Also, many of them have local rates for islanders, which they may extend to visitors if business is slack on a given day. Most hotels pay travel agents up to 30% of their rates for sending clients their way, and some may give you the benefit of at least part of this commission if you book directly instead of going through an airline or travel agent.
A favorite type of hotel accommodates its guests in individual bungalows set in a coconut grove beside a sandy beach and quiet lagoon. It's the quintessential definition of the South Seas. Hotels of this style are widespread in Fiji. Likuliku Lagoon Resort was the first in Fiji with romantic bungalows actually standing on stilts out over the reef. Others are as basic as camping out. In between, they vary in size, furnishings, and comfort. In all, however, you enjoy your own space and a certain degree of privacy. The bungalows are usually built or accented with thatch and other native materials but they contain most of the modern conveniences. An increasing number of these accommodations are air-conditioned, which is a definite plus during the humid summer months from November through March. All but a few bungalows have ceiling fans, which usually will keep you comfortable during the rest of the year.
Fiji's major tourist markets for the island countries are Australia and New Zealand. Accordingly, the vast majority of hotels are tailored to Aussie and Kiwi tastes, expectations, and uses of the English language. The standard Down Under room has a double or queen-size bed and a single bed that also serves as a settee. The room may or may not have a bathtub but always has a shower. There will be tea, instant coffee, sugar, creamer, and an electric jug to heat water. Televisions and telephones are numerous but are not universal.
Rooms are known to Fiji reservation desks as “singles” if one person books them, regardless of the number and size of beds they have. Singles are slightly less expensive than other rooms. A unit is a “double” if it has a double bed and is reserved for two persons who intend to sleep together in that bed. On the other hand, a “twin” has two twin beds; it is known as a “shared twin” if two unmarried people book them and don’t intend to sleep together. Third and fourth occupants of any room are usually charged a few dollars on top of the double or shared twin rates. Some hotel rooms have kitchenettes equipped with a small refrigerator (the “fridge”), hot plates (the “cooker”), pots, pans, crockery, silverware, and utensils. Having a kitchenette can result in quite a savings on breakfasts and light meals.
All South Pacific hotels and resorts supply bath and hand towels, but many do not have face towels (or wash cloths) in their bathrooms. Just in case, bring your own.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
