Vanuatu Hotel Reviews

Bonjour Hotel trés correct : propre et spacieux ; fruits à disposition, thé, café.... Nous sommes satisfaits malgré un passage éclair. JPM- 15/04/2010, Mr. MARCHAND Jean-Paul

We had a wonderful time in Vanuatu and looked forward to returning to the cleanliness and comfort of our lodgings each evening. The neighborhood was interesting and friendly as well. If you would like to meet the "regular folks" in Port Vila, this is the place to stay. Would happily stay at this accommodation again.- 10/11/2009, Mr. Bruce Thomas

I loved my stay at Paradise Cove Resort - it was exactly waht I was looking for. The only quirk which is worth noting is that this is the first beach hotel/resort where beach towels are not provided (but are available for purchase), and I wonder if this should be mentioned when booking.- 21/11/2009, Ms. Karen Brown

The rooms are very clean, as is the restaurant and common area. The gardens and beach are immaculate. This place has bucket loads of character and felt like home after a couple of days. The resort was at (or near) capacity of 25 people when we were there, but we felt like we had the place to ourselves. Our favourite table in the restaurant or beach chair was always available. The atmosphere was very friendly and the staff felt like family. There are no phones, TVs or loud happy hours here. The resort is well run. They employ more people than they have guests and the management have established an education fund (optional in place of gratuities) for the staff’s children.- 13/06/2009, Mr. Barry Dick

Anne and her staff provided a warm welcome which continued right through to the day we left. Everyone was very attentive to our needs and every effort was made to make us feel very special and welcome. We would highly recommend this resort for a truly relaxing holiday away from all the hustle and bustle. The location is beautiful, very peaceful but there are plenty of activities available for those who want to venture further.- 13/05/2010, Mr. Dennis McPherson

A gorgeous location with wonderful staff to match. The food was delicious and the diving was exceptional.- 11/05/2010, Ms. Jacinta Stone

Great Hotel would recommend. Location a plus as so close to the town. Have no problem recommending this Hotel.- 08/07/2010, Mr. Sean Hope

I cannot fault Chantilly's. The staff were beyond fantastic; helpful, friendly, and nothing was too much trouble. It was clean, modern and close to town.- 03/04/2010, Mrs. Christy van Heerden

Really great value for money place to stay. Food was awesome and Kim and the girls were really friendly and helpful.- 18/07/2010, Mrs. Melissa Lovell

These people are so good to stay with. The food is excellent, the breakfast so well presented and interesting. The shared rooms offer fantastic value at $ 50 per night per bed. Each room had its own bathroom and was quite spacious. Really clean and comfortable. I thought it was exceptional value. The pool and view from this place must be the best in town. Overlooking the channel to Aore Island is great for those doing the June swim across the channel with Pacific Swims.- 24/06/2010, Mrs. Gillian Doyle

We stayed 2 nights at Nirvana: the first and last nights of our stay in Vanuatu (we hopped around different islands) The first night we stayed at in a Pool bungalow which was great value for money. We found the staff very welcoming, met Zoro, the Rottweiler which was nice but a bit annoying as very playful but not gentle - he is tied up when the hotel is full though. Jean Paul took great care of us at the restaurant although we found the menu extremely expensive (around $30pp for a home made type of meal). The very last night of our stay in Vanuatu we had scheduled to come back to the same resort as it was easier but we wanted to treat ourselves with a Beachview Bungalow and enjoy our last sunset from our room. When we were showed the bungalow, we thought there might be a mistake as we were not at all on the beach unlike other bungalows. Our bungalow (#5) had a view on the path leading to the beach and on two other (real) beachview bungalows. Bungalows #1,2,3 are right on the beach and are the same price so I strongly recommend you require one of those if you are planning to stay over there. Upset we paid for luxury we didn't get, we decided to take a nap but couldn't as the owner decided to invite his family and friends to the hotel's BBQ so we could only hear all the kids yelling, crying and running around. Once we got down to the BBQ, there was hardly any food left and although it was an all you can eat buffet, there were no seconds as the locals had taken doggy bags! Overall, we were disappointed by our stay there- 23/06/2010, Ms. Caroline Laux / Mr. Charles Brudon

