style service from a team of dedicated Islanders. Our HULA bar on the beach offers all day happy hour from 11am until late Mon to Sun with beers, spirits, wines and soft drinks. Great for friends and family who wish to soak in Rarotonga's warm sunshine with cold cold drinks!
Good location near airport
Reviewed By dcwledzepWe stayed at The Islander on our last day in the Cook Islands - we were scheduled to fly to Atiu for a couple of days but Covid cancelled this. So we had been staying in much more expensive resorts prior to this in Muri. The Islander is in a great location for the airport (literally across the road to check-in!). It has good food, large restaurant and swimming pool. It is good in those respects, but not so much for accommodation and staying overnight. The rooms are comfortable and clean, but there is loud music from 7 pm - 11.30 pm each night. Sure, they provide ear plugs, but it is better to stay elsewhere and get a full nights sleep. Staff re friendly, but my recommendation is to use The Islander as a transit lounge when travelling, with swimming pool, drinks and food, but we wouldn't stay overnight again. It isn't much cheaper than other resorts that offer much better accommodation.
3. Sunset Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 786 reviews
Sunset Resort is a 3.5 star property and is idyllically situated on the sheltered western side of the island only minutes from Avarua township. The secluded beachfront location provides guests with an unspoilt view of Rarotonga's crystal clear aqua blue lagoon and breathtaking sunsets. This personally managed, privately owned resort has an intimate atmosphere that will make every guest feel welcome and ensure they experience the magic of Rarotonga and its people.
Awesome Place to Stay!!
Reviewed By Kirsty_CodyGriffithsThis was my Husband and I's first trip to Rarotonga. I could not recommend Sunset Resort enough!! The staff are so lovely and friendly and so helpful, they make you feel so special! We had a blast and will definitely be coming back!!
4. Tropical Sands
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Relax in Rarotonga
Reviewed By ebindeIf moonlight on the ocean and the sound of the surf breaking a stone’s throw from your porch or balcony is your idea of relaxation, then Tropical Sands in Rarotonga may be as pleasant for you as we found it. There are many restaurants a short ride away by bus, taxi or rental. We often ate in using the nearby convenience store and the ample kitchen in our unit. There is a nearby night market with many food offerings. Owners Rudy and Kanoe made us most welcome. Our unit was comfortable with screened windows open for the ocean breezes. There is a small coffee shop nearby with coffee ground and roasted on site. They are open daily from 7:30 to 10. Be sure to go early on Wednesday, Friday or Sunday when a variety of fresh pastries and bread are available.
5. Black Rock Villas
Overall Ratings
5 based on 90 reviews
Spacious,private,modern villas overlooking the lagoon,next to the Golf Course,on the sunny side of the Island.Both villas have 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms,T.V.DVD and a complimentary DVD selection.Fully equipped kitchen,dishwasher and a private garden with outside oven and BBQ.We are opposite the famous Black Rock,with its natural deep swimming hole.The ever changing magnificent sunsets and large infinity pool,along with the on-site licensed cafe makes Blackrock Villas a perfect place for the discerning traveller.
Simply the best relaxing property
Reviewed By N447SRlindafAndy and Michelle are great hosts.A very professional service is offered with a smile. The villas are immaculately furnished in a tropical and relaxed way. A great view from the deck and the pool just delightful refreshing dip with a view. Easy walking to beach everything is just so easy at Black Rock Villas. The cafe is a must and that tutti frutti punch a must exclusive to Turoa Cafe
6. Kia Orana Villas & Spa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Great and comfortable stay :)
Reviewed By Vidhee4We stayed in one of the luxury villas for a week and it was amazing. The room is very comfortable, spacious, clean and has everything that one can need for their stay. Pool was great to cool down on a hot day . Sane and the team were absolutely amazing . All of our needs were catered to. We had a wonderful stay here at the Kia orana villas and would stay with them again in a heartbeat :)
7. Aremango Guesthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 169 reviews
Located in the beautiful Muri Lagoon in Rarotonga, Aremango Guesthouse welcomes travelers, explorers and sun searches from all over the world, offering affordable comfort, warm friendly service and peaceful relaxation on our little island of paradise. The guesthouse surrounded with coconut palms, banana and mango trees, is seconds to the beach down a garden path and is in an ideal location for sun, sand and sea lovers.
Great Location, good value.
