On the beach, snorkelling, beach bar, kayaking
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Reviews of Aroa Beachside Resort

3.5 out of 5
Aroa Beachside Resort
Arorangi, Rarotonga

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 101 out of 156 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 45 out of 156 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 156 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 156 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 156 reviews" "

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Liam

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I loved that it was in a great location. Far enough away from main town to still be able to relax.
Stayed 9 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Clinton

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A true beachside resort, absolutely magical, relaxing with casual dining and live music, staff fantastic, treated like family, great location, beautiful sunsets, would go back in a heartbeat.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kate Michele

Liked: Amenities
The location is excellent, and the staff are friendly and helpful. The rooms are oldish but are clean and functional. We had a super holiday.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had a great time, clean and comfy with easy water access and wonderful onsite dining. Very sociable environment, met a number of interesting people, both fellow travelers and local Islanders.
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2024
Response from Lisa on 12 Mar 2024
We look forward to your next visit David.. the pleasure was ours :-)

10/10 Excellent

Mahesh

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Awesome stay!
I would highly recommend this hotel. It’s location is right by the beach and the staff is super nice, they treat you as a family member and go above and beyond to help you out.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2023
Response from Lisa on 10 Feb 2024
Thanks Mahesh, was a true pleasure having you stay :-)

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Awsome will book with them again
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Okay, so a review on the Aro’a Beachfront Resort. Simply said, it was an excellent place to stay in every way. Some details follow; First, the staff and management are friendly and helpful. If you have any question about anything, just go into the office and ask. They will fill you in on tour opportunities, bus schedules, restaurants, and anything else you might want to know. The rooms - I read one review that criticized the curtains. Really? So the curtains are somewhat old but are clean and function perfectly as, well, curtains. Everything else in the room is above par. The refrigerator/freezer, kitchen area, beds, shower, bathroom; everything is perfectly clean and functional. The restaurant- the Shipwreck Hut is located right on site. It has a limited but very sufficient menu. The food is plentiful. It says a lot that every night the place fills up with visitors not staying at the Aro’a but coming in to eat. The restaurant deck is also where the continental brekkie is hosted. It is a small breakfast but coffee, cereal, bread and some fruit was a good start for the day. Also note that in season you can see whales breaching right from the deck. A few times a week they have music on the deck. The music ranges from okay to edging toward excellent. It is important that if you don’t like noise you should ask during your booking to have a room away from the deck. I was right next to it and actually enjoyed it. The crowds get loud! Out of space
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Okirua, Rarotonga

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Aroa Beachside is a Fantastic option with reasonable pricing, and Great food at The Shipwreck Bar & Grill onsite.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023
Response from Lisa on 21 Sept 2023
From all the team here at Aroa Beachside Resort/ Shipwreck Bar and Grill, we thank you for your kind words. We look forward to seeing you in the future. Meitaki

10/10 Excellent

Sebanayagam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I think that the customer care was somewhat unique in this resort and perhaps i should say well personalized.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Response from Aroa Beachside Resort on 5 Sept 2023
Kia Orana Sebanyagam, We hope you are well. Meitaki maata for your 5 out of 5 review. We really appreciate you taking the time to leave us with your kind words of which we were over the moon to read.Until next time hopefully in the near future, take care.Aroa Beachside Staff

10/10 Excellent

Giovanna

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved our stay, the staff is very friendly, it was nice to have the bar & restaurant right there. The kitchenette is well equipped if you want to cook, including full fridge. The setting is stunning, with fabulous ocean views. We absolutely loved it and will be back!
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2023
Response from Aroa Beachside Resort Crew on 17 Aug 2023
Kia Orana Giovanna, Thank you for taking the time to leave us an awesome review. We are so happy that you enjoyed your time in Raro and loved your stay here at Aroa. We hope you made it home safe and would love to see you and Alex again hopefully sometime soon! Take care,Aroa Beachside Crew

8/10 Good

Donald

Liked: Staff & service
Breakfast over beach a high point.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023
Response from Aroa Beachside Resort on 14 Aug 2023
Kia Orana Donald, Thank you for taking the time to share your review. We hope that you had an amazing time in Rarotonga and we were happy to read that you particularly enjoyed breakfast here at the Shipwreck Hut with our amazing lagoon view. It certainly is magical.Take care & Meitaki,Aroa Beachside Crew

10/10 Excellent

Kelly

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely spot for sunsets
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Response from Aroa Beachside Resort Crew on 10 Jul 2023
Kia Orana Kelly, Meitaki maata for your 5 out of 5 review. We hope to see you again soon! Take Care

10/10 Excellent

Victoria

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful location, very friendly staff (especially Lisa) and the bar is a lot of fun. Highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023
Response from Aroa Beachside Resort on 2 May 2023
Kia Orana Victoria, Thank you for your feedback and kind words. Its great to hear that you had a great stay with us and we will be sure to pass your review onto Lisa. We hope to see you again in the near future. Kind regards, Aroa Beachside Crew.

