Reviews of The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium This rating is a reflection of how the property compares to the industry standard when it comes to price, facilities and services available. It's based on a self-evaluation by the property. Use this rating to help choose your stay!
Aroa Beach (PO Box 103, Rarotonga), Arorangi, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
#114 of 125 hotels in Rarotonga
Guests' ChoiceReview Score
Based on 1329 hotel reviews
7.5Score breakdown
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Cleanliness
7.9
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Comfort
8.0
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Location
9.0
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Facilities
7.6
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Staff
8.4
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Value for money
7.4
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Reviewed: June 4, 2024
Hedi
New Zealand38 Reviews1 helpful vote7.0“Great location - friendly staff”- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Family Two-Bedroom Interconnecting Suite - Beachside
- • Stayed 8 nights
Meals were not up to standard and waiting time was extremely long Breakfast was a bit disappointing - not a lot of variety (we stayed for 10 days and had no variety in fresh fruit for breakfast)
Beautiful beach location
Stayed in May 2024
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Reviewed: June 2, 2024
Parisse
Vietnam1 review7.0Good- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double Room - Beachside
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Really accommodating staff , I had a few questions & they were more than responsive. Bedding was comfortable rooms were clean , shower pressure was fabulous and I think it’s the best spot on the island ! I would definitely stay here again
Stayed in June 2024
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Reviewed: May 31, 2024
Jo-anne
Australia14 Reviews2 helpful votes8.0“Pleasant and enjoyable”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double Room - Beachside
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Slowness of getting a room. Arrived at 8.00am and no room allocation until almost 4 pm. Very understaffed, waiting more than 45 mins and up to 1hr for a meal to arrive.
The location, the staff were lovely but very over worked.
Stayed in May 2024
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Reviewed: May 27, 2024
Alireza
New Zealand7 Reviews9.0Wonderful- • Business trip
- • Family with young children
- • Family Two-Bedroom Interconnecting Suite - Beachfront
- • Stayed 1 night
thanks
Stayed in May 2024
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Reviewed: May 25, 2024
Slater
Australia1 review8.0“A beautiful stay”- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Double Room - Beachfront
- • Stayed 14 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Some of the facilities were a little outdated. There was no spa service available. Would be great to have boiled or scrambled eggs as part of the buffet breakfast rather than having to order separately. You’re unable to walk anywhere easily meaning you’re reliant on catching the bus or hiring a car or taxi when visiting other restaurants, bars or supermarkets.
The lagoon was some of the best snorkelling I’ve ever done so I loved having direct access to it across from our room. The gardens/landscaping are impeccable. The staff were very friendly and helpful. My daughter loved the people in the kids club.
Stayed in May 2024
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Reviewed: May 22, 2024
Anna
Switzerland4 Reviews7.0Good- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe Suite - Beachfront
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Airport transfer was forgotten. We received a smaller room than booked, and were informed this is an upgrade. Breakfast is a “mass” type of setup and tables are not cleaned and prepared for the next guests
Location nice, snorkeling nice, bed comfortable.
Stayed in May 2024
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Reviewed: May 19, 2024
Nick
Australia5 Reviews7.0“Great place to visit”- • Leisure trip
- • Group
- • Double Room - Beachside
- • Stayed 7 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Could have been cleaner
Location was great
Stayed in May 2024
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Reviewed: May 17, 2024
Alison
Australia44 Reviews6 helpful votes8.0“Pleasant stay with on this beautiful island.”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double Room - Beachfront
- • Stayed 4 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Would have liked lighter options on the menu.
Our room was spacious, the bed was comfortable and the shower was great.
Stayed in May 2024
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Reviewed: May 13, 2024
Louise
United States of America2 Reviews1 helpful vote8.0Very Good- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Double Room - Beachside
- • Stayed 4 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The mosquitoes were a bother! I would of liked a screen over the bathroom window and balcony door. The daily tropical breakfast didn't change. A new item each day, hot or cold would of been nice.
The friendly staff.
Stayed in May 2024
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Reviewed: May 11, 2024
Mike
New Zealand7 Reviews1 helpful vote8.0“Above expe3ctations. The site make it a magical experience”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double Room - Beachside
- • Stayed 6 nights
The wait times one some mornings for breakfast. The check in was innecessarily long and Clunky
all staff fantastic
Stayed in May 2024
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Reviewed: May 11, 2024
Benita
Australia5 Reviews9.0“Gorgeous but expensive.”- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Family Two-Bedroom Interconnecting Suite - Beachfront
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Wifi was expensive and hard to connect too
Staff were amazing, Rooms were comfy & The Lagoonarium was stunning
Stayed in May 2024
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Reviewed: May 10, 2024
Renee
New Zealand3 Reviews8.0“Staff were extremely friendly and we will miss them immensely”- • Leisure trip
- • Travelers with friends
- • Deluxe Suite - Beachfront
- • Stayed 7 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Great location, rooms were spacious, delicious food and drinks + the guys loved the towers!
Stayed in May 2024
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Reviewed: April 30, 2024
Kaycee
New Zealand9 Reviews8.0Very Good- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Double Room - Beachside
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
It's an awesome location with great pool and beach acess
Stayed in April 2024
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Reviewed: April 29, 2024
Matthew
Australia17 Reviews3 helpful votes8.0“Excellent location and resort, great for families”- • Leisure trip
- • Group
- • Double Room - Beachfront
- • Stayed 2 nights
Bar closing time could be a bit later. Included breakfast could have had more options.
