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Reviews of The Islander Hotel

3 out of 5
The Islander Hotel
Main Road, Panama, Rarotonga

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 92 out of 312 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 107 out of 312 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 65 out of 312 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 32 out of 312 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 16 out of 312 reviews" "

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location, nicely furnished rooms & fabulous food.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Milan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff and comfortable facilities and good food options
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Response from Kia Manuia on Apr 10, 2024
Thank you for staying with us.

10/10 Excellent

Nuria

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The only think I didn’t like was the music going till late at night not allowing us to fall sleep having to get up at 5 am to catch a long 7 hours flight back to sydney
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Response from Kia Manuia on Apr 10, 2024
Thank you for staying with us.

10/10 Excellent

Takangaiva

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Location was perfect. Staff were on point. Food was delicious. Attention to detail, in the room to be reviewed. The Islander property lacked an authentic Cook Islands identity. It was not a memorable location that screamed "Cook Islander, and proud". Would love to see them take more inspiration from the island/s, not international.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Response from Kia Manuia on Apr 6, 2024
Thank you for staying with us.

8/10 Good

CRAIG

Liked: Staff & service
An older hotel… rooms were well taken care of and very spacious… The food was pretty good… The view was great… The ocean waves breaking... very relaxing… Nice staff
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Response from Kia Manuia on Mar 26, 2024
Thank you for staying with us.

8/10 Good

Mayron

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great entertainment on the Tuesday Island night
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2024
Response from Kia Manuia on Mar 24, 2024
Thank you for staying with us and joining our fabulous Tuesday Island Night Buffet Dinner & Dynamic Cultural Show by the mesmerising Akirata Dance Troupe.

10/10 Excellent

Barbara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Lovely helpful friendly staff. Very Happy
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Response from Kia Manuia on Mar 24, 2024
Thank you for staying with us.

6/10 Okay

John

Liked: Staff & service
Close to airport
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
Response from Kia Manuia on Mar 13, 2024
Thank you for staying with us.

8/10 Good

Michael

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024
Response from Kia Manuia on Mar 21, 2024
Thank you for staying with us.

8/10 Good

Kim

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Loved our stay at the Islander. Food was amazing fresh and tasty.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2024
Response from Kia Manuia on Feb 20, 2024
Thank you for staying with us.

6/10 Okay

Clark

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
Response from Kia Manuia on Feb 20, 2024
Thank you for staying with us.

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024
Response from Kia Manuia on Feb 12, 2024
Thank you for staying with us.

2/10 Terrible

Kseniya

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Worse hotel ive ever stayed at. Wifi is broken and front desk has no answers, tv isnt functioning (no remote and no channels working), front desk isnt staffed (random people keep go behind the counter), stuff doesnt have answers to anything. No iron in the room, fridge had drinks left from other people. Incredibly noisy, music blasting outside, people yelling.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
Response from Kia Manuia on Feb 5, 2024
Kia Orana. Thank you for your feedback. Vodafone Cook Islands wifi works fine. You need to purchase a Vodafone wifi voucher. TV is linked to our local tv channel #3. We are installing Starlink Fast Wifi and this will be FREE for all hotel guests. Installation will be completed in 2 days time. Our front desk is unmanned on Sat and Sun - however, our restaurant and bar staff (stuff) can assist you and answer your questions. We have replaced the iron in your room (we have spares of everything in housekeeping). The drinks in the fridge would be milk packets for your tea and coffee. Our housekeepers always empty and reset the mini-bar fridges for new arriving guests. Hula Bar closes at 9pm on Sundays (the night of your stay) enabling a good night sleep. We hope you had a lovely Rarotonga holiday.

10/10 Excellent

Flip

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024
Response from Kia Manuia on Feb 5, 2024
Thank you for staying with us.

10/10 Excellent

Teariki-Monga

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024
Response from Kia Manuia on Feb 5, 2024
Thank you for staying with us.

8/10 Good

Roland

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024
Response from Kia Manuia on Feb 5, 2024
Thank you for staying with us.

10/10 Excellent

Maryanne

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Feb 5, 2024
Thank you for staying with us.

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Love the atmosphere here. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. Location is great as well.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Dec 26, 2023
Thank you for staying with us.

10/10 Excellent

Wonsik, Apple Valley

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Dec 26, 2023
Thank you for staying with us.