10/10 Excellent

Jan, spokane

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Right on the beach. Steps from the water beachside dining a few feet away. Live music on Tuesdays. Beautiful location for sunsets. Air conditioned and very roomy. Great staff breakfast included. Snorkeling gear also included. Just a few minutes from town and the airport. Great value.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023

8/10 Good

Harry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ian George

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Perfect place perfect spot
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

carol

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great friendly place on lovely beach
Loved our stay @ Aroa in all respects. Room on the beach great & our front balcony amazing for watching the water at any time of day. Shipwreck hut bar provided a good spot for breakfast & dinner every day. Steve playing his tunes for ur on 2 nights was a fun bonus. Thanks to all for all arrangements & in fact everything. See you again we hope.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful and well-equiped rooms, everything perfect, including the beds and the moscito-proofing :) Extremely friendly staff. Excellent food. Good location at one of the widest parts of the lagoon.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2021
Response from Steve on 29 May 2021
Kia Orana, Thank you so much for your excellent review, your feedback is much appreciated. Very happy that you really enjoyed your stay with us, you were a pleasure to host. Meitaki ma'ata.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Awesome beachfront location, owners very nice and knowledgable
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020
Response from Steve on 6 Feb 2020
Kia Orana, Thank you for you great review, much appreciated. Hope to see you back soon. Meitaki ma'ata.

10/10 Excellent

Dan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 20 nights in Sep 2019
Response from Steve on 18 Oct 2019
Kia Orana Dan, Thank you for your "10 out of 10" rating, much appreciated. We hope to see you guys again soon. Meitaki ma'ata.

8/10 Good

Erv, Vancouver

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The beach bar menu was limited in selection of food. The TV in room did not work properly. 3 channels of snow. Even if it did work it was tiny and 6 feet above the floor. Lounge chairs in unit very uncomfortable. All units came with built in alarms. The roosters crowed from dawn to dusk. Five stars plus for the staff, grounds and location.
Stayed 12 nights in Sep 2019
Response from Steve on 15 Oct 2019
Kia Orana, Thank you for your review. Meitaki

10/10 Excellent

Alan

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The friendly smaller nature of the property and the personal service that comes with that - quite apart from its stunning location right on the Aroa lagoon
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2019
Response from Steve on 25 Sept 2019
Kia Orana Alan, Thank you so much for taking the time to do your review. Your comments are very much appreciated. Hope to see you back again. Meitaki ma'ata.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Spent 2 weeks in Rarotonga and the week at Aroa beachside was the highlight hard to summarise as so much to commend, the snorkelling just outside the resort was great, watching the whales breach at breakfast unforgettable, the room was spacious clean and comfy. The hosts Steve and Geraldine and their staff so helpful and informative, the music nights the best on the island and can Steve sing AWSOME...highly recommend. Will be going back.☺️👍☺️
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2019
Response from Steve on 19 Sept 2019
Kia Orana, Thank you so much for your amazing review, very happy that you had a wonderful time at our lovely little resort. Thank you for you kind words, really appreciated. :-) Looking forward to seeing you back again soon. Meitaki ma'ata.

10/10 Excellent

Brian, Sydney

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location was beautiful, right on the beach, on the sheltered side of the island. Accommodation was spacious and well appointed. All units faced the beachfront. Added bonus was the Shipwreck Inn where breakfast was served and at 5pm, drinks and dinner were available also. Friendly and helpful staff as well. Great stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019
Response from Steve on 15 Sept 2019
Kia Orana Brian, Thank you for your fantastic review. We are very pleased that you enjoyed your stay with us. Hope to see you again soon. Meitaki ma'ata.