Very friendly staff and owner, always helpful. The bungalows are clean and well presented, the location quiet and peaceful. We have been upgraded for free to a beach-front bungalow after 2 days, which was highly appreciated. Definitely best for anyone looking for seclusion and natural atmosphere. A jetty would be helpful to access the reef at low tide, however, it is easy to swim out a short way and enjoy the beautiful corals and marine life at high tide. There is a single kayak for guests, a double kayak would be a great improvement. Overall very good value for money, we will for sure visit again, as well as recommend to our friends.- 03/06/2010, Mr. Ewald Weber

This place is special for Port Vila. We loved the Garden Cottage. So much room! We had a deck to drink on and even invited the other SA swimmers to have pre dinner drinks on our deck. The self catering facilities were great. A little house with all that you need. We enjoyed the kayak and dingy on the Erakor Lagoon. We tok the ding to Erakor Island for snorkelling. Great facilities and lovely Ni-Van staff. Buses at the gate make easy trips to town for 150 Vatu.- 24/06/2010, Mrs. Gillian Doyle

I was really happy with the garden unit we stayed in at Seachange Lodge, it is within walking distance to the main street but located in a quiet street. The house was decked out with everything we could want, the tea coffee bread butter milk etc on arrive is really a treat. The grounds are wonderful and the views amazing. I will be staying here again when in Vanuatu next.- 23/05/2010, Ms. Kellie Oldfield

poppys was just great! it's very clean and the staff are more then helpful and friendly. we enjoyed our stay at poppys and on Vanuatu very much. - only one thing... if you have problems with walking up a steep hill poppys is not for you, therefore it is at the bottom of a hill. otherwise go for it!! 10/10 Monika, Australia- 28/07/2008, Mrs. Monika Scheiwiller

Great place to stay in Port Vila.. very quiet! The staff and management is very helpful and friendly. LOVE IT!!! - 05/06/2008, Mrs. Christiane Lohrbaecher

Was very happy with the resort. Will definitely go there again. The snorkeling was incredible, some of the best coral I have ever seen. Fish not that abundant, or big but in some areas quite colorful. The over water cabins were spacious and the view peaceful and beautiful. There service was OK but this was due to during our stay a yuaht club arrived therefore restaurant service was slow but the food was great though.- 24/08/2010, Mrs. Daniella Burgio

We had a wonderful time at Oyster Island - our daughters haven't stopped talking about it! It was really well set up and felt very safe for kids. Food was great, as was the bungalow we stayed in. Staff really friendly and helpful and happy. We will definitely return!- 18/07/2010, Mrs. Melissa Lovell

Helpfull and friendly staff, nice farres,snorkelling excellent- 18/07/2008, Mr. Merilyn Call of Africa

We were really pleased that we had decided to stay at Tranquitlity and wished that we had booked for longer than one night (2days). During our time there we snorkled, went canoeing, and for several walks, just so much to do and so incredibly peaceful. The meals cooked by Tony were fantastic infact one of the best steaks I have ever eaten. Staff very friendly and had great conversations with Andy, David and Tony and also met Christine who was delightful. We would certainly stay at Tranquility again when we visit Vanuatu next.- 02/08/2007, Mrs. Heather Robinson

the mystery isaland bungalows were everything i expected and although some of the staff were merely just doing there job there were a special few that went out of there way to make me feel very welcome and provide me with activities to do. i was extremely grateful to a man called Ruebin who helped me familarise myself with local customs and provided perhaps the most important thing on such an isolated island, good conversation to pass the hours. Not only this he can cook and present a excellent meal. I enjoyed my stay of 13 days and would very much like to return to this charming and beautiful location and would reccommend mystery island bungalows to anyone that is seeking a detox from civilisation and wants to get a TRUE taste of island life.- 13/12/2009, Mr. Dirk Kieseker

We had a great few days on Mystery Island and were well looked after by Ruth and Akissie. We had an adventurous 5 hour orchid hunt on the mountain slopes of the main island of Aneityum with Ruth's brother Kensen on the day the cruise ship arrived (we did not want to be seen to be sharing Mystery Island with anyone else). We took food with us but also managed to get lobster and fruit/veges from Ruth at a very reasonable cost. A great place to chill out - but also make contact with the friendly locals. - 26/10/2008, Mr. Allan & Karen Barclay

it was smaller than expected and not much storage space for clothing.it would help if you had a full length mirrow on one of the walls also.- 14/01/2010, Mr. gerald hogg