Great location, excellent snorkelling. Bar and restaurant was excellent.
Stayed in April 2024
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Reviewed: April 27, 2024
Katie
Australia3 Reviews1 helpful vote6.0Pleasant- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Double Room - Beachfront
- • Stayed 7 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The food quality was poor and there were not enough staff to keep the dining room clean.
Room was clean and close to the beach and lagoon for snorkelling
Stayed in April 2024
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Reviewed: April 25, 2024
Melissa
New Zealand10 Reviews6.0“Still the best family accommodation and location but needs renovating.”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double Room - Beachfront
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The Rarotongan is looking tired. We’ve been coming for seven years and it feels like it needs a lot of maintenance work. The roof is leaking in the main reception stairs and other places, (bucket was there for two weeks) and the female bathrooms are very old and feel gross (I didn’t see the males) The tiled areas need upgrading to grip tiles- they’re always wet and slippery and so mats are always out and look bad. Towels on the floors in the female bathrooms. Very poor breakfast selection, skeleton staff. Really sad as we LOVE the place. Sanctuary room we stayed in smelt musty. Just needs an injection of cash and it’ll be back to world class and amazing. It still is the best location on the island in my opinion. Just needs a vamp up.
Location was incredible and the snorkelling was world class. Sanctuary away from the noise of children. The swim-up bar area and beach were like a dream….
Stayed in April 2024
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Reviewed: April 23, 2024
Bruce
Australia3 Reviews6.0“Okay but probably would not return.”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe Suite - Beachside
- • Stayed 2 nights
Food and Beverage service was very poor and really let the place down. Long, very long delays and up to 1 hour 30 mins to receive food orders.
location
Stayed in April 2024
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Reviewed: April 19, 2024
Rebecca
New Zealand15 Reviews1 helpful vote8.0Very Good- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • One-Bedroom Bungalow with Private Pool and Outdoor Spa Bath - Honeymoon
- • Stayed 3 nights
We stayed in the honeymoon sweet which had a private pool, sauna and spa bath. It was very cute and the air con worked well. Great meals at the restaurant and beautiful beach for snorkelling.
Stayed in April 2024
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Reviewed: April 15, 2024
Marion
New Zealand3 Reviews1 helpful vote6.0“Beautiful setting, great staff, facilities and activities but eat somewhere else.”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double Room - Beachfront
- • Stayed 9 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The badly leaking roofs in some areas felt dangerous - water coming out light fittings and slippery underfoot. Food at the cafe was not consistent. The local food was often not available - except the fish which was wonderful. My seafood chowder had hardly any seafood in it and what was there was cheap frozen marinara from some other part of the world. Noisy children from late at night to early hours kept us awake as parents were drinking and not taking notice of their kids.
Breakfast was okay. Plenty to eat. Great croissants and coconut bread. Venue was amazing. Beautiful gardens and walkways. Amazing snorkelling and great toys for adults and children. Good activities that used local resources and focussed on learning more about local culture and flora and fauna.
Stayed in April 2024
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Reviewed: April 10, 2024
Jillian
Australia8 Reviews1 helpful vote6.0“Short stay and glad it was only one night”- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Double Room - Beachfront
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The property is looking tired, needing repairs, new paint etc. some of the reception stuff were grumpy. Wifi being $20 per devise is ridiculous. Hot Chips undercooked.
The island show and buffet was great
Stayed in April 2024
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Reviewed: April 8, 2024
Jennifer
New Zealand4 Reviews8.0Very Good- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Double Room - Beachside
- • Stayed 6 nights
The food at the resort. Some meals came out cold, no healthy options, lack of fresh fruit and vegetables. The room was very small for 4 people.
The pool , view and being so close to the beach.
Stayed in April 2024
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Reviewed: April 1, 2024
Donald
New Zealand2 Reviews1 helpful vote6.0“Brilliant location. Resort could do alot better.”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double Room - Beachfront
- • Stayed 7 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Ridiculous procedure getting anything from the bar - basically only one person serving and having to queue.Screening of sports in sports bar limited. Didn't even know what Sail GP was .staff not helpful at all.
Very little choice for breakfast. Kept running out of things to eat & drink
Stayed in March 2024
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Reviewed: April 1, 2024
Melissa
South Africa19 Reviews7.0Good- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Double Room - Beachside
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
We had interconnecting rooms beachside. The rooms are tired. They need a revamp and the beds need replacing. The most uncomfortable old beds I have experienced especially if they call themselves 4 star. The food was below average. Dont book breakfast included. Rather buy some cereal. And the food offered for special meals like Easter was well below average for the high price. Rather go to a nice restaurant
The lagoon and snorkeling and beach was beautiful and had everything we needed
Stayed in March 2024
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Reviewed: March 30, 2024
Prout
Australia1 review8.0“Great location great staff let down by the food”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double Room - Beachfront
- • Stayed 6 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Food was a problem chips were cooked in old Oil and were saturated with fat chicken parma with spagetti what was that. Ate out when we could
Great access to lagoon and snockeling
Stayed in March 2024
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