Saraotou hotels

Pros: The villa is so very special. Such a magical experience

Pros: There is not a thing to not love Turtle Bay Lodge. The rooms are big, very comfortable and look out over the bay. Very tastefully decorated and a lovely verandah for coffee in the morning and a drink in the evening and anytime. Wifi, not he fastest but no slower than other Santo places. Fantastic snorkelling in the ocean and the bay. Saw heaps of fish and coral I haven’t seen before. And the absolute best food I have had in a long time while travelling. Great everyday menu, yummy pizza and even yummier daily specials. The best seafood risotto I have had in a long, long time. Could eat there forever!! It should go without saying that the staff are just delightful, friendly and helpful as most Ni-vanuatu are. We had the best time and we’re really sad to have to leave early due to CV19. Thank you all for making our stay so memorable, hope to see you again in the future.

Cons: Nothing. Having to leave early due to CV19

Pros: Location is amazing. Proximity to blue hole and coral. The food was delicious.

Cons: Staff wasn’t always very helpful

Pros: The location is perfect, the staff friendly, the marquee’s are beautifully decorated.

Cons: Nothing it was great.

Pros: My partner and I had the most amazing time at Turtle Bay Lodge! We were lucky enough to be staying while the owners Matt and Laura were at the property, and they were incredibly friendly and helpful and always up for a chat. Similarly the staff and manager Dan were lovely - you don’t feel like just another tourist here, they really make you feel at home. As we arrived during a large conference which had booked out many of the rooms, Matt was kind enough to upgrade us to one of their new luxury safari tents - these were absolutely incredible and came equipped with a much-appreciated split-system to combat the heat! The ambiance and location of the place is breathtaking, and there’s plenty to see and do - snorkelling right off the property, kayaking to a nearby blue hole, or taking a short trip into Luganville or North to Port Olry. The staff are happy to help book any tours or activities for you. We really couldn’t have asked for more, and would love to come back and stay again should we ever return to Santo!

Pros: The room was very nice, snorkel in Dany Island amazing

Cons: A bit overpriced and no good swim or beach in front of the hotel

Pros: Stunning location, friendly staff, beautifully appointed rooms.

Cons: A little isolated but that adds to the charm!

Pros: The diving is a must, insane, fabulous, amazing...!

Cons: I liked everything!

Pros: The food was fabulous, all activities were excellent and the staff were really friendly and helpful. Diving was amazing

Cons: Nothing

Pros: Nothing except leaving the last day Probably the guys for the diving. I have asked some informations to one of them. He was friendly and nice to explain the Coolidge Dive. Now if I was not so upset with the hotel and staff approach I would have booked with them but I have decided to give as less as I can to them so I have booked with another diving centre. Anyway they look professional and somebody was going with them.

Cons: Staff are really not motivated and not nice with the clients. I asked about the activities and they replied there is a book on the table go and read it so at the end we did some activities booking directly with them and not through the hotel as they add nothing only a fee. I asked for a taxi and they replied go on the road and stop them. They were not caring at all about you. I have found another couple that was there the first day and they said they moved to another hotel since they don’t like the staff. I would have done the same if not payed. The last 2 days we were alone in the hotel. The breakfast included, what they call continental breakfast is made of pancakes, white bread, milk, coffee (Nescafé), one plate with grapefruit,melon and cereals whatever else like eggs and sandwiches you should buy even a coffee other than Nescafé. Room are like the pictures, water in the shower with a very low flow and wc not working properly. Need a refurbishment. The swimming pool outside is not usable as always dirty and not cleaned. I did not see anybody in the pool in 5 days. The beach is not at all like the pictures and not nice very small and with boats around You are not in the city but you need a taxi or bus to get there (300 VNT each way), consider it The restaurant it is not bad (average), price is expensive to be Luganville but we mostly eat there to avoid transportation and moving. Menu is small but food is ok.

Pros: Great staff. Good menu.

Cons: Location is a bit away from town. Good for diving trips though.

Pros: Dive centre on site. Outstanding food. Wonderful friendly service.

Cons: Couple of hotter nights I would have preferred to have AC but that is all.

Pros: The local staff were very nice and pleasant. By far the stand out and only real positive of this establishment.