I found the rooms very small and boxlike and the balcony was extremely small. Everything else was fine.- 10/10/2009, Mrs. Brenda Rudolph

Pool area: lovely, large pool. Food: yummy, reasonably priced. Room: clean, comfy. Bathrooms: the only part of the hotel NOT to have been renovated...very old...could do with work.- 22/08/2010, Ms. Jessica Bennetts

Booked into a budget room. Bed and room were clean. There was NOWHERE to hand our clothes NOT A HOOK__NOTHING. NO FRIDGE!! IN the Pacific EVERY room HAS TO HAVE a FRIDGE. Asked the manager about the missing items-- response was just a shrug. Also NO Washing or Ironing facilities as described BUT--- YOU could see where they HAD BEEN. The evening cook -----CANT---... Go somewhere for any meal besides breakfast---even Breakfast takes a long time and -more often than not --arrived cold. The pool and surrounds were kept perfectly---better than the room. This place backs onto Vila's slum housing--a Kava Bar- and is next to a ground used for local religious and rock concerts. Just perfect for a relaxing holiday. The time that we were there VILA had a continuing problem with rubbish collection. RUBBISH EVERYWHERE. I was on HAMO a year ago...It was BETTER and CHEAPER and MORE RELIABLE than Efate. On the Positive side we met a good tour guide and the OWNER of another resort made us most welcome to use his facilities AT NO COST.. Really disappointing Stan Seymour- 29/10/2009, Mr. Ronald & Carolyn Seymour

What a fantastic place to stay! It's great to find a place that looks even better than it does on the internet. Beautiful facilities, great view and amazing service - we felt thoroughly spoilt. If we could, we'd go back tomorrow.- 04/08/2009, Mrs. Lisa Hall

Wendy our housekeeper was excellent and a delightful lady. Her daughter did great braids!- 28/10/2008, Mrs. Charlotte Bryden

Simply perfect. Perfectly decorated and maintained, 10 Min from downtown away, perfect location to be. Would repeat my choice anytime again. Thanks a lot.- 16/08/2010, Mr. Armin Hamm

Given its location out of town and the fact that breakfast isn't provided and there are no food facilities within walking distance, would have expected the cost per night to be a little cheaper than it was. However in saying that, the apartment was very spacious and the views of the lagoon and Erakor Island very lovely. Enjoyed our stay here a lot - was very relaxing.- 05/08/2010, Ms. Catherine Summers/Mr. Neal Cross

We loved this accommodation. A lovely double room with tea making, a hand basin and clothes hanging. It was shared bathroom - but very clean and easy to share. The outside balcony extended our space with good tables and chairs. It was budget but very comfortable. The daily room service was exceptional. Nellie did a brilliant clean up each day.I will stay there again. No dogs on the island is a good thing! The sunsets are to die for and the snorkelling safari each day is free and fantastic.- 24/06/2010, Mrs. Gillian Doyle

Awesome reefs and great diving. Rooms quite basic and a little tired, but overall good value for money- 11/05/2010, Ms. Jacinta Stone

They need to fix the situation regarding water to the toilet when the generator/pressure pump is not operating. The lack of pressure prevents the toilet cistern from filling which prevents the toilet from being flushed which is unhygienic. Watch out for your soap overnight as the 'pet' rat enjoys the taste.- 06/10/2009, Mr. Robert Hunt

Unique accomodation with stunning owners and stuff! Very remote of course but well suited for volcano tours.- 18/03/2009, Mr. Thomas Berthold

some cigarette ends were around the pool area, on the floor and in the planters,- 28/10/2009, Mrs. gillian marshall

We enjoyed our stay at the Sebel. It was a good place to stay for the first couple of days in Vanuatu as it allowed us to become familiar with the area. The views of the Harbour were great and we particularly enjoyed watching the ships being offloaded at the port. The rest of our stay in Vanuatu was spent at a resort as well as 3 days on Tanna Island.- 09/08/2009, Mrs. Lynette Egan

