Denarau Fiji - which hotel?

[markis10]

I'd also recommend the Intercontinental, I've had some brilliant reviews from clients on it both from couples and families, and its recently been included in Virtuoso's Best of the Best program which makes it easy to sell with a tick like that.

Virtuoso guests also get a complimentary upgrade, comp. breakfast and 2x 60 min massages once during stay.

TG

The IC is very affordable if you use the priority privilege program with its BOGOs etc, and the dining discounts, any stay of 4 days or more pays for the price of the program while the savings last a year!

 

[pauly7]

I'd also recommend the Intercontinental, I've had some brilliant reviews from clients on it both from couples and families, and its recently been included in Virtuoso's Best of the Best program which makes it easy to sell with a tick like that.

Virtuoso guests also get a complimentary upgrade, comp. breakfast and 2x 60 min massages once during stay.

TG

Intercon is good, they separate adults and kids with 'adults only' areas.

Bathtubs on the verandahs are pretty good!

 

[Leumas]

A question that had been burning in my mind was how to get from the airport to the hotel… should I be calling them and telling them my flight details, or do we just get a cab at the airport?

To the Denarau hotels, just get a taxi when you leave the airport terminal. Lots available.

Agree on a price before you hop in - it should be FJD$30 each way, some may charge FJD$25. It's a 10-15 mins ride. No need to tip either. However, make sure you've the correct change, some drivers may say they don't have the right change if you, say, give them a $50 (which is likely what you get from your currency exchange).

 

[Alanslegal]

There's mixed reviews on the Westin all over FT and mainly positive things about the Hilton so I'm leaning towards Hilton, but I would rather the SPG points

I'll be staying at the Westin on the 12-15 November and as much as the reviews are mostly negative (in fact all of the Starwood properties there have poor reviews), I require the stay credits to requal for Platinum and my rates are only 160FJD per night. If you aren't travelling till then, I'm more than happy to report back.

 

[bossreggie]

Unlike some. We have stayed at the Westin and quite enjoyed it. You must get an ocean front room and upgrade to something above the standard room in terms of size. The spa is very good and reasonably priced.

The Flying Fish at the Sheraton is a great place to eat. I can add my +1 to Ewings comment.

I also quite liked the Sofitel. Once again ocen front suite is the way to go.

I pre book my transfer with Rosie tours. IIRC it was about $80 return and you are assured of a/c.

Whilst I agree with some about Denerau... I still like the place and I will go there 2 or 3 times per year.

 

[BVT]

I would personally go the Sheraton Fiji over Westin - and as they're integrated you can still use all the facilities anyway. I haven't seen the Hilton so couldn't comment there.

The spa at the Westin is divine, but as a guest at the Sheraton you can use it anyway. The Flying Fish restaurant at the Sheraton is also quite good - the lobster in the pepper, and the other one in ginger are both fantastic

They'll serve you drinks while in the pool at the Sheraton, but not at the Westin (in contrast, the Westin has a big sign that says no swimming while under the influence of alcohol)

Here's a snap taken from my room at the Sheraton a few weeks ago:
http://shn.bz/xkoic

Oh, and as you've mentioned using SPG points - they have a C+P option ocean view rooms at 2,800 per night plus FJD$95 - not bad (that's what I did - 4 rooms for 3 nights for all 7 of us - saved a bundle of cash)

+1

Stay at the Sheraton and stroll down to the Westin to use its facilities if you need to. SPG points + $$ is also extremely good value.

I did a 50/50 MR and long weekend away recently and did just as has been suggested by Ewing (and me!). Great weekend, lots of SC's and not much $$ spent.

Have fun.

 

[drron]

Unlike some. We have stayed at the Westin and quite enjoyed it. You must get an ocean front room and upgrade to something above the standard room in terms of size. The spa is very good and reasonably priced.

The Flying Fish at the Shearaton is a great place to eat. I can add my +1 to Ewings comment.

I also quite liked the Sofitel. Once again ocen front suite is the way to go.

I pre book my transfer with Rosie tours. IIRC it was about $80 return and you are assured of a/c.

Whilst I agree with some about Denerau... I still like the place and I will go there 2 or 3 times per year.

I'm with you boss.I actually smirk when people call the Islands the real Fiji-real tourist Fiji.I used to go to the Sheraton 2-3 times a year for the first 10 years it was open.Got to know many of the staff well,visit their homes or villages so reckon by staying on Denarau I got to know a little of the real Fiji.

 

[winfred]

Got a few nights in fiji next month and can't decide which to stay at...

Westin or Fiji beach resort (hilton)...

Planning to do nothing except sun drink and golf.... any suggestions?

> Hilton as its is newer with much nicer rooms. Don't expect to see a swimable beach at Denarau though. They are all swimming pool resorts. You need to go to one of the small islands for a decent beach.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Here's a snap taken from my room at the Sheraton a few weeks ago:
http://shn.bz/xkoic

Great view Ewing, any particular room number we should book into?

 

[Ewing]

Great view Ewing, any particular room number we should book into?

That was taken from either 1407 or 1409 (can't remember which, but it was a 2 double ocean room). I do remember that we also had 1408 (1 king) - that one is easier to remember because of the movie

As for airport transfers - we organised ours through the hotel because there were a few of us. They sent an air conditioned mini-van with enough room for 7 people and luggage for FJD$55 each way - the person was waiting for us just outside customs.

I do however agree with the sentiment on here - if it's just a few people then you can just get a cab.

 

[Sprucegoose]

I agree.

We always hire a 4WD when there and go exploring for at least a day. I've gone as far as Tavua in the north and Suva to the east plus in between.

Having said that, Denarau is nice to just relax by the pool with a good book and a cold beverage

+1. we went 'up the coast' and the girls found some fantastic and cheap clothing shops................just what you want on hols in Fiji.

Love the pace - 80km/h and saw a few speed radars lol..

We stayed at the Intercon 'down the road a bit'....fantastic beach Natadola???? rated as one of the best in the world, now I know why.

Haydens tip to research on tripadvisor is good advice.

SPRUCE

 

[luclen]

Sorry gotta disagree with you about the Interconti having one if the best beaches in the world.... It was wavey with browny sand covered in horse poo (locals offer horse rides), nothing pretty about it. Port Macquarie has nicer beaches!!

If you want a beautiful beach than try Vomo Island or Blue Lagoon Resort further north, both islands have picture perfect white sand with crystal blue waters that are postcard perfect!

We actually stayed at Vomo, then went to the Interconti - thought hell more Indian staff that Fijians and could be located at the Gold Coast so checked out early after two days (and had 2 bedroom club plunge pool suite!) and took off with young kids in tow to the Blue Lagoon Resort by boat....