8/10 Good

Joanne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice rest stop
Had an early flight over from AITUTAKI on a Sunday. Instead of sitting for many hours between flights in the airport, I booked a room so I could relax and freshen up before my midnight flight! One thing though, they shouldn’t have tvs if they don’t work.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Dec 14, 2023
Thank you for staying with us. We will be installing Starlink Super Fast Wifi at the hotel very soon and connecting all room TVs to this service to enable streaming. We cant wait!

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Dec 14, 2023
Thank you for staying with us.

8/10 Good

brent

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
first time stay
My first time at the islander. i chose it for price and location to the airport. check in was fine, food was good and plenty of hotwater. wifi is ok but you have buy a voucher to get onto it. I went to the grocery store..20 min walk. i think it was like 25 bucks for 30GB...good for 7 days. staff was very nice and room very clean. the only con is the noise from the bar area. i would return to the islander again if i go to rarotonga
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Dec 14, 2023
Thank you for staying with us. We will be installing Starlink Super Fast Wifi very soon.

10/10 Excellent

Peirangi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Dec 7, 2023
Thank you for staying with us.

8/10 Good

Rebecca

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Food and service, and staff were exceptional. Cultural show and cuisine on Tuesday was 5 star. Disappointed once evening hit the pool was closed and kids were unable to swim once meal service commenced. Overall enjoyed our 2 night stay, very affordable with full breakfast included in the price. Rooms clean and tidy.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Dec 7, 2023
Thank you for staying with us. We apologise for pool closure when dinner starts. Children love to splash around and wet floors around pool / restaurant at night are too risky for our staff and diners to manoeuvre. We are pleased to read you enjoyed your meals, service and overall stay.

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were super friendly and accommodating.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Dec 5, 2023
Thank you for spending time with us.

8/10 Good

Laura

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place within walking distance to the airport. Awesome breakfasts, the pancakes were amazing! Our room was very comfortable and had the lovely added touch of a humidifier. Island night is a great experience aswell! The pool was in a great location and was a great way to pass the time.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Nov 23, 2023
Thank you for staying with us.

8/10 Good

Erich

Good
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Nov 23, 2023
Thank you for staying with us.

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Nov 13, 2023
Thank you for staying with us.

6/10 Okay

Machiko

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We choose this hotel because of its location since our flight was leaving early morning. It was a few minutes walk from Rarotonga airport. As other review said the bar is open till around 11pm and very noisy. Since we knew this, I used earplugs so there was no issue to sleep. The hotel was perfect for our needs.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Nov 23, 2023
Thank you for staying with us.

8/10 Good

Diane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great hotel where you are treated like family. Amazing staff, in particular - Levi, Mii, Jason
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Nov 23, 2023
Thank you for staying with us.

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Asked for a quiet room ,but got one by the bar/ nightclub. The window did mot close so the music was loud! Got a message that they would pick us up at the airport, but they were not there. Lucky it was a very short walk to the hotel. It was suppose to be a breakfast buffet but it was one course and one drink. Could not even get o glas of water beside that
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Nov 23, 2023
Thank you for staying with us. We terminated our Breakfast Buffet Service since COVID19 (2019) and we offer a wide selection of 'cooked on demand' options for better quality and freshness. Your breakfast offer includes 'one' fresh option OR cooked meal option & 'one' beverage option: selection of juices, sodas (including bottled water), dilmah teas, espresso coffees. Other & extra items are available at cost.

8/10 Good

Joseph, Eagle

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very close to the airport.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Nov 23, 2023
Thank you for staying with us. We are located 200 meters from the airport terminal. Just a short stroll.

8/10 Good

Pip

Traveled with family
Food was great, staff lovely and friendly. Bit noisy as it was a popular place with evening drinkers, but the flip side was happy hour was awesome. Pool is in weird spot though, so didnt use it
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Oct 20, 2023
Thank you for staying with us.

2/10 Terrible

Kamal, Chesterland

Traveled with family
Disliked: Staff & service
We had a confirmed reservation, however when we arrived all the rooms were occupied and we had to fight with the front desk finally they booked us a room in another hotel which we reached at3:00 AM
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Nov 23, 2023
Our sincere apologies - we suffered a system glitch that caused overbookings, which also affected your reservation. Your flight arrived Rarotonga at 12.50am; you arrived the Islander Hotel at about 1.47am; our night security manager had to call other hotels for availability. We managed to get you into an alternative hotel (of similar star rating) at no extra cost to you. Again, we apologise for the overbooking system error.