I think Helen runs a very friendly warm guest house, also her driver is world class plus the tour guide for the Volcano both were excellent and I have recommended them both to friends who are going to Tanna Island in october. The boys were cheery and pleasant with local knowledge.- 31/08/2009, Mr. William Bilham

Loved Helen and Lissie. The breakfasts and dinners were wonderful.- 16/06/2009, Ms. Laura Williams

The facilities on the island are basic and I think this is one of the better accommodations on Tanna.- 21/08/2010, Mr. Alexander van der Graaf

1) Didn't have any electricity during the day and in the middle of the night which makes it impossible to use bathroom without a window 2) Some of the recreations mentioned are not available 3) Internet charges are exorbitant compared to all other hotels and on top hardly working 4) Guest information for sightseeing/recreation (except for own tours organised and sold) is very limited- 16/08/2010, Mr. Armin Hamm

Basic but great I definitely recommend staying there unless you are a luxury resort type of person as the facilities are quite basic, though soooooo charming!- 23/06/2010, Ms. Caroline Laux / Mr. Charles Brudon

Bien sûr, quant on est le seul sur le marché, on fait ce qu'on veut... "bungalow" réduit au plus strict nécessaire, matelas trop grand pour le lit, moustiquaire neuve, draps propres. Le "bungalow" comporte 3 couchages, séparés à mi-cloison. La "salle de bains" ????? répugnante. Un lavabo qui a du etre bleu (?)un wc dont je préfère zapper la description, de toute façon, il manquerait l'odeur, et une "douche" : un tuyau d'eau froide. Enfin, quant il y avait de l'eau.... sans oublier quant il y avait de l'électricité. Nous ne sommes pas difficiles, mais là, pour 75 AUD par nuit, nous appelons cela une arnaque. Quant aux repas..... riz, riz riz OU riz avec quelques légumes et parfois de la viande. Au prix où ils sont facturés... Bref, Malicolo est géniale, mais certainement l'hébergement proposé. Conclusion : Etienne et Enny sont certainement sympathiques, mais ils font cela a minima, sciemment.Et savent parfaitement exploiter le gogo. Plus jamais !- 28/05/2010, Mr. HUGUES DE CARRERE

The room which was booked was supposed to be a Deluxe Room to cater for one adult. The room, however, conatined two single beds, neither of which were of a suitable size for one adult. The location of the rooom also left a lot to be desired. The room was located on the main road frontage of the hotel and positioned above the entrance to a nightclub. The ensuing noise from the nightclub did not allow for peaceful nights when the club was open. The road noise ealry in the morning was also not conducive to a restful night. On two separate occasions the room was also without hot water. The hotel is certainly not one that I would choose to stay in again or recommend to anyone to do likewise.- 27/08/2010, Mr. Peter McGahan

Good location and helpfull staff.- 21/08/2010, Mr. Alexander van der Graaf

pas exactement comme sur la photo mais calme et en bord de mer lits faits et serviettes changées tous les jours sympa les hamacs au bord de mer un peu loin à pied du city center- 17/11/2009, Mr. LUNG PONG WONG TONG

Very warm welcome. Nice family which is managing the motel. Good location (not to close to the city and all the hustle and bustle). Clean pool, I enjoyed every time I dived into it. A very good place to spend a relaxing holiday!- 04/06/2009, Ms. Julia Georgi

Excellent resort for peace, tranquility and beauty. Food was good, snorkelling great, wonderful waters and beautiful sunsets. I had an accident on the last day (stepped on a stonefish) and the staff and management got me to the hospital in good time. They looked after me well.- 11/10/2008, Mr. Kevin Fernandez

Erakor Island is a neat and very quiet little island but unfortunately the bungalows are looking a bit tired these days and could use an upgrade. The family bungalow we stayed in had a good deck facing the water but a very basic upstairs room (think dormitory style beds, fan and a table) despite being priced towards the high end of the market. The breakfast buffet was unexciting and a bit grotty looking - certainly not of the standard one would expect from a 'resort'. The restuarant deck is a fabulous spot to sit and enjoy the view although the food was hit and miss.- 29/09/2008, Ms. Emily Barker

