Savusavu Hot Springs Hotel, Savusavu

We had a double room in the middle on the second floor for about a week in November 2007. The food was great, friendly service and the view was so compelling I spent hours every day gazing off the balcony and taking photos so I would never forget how pretty this place is. The poincianas were all in full scarlet bloom and it's a short walk or $2 taxi ride in and out of the cutest Colonial town you will ever see in your life. I'm going back for sure.

First day we arrived, only one towel was provided despite advance booking for 2. There is no Television in the room and you have water problems if you are in the top floor. Though the rooms have good view of the ocean from the balcony, if you are sitting in the balcony and the a/c is on you'll experience hot air from the compressor blowing directly at you. Staff at the reception hardly smile at you and speaks in a rude manner.The room charge is expensive compared to other places we have stayed and they charge 4% for using credit card, no other hotel does that in Fiji.

This ended up being better than we had hoped for. After all we had made the effort NOT to stay at a resort on Viti Levu, instead looking for something off the tourist trail. There are no tourists in numbers in Savusavu, and if you make the effort to walk everywhere within a day or two you are almost a local. This is one of the friendliest places on the planet. There are other bed and breakfast accommodations in town but this is the only hotel. The rooms are not opulent. They are a good size, basic and clean, and with en-suite. This is Fiji, throw the doors open and enjoy the magnificent elevated view over the harbour. The breeze drifts across the water and carries with it the smell of the tropical flowers. This is comfortable and clean accommodation. Meals are good though not available on a Sunday evening. Breakfast is sumptuous, and expect to welcome the 20 or so other diners in the morning as they arrive. Staff are eager to please, but this is Fiji and it may not happen instantly. Drop it down a gear and relax. The experience....fun? Yes. Would I recommend it. Yes. Value for money? Yes. If you do not expect a Hilton standard you will find the Savusavu Hot Springs Hotel good value, clean, comfortable and friendly. We had a great time and would happily return.