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The Reef Motel
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About
3.5
#4 of 4 apartments in ArorangiLocation
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Value
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HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Family
Property amenities
Free parking
Wifi
Beach
Bicycle rental
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Airport transportation
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Paid wifi
Snorkelling
Windsurfing
Fishing
Shuttle bus service
Car hire
Picnic area
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Room features
Housekeeping
Kitchenette
Refrigerator
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Location
Arorangi Cook Islands
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 54 out of 100
54
Rarotonga Airport
2.9 km•
See all flights
Car Hire
57 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
25Reviews1Q+A8Room tips
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Detailed Reviews
Great little spot right on a great snorkeling beach. We had 2 detached beachfront villas which had little kitchens and views of the beach. Staff were really friendly and the rooms were clean and comfortable. The snorkeling right out the front was great, and it was just a swim away from Black Rock. The villas were down a little lane, so they were away from the road with no noise.
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Perfect location, clean, spacious, nice swimming and beach directly infront, close to shops and restaurants. Would stay again. Basic but priced accordingly. Room was ready when we arrived at noon, bags stored after checkout. Very peaceful.
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Book scooter ahead of time. Take sweater and rain coat if going in winter. Good fridge and basic...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If your looking for luxury accommodation on Rarotonga, this is not it! But travelling on a budget, u can't really ask for more. The cheapest rooms are basic, with a bathroom, bed, fridge and wardrobe. But that's all you really need if you are just using the hotel as a base and exploring all day long. The rooms were relatively clean on arrival, but look a little run down. The bed linen and room itself doesn't get cleane or changed, so I advise you try and keep the room as clean as possible during your stay. The bed itself was spacious and comfortable. The only really big downfall wa the cockerels that coca-doodle-doo at about 5am! So take ear plugs!
However, you can't knock the scenery, literally a minute from your own private beach with amazing views and endless sandy beaches. There is a BBQ available for dinner times, we just bought some BBQ food and Cooke that. But there are a couple of resteruants nearby if you don't feel like cooking.
All in all a good motel on a budget!
However, you can't knock the scenery, literally a minute from your own private beach with amazing views and endless sandy beaches. There is a BBQ available for dinner times, we just bought some BBQ food and Cooke that. But there are a couple of resteruants nearby if you don't feel like cooking.
All in all a good motel on a budget!
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Date of stay: August 2013
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I thought this motel was perfect. Quiet, comfy, steps away from one of the nicest
sandy beaches on the island. Most of the time there were no other people within view. Close to black rocks for amazing snorkeling! Restaurant nearby in another property.
Grocery across the street, bakery closeby as well.
sandy beaches on the island. Most of the time there were no other people within view. Close to black rocks for amazing snorkeling! Restaurant nearby in another property.
Grocery across the street, bakery closeby as well.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: all are fine.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
They lost one of the bookings. The rooms were less than clean, and not maintained during our stay. At the end, the owners refused to accept our credit cards and insisted that we pay cash. Everywhere we went on the island, when we said we were staying at the Reef, people rolled their eyes and pitied us. How right they were.
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Date of stay: July 2015Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Choose another motel. There are so many decent places to stay in Raro. The Reef is not one of them.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We expected this accommodation to be basic but not filthy. The shower cubicle had thick black mould, as did the toilet seat and cistern. The hand basin was dirty with built up grime. There were no mattress protectors and the mattresses and pillows smelt foul. Our towels were dank. The shower waste was clogged. In their favour they did call a plumber. We endured our two night stay there as we had nowhere else to go but will not be returning and would discourage anyone considering this place to stay away!
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Date of stay: May 2014Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
In contact with manager prior to leaving NZ, negotiated price for longer term stay, which was affordable. I booked to stay for 6 weeks. all looking very lovely.
Arrived and self checked in as was holiday (key left out as per advice from manager). All looking good.
In evening went to go to the beach... called over by some guy. He said he owned the place, could I remind him how much Im paying... Told him, and he said no no no, thats too cheap, youre staying here, you have to pay full price. No discussion available.
Next day went looking for somewhere else to stay, was very lucky to be taken in at a reasonable price at another motel. I paid for my one night and left. Manager looked very defeated, She didnt say much but body language was saying she was very sorry.