Reviewed By MurrayC87I'm a travel agent, I look a lot at properties in the cook islands. This is a great value property in a good location of Rarotonga. Muri beach is at the end of the drive, it is clean tidy, with good kitchen facilities and friendly staff. The trade off is a lack of swimming pool and air con. But that's budget accommmodation.
8. Nikao Beach Bungalows
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Fantastic spot with everything you need
Reviewed By RMP1978The 3 beach bungalows are very well-equipped. I made breakfast and a few lunches in the kitchen of mine on a regular basis and I found all the utensils I needed were already there. There is a free laundry facility on site, free kayaks and free snorkeling gear. The hammock on the beach is a perfect place to while away a morning reading. The Oasis service station across the street is not only open 24 hours, but it is very well-stocked including cage-free eggs, hot foods and fresh vegetables for salads. The best part is Tashi and her wonderful team who will bend over backwards should you need anything. I would not hesitate to stay here again.
9. Central Motel
Overall Ratings
4 based on 41 reviews
The Central Motel as it name implies, is in the centre of our main town Avarua. It is ideal for visiting consultants, business people, company representatives and tourists who like to be in town and still only a short bus,scooter,bike or car ride to fabulous beaches.We have 14 rooms and a small conference room. Our rooms have IDD phones, T.V's, fridges, toasters, kettles, mini bars, tea/coffee making facilities, fans and en-suite.There is a Spa pool to cool off in after meetings or just to cool off!We also have our own WiFi facilities for guests.The Central Motel is only 10 minutes from the airport and is within easy walking distance of most government offices/agencies, shops, restaurants, café, banks and museum and libraries. We can arrange car/scooter hire, tours and outer Island flights and tours. We have airport transfers and all our guests are met personally.
Its not the same place it was
Reviewed By avee8orFirstly, I had stayed here 2 or 3 times before when Nigel ran the place, It was good then, it looked like the photos youo see here, it was located well for me because it's just behind the Land Court so very handy for my purposes back then. Today: Rating - Terrible Why Terrible - Reason 1. No maintenance, upkeep, care for the property seems evident any more. It's overgrown courtyard makes it dark, damp and uninviting. The gates into the property are dilapidated and worn as is the rest of the place (definitely not like the photos anymore). Reason 2. The rooms are very underwhelming, adequate as in it has a bed but not super clean (I've stayed in worse) but as described in the previous "terrible" review, the amount of bugs, ants, cockroaches was significant and likewise I used the whole can of fly spray on the first night with the associated debris of bodies including unfortunately the little ghecko which obviously couldn't keep up with the bugs. Reason 3. Couldn't pay electronically as the machine was broken. So had to go off and get extra cash. Not too big of a problem but I tried to pay each day with the same he's just coming to fix it. It's sad, I've liked it on previous stays, I booked it because Ministry of Foreign Affairs is on the corner of the street and I needed to go there, but I have to say the previous Central Motel and the current are two completely different places, Polar opposites, 180 degrees opposed. It is a very sad place now sorry to say.
10. Wellesley Hotel Rarotonga
Overall Ratings
5 based on 19 reviews
The Wellesley Hotel is an adults-only boutique hotel situated in the Avarua District. Its location is ideal, only a short walk from Avarua town and Punanga Nui market. The property is set back from the main road to ensure privacy and relaxation for our guests. The Wellesley Hotel offers a free shuttle service to and from the airport, which is a 10 minute drive from the property. The comfortable accommodation and the personalized service make for a relaxing and memorable stay. Our perfect clear blue outdoor pool is available for your use. It is surrounded by the beautiful tropical garden and stunning views of the mountain. We offer a complementary a-la-carte breakfast at our renowned Lazy Trout café. We also offer guests wifi and the use of bicycles at no cost. Our small and friendly team of staff provide outstanding service which will ensure your Rarotonga experience with us is an unforgettable one.
Excellent location, nearby downtown within walking distance, great restaurant and wonderful staff!
Reviewed By jam1015The full breakfast which is included in the room rate is very good and generous portions. The location being so close to the airport, gave us plenty of time to relax, shower and return back to the airport for our transfer flight to Aitutaki. The staff were excellent and very accommodating during our short stay. I would highly recommend this hotel and its restaurant to anyone who comes off a long flight and wants a nearby hotel to the airport to unwind.