Cons: The place feels empty and has little to no atmosphere. The room was overpriced for the standard provided. We got a room at the The Espiritu which was so so much better, and cheaper in price. We felt that there was no real organisation to the hotel and tour desk (there is no desk that is clear to see) We asked one of the dive instructors (maybe a French lady) about options to go diving the following day, she was very unfriendly and tried to pressure close us on booking dives if she went back to ask the office which dive sites they were going on. Was quite awkward and very unprofessional. We did not dive once with them and had a fantastic experience diving with Pacific Dive who are based within The Espiritu Hotel. All in all to summarise, no we did not enjoy our stay and felt we we paid highest rates in all areas for poor return. Would not recommend.

Pros: The bungalows are set in amongst some very old amazing trees. This setting is something that could be promoted more. Lovely staff, all very friendly. Location is out of the way for people who want to explore but perfect if you're there for diving.

Pros: Breakfast was marginal - The location was great and the resort was pleasant. We enjoyed our stay and the quietness and peacefulness of the area. The diving and snorkelling are great. The staff were very pleasnt and helpful.

Cons: The resort is a little run down. There could have been a bit more choice for breakfast. More variety of fruit and cereal.

Pros: Most staff were pleasant

Cons: Overpriced. Poor wifi. More of a backpackers than a resort.

Pros: The place is amazing and the service great!

Cons: Not much breakfast and the food in the restaurant is too Australian

Pros: Great place on the edge of Luganville. Comfortable room with air con. Lovely front verandah to sit on at anytime of the day. Great view over the channel and to Aore Island. Gentle beach area with safe swimming. Staff were helpful, friendly and made us feel very welcome. Very good restaurant which is used by not just the guests. Husband had the best seafood crepe he has ever had!!! Relatively easy walk into town or easy to find a taxi or bus.

Pros: Very polite staff, especially the staff from the reception. My nephew had a late flight and he could stay at the bunglow the whole day without any payment. Nice pool at the outside area of the restaurant. Very good breakfast/brunch, diner and lunch.

Cons: Nothing !!!! Perfect stay !!!

Pros: Home from home, 8 days of rain was hard going, but the big adults pool is a real bonus. Not fussy, always a warm welcome from staff. Rooms are not large so aircon works well with option of a decent fan.

Cons: The weather was trying but we managed.

Pros: Everything. It’s the perfect place to stay in Santo.

Cons: Nothing.

Pros: Great setting and well maintained grounds. Easy to catch a taxi or bus 5-10 minutes to town

Cons: Waterfront is not for snorkeling- just a sand and grass beach

Pros: Top quality chef. Dinners were great here. Clean. Very polite staff.

Cons: Breakfast was basic. Cereal, toast. Sometimes scrambled eggs and mushrooms, sometimes sausages and baked beans.

Cons: Needs more kitchen appliances etc in the shared kitchen other wise a great place. Also when you are staying there and spending a lot of money on dinner for the family but can’t byo alcohol to pool area. Understand it for restaurant and day guests though. Still loved the place.

Pros: Location brilliant, handy in town centre. The staff were super helpful and friendly always. I enjoyed the ambience of the restaurant by the pool, and the food was tasty,excellent, and cooked to perfection.

Cons: The breakfast menu, which was included when the bookings were made, was very limited. Little choice of fruit, bread, cereal, and options to eat with the toast. You were obviously being encouraged to buy a cooked breakfast.

Pros: Staff & location

Cons: Be careful when it says breakfast included it's only toast & or cereal. Bacon & eggs etc are more!

Pros: Perfect hotel to be relaxed. The room was enough spacious and cozy with good facility (inc. wifi), and staff there were nice and helpful speaking good English, and the food at the restaurants was good.

Pros: Luganville is an underdeveloped area and the hotel is not in the best location as it is in the middle of the Main Street without any natural beauty around. That being said, The hotel was clean and comfortable and the food and staff were amazing. Hands down the best customer service in all of Vanuatu and the Thai food they served would be good if it was served in Bangkok.

Cons: Restaurant and staff.

Pros: Location

Pros: Good, friendly staff Allowed a late check-out Good food Entertainment (live music on Sunday night) Diving and Millenium Cave tours come to pick you up from the hotel

Cons: Not so much sea view after new buildings built in front

Pros: Breakefast is good taste.

Cons: One time can't use hot shower. But staff can't come because this time is dinner time. I undarstand this situation but one staff angry so we are sad.

Pros: Nice Idyllic garden setting with a center pool, surrounded by townhouse doublex - a bit tight though, all on a relatively small plot Very friendly managers, with some knowledge. They did not recommend to go to Lonnoc; but Lonnoc was nice! The buffet breakfast was as of great value!

