Editor Pick
Simple and Easy...
- July 16, 2009
- Rated 4 of 5 by
Red Mezz from Inverness, Scotland
If you are looking for something that is a bit more comfortable, and somewhere just to land for the night coming in and out of Nadi airport in Fiji, then you need look no further than the Raffles Gateway Hotel.
There are plenty of very luxurious, very expensive resort hotels in Viti Levu from the Nadi itself all the way to harbour where you can catch the boats going out to the islands.
And there are plenty of options if you want something that feels a bit more 'Fijian' - with a cheaper price tag and a more authentic feel.
But if what you are looking for is just a little bit of ease and comfort before you set out on your exploration of the Fijian Islands, then the Raffles is an excellent way to go.
Situated directly across from the Nadi airport (itself a small and easy to navigate place.) You can easily walk across from the arrivals and be there in just a few minutes, or you can catch any one of the free shuttles that run across.)
The Raffles is so convenient in fact that it is often used as a stopping place for other hotels and tours. Many of the tours, boats and other activities may very well leave from the Raffles hotel - so even if you decide not to stay the night, it is very possible that in your time on Viti Levu, you may still find yourself wandering into the Gateway.
And this is certainly not a bad thing.
Though it doesn't have five star resort luxury, this is a very nice hotel. The lounge and lobby and immaculately kept, the staff are very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.
The place does leave you feeling like you are in Fiji, with out actually getting into the Fijian experience of cold showers, mosquito nets, cane toads, and sharing your room with other assortments of lizards and small creatures.
Nicely put together - the Raffles Gateway is a very simple, pleasant option as a place to stay. The rooms are well set up, (including the delight of air conditioning and TV) and the prices, though steep for those on a budget, are fairly average for this accommodation in Fiji.
There is a great pool, just outside of the entrance and lounge, plenty of tropical flowers abound - and a very, very chilled atmosphere pervades everything.
A drink at the bar (though a little pricey, it is a hotel bar, after all) is an excellent way to kill the time while waiting for a tour to begin or for a taxi to arrive. There's Fijian music played in the bar in the evenings, and you can even experience Fijian 'kava' here.
And on a side note - they have an excellent gift shop. This is particularly good if you are staying in cheaper accommodation or just on the islands, as it can be surprisingly difficult to find good Fijian souvenirs to bring home. This is a nice little shop with all you might need, at fairly reasonable prices. They have an excellent selection of traditional, well made Fijian Sulus (something all women will want very quickly after arriving in Fiji...) and the staff in the gift shop were exceptionally good at helping choose the sulu and to show you how to wear it.
All in all, I was very impressed with my time in Raffles. The food isn't very cheap - but it is nice and they have an excellent lunch menu. (also very good to pop across the street from the airport for lunch if you have just arrived into town. I would recommend that over going into Nadi - unless you are up for a little local exploration.)
From journal Enjoy the More Local Taste of Fiji on Viti Levu...