10 Best Motels in the Cook Islands [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com
10 Best Motels in the Cook Islands [2023]

10 Best Motels in the Cook Islands [2024]

© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

Where to Find a Motel in the Cook Islands

Let’s begin by saying that the selection of motels in the Cook Islands is incredibly slim, with resorts, villas and holiday homes being the most popular choice. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for an affordable and functional place to stay with motel-like facilities, such as a kitchen and studio layouts, then we have curated the perfect list for you! Check it out in this guide to the best motels in the Cook Islands, including the islands of Rarotonga, Aitutaki and Mangaia.

1. Central Motel

Right in the heart of Avarua, the capital of Rarotonga and the Cook Islands, 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. Check out more motels on the island of Rarotonga listed in the 5 Best Motels on Rarotonga.

Check Central Motel out:

10 Best Motels in the Cook Islands [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

2. 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.

Check Reefcomber Sunset Beach out:

10 Best Motels in the Cook Islands [2023]© Reef Motel Rarotonga

3. Reef Motel

Not to be confused with the motel on Rarotonga, Reef Motel is located on the main island of Aitutaki. Choose between a studio with a garden view or a lagoon view, both kitted out with a kitchenette, lounge, one double bed, one single bed and an ensuite – and surrounding a central outdoor pool. The motel might not be winning any style points but the staff are perfectly lovely while the facilities are perfectly functional. A highlight is a unique location in the village of Nikaupara toward the southern end of the main island. Discover more motels on the same island in the 5 Best Motels on Aitutaki.

Check Reef Motel out:

10 Best Motels in the Cook Islands [2023]© Reef Motel Aitutaki

4. Kiikii Inn & Suites

Offering self-catering facilities and a holiday experience, Kiikii Inn & Suites on Rarotonga is a worthy option for budget travellers. Catering to a maximum of three guests, rooms feature kitchenettes with fridges, hobs and microwaves, as well as an ensuite. Either stay among the gardens or around the outdoor pool with the option of a sea view. Find this motel in Tupapa, along the north coast of the island. Plus, discover more affordable stays in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in the Cook Islands.

Check Kiikii Inn & Suites out:

10 Best Motels in the Cook Islands [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

5. Rino’s Bungalows

A convenient location and a relatively affordable motel, Rino’s Bungalows – sometimes called Rino’s Motel – offers an alternative stay for couples, solo travellers and families of three. Located in Amuri in Aitutaki, their garden-view rooms are set up for families with beds, a basic kitchen and a separate bathroom in a studio layout, while the beachfront units are reserved for adult guests. Each unit has basic cooking facilities but you’re close to town with plenty of dining options and a vehicle rental depot across the road. We also list this in the 10 Best Family Accommodations on Aitutaki.

Check Rino’s Bungalows out:

10 Best Motels in the Cook Islands [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

6. Babe’s Place

Enjoy the homely atmosphere and experience the warm hospitality of the budget-friendly Babe’s Place all the way on the island of Mangaia. There are four motel units with one or two double beds per room, which are basic but well-kept with colourful bedsheets, mosquito nets and a private patio area with outdoor furniture. The rest of the facilities are communal, including a spacious lounge and kitchen where your three meals a day (included in the price) are served. See more stays in Mangaia in the Where to Stay on Mangaia: The Best Mangaia Accommodations.

10 Best Motels in the Cook Islands [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

7. Coral Sands Apartments

While slightly diverting from the motel-specific accommodation, this accommodation on Rarotonga offers facilities that regular motel-dwellers will dig. Coral Sands Apartments, a short stroll from Arorangi Beach features seven apartments surrounding a central swimming pool, five of which are well-appointed one-bedroom apartments while the other two are three-bedroom apartments. Check out more stays like Coral Sands in the 10 Best Holiday Apartments in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands!

Check Coral Sands Apartments out:

10 Best Motels in the Cook Islands [2023]© Coral Sands Apartments

8. The Black Pearl at Puaikura

Masquerading as a resort, this affordable boutique accommodation actually features extremely motel-esque rooms and facilities. What’s more, The Black Pearl at Puaikura is a great consideration for a family getaway to Rarotonga. Surrounding a central pool among tropical gardens are 12 airy suites adorning modern murals and self-catering facilities. Choose from studios or one-bedroom units with single beds in the living area. We also like that barbecue packs can be purchased to make the most of the barbecue facilities. See stays similar to this in the 20 Best Family Resorts & Accommodations in the Cook Islands.

Check The Black Pearl at Puaikura out:

10 Best Motels in the Cook Islands [2023]© The Black Pearl at Puaikura

9. Ranginui’s Retreat

With a beachfront location and views of the Aitutaki Lagoon, Ranginui’s Retreat offers a luxurious location for the price of a motel. Fisherfolk can cast right from the accommodation, while those looking to relax can make use of the beach loungers and the swimming pool. Choose between bungalows for couples, groups and families kitted out with functional but small kitchens. There are also ultra-budget units available for couples and solo travellers with breakfast-making facilities. See similar accommodations in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations on Aitutaki.

Check Ranginui’s Retreat out:

10 Best Motels in the Cook Islands [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

10. Paradise Inn

You can hardly beat the location of this budget motel on the sandy shores of Avarua. Just a short walk from town, Paradise Inn has 17 rooms accommodating one to four people with the “Loft” rooms having an interesting multi-storey layout. Rooms have basic cooking features like a microwave, stovetop and fridge, as well as an ensuite. A cool place to relax is on the front deck overlooking the sandy shores. See more stays like this in Rarotonga the 10 Best Budget Accommodations on Rarotonga.

Check Paradise Inn out:

10 Best Motels in the Cook Islands [2023]© Paradise Inn

More Motels in the Cook Islands

Now that you know some of the best motels in the Cook Islands, get tips on how to choose the perfect motel in the guides below:

Finally, see a comprehensive list of stays on the islands listed in Where to Stay in the Cook Islands: The Best Cook Islands Accommodations, as well as in The Top 50 Resorts in the Cook Islands.

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.

Was this article useful?

Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter