Nadi-17.76599000,
177.42810000,
Wailoaloa Beach Rd, Nadi Bay(Show on Map)
7.0
Good
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Info
Summary of reviewsSmugglers Cove Beach Resort & Hotel enjoys a prime beachfront location that provides stunning views of Nadi Bay and spectacular sunsets. Its situation between the ocean and a swimming pool makes it ideal for beach lovers and provides easy access for various activities like swimming and seaside walks. Proximity to Nadi Airport and Port Denarau adds to its convenience, along with nearby supermarkets, other resorts, restaurants and beach bars.
The breakfast at the in-house restaurant receives positive feedback for its decent selection, tasty dishes and beautiful presentation often served with beach views. Despite some reports of slow service and the lack of complimentary breakfast, many guests found the breakfast experience worthwhile and reasonably priced.
Dinner is generally well-received with guests appreciating the flavorful and reasonably priced dishes, especially the cocktails. However, some criticisms include small portions, long wait times and occasional blandness. The overall dining experience remains satisfactory, despite these few inconsistencies.
The rooms offer a mixed experience. Some are clean, comfortable and equipped with essential amenities with a few boasting garden or ocean views. However, issues such as small size, outdated decor and poor maintenance are noted, particularly in dormitory rooms, which sometimes have cleanliness problems.
Cleanliness across the hotel varies. While some guests found the rooms and communal areas clean and well-maintained, others reported issues like mold, cockroaches and poorly kept bathrooms and shower facilities. Consistent cleaning standards need improvement to enhance the guest experience.
Staff at Smugglers Cove are widely praised for their friendliness, helpfulness and efficiency. Guests often highlight the welcoming nature and exceptional service provided by the staff, contributing significantly to a pleasant stay. There are occasional mentions of rude or unhelpful staff and slow food service, but the overall impression remains highly positive.
The Wi-Fi is a notable area of dissatisfaction with many guests reporting slow speeds, poor connectivity and the inconvenience of paid but unreliable services.
The pool area gets mixed reviews. While some find it a nice and clean facility, others note issues with cleanliness, poor maintenance and overcrowding. The pool's early closing time and location also attract some criticism.
The beachfront location remains a major highlight, offering direct access to a lovely, albeit occasionally littered, beach. Guests appreciate the stunning views and various activities available by the shore, though some reported feeling unsafe due to litter and stray animals.
Beds at the resort see varied feedback with some guests describing them as very comfortable and providing a good night's sleep, while others found them too hard, soft or in need of an upgrade. Cleanliness of the beds also varied among different stays.
As a three-star accommodation, Smugglers Cove Beach Resort & Hotel provides an affordable and valuable experience for budget travelers, particularly those with a backpacker ethos. The friendly staff, good service and basic yet comfortable accommodations cater well to the needs of price-conscious guests. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in cleanliness, maintenance and Wi-Fi service, the overall experience is positive for most travelers seeking a laid-back, beachside stay. Show more
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Categories
Hostel near The Beach
Situated on Wailoaloa Beach, this resort offers direct beach access. It provides a convenient location for enjoying the beach. The resort is known for its budget-friendly options.
Hostel with Swimming Pool
Features a swimming pool and beachfront location. It provides a fun and lively atmosphere for budget travelers.
Outdoor Pool
Accessible Hostel
The resort offers accommodation accessible for disabled guests with several areas designed to accommodate those with mobility challenges. It offers air-conditioned accommodation and an outdoor swimming pool. Nadi International Airport, Nadi Town and Port Denarau Marina are a 15-minute drive away.
3-Star Hostel
Located on Wailoaloa Beach, it offers beach access and a lively atmosphere. It is well-regarded for its location and is a popular choice.
Hostel with Outdoor Pool
This resort is situated directly on Wailoaloa Beach and features an outdoor swimming pool, offering a convenient option for both pool and ocean enjoyment.
Hostel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Room Types
Deluxe Premium Room with No BalconyThis air-conditioned room features a TV, an in-room safe, a refrigerator and tea/coffee making facilities.
Oceanfront Room with BalconyThis room features a balcony offering beach and Nadi Bay views. It includes a TV, an in-room safe, a refrigerator, tea/coffee making facilities and a private en suite bathroom
Bunk bed in 22-Bed Mixed Dormitory RoomThere are 22 beds in this large dormitory room. It features personal lockers, keycard access, air-conditioning and a ceiling fan. It offers access to shared bathroom facilities.