Our welcome was not very welcoming at all. Being the only couple staying at Lonnoc on this given night it was clear that the people taking care of the bungalows would havemuch rathered we were not there so they could have the night off. No smile and a sullen attitude the whole time from this one young girl were off putting. The bungalows themselves were clean but things such as broken bed slats are not acceptable and not very comfortable to sleep on.- 02/08/2010, Ms. Rebecca Carden

Lonnoc Beach is the place to go for a true Vanuatu experience run by locals. The beach is SPECTACULAR and Wendy and her family run a great local business. Sure, there maybe limited menu choices but does that really matter when you are staying in paradise?- 18/07/2010, Mrs. Melissa Lovell

Just perfect really. One small gripe: Bar service too slow. Why can't the waiter just get a bottle of beer and serve it rather than wait in line for 15 cocktails to be shaken and stirred. Aren't they trusted ?- 24/09/2008, Mr. Don Gooder

Probably a little overpriced for what they are offering. It's nice overall and very comfortable but lacks a little charm.- 17/05/2008, Mrs. Jodi McKeeman & Zachary Rozga

Room and hotel was OK.- 05/08/2010, Ms. Catherine Summers/Mr. Neal Cross

This facility is really showing its age.- 11/07/2010, Mr. LaRon Woolley

apart from the tsunami warning the accomodation was very good the open air showers are certainly different, and no tv,s radios or phones was a great idea.- 14/10/2009, Mr. Ken Spencer

The staff and management were always available and helpful. The place was picture perfect. There co-ordinator Johno orgainised lots of tours by the local people which was great. Found the resort and everyone we met friendly and lovely. The charm of the place is definitely the people. The resort food was excellent (best chips ever) and the steak at the supermarket was to die for. We had a BBQ and used it alot. Overall it was a excellent family holiday.- 07/07/2009, Mrs. joan gatehouse

Everything was perfect - quiet, clean, kitchenette well equipped, bed comfortable - breakfast adequate. Would definitely stay there again if in Santo- 03/08/2010, Ms. Helen Hindin

Great friendly service and excellent restaurant! I had a lovely time there.- 09/07/2010, Ms. Gayle Ferguson

Simple but if you wished to have a self contained unit close to the town centre, then this is a good option. Pool was nice and big- 10/01/2010, Ms. Trish Maude

Although very clean, the rooms here are tired and fairly basic.- 21/01/2009, Mr. Steven De Domenico

We were in the hotel for a period of 4 hours only due to airline holdups and no opinion can be formed on most of these questions- 27/09/2009, Mr. Roger Lock

Within walking distance to town.- 24/03/2009, Mr. Gerhard Rechenberg

This hotel was advertised as a budget hotel, which is what we expected and is what we received. It was our first and last nights accomodation in Port Vila and was very affordable and well positioned directly in the centre of everything. The rooms were clean and tidy although the beds were hard. On the last night we were given a room with just one double bed instead of two singles, which meant my 21 year old son and I had to share. Overall we got what we paid for and were happy with the service we received.- 25/07/2010, Mrs. Kerri Martin

We had a double room at the back of the hotel. We did not have any problems with noise. We also had a room with a fan and for March this was quite ok.- 28/03/2010, Ms. Allison Milne

The accomodation was simple as expected and we were not dissapointed with the bungalows, but the attitude of the 'tour guide' and driver, as well as the lady doing the cooking was very bad. We did not meet Issac or Rachel the owners who may have had a better attitude than their staff. Overall we did not feel welcome and were treated as if there was a huge illuminated dollar sign over our heads... but the cliff top setting was very pretty.- 27/07/2010, Ms. Adele Bennett

The transfert in car is 10 times the price of what the local people are paying to do the same trip.The bungalows are simple but very nice.The manager could inform us that there is no shop or market where to buy food around.Because you are on a remote place ,everything is expensive: 1500 vatus per meal,you have to pay if you want to charge the battery of your camera, pay 300 vatu for hot water...Tourist=money...and nothing else.It's sad.- 10/10/2009, Ms. Aline Serafini

