Nadi Bay Resort Hotel

After arriving at the Nadi Bay Resort Hotel, guests enter a front desk area with bright blue walls covered in the resort's marketing materials and faux flowers. This first impression might be worrisome for those just arriving to Fiji, but the setting gets prettier in the rear where mango trees provide shade to several outdoor lounge areas. Rooms are located along an interesting little maze of walkways dotted with flowering bushes and plants, while occasional cheerful inscriptions and murals line the walls. Be sure to look for the resident cat. 

The setting feels peaceful and quiet during the day, since most guests are overnighters who check out early, but things get a little more lively at night when newcomers get settled. The restaurant, Antoinette’s, is a welcome surprise, and has a charming garden setting with a banyan tree. The atmosphere is exotic, especially when the call to prayer can be heard in the distance from the local mosque, and the smell of smoke from nearby sugar plantations drifts in. The restaurant plays classic rock and reggae, such as Bob Marley, and attracts some locals and expats too. While the hotel could use a major renovation, it does offer an authentic touch of Fiji that can make for an interesting overnight stay. 

Nadi (pronounced Nandi) is on the western side of the island of Viti Levu, the largest of 330 islands in Fiji -- also considered the "mainland." Since the busiest airport in the country is based here (as opposed to the capital of Suva), this is the transit point for nearly all destinations in Fiji. For these transit nights, many head to the hotels near the airport. This one is a little farther away, at about a 10-minute drive, but has the added benefit of being halfway between the airport and Port Denarau, where many need to connect to South Sea Cruises. Guests can arrange airport pickups with the staff, but guests need to let them know in advance and even then they're not reliable. Still, those who end up taking a taxi to the hotel can ask the hotel to reimburse them if the shuttle arrangement was not successful. Those with a rental car will have free parking in the narrow parking lot outside the entrance, or street side.

A 15-minute walk down the road is a convenience store selling basics for stocking mini-fridges (though most guests are staying at the hotel for a short time and will likely be using the restaurant). Also a 15-minute walk down the road is a public beach called Wailoaloa, where guests can go swimming, watch sunsets, and find casual options for lunch and dinner.

The hotel definitely has some charming aspects, but in general all rooms show age and feel a bit run-down. Most have dated bedspreads and well-worn furnishings, along with simple bathrooms that lack toiletries; walk-in showers with grungy tiling may make guests want to wear their flip flops. Fluorescent and LED bulbs also leave a bright glare that makes the rooms feel a bit institutional, but during the day, screened-in windows let in natural light. Some rooms have balconies with plastic chairs. All private rooms have mini-fridges and tea- and coffee-making facilities. 

Air-conditioned apartments -- named for their two-room setups (they do not have kitchens or kitchenettes) -- are the most modern rooms available, with balconies facing the street, seating areas, dining tables, and additional sofa beds. White sheets and brown bed runners on the beds are an upgrade, as are small flat-screen TVs, but the actual structure of the room and bathroom still shows age. 

Private Rooms are one-room setups with a choice of single, double, or twin beds. These have dated, patterned bedspreads that may turn off travelers. Shared Rooms have even cheaper rates with a variety of bed options; these are private but share bathroom facilities with other guests in this category. 

There are several dorm options, with the smallest including four beds. Anyone staying in these dorms may be sharing with other travelers, though there are times when guests will have the entire room to themselves. All dorms have a lounge area, and those with only ceiling fans are cheaper than ones with air-conditioning.

The main pool has a garden setting and is surrounded by blue cushioned lounge chairs and umbrellas. Guests are free to hang out with a beer or drink, which can be purchased at the bar, and during the day there are few others to contend with -- perhaps the only noise will come from passing airplanes from the nearby airport.

Next to the pool is a daytime restaurant called Mango with outdoor seating on a wooden porch. Breakfast and lunch are served, and the bar is open until early afternoon. A free breakfast includes self-serve toast and instant coffee or tea. A staff member will bring a small plate of fruit -- such as orange slices and banana -- and there is cheerful music playing for a touch of ambience (during our visit: Dolly Parton). For dinner, Antoinette’s is a hotel standout with its local artwork and garden surrounded by bamboo and palms. The chef creates European-inspired dishes and has won local awards for his cuisine. Some dishes include mango straight from the property, like mango chicken stuffed with cheese. Attached is a bar and lounge that often has a live band performing classic rock tunes -- a departure from the pop and electronic music usually found at hotels along Wailoaloa Beach.

Other property features include a game room, desktop computers, movie lounge, and books available for borrow. A spa room is also available for massages and facials.