5 Best Motels on Rarotonga

Last Updated: 29 July, 2025

Where to Find a Motel on Rarotonga

Swap the impracticality and expense of a lavish resort for a more affordable and functional motel on Rarotonga. Although only a small selection, the motels on Rarotonga provide all you need for an affordable holiday or business trip in paradise.

Check them out in this list of the best motels on Rarotonga.

1. Reefcomber Sunset Beach (Formerly The Reef Motel)

A fantastic on-the-beach location for only a fraction of the price of a resort, Reefcomber Sunset Beach is well worth looking at for holiday accommodation on Rarotonga.

Nearby the popular snorkelling spot of Black Rock and benefitting from eateries and island shows the Edgewater Resort, your stay in one of the garden studios or lagoon-view bungalows couldn’t be closer to the action. Rooms are basic but functional with a kitchenette, a deck and even dining furniture on the beach.

Book Reefcomber Sunset Beach:

2. Coral Sands Apartments

Coral Sands Apartments offers a delightful retreat on the sunset side of Rarotonga. This boutique self-catering accommodation features seven apartments, perfectly positioned for those stunning Cook Islands sunsets.

You’ll love the central swimming pool, ideal for a refreshing dip after a day of island exploration. With five well-appointed one-bedroom apartments and two spacious three-bedroom options, it’s a fantastic choice for couples and families alike.

Just a short stroll from Arorangi Beach, you’re never far from the crystal-clear waters and golden sands that make Rarotonga a tropical paradise. Check out more stays like Coral Sands in the 10 Best Holiday Apartments in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands!

Book Coral Sands Apartments:

3. Central Motel

Right in the heart of Avarua, Central Motel offers affordable accommodation within walking distance of shops, restaurants and the bus station. The 14 rooms of the motel are, of course, super basic but are well-kept with standard breakfast-making facilities and an ensuite.

A nice little touch is the spa pool in the gardens. Note that there are only rooms for a maximum of two guests.

Book Central Motel:

4. Kiikii Inn & Suites

Kiikii Inn & Suites offers a delightful blend of self-catering facilities and a holiday experience that’s perfect for budget-conscious travellers. Nestled in the gardens or around the outdoor pool, the rooms cater to a maximum of three guests and come equipped with kitchenettes featuring fridges, hobs, and microwaves.

You’ll love the ensuite bathrooms and the option of a sea view. But that’s not all! Kiikii Inn & Suites now offers affordable bicycle rental, making it even easier to explore the stunning surroundings of Tupapa and beyond. It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local culture and discover hidden gems along the north coast of the island.

Book Kiikii Inn & Suites:

5. The Black Pearl Beachside Apartments

The Black Pearl Beachside Apartments offer a convenient and practical stay in Rarotonga. Located right across the road from the beach, guests enjoy complimentary use of masks, snorkels, and reef shoes – perfect for spontaneous snorkelling adventures!

The property features a central pool, guest laundry, and 12 airy suites with self-catering facilities. You’ll find the handy CITC Mini general store next door and a selection of restaurants nearby.

For the best experience, we recommend asking for a renovated room. With its prime location and thoughtful amenities, Black Pearl is an excellent choice for travellers seeking comfort and convenience.

See more stays similar to this in the 20 Best Family Resorts & Accommodations on Rarotonga.

Book The Black Pearl Beachside Apartments:

More Motels in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands

Now that you know some of the best motels on Rarotonga, see how they compare to the outer islands, as well as other accommodations on Raro. We have the articles to help:

Finally, see a comprehensive list of stays on the islands listed in Where to Stay on Rarotonga: The Best Rarotonga Accommodations.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across the Cook Islands and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Cook Islands Tourism Corporation (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Finance & Economic Management (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Agriculture (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Statistics Office (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Transport (Transport operators and licenses - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])

At Cook Islands Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About the Author

Robin C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Cook Islands Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin works and consults regularly with Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, a local government body representing the tourism industry. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

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