Cons: The upper floor of the doublex is very dangerous for small children; the open loft part is not properly secured; not recommended for babies and small kids. Small plot with a tight setting of several doublex. Some strange noise in the bathroom. Very high airport transfer fees - better to arrange your own transport upon arrrival with the official rates displayed at the airport. Also agree for your pick up with private taxis as the in-house arranged service is super expensive. We were offered a super expensive dinner for new year eve, although we arrived late as other families. The restaurant was closed for public and we were sent to town for pizza which they did not have... The expensive dinner package had no value for kids, as they would fall asleep after the second course....the open bar tap is not really for non-alcoholics - no alternative options unfortunately. The chef was not able to offer alternatives....so we had to had back to the city center which is a bit far away.

Pros: Nice tropical breakfast, comfortable bed and spacious rooms.

Pros: - great, friendly, helpful staff and a very nice owner always taking care about your comfort - restaurant with excellent food - spacious rooms, great room service keeping space clean every day -good value for money -good WiFi in public areas

Cons: - we were waken up by music from the school located on the property next door during the week days. Well, I’m not sure if it was a school, but they were playing songs approximately at 8:00 am. For us it was ok, but some people may want to sleep longer :)

Pros: Great location, friendly helpful staff

Pros: As always the staff were superb with service especially breakfast times with the awesome chefs with frenchtoast. The receptionist are always open to talk and make sure were happy and the villige was clean. Great service for prepayment and also loved the emails welcoming us back again too. Cya in 2020 God bless

Cons: Nothing

Pros: Great spacious and comfortable rooms. Great breakfast and friendly staff.

Cons: Nothing

Pros: Excellent breakfast - provided you asked for espresso and fried eggs. Lots of lovely fruit. Large bedroom plus the downstairs area.

Cons: The shower had only two settings: too hot or cold.

Pros: The accommodation was beautiful and access to the beach was perfect! Sitting out on the balcony overlooking the beach was by far the highlight.

Cons: The food at the restaurant. The simple meals with fresh seafood were great but the rest was under par.

Pros: Aore is a beautiful resort, with bungalows perfectly laid out to give everyone privacy and their own little slice of beach. The Nakamal is a lovely open air dining room, where it’s easy to get to know other guests. The restaurant is extremely reasonably priced, with good selection and delicious food! We took leftovers home almost every night. All the staff at Aore are wonderful! The snorkelling and paddle boarding off the beach is great, and we saw a few cool fish and rays. It was also nice to have a fridge in our room to have a cold drink on our own patio at the end of the day!

Cons: Rooms can get hot at night without A/C, but it’s manageable. Like many resorts in Vanuatu, they feed the fish twice a day with bread and chicken bones, which I really don’t like. Otherwise everything was perfect!

Pros: Staff where awesome and always ready to help with a friendly smile. If you asked them about the history of the property or Vanuatu culture, life etc they could tell you what you wanted to know. Grounds kept immaculately clean including the beach which was swept every day. All meals where more than sufficient and very well presented at a price you would expect to pay not cheap but not ridiculous. Beach front unit a must if coming here. Go for a bike ride. Snorkel the house reef on both sides/around the jetty, excellent fish life. Only WiFi in or around restaurant and no TV at all anywhere at this resort (which some might put in the "what you didn't like" box)

Cons: Old boat used as Island Shuttle boat had bad low set seating with no padding and not suitable if there was a lot of passengers or the sea was a bit choppy as there was a bit of spray coming into the boat getting passengers wet. If there is a very low tide its hard to get off for some at the BP wharf, high step up. Strange thing is they had a much bigger boat that was way more better just tied up at their wharf and never got used. Unless you tell them you are a vegetarian you have very limited options although the staff did try to accommodate my wife as much as possible. Washing costs are way to ridiculous and could easily cost 2000 vatu ($25 AUS) for a couple a day

Pros: Super nice gesture to provide us a cake and bottle of champagne for our honeymoon. The cabins are right at your almost private little beach and that itself is pretty amazing. The island is beautiful and has more to offer then ones think. Free Ferry goes 4-5 times a day. The resort provides free bikes and snorkel/goggles.

Cons: Food is, besides having awesome fresh products in Vanuatu, very mediocre pub food and quite expensive. The service at dinner leaves a lot to be desired as well. Plunge Pool and Amenities were pretty run down. Washing was expensive and came not back clean. Cleaning was also so so.

