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There are almost 100 accommodation properties in the Cook Islands. Most of these are on the main island of Rarotonga, with just over a dozen places to stay on the lagoon island of Aitutaki, a 45 minute flight to the north of Rarotonga. Atiu is growing in popularity with discerning travellers and offers five properties with self-contained villas. On the other outer islands, there's a guesthouse or two on the small limestone island of Mangaia to the south east of Rarotonga.
The majority of Cook Island accommodation is self-catering bungalows or motels and private holiday homes around the main island of Rarotonga. There are about 20 small size hotels in the Cook Islands with less than 50 rooms, all but a couple being on Rarotonga and there are only two large hotels with almost 200 rooms each.
Room rates vary from around NZ$140 per room for basic self-catering to up to NZ$750 for the deluxe beachfront resort bungalows. Holiday homes start at about NZ$700 per week for a 2 bedroom house. Accommodation in the Cook Islands does get full throughout the year so it is wise to book at least 3 months in advance. Discounts for direct Internet bookings are usually available through the hotel website and better rates are often quoted for early bookings. Late specials are very seldom offered. It is worth asking to reserve the unit nearest the beachfront - some places have a standard rate for all units while others add a premium for beachfront units.
Most Cook Island hotels blend in well with the environment and none are taller than the height of the coconut trees. Most Cook Islands hotels are beachside although usually only a few of the rooms / bungalows are absolute beach-front. Those classified as "Garden" bungalows are set slightly inland from the beach. Some accommodation on Rarotonga is across the road from the beach on the "Mountain Side" and these are usually much cheaper even though the mountain views are just as spectacular as the sea views.
To view a complete directory of accommodation, use our cook island accomodation finder where you can search for your perfect hotel, resort self catering beach bungalow or private villa by price, style, interest or region.
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