10/10 Excellent

chris

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
From our arrival at 7:30 am, our experience was first class. The staff were courteous, friendly, and helpful. The breakfast we ordered tasted amazing and was very generous in size. Sitting in the deck area watching the whales in the distance was magic. Our room was nicely presented and was very comfortable. Overall a fantastic and enjoyable experience, we will be back.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Oct 6, 2023
Thank you for staying with us.

10/10 Excellent

Dianne

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Oct 6, 2023
Thank you for staying with us.

8/10 Good

Dr. Olataga

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
excellent staff , good food
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Sep 18, 2023
Thank you for staying with us.

8/10 Good

SERGEI

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Oct 6, 2023
Thank you for staying with us.

6/10 Okay

Alexander

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
Very close to the airport, however, the rooms back onto Hula Bar and so are incredibly loud until late at night. The breakfast also started at 8am (which is much later than other places that we’ve stayed at) and so we missed out as our flight departed at 9am.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Sep 5, 2023
Kia Orana Alexander, thank you for your review. Our Hula Bar closes at 11pm at the latest. We have asked our DJ to reduce the 'base' from 10pm onwards so that the noise doesnt affect the rooms. It is important that guests advise their flight details at the time of booking (especially departure) so that we can accommodate early departures with a breakfast plate delivered to your room at 9pm the night before. This is especially relevant for the morning flights to Sydney. Thank you.

10/10 Excellent

Cara

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We enjoyed our stay passing through Rarotonga. Easy 4-minute walk from the airport and late-night check-in was available. Staff was friendly, the room was clean, comfortable pillows and bed, all meal dining options available (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), plus a fun beachfront bar on property with music. I would recommend requesting a street-side room if you are sensitive to noise. The ocean-facing rooms are next to the bar that plays music into the evening. Overall would recommend it.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Aug 29, 2023
Thank you for staying with us.

8/10 Good

Hollie

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Aug 29, 2023
Thank you for staying with us.

10/10 Excellent

Gabrielle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, Friendly and helpful staff. I arrived early and they did everything possible to assist me to make me comfortable to store my luggage. I came back when the room was ready and was settled in early-2hrs earlier than check in which I hugely appreciated. The rooms are spacious and clean and have everything you need. I only wish I stayed longer than one night.
Response from Kia Manuia on Aug 25, 2023
Thank you for staying with us.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Aug 24, 2023
Thank you for staying with us.

8/10 Good

Minako

Traveled with partner
Liked: Amenities
2 min walk to the airport, so handy. Clean and nice room, food at restaurants is delicious!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Aug 24, 2023
Thank you for staying with us.

10/10 Excellent

Colleen Van

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great spot close to the airport with Good Friday night entertainment while we were there. Facilities are good and could get meals on site
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Aug 24, 2023
Thank you for staying and dining with us.

8/10 Good

Tessa

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Aug 5, 2023
Thank you for staying with us.

6/10 Okay

Bhima

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Food is really nice. Loved the Breakfast!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Aug 5, 2023
Glad you enjoyed your dining options with us.

10/10 Excellent

Ricky

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Jul 22, 2023
Thank you for staying with us.

4/10 Poor

Roland and Sarah

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The hotel looks nothing like the pictures on the website. It felt tired and rundown. The room was fine but the rest of the hotel needs upgrading. It was very disappointing. I had to ask the staff to ask the Hula Bar to turn the music down as it was our room was like being next to a night club... very noisy. They did turn the music off after we asked them to turn the music down. We had good food on the whole. The breakfast we chose was granola with tropical fruit but it was tinned tropical fruit (!!) - so disappointing when they could easily have used beautiful in season fruit grown on the Island such as paw paw etc.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Jul 22, 2023
Thank you for staying with us. We are pleased to read you liked your room and your food 'on the whole'. Sometimes we have to resort to tinned fruit when we are unable to get fresh market supplies. We usually have fresh pawpaw, banana, carambola, and melon as our base. Supplies are improving and we are carrying more fresh fruit today. Our maintenance team are busy with upgrades & refurbishments across all our properties, including the Islander Hotel. Hula Bar music will be adjusted (turn down base) from 9.30pm with closure at 11pm. We hope you had a fantastic Rarotonga holiday.

4/10 Poor

Philippa

Traveled with partner
Don’t stay here. The photos are not real. It’s grubby, the staff are not friendly and it’s so loud. Hula bar is outside the rooms and is the local party spot. Really overpriced.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
Response from Kia Manuia on Jul 14, 2023
Thank you for staying with us.