The hotel (which should perhaps more accurately be called a hostel) is a mere 15 minute walk into the city centre, so close but not too close to all of the action! The rooms are spotlessly clean, cool (even with just fans) and simple. I stayed in a 4 bed dorm, which I had to myself, which I would say was one of the few downsides to this place, it seems very empty. There was rarely anyone in the TV room, kitchen or the gardens, which is a shame because the set-up would lend itself well to a social atmosphere with the shared kitchen facillities and such nice grounds. The staff are also very friendly and all know your name the second you check-in, which is a nice touch. The other downside was the lack of any internet facillities, but there are internet cafe's a 15 minute walk away so it's not a massive problem. Overall I was very pleased I chose the South Seas and I would definitely stay there again/recommend it to anyone heading to Suva.

We stayed at South Seas three times over the course of around a month, as we came and went to other places around Suva. The building is not terribly well maintained and the rooms are extremely basic (bed and closet, that's it in many cases), but the place has heaps of character, the staff was friendly and helpful (especially at reception), and you can't beat the value. Two out of the three times we had what appeared to be the only double bed room with ensuite. It actually had a chair and small table it in as well as the bed. The third time that room wasn't available so we got a double with a shared bath. That one just had the bed. Both accommodations were very roomy. Easy 15 minute walk down into the heart of town, cheap taxi ride back if you're not up to the uphill walk. Not the type of place you'd want to stay at if you're aiming at a swish holiday, but good for those on a tight budget.

One of the truths of travel in the developing world is that there is no such thing as a good 3 star hotel. You'll find great 4 star hotels (the Hilton in Santo Domingo, for example), but that comes at a cost (which is never negotiable). The second tier hotels always are troubled. You have some of the trappings of the Western world (mood lighting, flatscreen TV, coffee maker), but when you look closer, the carpet is invariably filthy, there's hair in the shower, cockroaches crawling in the coffee mugs, the mattresses are worn, the a/c so loud you have to turn it off, which leaves your room damp and musty. In Viti Levu (and, by extension, Suva), there is no great 4 star hotel. Which leaves you with a choice: pay Western prices for one of the second tier establishments you'll find sorely lacking, or pay local prices and adjust your expectations from the outset. With a day to spare in Suva, I decided to try the second approach and checked into the South Seas Private Hotel (at about 1/3 the rate I paid for one of the 3 stars). The structure used to be a girls school or something of that sort, replete with dormitories, chow hall and laundry rooms. It also has one of these old, colonial verandas lining its front, which makes for a splendid place to take in the frequent tropical downpours. Most of it serves as a hostel, with bunk beds and shared facilities. Room 38 in the back is the only one with a private bath and shower, and goes for about US$30. For that price you get very basic accommodations, but they are comparatively clean (not overrun by cockroaches like some of the 3 star hotels I stayed in, even though mosquitos proved a nuissance). There's no a/c, only a big ceiling fan, which is fine, since in this old colonial building the layout was optimized to allow air to flow through the structure (people built smarter before the invention of a/c). It proved to be quite agreeable in my room, really. There's also no hot water (or at least none I could get to work), but given the tropical temperatures, that isn't such a big deal, either. Staff lives on site and is very friendly, but sometimes a bit shy. There's shared fridges and a communal kitchen, which I preferred to avoid. Fellow guests arrived with bags of fresh produce, however, ready to cook some serious meals, and I am sure you could partake in one those if only you sit long enough on one of the benches adjacent to the kitchen. Strictly no alcohol, though! The location of the hotel is terrific. It sits above Albert Park (you can faintly hear the cheers of rugby games going on below), and is next to the Botanical Garden. It's a quiet area full of lush green and nice private homes. Overall, very basic accommodations, but if you arrive with the right mindset, this is probably the best value proposition you will get in Suva. Recommended for the hardy traveler.

You get what you pay for, and seeing as you don't pay much, that's what you get! Still, it was clean and comfortable. Perfect for backpackers and people on a budget, but perhaps not for a honeymoon! Would stay again if I was in Suva and strapped for cash.