Bunk bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory RoomThere are 4 beds in this small air-conditioned dormitory room. It features personal lockers, keycard access and a ceiling fan. It offers access to shared bathroom facilities.
Bunk Bed in 14-Bed Female Dormitory RoomThere are 16 beds in this dormitory room. It features personal lockers, keycard access, air conditioning and a ceiling fan. It provides access to shared bathroom facilities.
Family SuiteThis family suite has 2 single beds and 1 king bed. It offers kitchenette and laundry facilities and guests also have access to a private sunset deck.
Maximum occupancy is 5.
Standard Double or Twin Room with Garden View and No BalconyThe spacious twin/double room features air conditioning, a wardrobe, as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower and a hairdryer.
Executive SuiteThis spacious suite comes with 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. In the well-fitted kitchen, guests will find a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. The air-conditioned suite features a flat-screen TV, a washing machine, soundproof walls, a tea and coffee maker as well as sea views. The unit has 5 beds.
Guest Reviews
7.0
Good
Location
Smugglers Cove Beach Resort & Hotel enjoys an excellent location that makes it a convenient and attractive choice for travelers. Situated right on a beautiful sandy beach and between the ocean and a swimming pool, it offers stunning views of Nadi Bay and spectacular sunsets, particularly from the oceanfront balconies. The beachfront setting makes it ideal for beach lovers, providing easy access for swimming and seaside walks.
Its proximity to Nadi airport, just a short drive away, is particularly convenient for those in transit or with early flights. Additionally, the hotel is well-placed for further travel, being close to Port Denarau, making it easy for guests to continue their journey with island hopping.
The surrounding area also includes supermarkets, other resorts, restaurants and beach bars, providing guests with varied dining and shopping options within walking distance. This convenient access to essential services enhances the overall appeal of the location, balancing peaceful beachfront relaxation with nearby amenities.
Though some guests mentioned the need for taxis or cars to reach certain areas in Nadi, the overall consensus is that the location is beautiful, convenient and practical for short stays and layovers. The combination of friendly staff, a vibrant atmosphere and the prime beachfront location makes Smugglers Cove a memorable spot to unwind and enjoy the scenic views.
Breakfast
Located at the Smugglers Cove Beach Resort & Hotel, the in-house restaurant offers a mixed breakfast experience. Guests highlight that the breakfast menu is very good with a decent selection and nice presentation, often served with scenic beach views, which many found divine and tranquil. Several reviews praise the breakfast as delicious, tasty and even exceptional. Speed of service, however, seems inconsistent with some guests experiencing long waits.
While some travelers enjoyed quick and good food right on the beach, others reported delays of up to two hours. Quality assessments varied with a few finding the food satisfactory but not outstanding and others craving more local traditional options instead of the largely tourist-centric menu. Despite some complaints about meals arriving cold at times or being on the expensive side, the overall impression of breakfast quality and presentation remains positive.
Notably, some guests were disappointed by the lack of complimentary breakfast, plus the later start time for breakfast service left a few feeling hungry early in the morning. Despite these issues, many appreciated the good breakfast and found it reasonably priced, making it an overall worthwhile experience for those staying at the resort.
Dinner
Dinner at Smugglers Cove Beach Resort & Hotel garners a mixed reception from guests, predominantly highlighting positive experiences with a few areas for improvement. Many guests enjoyed the food, often praising it for being tasty, flavorful and reasonably priced. Comfort foods like Fish & Chips and Caesar Salad received high marks and the drinks, especially the pina coladas and cocktails, stand out as popular choices. Diners who opted for meals on the Ramada's 6th floor deck particularly appreciated the ocean view while dining.
However, some common criticisms include small portion sizes, lengthy wait times for dinner and occasional blandness of certain dishes. A few guests mentioned that the restaurant could improve its accommodation for food allergies and suggested more variety in terms of lamb and beef options. While there were reports of great and well-priced meals, others found some dishes to be subpar or overpriced. Overall, most guests found the food and dining experience to be satisfactory and worth enjoying, despite a few inconsistencies.
Rooms
The rooms at Smugglers Cove Beach Resort & Hotel have received mixed feedback. Many guests noted that the rooms were generally clean, comfortable and equipped with necessary amenities such as air conditioning and toiletries. Some rooms offered garden or ocean views, enhancing the overall stay experience. Several guests mentioned that the rooms were spacious and tidy with clean bedding and organized spaces. The friendly staff and convenient location near the airport were also highlighted as positives.