8/10 Good

Jan

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very pleasant outlook over the garden and the beach. Steve gave a good rundown on the Island and its facilities. The beds were comfortable The number of guest are limited. The staff are very friendly. The shack (the eating area is restricted to 5pm opening and breakfast is between 8:30am and 9:30am It is a resort for those who do not like crowds
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019
Response from Steve on 13 Sept 2019
Kia Orana Jan, Thank you for your great review, much appreciated. Hope to see you again. Meitaki ma'ata

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
like- beachside dislike - the property is very dated, the likes of bedspread had holes and various patches, sheets stained, grey towels, and curtains that offered no privacy at all. - the bed must have been at least 15 years old as is sagged and you could feel all the springs. - overpriced and have no idea how they have a 4 star rating
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2019
Response from Steve on 28 Jul 2019
Kia Orana, Thank you for your review. We are very sorry that you didn't like our island style decor. In respect to your comments on sheets and towels, we use a commercial laundry and if you had said something at the time we would have taken this up with them, but you didn't, instead choosing to leave an anonymous review. Unfortunately it is impossible for me to say what I really think of you and your review on this forum. Kia Manuia

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
great location property needs a lot of maintenance.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2019
Response from Steve on 27 Dec 2019
Kia Orana, Thank you for your review. Your feedback is very valuable to us.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Views were great staff great beds not flash and small shower and toilet cramped owners great
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019
Response from Steve on 10 Jul 2019
Thank you for your review.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Stayed 12 nights in Jun 2019
Response from Steve on 17 Jun 2019
Kia Orana, Thank you for your feedback, much appreciated. Hope to see you again soon. Meitaki ma'ata.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2019
Response from Steve on 16 Jun 2019
Thank you so much for your review. Really appreciate the feedback.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Right on the beach, Uncrowded, great snorkeling, live music evenings ... Had a wonderful time
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2019
Response from Steve on 31 Mar 2019
Kia Orana, Very happy that you had a great time with us. Many thanks for your review. Meitaki.

6/10 Okay

Elaine, Auckland, NZ

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service
Room ok but would have been nice to have air con. No replenising of soap or milk. Would've been nice to have had instant coffee sachets instead of just filter coffee. For an adults only resort they don't seem to let their guests have fun.....only just went 10pm & we were told to quiet down even though there were only three couples in the entire resort. We were rudely told our guests had to leave....not happy!! More like a retirement than an adults only resort!! Was much better 13 years ago before it changed ownership. After lots of email corresponfence staff were made aware we were there for a special b'day but they didn't bother to acknowledge it....would've been nice! Will not be going back or recommending to anyone 😒☹
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2019
Response from Steve on 28 Feb 2019
Kia Orana Elaine, Steve here, owner of the Aro'a. Sorry that we didn't get to meet you, we were away in Auckland visiting our (grown up) kids. Sorry that you didn't have a fantastic time at the Aro'a. Many thanks for staying with us. Meitaki.

10/10 Excellent

Karen M

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Had a lovely week relaxing on the beach which was just a short distance from our room. Hosts were very friendly & staff were exceptional which made the stay very enjoyable. They served a lovely breakfast each morning.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2019
Response from Steve on 14 Feb 2019
Kia Orana Karen, Thank you so much for your fantastic review, much appreciated. Hope to see you again soon. Meitaki ma'ata.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great little hotel directly situated on the beach. Very welcoming and helpful staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018
Response from Steve on 1 Jan 2019
Kia Orana, Thank you for your great review, much appreciated. Meitaki ma'ata.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I enjoyed my stay at Aroa Beachside Inn very much. The location is right next to the beach and my unit had an excellent view of the beach and the ocean, as well as views in the other direction to the mountains of Rarotonga. The complex is small, so there aren't many other guests (though everyone I met was nice). It's like having your own private beach. Staff members are very kind and helpful. The Shipwreck Bar, located next to the apartments, is great, with excellent food and drinks (all at reasonable prices). The only thing that might be an issue for some people is that there is no air conditioning, and if it is unusually hot, which it was on the day I arrived, the apartment can be quite warm. There are two large ceiling fans, and the ocean breezes help, but this might not be enough for some people. There are some shops nearby, but not a lot of selection within walking distance. To the right when you leave the property (and only a five-minute walk) is a nice, small but well-stocked supermarket with a cafe next door. The island's bus service is good considering the small size of the population and if you hire a car, it is easy to drive to restaurants, shops and attractions. The island is very beautiful and most people are very friendly.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2018
Response from Steve on 11 Dec 2018
Kia Orana, Thank you so much for your great informative review. We are very pleased that you enjoyed your stay with us. Meitaki ma'ata.

