Sanctuary Rarotonga-on the beach-Adults Only

We stayed here for a few nights. The hotel itself is very nice. We booked a beach room. It was on the first floor and you could just walk out to the beach. Very small beach but nice. The bus that takes you around the island is right in front of the hotel. We never ate in the hotel so I can’t comment on the food. The only thing that I did not like about the hotel at all was the horrible customer service provided at the hotel, from several employees during check in and check out. First of all, we arrived late at night and they told us that the room I booked was not available. So they wanted to put us in a lower category room in the other building. Then suddenly the room I booked appeared. Second, they told me that my room was not paid for, and they were trying to charge me double of what I paid. Internet was horrible in the lobby and rooms. I pulled up my confirmation from Hotels.Com that showed very clearly that the room was paid in full. Along with credit card statement. And they still did not believe me. After a while they allowed me to check in. During check out, I had the same issue. They wanted to charge me for an extra night at double the price!!!!! Very poor customer service!!!! Thank God I had all my prove of what I paid. No reason to treat paying guest like this Otherwise perfect resort in a wonderful island

Check for stormy season before you travel, also suggest you check out the other islands rather than staying just on Rarotonga

We checked in at 7pm and checked out at 10am due to flights so can only comment on room, service and location. - amazing bedroom, comfy bed, white sheets and towels. Lovely bathroom, big shower, free toiletries but should rethink Single use plastic. Liked they had put a jug of cold water in fridge rather than bottles. Lots of tea/coffee in room. Good size room especially important if staying for few days. Nice beach section. Staff we encountered friendly! We even were able to shower after checking out and getting our flight used their pool towels. Location wise, nothing is close by so will need to use bus which stops at hotel or hire a scooter. Restaurant food we had in evening was average.

Sanctuary Rarotonga was amazing. From check in to check out we had a fabulous time. Staff were just outstanding. We had a beachfront room and it was an amazing view right from your bed. The room itself had everything we needed. Room service was great. Will definitely go back soon.

Our stay at the sanctuary was very good. We really enjoyed the beautiful setting and the staff were very friendly. We ate some of our meals at the hotel and I would say the food was good but not great, as is often the case with hotel food. The water was crystal clear and a beautiful turquoise color. The only drawback is that when the tide is low, the coral is quite close to the surface of the water, making it somewhat difficult to swim and snorkel . When the tide is low, it is a good time to walk along the lengthy beach on either side of the hotel. When the tide is high, that is the time to go swimming and snorkeling. It is a very safe beach, enclosed by the reef. We had an upstairs room in the sanctuary and had a lovely view from there. As promised, the sanctuary was a quiet and relaxed place. I would recommend this venue.

One of the most horrible customer services EVER! DO NOT STAY HERE! Front desk Manager Michael and employee Bridgett need to be sent for customer service training. Not only do they lie about what's included but also my room was full of insects! There are much better hotels on the Island after talking with locals and other employees.

Overall feeling: Meh. The summary: The small stuff matters, and this is where this resort flounders. Of course, snorkeling is awesome and the views are breathless. Everything else? Meh. It's not a 4-star hotel in comparison to places I've stayed elsewhere. Rooms are basic and clean, BUT shower floors are tilted so water threatens to overflow onto the bathroom floor, TV reception is poor, and paying for wi-fi in 2019 is hilarious. Housekeeping is friendly BUT never comes at a predictable time... could be 10AM, could be 3:30... hard to say and annoying as heck. Food is basic and the breakfast is satisfactory, BUT nothing I haven't seen at a Holiday Inn Express... definitely doesn't justify the cost of the room. Pool is not worth even visiting... which is sad coming from someone who LOVES pools and swim-up bars. Staff is friendly, sort of... they seem tired or something. The airport shuttle is a JOKE. Do not arrange transportation through the hotel. You'll end up paying the same amount that you would for a cab. Just make sure to have cash on you (unless you want to risk taking money out at the ATM at the airport). We sat in a hot/humid van for 45 minutes at the airport waiting for more people, only to take a 10 min. ride to the resort. This shuttle service then insisted on picking us up at 5:20AM for a 8:45 flight (at an airport with 2 gates - check in closed at 7:45). Put a major damper on our stay.The hotel staff didn't care as it wasn't their problem. Major bummer.