However, multiple reviews reported issues with room maintenance and cleanliness. Several rooms were described as small, crowded and outdated with some having problems like mould, unpleasant smells and poor ventilation. Guests staying in dormitory rooms particularly noted an unpleasant smell and cramped conditions. There were also instances of rooms being noisy, lacking natural light and experiencing issues with the air conditioning and hot water.
Overall, while the hotel provided comfortable and well-equipped rooms for some, the experiences varied significantly with numerous reviews indicating that the rooms could benefit from better upkeep and modernization.
Beds
Travelers who have stayed at Smugglers Cove Beach Resort & Hotel have expressed mixed feelings about the beds. On the positive side, many guests found the beds comfortable with several describing them as amazing, very comfortable and even incredibly comfortable. The mattresses and pillows received praise for their comfort, making for a pleasant night's sleep.
However, not all reviews were glowing. Some guests noted issues such as beds being too soft, too hard or lumpy. A few reviews mentioned that the beds were uncomfortable with some describing them as hard as a rock or almost broken. In dormitory-style rooms, beds were noted to be close together and in some cases, the dorm beds were described as wet.
Cleanliness also varied with some instances where the bed or sheets were reported to be dirty. Additionally, there were comments about the beds being old and in need of an upgrade. Despite these concerns, many guests still found the overall stay to be comfortable, which suggests that individual experiences may vary widely when it comes to the quality of the beds.
Cleanliness
Smugglers Cove Beach Resort & Hotel, nestled at a beautiful beachfront location, offers both positives and areas needing improvement when it comes to cleanliness. Many guests appreciated the generally clean and spacious rooms, noting them as comfortable and well-maintained. Specific mentions of very clean and organized private rooms, as well as clean communal areas, underscore the efforts made in certain aspects of the hotel.
However, a notable number of reviews reflected concerns about the overall upkeep of the facilities. Several reviewers highlighted issues with mouldy and damp rooms, cockroaches in various areas including kitchens and bathrooms and dirty or poorly maintained shower and toilet facilities. Comments about unclean dormitory bathrooms and dirty communal spaces were recurrent, indicating inconsistency in cleanliness standards.
It also appears that some specific amenities like the pool and the restaurant area occasionally fall short of cleanliness expectations. Reports of murky pool water and dirty bathrooms, combined with mentions of older, tired and run-down facilities, suggest a need for improved housekeeping and maintenance routines.
In summary, while Smugglers Cove Beach Resort & Hotel does have areas that are generally clean and organized, there is a clear opportunity for the hotel to better maintain consistent cleanliness across all its facilities to enhance the guest experience.
Staff
Guests frequently praise the staff at Smugglers Cove Beach Resort & Hotel for their friendliness, helpfulness and efficiency. The receptionists are often highlighted for their welcoming nature and the exceptional service they provide, ensuring guests feel comfortable and attended to from the moment they arrive. Staff members are repeatedly described as going above and beyond, accommodating needs and requests and offering a personal touch that enhances the overall guest experience.
Many reviews mention specific staff members by name, underlining their positive interactions and the impact of their kindness. The overall friendliness and helpfulness of the staff seem to be a defining trait with many guests noting how the staff made significant efforts to organize transportation and excursions, help with local advice and ensure that all needs are met promptly.
However, there are a few mentions of negative experiences, including some instances of staff being perceived as rude or unhelpful and occasional slow food service. Despite these sporadic issues, the general consensus remains highly positive with most guests feeling that the staff’s warmth and dedication contribute substantially to a pleasant and memorable stay at the resort.
Overall, the staff at Smugglers Cove Beach Resort & Hotel are lauded for their professionalism, attentiveness and the welcoming atmosphere they create, making it a place that guests are likely to recommend and return to.
Wi-Fi
Guests have reported consistent dissatisfaction with the Wi-Fi at Smugglers Cove Beach Resort & Hotel. Many reviews highlight slow internet speeds and poor connectivity with the Wi-Fi often not working or being unavailable in several areas of the venue. A number of visitors have also expressed frustration at having to pay extra for Wi-Fi services, which they found to be unreliable and weak despite the additional cost. Furthermore, some guests were surprised by the lack of free Wi-Fi, as advertised by other hotels and mentioned the inconvenience of having to deal with paid, yet ineffective, internet access.