We were for 4 days at Port Resolution.It's an amazing location. The white Beach near the village is beautiful. You can also go to the hot springs by foot. The bay of Port resolution is magnificent. The bungalows are OK. But don't be to much "exigent" with the toilets and the shower. It's a little bit like camping... We eat the same at the local people and the vegetables were very well cooked. Not too much meat, but the local people don't eat too much meat too... We really enjoyed our holidays at PORT RESOLUTION ! Warry, the manager, and the girls who care about the location are very sympathic. We will probably come back somme days to that amazing place ! THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICES.- 10/01/2010, Mrs. Laurence FEHR

Première remarque qui va concerner ce questionnaire (dont je juge l'existence très positive): alors que le français est l'une des langues officielles du Vanuatu, il est dommage qu'il ne soit qu'en anglais (comme d'ailleurs le reste du site). Malgré mes dificultés de compréhension , je vais essayer d'y répondre. Sur les 6 (ou 7?) bungalows, seul 3 semblaient avoir l'éclairage électrique (cela quand le groupe était en fonction). 3 bungalows avaient un petit lavabo à l'entrée. Les douches avec WC communes avaient de grandes ouvertures qui ne permettaient pas de respecter l'intimité et la pudeur et des utilisateurs. En ce qui concerne les repas, c'était très monotone: autour de l'habituel riz, il y avait quelques petites variations de légumes mais pas ou très peu de viandes et pas de poisson. Le déser était toujours une banane. Tout cela pour un coût excessis (750 vu) pour si peu. Pour les possibilités de visites, sorties, le staff ne semblait pas des plus dynamiques. Après ces points négatifs, il reste à dire cependant qu'on a eu affaire à des gens gentils dans un cadre magnifique.- 21/09/2008, Mr. LANDRAING Alain

for the price the accommodation was very basic. the setting is magic, and it is a great opportunity to engage with the village, but the physical condition of the bungalow and separate bathroom is poor, especially when compared to other places in similar price range in Vanuatu. food was good.- 10/08/2010, Mr. damian okeefe

Rooms are very, very basic and need some attention. Holes and cracks in walls and illfitting doors/windows allow rats, lizards and other insects free access to rooms. Mosquito nets are torn. We understand that power comes off a generator but at night it is difficult (and dangerous) to find the toilets without stumbling over bits and pieces strewn about the area. It also makes using the toilets difficult!- 21/01/2009, Mr. Steven De Domenico

Resort is really nice. A lot of free activities with the all inclusive package (kayaks, tennis, table tennis, kids club...) However with the all inclusive package, if you don't watch out you can easily spend a lot with all the extras that are not always obvious and well explained. Buses and taxis are always at the entrence of the hotel, so easy to go into Port Vila. We had a great time at the resort. - 20/09/2008, Mrs. Maud Eon

The hotel had no record of our booking when we checked in late at night. We were finally accommodated in a room with two double beds (neither of which were long enough for my partner) and no power points. The room did not match the description of the room advertised. The only available point was in the very small bathroom so we were required to iron and boil the kettle next to the toilet. There was no mini bar in the room (but this service was provided in the rooms of our friends who were also accommodated in the hotel. When it came time to check out we were presented with a bill for the accommodation that had already been charged to my credit car two weeks prior to checking in. After much confusion I was finally used a hotel computer to log into to my bank account and print a list of my credit card transactions to prove that i had already been charged. After about half an hour the hotel was able to confirm that the account had been paid. At the time of booking i indicated that transfers were required to and from the airport. I was advised that as our flight got in at 11pm this service could not be provided on arrival. I did however assume that a transfer would be provided to the airport - i was wrong. The accommodation at Le Lagon was expensive at over $200 a night but this did not equate to a high standard of service. I have had more positive experiences in small family run guesthouse for which i have paid a fraction of the price!- 06/12/2007, Ms. NATASHA BOYLE

The "breakfast included" consisted of three slices of 8mm toast or cereal, not both and coffee or tea. This was insufficient to sustain most people. Anything extra was quite expensive ie: fruit juice x 2 was 800v. Resteraunt food was exceptional. Access to town to suppliment meals was very expensive at 3000vat return. Snorkelling was some of the best I have ever seen but only accessable at low tide and then with some difficulty. Kayaks and snorkeling gear were available for hire and not included in the accommodation price unlike anywhere else we have stayed. As a world traveller I would rate it as five out of ten at present.- 22/05/2010, Mr. Allan Bailey

-- 09/01/2010, Mrs. anna marello-sayadi