6 Best Hotels In Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Melanie
Melanie 
Updated
| 3 min read

Rarotonga is arguably the most popular tourist destination in the Cook Islands. One of the must-see attractions is Muri Lagoon, which is the widest part of Rarotonga’s Lagoon and where you can experience water sports such as kitesurfing, snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. The waters around Aroa Beach are also a good option if you want to go snorkeling. Meanwhile, Avarua, the capital of the Cook Islands, is the place to be if you want to go shopping or enjoy local cuisine. If you want to learn about the local culture, check out the Highland Paradise Cultural Show where you can feast your eyes on the performances and your palate on the local cuisine.

There is so much to see in Rarotonga, and staying in comfortable accommodation is a must if you want enough time to experience all of these. Scroll down to find a list of the best hotels in Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 15, 2024.

1. Ocean Escape Resort & Spa, Matavera (from USD 156)

This is an adults-only hotel that provides guests with direct access to a private beach area. This hotel comes with an outdoor pool, and all of its rooms offer ocean views. Various dining options can also be found within the vicinity. Alternatively, take advantage of the barbecue facilities if you want to cook your own food.

Guests who want to check out the local attractions can arrange a shuttle from the hotel. They can also rent a car and take advantage of the free parking facilities. Further, airport shuttle services may also be requested if needed.

Stayed at this property?

Ocean Escape Resort & Spa

Wifi Available

Address: 1 Ara Tapu Turangi Village
6.32 km (4.0 mi) from Punanga Nui Market

Parking Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle Laundry Breakfast in the room Free parking Internet services Express check-in/check-out

2. The Passage Villas, Matavera (from USD 90)

Travelers who want to enjoy an idyllic holiday where they spend most of their time on the sand will love this beachfront hotel. This establishment also features a garden, a swimming pool, and mini-golf facilities as other relaxation outlets.

Adventure seekers, meanwhile, will love surfing on the beach. Windsurfing, canoeing, and diving are also other water sports that guests can try out during their stay. Additionally, be sure to keep an eye out for whales if you’re visiting between July and November.

Stayed at this property?

The Passage Villas

Wifi Available

Address: Main Road, Ngatangiia, Muri Beach
6.93 km (4.4 mi) from Punanga Nui Market

Parking Room service Bar Tennis court Golf course (within 3 km) Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms

3. Muri Beach Club Hotel, Muri (from USD 336)

Couples who want to experience a memorable holiday in the Cook Islands will want to consider staying at Muri Beach Club Hotel. This adults-only establishment offers rooms with views of the lagoon and the nearby islands, adding a touch of romance. Guests can also request wine or champagne from the hotel. They can also opt to enjoy a romantic meal at the on-site fine dining restaurant.

The in-house spa offers couples’ massages for partners who want to pamper themselves. Nightlife enthusiasts, meanwhile, will enjoy catching the live performances offered by the hotel. Themed dinners are hosted here as well.

Stayed at this property?

Muri Beach Club Hotel

Address: Muri Beach, Ngatangiia
7.86 km (4.9 mi) from Punanga Nui Market

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden Non-smoking rooms

4. Muri Beach Hideaway - Adults Only, Muri (from USD 144)

This adults-only option is a great choice for travelers who want to enjoy a quiet holiday. The property is located in a peaceful spot on Muri Beach. Many of the rooms here provide sea, pool, or garden views.

Water lovers can enjoy taking a dip in the pool. They can also head to the beach and take advantage of the in-house kayaks and snorkeling equipment provided for their use at no additional charge. What’s more, guests who prefer to do their own cooking will be able to do so using the kitchen in their rooms. Barbecue facilities are available as well for those who want to have a cookout.

Stayed at this property?

Muri Beach Hideaway - Adults Only


7.97 km (5.0 mi) from Punanga Nui Market

Parking Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Free parking Safety deposit box Canoeing Snorkelling

5. The Islander Hotel, Panama (from USD 150)

Guests will truly feel like they’re on holiday when they stay here, and not just because of the views they can enjoy from the property. Tour and ticketing assistance is offered for those who need a little help in filling out their itineraries. If you’re lucky, you can catch a concert or a live show hosted on the property. Meanwhile, guests can pamper themselves at the spa with a body or beauty treatment.

Adults traveling with kids can take advantage of the babysitting service if they want to spend some time with themselves. The hotel also puts guests close to Punanga Nui Market and the Cook Islands Library and Museum.

Stayed at this property?

The Islander Hotel

Address: Main Road
1.44 km (0.9 mi) from Punanga Nui Market

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
quite noisy with loud music but still comfortable to get a good night's sleep
Host:
staff were great we felt really comfortable staying and will definitely be back
Location:
great place just across the airport
a great hotel for a short-term stay (1 night) close to the airport
great friendly staff at perfect location for early morn8ng flights
Read more reviews

6. Moana Sands Beachfront Hotel, Titikaveka (from USD 234)

This family-owned establishment makes an effort to make every guest’s stay memorable. All rooms here are air conditioned and provide either sea or lagoon views. Guests can take advantage of the in-room kitchenette or the barbecue facilities if they want to prepare their own meals. Alternatively, they can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant.

Guests who want to see what Rarotonga has to offer can rent bikes or a car from the hotel or arrange shuttle services. Airport shuttle service may also be requested for a fee.

Stayed at this property?

Moana Sands Beachfront Hotel

Wifi Available

Address: Ara Tapu Road
8.05 km (5.0 mi) from Punanga Nui Market

Parking Restaurant Terrace Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle Fishing Babysitting/child services Laundry

See the best of Rarotonga

Rarotonga is a destination that does not skimp out on what it has to offer to visitors, whether they’re interested in cultural, natural, or gastronomic experiences. Of course, good accommodations can affect the overall holiday experience. Make sure to book one of the best hotels in the area so that you will have nothing but wonderful memories of your Rarotonga trip.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Melanie is a freelance travel writer. She considers freelancing for Trip 101 to be a combination of two of the things she loves: writing and traveling. She has gone sightseeing with family,...Read more

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