Pool
The pool at Smugglers Cove Beach Resort & Hotel has received mixed reviews from guests. On the positive side, it is described as a nice and clean facility, perfect for taking a dip on a warm day. The pool's location next to the bar provides convenient access to refreshments and its presence on the premises is appreciated by many visitors. However, several guests noted cleanliness issues with some mentioning that the pool was dirty or in need of cleaning and maintenance. There are also complaints about the pool closing early and being poorly located, making it less ideal for small children. Some guests reported the pool being overcrowded or out of order at times. Overall, while the pool can be a pleasant amenity, consistent maintenance and attention to cleanliness seem necessary to enhance the guest experience.
Beach
Nestled in a prime beachfront location, Smugglers Cove Beach Resort & Hotel boasts immediate access to the ocean, making it an attractive spot for travelers seeking sun and sea. Many guests appreciate the convenience of being right on the beach, complimenting the stunning sunsets and the plethora of activities available by the shore. The lovely beach area, combined with superb views, facilitates both relaxation and entertainment, featuring evening events where one can enjoy a meal while soaking in the ocean ambiance.
However, the condition of the beach itself receives mixed reviews. While some guests highlight its cleanliness and describe it as amazing and lovely, others note the presence of trash and stray animals with a few pointing out that the beach could use better cleaning to enhance its appeal. Safety was a concern for a small number of visitors, who mentioned feeling unsafe around the beachside due to litter and other factors.
Despite these drawbacks, the beachfront location remains a favored highlight, providing direct access to beach bars and other nearby resorts. Whether dining by the sea or simply taking in the ocean view, the hotel's seaside setting is a cherished feature for many.
3 Star
Smugglers Cove Beach Resort & Hotel in Nadi offers an affordable and valuable experience, particularly for those seeking a three-star accommodation. This property is well-suited for budget travelers with its cheap prices and good value. The rooms and dormitories, while described as tired and basic, provide a comfortable bed and are maintained to an acceptable standard for a three-star hotel.
The resort exudes a backpacker vibe, making it an appealing destination for those looking to connect with other travelers. The hotel’s location in Nadi is convenient, enhancing its value. Guests have highlighted the friendliness of the staff and good service as positives that elevate the overall experience.
Food and drinks at the resort receive mixed reviews; while some find them overpriced, others praise the taste and quality, especially noting the lovely restaurant and great food. The menu may be limited, but the dining experience still manages to exceed some expectations.
While basic maintenance could be improved and amenities are fundamental, Smugglers Cove Beach Resort & Hotel remains a solid three-star option, delivering a satisfactory stay for its price range.
Accessible
Smugglers Cove Beach Resort & Hotel offers accommodation accessible for disabled guests with several areas designed to accommodate those with mobility challenges. Conveniently located near shops and public transport, it allows for easy exploration of the surrounding area. Despite the absence of an elevator to some rooms, the hotel has made efforts to include a separate elevator in other parts of the establishment, ensuring varied accessibility. The resort also hosts regular events, adding to the convenience and enjoyment for all guests. Moreover, the efficient and friendly staff contribute significantly to a positive experience at this well-situated hotel.
Outdoor Pool
The outdoor pool at Smugglers Cove Beach Resort & Hotel has received mixed reviews from guests. On the positive side, many guests appreciated the pool as a great spot for a refreshing dip, particularly on warm days. It's conveniently located next to the bar, making it easy to grab a drink and relax by the water. Many found the pool clean and well-maintained, enhancing their overall experience.
However, there are also a few areas where the pool could improve. Some guests noted a lack of pool towels and a few mentioned that the water was murky or that the pool needed extra cleaning. Additionally, the pool closes early at 6 PM, which might be a downside for those looking to take a late swim. For families with small children, the pool may not be ideal and there were occasional complaints about overcrowding and cleanliness issues, particularly in the shared shower areas in the backpacker section.
Overall, while the pool serves as a nice amenity for visitors, there are some aspects that could be addressed to improve guest satisfaction.
Yes, Smugglers Cove Beach Resort & Hotel has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Smugglers Cove Beach Resort & Hotel.
No, Smugglers Cove Beach Resort & Hotel doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Smugglers Cove Beach Resort & Hotel.
No, Smugglers Cove Beach Resort & Hotel doesn't have a gym.