Resort hotel recs in Nadi, Fiji

[eminere]

Hi all,

Am planning a long weekend visit to Fiji in either June or October. It will be my first time there and I thought staying at one of the hotels that feature those picture-perfect postcard views you see all the time in movies would be a nice intro to Fiji. I understand some even have their own private beaches which sound amazing. So far I have Hilton, Sofitel, Westin, Sheraton and Radisson on my list, which I believe are all located at Denarau Island and fairly close to Nadi Airport. Should I be looking anywhere else?

Would particularly appreciate advice from people who've stayed at the above properties before, as well as any general tips and tricks to make the most of my trip.

Thanks for reading!

 

[DC3]

Have you seen these threads:

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....questions/denarau-fiji-which-hotel-26171.html

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....nors/hh-gold-amenities-fiji-resort-26471.html

When I stayed at Denarau several years ago I thought that it was great. I didn't go there to see the "real" Fiji, but wanted a resort location to relax.

Pick a hotel to stay at and make use of the Bula Bus to get around and visit the other hotels at Denarau and maybe checkout the marina as well.

 

[docjames]

The IC is great, but it's ~45-60 mins drive (hotel has paid shuttle service available)

 

[Caversham04]

I've stayed at the Hilton in Denarau recently. We were only there for a night before catching the morning ferry to a resort on one of the islands, but were sufficiently impressed to book for a long weekend there in June, partially because our preferred flights would require a night on the mainland anyway, so why spend time fiddling around catching the ferry to an island resort the next day if it's just a short trip to Fiji? It also obviously takes a lot longer to get back to the airport from one of the islands (although you could splash some cash on a helicopter or seaplane trip).

Plus points:
The room was a very good size (we were upgraded to a 1-bed apartment as I'm HH Gold)
We had a good view of the beach and offshore islands from the room
Good food
Adults-only pool if you want / need it

Downsides
If your room is at the far end of the complex, you'll have a long (5 minutes??) walk to get to the reception, bar etc. unless you can grab a lift on the golf buggies that run up and down
Denarau island is (I'm told) a reclaimed mangrove swamp, so the beach and the water clarity aren't up to the levels that you'd find on one of the small island resorts (but see comments above r.e. the pools)
The Hilton, in particular, is right next to the main sea-exit from Denarau marina

If your flight times would mean that you don't need a night on the mainland (or you're happy to split your trip), I'd suggest looking at hotels in the Mamanucas for a slightly more "classic" Fiji experience (I can recommend Lomani and Tokoriki Island Resort if you're travelling without kids), but you are unlikely to go far wrong at the Hilton either.

 

[Jacques Vert]

We got a "pay for two, stay for three" deal at the Sofitel which made it good value. Great ambiance and we enjoyed every minute of our stay. Meals are much better value at the Marina then at the resorts and there is bottle shop upstairs that sells wine at Australian prices (wine is generally expensive in the topics). Although we did have a meal at the 5 star "V" restaurant at the Sofitel and it was as good as I have had anywhere: great food and impeccable service. Recommended if it is within your price range.

We also stayed at the IC in Natadola: nice hotel but way overpriced (we stayed on points). Located in a area that is very windy and a long way from anywhere else.

One thing to consider is that at many resorts you are a captive; that is, once you are there you pay whatever the resort charges for everything which at some resorts can be quite expensive. You are too isolated to go elsewhere.

At Denarau, you are amongst a number of resort hotels, golf club and course across the road, marina and restaurants within walking distance and Nadi a short 5-10 minutes away.....Depends what you are looking for.

JV

 

[horseman]

I stayed at the radison late last year and cannot fault my stay at all.
Denarau is a great place, prices are good. Everything's there you need.
Sure Nadi is cheaper (unless your dragged into the dodgy souvenir shops) but it's a hell hole in my opinion. Too busy messy and in your face for me.
I'd go back.

 

[Cynicor]

They're all pretty ok. Go where've you have status. The Hilton treats Golds and Diamonds ok there, and is quite nice to boot. They have probably opened up more rooms and another restaurant since I was last there in 2012, as they were apparently planning this when I left.