Tips on Accommodations

The South Pacific has a wide range of accommodations, from deluxe resort hotels on their own islands to mom-and-pop guesthouses and dormitories with bunk beds.

Types Of Rooms

My favorite type of hotel accommodates its guests in individual bungalows set in a coconut grove beside a sandy beach and quiet lagoon. If that's not the quintessential definition of the South Seas, then I don't know what is! Some of these in French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, and Samoa are super-romantic bungalows that actually stand on stilts out over the reef (although I should point out that some of these overwater units tend to be close together and thus less private than bungalows ashore elsewhere). Others are as basic as tents. In between they vary in size, furnishings, and comfort. In all, you enjoy your own place. The bungalows are usually built or accented with thatch and other native materials but they contain most of the modern conveniences. An increasing number of these accommodations are air-conditioned, which is a definite plus during the humid summer months from November through March. All but a few bungalows have ceiling fans, which usually will keep you comfortable during the rest of the year. Hotels of this style are widespread in the South Pacific.

With the exception of French Polynesia, the major tourist markets for the island countries are Australia and New Zealand. Accordingly, the vast majority of hotels are tailored to Aussie and Kiwi tastes, expectations, and uses of the English language.

Unlike the usual U.S. hotel room, which likely has two huge beds, the standard Down Under room has a double or queen-size bed and a single bed that also serves as a settee. The room may or may not have a bathtub but always has a shower. There will be tea, instant coffee, sugar, creamer, and an electric jug to heat water (that's usually what I mean by "coffeemaker" in my hotel descriptions). Televisions are numerous but are not yet universal, but most hotels have radios whose selections are limited to the one, two, or three stations on the island.

Rooms are known to South Pacific reservation desks as "singles" if one person books them, regardless of the number and size of beds they have. Singles are slightly less expensive than other rooms. A unit is a "double" if it has a double bed and is reserved for two persons who intend to sleep together in that bed. On the other hand, a "twin" has two twin beds; it is known as a "shared twin" if two unmarried people book them and don't intend to sleep together. Third and fourth occupants of any room are usually charged a few dollars on top of the double or shared twin rates.

Some hotel rooms, especially in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands, have kitchenettes equipped with a small refrigerator (the "fridge"), hot plates (the "cooker"), pots, pans, crockery, silverware, and utensils. Establishments with cooking facilities but no restaurants often call themselves motels rather than hotels, especially in the Cook Islands. Having a kitchenette can result in quite a saving on breakfasts and light meals.

Saving On Your Hotel Room -- The rate ranges quoted in this guide are known as rack rates, or published rates; that is, the maximum a property charges for a room. These prices are becoming less meaningful as more and more hotels engage in "yield management," under which they change their rates almost daily depending on how many people are booked in for a particular night. In other words, you may not know what the price of a room is until you call the hotel or book online for a particular date. Nevertheless, rack rates remain the best way of comparing prices.

You may be able to save on hotel rooms by booking them through the airlines, discounters, or wholesalers. One example is Air New Zealand's "Go As You Please" program, which offers reduced rates at a number of establishments everywhere that the airline flies. You book and pay for the rooms ahead through Air New Zealand's offices and agents. You won't find this program online, so ask the airline for a brochure that lists the hotels and rates.

Just as consolidators pare the price of airline tickets by selling unused seats, so do hotel brokers get rid of rooms hoteliers don't think they can sell at full price. The brokers may not offer the best deals you can find, but they're worth calling. You're probably better off dealing directly with a hotel, but if you don't like bargaining, this is certainly a viable option. Most of them offer online reservation services as well. One reputable provider offering South Pacific rooms is Hotel Reservations Network (tel. 800/715-7666; www.hoteldiscounts.com).

It Could Pay to Ask -- All South Pacific hotels pay travel agents and wholesalers 30% or more of their rates for sending clients their way, and they may even sell blocks of rooms at even more of a discount during slow periods. Some hotels may give you the benefit of at least part of this commission if you book directly instead of going through an airline or travel agent.

Many also have "local" rates for islanders, which they may extend to visitors if business is slow. It never hurts to ask politely for a discounted or local rate.

Landing The Best Room

Somebody has to get the best room in the house. It might as well be you.

You can start by joining the hotel's frequent-guest program, which may make you eligible for upgrades. A hotel-branded credit card usually gives its owner "silver" or "gold" status in frequent-guest programs for free.

Always ask about a corner room. They're often larger and quieter, with more windows and light, and they often cost the same as standard rooms.

When you make your reservation, ask if the hotel is renovating; if it is, request a room away from the construction. Ask about nonsmoking rooms, rooms with views, rooms with twin, queen-, or king-size beds. If you're a light sleeper, request a room away from vending machines, elevators, bars, and discos. Ask for a room that has been recently renovated or redecorated. If you aren't happy with your room, talk to the front desk. If they have another room, they may be willing to accommodate you.

Here are some other questions to ask before you book a room:

What's the view like? If you're a cost-conscious traveler, you might be willing to pay less for a bungalow in the garden, especially if you don't plan to spend much time in the room.

Does the room have air-conditioning or just ceiling fans? An important consideration between November and March.

Is there good ventilation in the room? Some older hotels don't have windows on both sides of the building, which prevents the cooling trade winds from circulating.

What is the noise level outside the room? If nighttime entertainment takes place alfresco, you might want to find out when show time is over.

What's included in the price? Your room may be moderately priced, but if you're charged for beach chairs, towels, sports equipment, and other amenities, you could end up spending more than you bargained for.

Is there a hotel pool, and is it fresh- or saltwater?

Are airport transfers included?

If it's off-season, will any facilities be shut down while you're there?

If you're single, ask if there's a singles program. If it's off-season, inquire about the occupancy rate. If you're with a partner and looking for quiet, an empty resort might be fine; but if you're single and looking for fun, you might want to find a place that's a little more bustling.

Are there children's programs?

How far is the room from the beach?

What is the dining plan? European Plan (EP; no meals), American Plan (AP; three meals), or Modified American Plan (MAP; breakfast and dinner)? You don't want to pay for three meals if eat out a lot.

What is the cancellation policy?

Bring a Face Cloth -- All South Pacific hotels and resorts supply bath and hand towels, but many do not have face towels (or wash cloths) in their bathrooms. Just in case, bring your own.