Pros: Location and setting were great

Cons: The place could really pump with new management... very little activities offered and no information of any of the other fabulous places to visit on the island were shared. Management make guests feel like it a privilege to stay there and the local islander staff skills are very under utilised. They should be welcoming guests etc etc as visitors would expect to be greeted. The way the local islander staff were spoken to by the owners daughters in front of guests was appalling

Pros: Great location and facilities

Cons: Nothing

Pros: The resort is in a beautiful setting with gorgeous gardens. The beachfront bungalow was lovely. The local staff were very friendly and helpful and made us feel really welcome. Some of the staff, notably Mansen and Jerry, went above and beyond their job requirements, e.g. making sure we were collected by taxi drivers in Luganville even when they had finished work for the day. The vegetarian specials were unusual and delicious.

Cons: Sea lice or jellyfish larvae in the water prevented us from swimming and snorkeling from the resort as much as we would have liked - probably because it was such a hot time of year. The pool water was dirty and uninviting. Vegetarian meals were a challenge - though there were 3 options on the menu, one was never available when we ordered it. When there were specials, they were delicious but if we didn't order them precisely we got basic, unappetizing pasta. The ferry to Luganville and back was quite restrictive.

Pros: Loved our beachfront villa. Breakfast was simple but all we needed. Plenty of variety for lunch and dinner. Easy bike ride to the nearby Aore Coffee plantation and Freshwater Plantation. Ferry service to Luganville was great for getting to tours or for supplies from the supermarket or fresh market. Staff were incredibly friendly and very obliging.

Pros: Very nice hotel, pool and great view on the bay. Very nice staff. We had a very pleasant stay. Definitely recommend this place.

Pros: The place is great It was pleasant to deal with the hotel

Cons: air conditionning wasn't woorking which is a shame on summer Car not cleaned neither the tank wasn't full while renting a car

Pros: The location and the staff. It felt like being home away from home. There was all you needed to have. Staff were always there but didn’t feel like they were in your face. It felt safe.

Cons: Some of the other families were a bit noisy but I suspect this has nothing to do with the lodge. It is more about different people sharing the same lodge .

Pros: Great food, gorgeous view, infinity pool, cocktails, friendly staff and nicely decorated, comfortable rooms.

Pros: Nice location, easy walking distance to town. Good size room to stay, clean and comfort. It had both fan and air conditioner. We really enjoy our stay there.

Pros: Great local staff.

Cons: May benefit from small upgrades like working newer fridges, better chairs, working internet etc

Cons: I’ve been very disappointed with my stay at Deco Stop which is was way too expensive. Overall experience was not too bad but far below what you would expect at for this price. I’ve tried two other hotels in the Luganville area which were much cheaper and much better. A few explanations: - The room itself was ok but below what you would expect for nearly AUD200 - Cleanliness was poor (used bandage in the bathroom, water of the pool was questionable, I did not feel like trying in..) - No privacy at all: the room (like most rooms) was located on the main path (with people passing by all the time) so we had to keep curtains closed to maintain some privacy. - Very noisy: again, as our room was located on the main path and closed to the restaurant, we could hear everything happening! We were awaken by people starting their breakfast at 6:30 and couldn’t have a nap because of the restaurant music. - You have to arrive early if you want to have the choice for breakfast - Last but not least, rooms have air con installed but you’ll have to pay an extra ~AUD30 to be allowed to use it. I was explained later than it was in the conditions but I still find it unfair not to charge the AC as an extra when you already charged AUD200 for the room

Pros: Excellent, attentive staff who make you feel welcome from day of arrival! Peaceful location and views, accessible to the town and main roads to explore. Food was delicious!

Cons: It was sometimes noisy early in the mornings for rooms 1-5 as they are situated near the restaurant where people walk through. It sounded like a hostel with people talking and dragging suitcases! But other than that it was quiet during the day and night and easy to relax by the pool/restaurant. Also, the hotel bus (driver called Sam) is priced extortionately compared to local buses.. and it’s the same type of vehicle as one you could flag down. They charged us 3500 VUV which is about $43 AUD for a 5 minute transfer to the airport... a local taxi charges 1000 VUV! Taxis drive past the hotel so just flag one down!

Pros: Great little venue and view. Rooms are comfy and staff are great. Gorgeous views and a great pool for the kids. Definitely island time with the food service but we were too busy having fun so not a major concern for us. We were happy with the food and the staff were so lovely.

Pros: Smooth process including late check in, friendly and knowledgeable staff, super clean and rooms made each day, pool, included breakfast. Thanks Mary Jane!

