I chose this property because I wanted to be in Avarua - the main town of Rarotonga, during my mandatory stopover in Rarotonga before heading to another island, and Central Motel is the only property located in town.

The room is basic with a queen size bed, 2 bedside tables, 2 bedside lamps, a standing fan, a coffee table, a small TV, 2 armchairs, wardrobe with hangers/basket/iron/ironing board, a bar fridge, a kettle, a toaster, tea/coffee making facilities, glasses, plates, and cutlery, as well as an air conditioner. The bathroom has a shower box and electric shaving outlets.

The rooms surround a small courtyard with a picnic table and a spa pool, there is also a small parking area outside the motel. Malcolm the owner lives onsite, making it very easy to get ahold of him.

The motel is located just off the courthouse and government offices, it is about 8 minutes walk to the Police Station (where one can get a driver's licence for NZD20, bring passport) and the CITC mall. There is a lively Saturday morning market at the other end of the town, about 20 minutes walk away, which has a good variety of local produce as well as local crafts.

All the shops within walking distance are closed on Sunday with the exception of Raro Fried Chicken (opens 24 hours).

Airport pick up/drop off is NZD5 per journey, Wifi internet credits can be purchased on Zenbu's website, at less than NZD100 per night the room rates are definitely the best on Rarotonga for a short stay.

I would recommend this property to anyone who wish to have a no frill and no hassle stay in Rarotonga.

Tusen tack Malcolm!

We stayed at Central on our first night as we had booked private accommodation in Muri Beach and this was not available til the following day. We arrived after midnight and Malcolm picked us up which was great. Rooms are basic but clean, excellent value for Raro and very central and the next morning Malcolm offered to take us to our private accomodation for little cost and along the way since basically around the other side of the island shown us places to go etc. Can't recommend Malcolm highly enough for doing this and since he has lived on the island for many years has a wealth of knowledge.

We stayed at Central on the last night of our holiday after leaving Aitutaki. Malcolm, the owner, is a great character with an amazing BBC accent!! The motel is situated down a quiet street and a very short distance from the centre of Avarua, the airport and Trader Jacks bar...(although we never got to go there...(be aware nothing opens on Sundays....including just about all of the supermarkets!!!) Definately try Bamboo Jacks Resturant....they are DEF open Sunday evenings and they have a bar!!....Malcolm will direct you!! The rooms are basic but huge, there are beers and soft drinks in the fridge, all at very reasonable prices, and Malcolm is wonderful!...it's worth staying there just for the entertainment!. Excellent value for money!! Thanks Malcolm!!!