10/10 Excellent

Simona

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018
Response from Steve on 11 Dec 2018
Kia Orana, Thank you for your review. Hope to see you again.

10/10 Excellent

Ken, Tasmania

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A lovely quiet location & most rooms have beachview balcony. Good snorkelling in the area. But best is the atmosphere that Steve & Geraldine & staff have created. The evenings often have live music at the Shipwreak bar & the meals are simple but deliscious. Happy memorable evenings at this bar.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2018
Response from Steve on 11 Dec 2018
Kia Orana, Thank you for your great review, much appreciated. Hope to see you again soon.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fabulous relaxing place to stay. Lovely staff who are always happy to help. Great music 3 nights a week and simple, tasty meals at the Shipweck Hut if you want to stay in for the night. Beach is lovely and gardens are gorgeous.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2018
Response from Steve on 9 Oct 2018
Kia Orana, Thank you for your awesome review, your comments are much appreciated. Meitaki ma'ata.

8/10 Good

Allan, S.C. USA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
(-) We were in a unit that was back from the beach, not beach front as it was indicated. It needed a little updating. (+) The fruit breakfast with muffin was enough to satisfy us. The staff was very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2018
Response from Steve on 3 Oct 2018
Kia Orana Allan, Thank you for your review, we value your feedback. Meitaki

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort
Friendly hotel right on the beach
Lovely staff make you feel welcome when you arrive. We stayed in the deluxe room which was large, well laid out and had most things we needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2018
Response from Steve on 19 Sept 2018
Kia Orana, Thank you for your great review. Your feedback is much appreciated. Meitaki ma'ata.

10/10 Excellent

Dee, Fresno CA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was a wonderful place to stay. It was by the beach. The staff was so helpful and a lot of fun!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2018
Response from Steve on 19 Sept 2018
Kia Orana, Thank you for your great review, much appreciated. Meitaki ma'ata.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2018
Response from Steve on 1 Aug 2018
Thank you for your review.

10/10 Excellent

Steve, Muriwai beach,New Zealand

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Loved staying at this place.
The staff and owners were so friendly and helpful. The locals were lovely and the snorkeling straight off the beach from the room was spectacular...we saw turtles,Moray eels and the fish were so colorful.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2018
Response from Steve on 10 Aug 2018
Kia Orana, Thank you for your fantastic review. Meitaki ma'ata

10/10 Excellent

Judith, Nelson NZ

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely friendly hosts cleaners cooks gardener etc
perfect location for us. Learnt more than the brochures told us about local knowledge. Met some lovely travelers and really enjoyed the music nights.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2018
Response from Steve on 24 Jul 2018
Kia Orana Judith, Thank yo so much for your informative review. We are very happy that you had a wonderful holiday with us. Hope to see you again. Meitaki ma'ata.

10/10 Excellent

wipey, whakatane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Best place to stay on Rarotonga.
Fantastic place to stay. Staff are awesome. The beach is beautiful and great for swimming and snorkelling at all tides. The Shipwreck bar is a great place to spend the evening and watch the sunset.Recommend staying here. Simply the best.
Stayed 10 nights in May 2018
Response from Steve on 27 Jun 2018
Kia Orana, Thank you so much for your awesome review, your comments are much appreciated. :-) Meitaki ma'ata Steve

10/10 Excellent

jenni, australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
First time visit to Cook Islands. Weather perfect. Sea warm. Owners and staff were a great bunch. Privately owned, not too big which made meetings others much easier to form friendships. This hotel is not for children.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2018
Response from Steve on 8 May 2018
Kia Orana Jenni, Thank you for your fantastic review, very happy that you enjoyed the Cook Islands and our beautiful little resort. We hope you'll come back and see us again soon. Steve

10/10 Excellent

Jaana, Toronto, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Despite the rain ...
Once again I had an amazing stay. It was lovely to return and be so nicely remembered. The weather was a challenge but then paradise isn’t perfect but very close to it. Thank you for the fun, warmth and hospitality.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2018
Response from Steve on 3 May 2018
Kia Orana, Thank you for your awesome review. We really appreciate your feedback. Hope to see you again soon.

10/10 Excellent

singervogue , Langport

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Best hotel ever
Relaxing friendly warm seas great coral and fish easy to get around chill-out and totally calm down. Leave your phone at home....
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2018
Response from Steve on 3 Apr 2018
Thank you for your fantastic review, your feedback is much appreciated. Hope to see you again soon.