Pros: Awesome location just at the start of the main street with a pool to cool off in and chill out.

Pros: Location, cleanliness and friendliness

Cons: Continental breakfast was very low standard

Pros: The location of the property was great, in the middle of town and easy to walk to the grocery store and WWII memorabilia.

Cons: It was very basic, the bed was a bit uncomfortable. I got bitten by something sitting in the lobby area. As there was no tv in your room, the general lobby area was the place where you could sit and watch something with an iPad. The internet was in and out, but the best service if you’re there for work. Bacon on toast was one small strip of bacon on a piece of toast. The shower head was broken and made it very hard to shower, but the water temperature was okay. If you require a tour, maybe do your homework, the hotel does recommend a tour guide. I found him to be very expensive and not worth the money.

Pros: The hotel was well looked after, things were clean and well kept.

Cons: The hotel is old, it is expensive for what it is and to have aircon - an essential for many, was very expensive. Some staff were helpful but others did not display good customer service. All in all, we left.

Pros: Owner very helpful. Breakfast was good though basic. Garden and pool quiet and very nice when it was hot.

Cons: Garden rooms with fans are quite hot. Sink leaked and light didn't work very well.

Pros: The staff and host were very helpful and courteous. The pool was wonderful at the end of the day. Having a restaurant and bar on site was useful as there are very few facilities within walking distance in the town. The gardens are lovely.

Cons: The whole place is quite dated but this just adds to the character. The room was small but adequate.

Pros: Excellent location - right in town; beautiful gardens; tasty food and kind staff

Pros: Good hotel and restaurant with friendly staff, on the main raod of Luganville.

Pros: Room very clean, staff very accommodating, free transfers to & from the airport. 2 new Water bottles every day. Great English breakfast.

Cons: We found the area around pool area needed repairs. Deck lifting and even though a pool cleaner was going it felt slimy on sides & under foot. The air-con was not stable. A few times the Power went off in afternoon & staff forgot to reset it. Most TV stations in French.

Pros: I like the fact that the staff were kind and always happy to assist the guests. The owner was also available to chat with his guests so that was very nice.

Cons: I think the pay tv service could improve a bit, maybe get Digicel PlayGo tv or Servicom tv is always good. Many channels for the guests to watch and pick from

Pros: Local staff were friendly and helpful

Cons: 1. Breakfast was the same every morning 2. Amenities and room details were not the same as advertised. No phone in the room, TV never worked during our stay, there were cups and a jug but no tea/coffee even tea spoons, no iron which we had to ask for and signed out & in for using it. 3. Only 1 power point which was used for the lamp. 4. The internet was not working for most (5days) our stay. 5. No instruction manual for guests information such as emergence evacuation, contact details if guest need assistance etc.

Pros: Basic

Cons: No TV working

Pros: VERY comfortable bed. Puck up and drop off to airport was on time and good quality vehicle.

Cons: Overpriced for what is Not an international standard accomidation, poor building quality, pool was unclean and slimy a real health hazard, pool surrounds are warping with sharp rusty screws exposed, slamming doors in echoing hallway, choice of breakfast is very limited and the same every morning, water in shower/bath was less than luke warm and didn't improve despite request and staff trying to fix it.. No tea and coffee makinf facilities available in room you have to go diwnsrairs to ask and they will bring some up.

Pros: In the centre of town, big rooms, comfortable bed and a big Olympic sized pool. Clean but sterile. Poor staff were so friendly but their hands were tied in respect if some of our needs ( see below) They helped with broadening limited breakfast choices.

Cons: Lack of atmosphere, clinical like a hospital. Very few guests, 2 or 3 in a place that can take 38. Like a ghost hotel. What really annoyed me beyond belief was the fact that it was the only place in Luganville with a TV in the room. Only problem was that it would only broadcast in French from Noumea. Other gusts have vigorously complained as I did, but the owner a Vanuatu born Chinese( who owns half of Luganville) did not care. His arrogance in this regard is annoying. Many Australians come here and no one speaks French. As an owner his downright disrespect for his paying customers is appalling. Staff told me everyone complains about that issue. Asked if I could have access to a DVD player in room and owner said no. Also to get hot water in the brand new bathroom the tap for hot water had to run for 15 minutes. A complete waste of water. The whole experience felt like the Truaman show.

Pros: My plane was delayed, but there was not issue or drama with the motel picking me up from the airport at 1.30 in the morning. It was very much appreciated

Cons: There was no hot water in the shower and the bed was VERY hard.