I had been the ONLY GUEST... go figure.
Arrived and self checked in as was holiday (key left out as per advice from manager). All looking good.
In evening went to go to the beach... called over by some guy. He said he owned the place, could I remind him how much Im paying... Told him, and he said no no no, thats too cheap, youre staying here, you have to pay full price. No discussion available.
Next day went looking for somewhere else to stay, was very lucky to be taken in at a reasonable price at another motel. I paid for my one night and left. Manager looked very defeated, She didnt say much but body language was saying she was very sorry.
I had been the ONLY GUEST... go figure.
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Date of stay: March 2017Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: For the price, go to a resort.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The beach is the best feature of this motel - it's sheltered, white sand, pleasant snorkeling and has a great view of the sunset each night. Unit 2 is virtually on the sand, something you would pay a premium for elsewhere! There is no bar or restaurant at the Reef Motel but walk along the beach 10 minutes and you are at Happy Hour the Edgewater! Walk along the road for 5 minutes and you are at one of two or three good restaurants. You can also hire cars and scooters within 5 to 10 min walking distance. If you work at the hospital, it is a 12-minute walk up the hill (8 minutes down) and there is a little food/supermarket and gas station immediately over the road. By taxi or scooter it is only 5 minutes to the airport or gym and 10 minutes to Avarua shops and cafes. Enjoy the quiet of being in a small establishment. The owners are friendly and helpful. My room was clean and the kitchenette facilities were perfect. The bed was comfortable, more than I can say for some places I have slept in the Pacific Islands at twice the cost. There was a fan and air-con. The room locked reliably and there were mosquito nets on most windows. The negatives? The rooms do not have modern styling or expensive furnishings and the water was not always hot in the morning. The service was very basic - no-one makes your bed each day! I had to ask for a new towel after 5 days but then it was provided with a smile. No-one was around when I arrived but I found the key in the door to what I guessed was my room. When I left, the credit card payment facility was broken so I had to make two trips into town to withdraw cash - I hope they fix this problem quickly. So if you want beach on a budget (e.g. a business traveler), this place is great. If you want to be pampered in luxury on your once-in-a-lifelime romantic getaway, go somewhere else.
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Date of stay: July 2015Trip type: Travelled on business
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Unit 2 is very quiet and almost on the beach
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If you're price conscious but looking for a resort right on the beach where you can go straight into the water for a swim or a snorkel, then this is the place for you. The place is very basic and simple but has amazing views and is within the reef so you don't have to worry about waves crashing down on you and you can enjoy yourself straight away off the beach. We enjoyed a relaxing stay the the Reef Motel very much.
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Date of stay: August 2016Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Room 2 is the best room as it has the best views and is right off of the beach.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were placed in the unit above the office which gave us a great sea View from the balcony. The room was a good size and was appropriately decorated island style and although very basic, it offered us what we needed for our 6 day stay. The only downside was nothing to cook with and no microwave (but I didn’t go to Raro to cook)... lol. There was a jug and toaster. There was also a great restaurant 1 minutes walk away with the most gorgeous food! The Reef Motel has the most beautiful beach and I loved walking straight into the water as there is no real coral build up on this beach. I’d recommend renting a car as buses are full by the time they get to you. Cleaning lady was lovely and helpful. I would consider staying there again as when we moved to other accommodation I missed the Reef Motel and it’s beach.
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Date of stay: April 2018Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
"Book scooter ahead of time. Take sweater and rain coat if going in winter. Good fridge and basic kitchen supplies (toaster, jug, plates etc)"Read full review
PRICE RANGE
$201 - $207 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
Cook IslandsSouthern Cook IslandsRarotongaArorangi
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Reef Motel
Which popular attractions are close to The Reef Motel?
Nearby attractions include Tik-e Tours (1.2 km), Aroa Marine Reserve (5.2 km), and Cook Island Christian Church (CICC) (2.4 km).
What are some of the property amenities at The Reef Motel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free parking, airport transportation, and kids activities.
What are some restaurants close to The Reef Motel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Beluga, The Waffle Shack, and Tamarind House Restaurant & Ukulele Bar.
Does The Reef Motel have airport transportation?
Yes, The Reef Motel offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are there any historical sites close to The Reef Motel?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Wreck of the Matai (5.2 km).