I stayed at the Rarotongan for a week with my wife and 2 kids. The resort is in a perfect location with the lagoon in front fantastic for snorkelling and water activities. The kids loved the pool and the kids club. Definitely worth getting a beachfront suite as they are a bit bigger and have direct access to beach and a little private deck area that is great to sit on and relax when kids in bed. The room had good aircon, the bathroom was tidy and functional, and the outdoor private shower was definitely a winner. Hotel activities scheduled everyday, but we were on low season, so some activities were cancelled due to lack of numbers (e.g. Island Dancing Night). Some of the facilities are a little bit tired, but still usable. The staff are relaxed and friendly enough. The food is passable, but not unreal, suggest getting around to some of the cafes and restaurants outside of the resort for better food. Overall was very good because of location and relaxed feel.

This was me and my husband's second trip to Rarotonga and we had come to the Rarotongan for drinks and dinner on our first trip and thought the pool and view were beautiful. We returned with our young daughter and extended family recently for a week longs stay. We stayed in the Deluxe Beachfront Suites which we loved! Outdoor shower, spa bath, huge glass sliding doors opening to our own private deck only 6 steps to the warm, clear lagoon. The aircon in the room worked great and we enjoyed watching the constant repeats of good old favorite TV shows like Dukes of Hazzard and CSI. We loved how all the water sports gear was free to use - kayaks, snorkel masks and fins, paddleboards.. there was a blackboard up by the pool with the activities of the day and there was a newsletter put under our door every morning with the group activities that you could participate in, the weather forecast, and the special meal of the day. We tried everything on the menu and it was delicious! We enjoyed a show at the hotel with island dancing as well as bingo, crab races, and quiz night! All of the staff were so wonderful and we made friends with the other families staying as well. The pool area was great and even swimming in a rain shower was delightful. Whether we were lazing on a lounge chair in the shade of a coconut tree or feeding the schools of fish right from our breakfast table every day was delightful staying here and I can't wait to return!

Resort having some renovations - My children 15&17. Daily activities. We made palm leaf plates and learnt all about the palm tree and it's uses. Dyed our own sarong.etc staff tried. But maybe a little too laid back. Our room had all we needed. But disappointing as it was close to the road.
Good safe snorkeling. My son 15 did his first deep sea scuba dive. Fantastic.
Island is very clean. Choose your rental car wisely. Do not expect new cars.
We did have a good new years eve party. The staff really tried to include everyone.
Spa was great my daughter had her first facial - Nice and relaxing.

We just returned from a 12 night stay and I do agree with many of the previous comments. We also arrived on the red eye and were charged the early check in fee which is ridiculous. The hotel never reached more than 70% capacity. The 2 bedroom suite we had reserved was a huge disappointment. Poorly appointed kitchen, air con that didn't work, no outdoor shower and low ceilings. When we complained they moved us to a beachfront unit and provided us with $200nz credit which was great. This room was fabulous, situated right on the beach with a great deck to spend time on. The breakfast got old quickly and we ended up buying eggs at the store rather than $7.50 a day for 2 eggs. The housekeeping was friendly but other than change the sheets and give fresh towels there wasn't much service. We swept our own room and twice I cleaned the bathroom myself. The grounds were not well kept and I saw garbage that stayed where it was for the full time we were there. They are also ridiculous about the beach towels. One per person per day was not acceptable and it made me grouchy by the end of the trip. That said, Jessie and Andrew at the activities hit were terrific with the kids and so were the staff at the kids club. Overall it was just ok. Not neatly as attentive as our Fiji trip but I also think the infrastructure is lacking.