This is a formal complaint about Palm Grove and its current manager (Betsy or Mama Tum). My wife and I arrived on 31st May 2026 planning to stay until 22nd June 2026. This is our second stay in Rarotonga, as this was a special occasion for my wife's 80th Birthday. We left early on the 10th June 2026, as we could no longer bare to stay any longer at this resort, so we returned to New Zealand. The accommodation itself (Superior Garden Room was very good). However, it became very clear early on there were issues within the Yellow Hibiscus Restaurant and Housekeeping staff. The staff were clearly frighten of the manager and her split personality either as the American "Betsy" or the Cook Island persona "Mama Tum - wearing a traditional floral head dress. Originally the write up, stated there was a radio and a TV available. We found a broken radio, which had been dropped and the aerial broken. We asked for a replacement with the owner, who stated they no longer supplied radio's, and immediately dumped it into the rubbish. The TV only has one digital channel, which can only be seen during the evening with a lot of noisy reception. My wife asked for a Sunbed on the back porch, as she has a bad back and could not sit on the round settee. She was told categorically to go to the Beach or go to the Swimming Pool. The Breakfast offered was basic, with bread wrapped in the original plastic covering and a plate of butter, which was shared communally with all guests.

Very friendly staff, lovely clean room, pool just outside lovely and inviting, Walk over to beach to snorkel. Snorkels and kayaks available for use. Great breakfast, nothing was too much trouble. Would stay here again.

Possibly the best beach in Rarotonga. Friendly staff. Nice pool area and a great location near shops and restaurants. We booked a beach front bungalow. The beach front bungalows are split in 2 sets: 3 or 4 in the immediate beach front, and another 3 set further back with a view not as great as the full beach front, unfortunately we were assigned one of the furthest ones. Should you book a beach front bungalow you may want to inquire if a full beach front is available. Maybe those could be named beachfront and sea view to avoid disappointment. Overall a lovely place to stay and we would happily stay there again.

Great location, best beach on the island. We had a beach hut which was fabulous. Could use a little bit of paint but otherwise it was wonderful. Staff were great and the local dogs were so sweet and. Well behaved

Staff are good. Room was clean.

Great location, on the beach and close to Wigmore's superstore & restaurants. Bus stop out the front. Comfortable accomodation with helpful, friendly staff.

Great place to stay, frindly staff

Great friendly staff. Authentic island room right on the beach.

Nice large room, and deck space, great location, bit dated but price appropriate

Friendly staff and great Breakfast every morning lovely place to stay!

Return guests due to geat staff, perfect location, great beach and good snorkelling straight out front. Already looking forward to visiting again in the future.

Epic.

We have stayed at Palm Grove in the past. We love the beachfront units. Even if the weather is poor, the view is still brilliant. The snorkeling in front of the units is extremely good with a wide variety of fish life. The sandy beach is also great. Breakfast is adequate with cereals, fruit, toast, spreads, coffee etc. Plus you can order and pay for more if you need it. Use of kayaks and snorkeling gear is complimentary, if you dont have your own. Wigmores supermarket is just down the road, and the units have a good kitchen for cooking for yourself if you want to.

Large bungalow with kitchen and nice green garden - just across a small street to an amazing private beach! The restaurant is there for breakfast and dinner. Only suggestion is to please add more variety to the inclusive breakfast-perhaps savoury (boiled eggs, cheese or cold cuts) as the sweet options is not for everyone (health related), especially when staying for more than a few days. Overall great place to unwind and enjoy the scenery.

So handy to beach and shops great reef for snorkeling to see all the different fish

Palm Grove was good for what it is, but can tell the garden rooms dont get as much love as the beach villas. The staff are friendly and the breakfast is convenient but its not luxury if thats what you're after

Second year staying at Palm Grove Beachfront Studio. We will definitely be back What a beautiful view with comfy bed and breakfast included. Snorkeling right from the beach in front of the studios. Quiet and private with help from staff if you need. We are from Hawaii and this is where we choose to vacation.

We've visited Palm Grove every time I've visited Rarotonga, and we will continue to stay everytime we come. The beach villa was the best experience we have had. We loved the privacy, access and the villa itself! Love the happy hour and the free snorkel/kayak equipment. The bus stop outside made transport around the island easy. The SPCA is just down the road, and a fast travel to walk the dogs in the morning. We didn't need our room cleaned everyday - due to our own reasons, but the equipment they left made cleaning the room a breeze. Thank you Palm Grove for an exceptional stay-cation!!

We chose it for the fantastic beach area and the wide lagoon to swim and snorkel in. Along with staying at a smaller resort which is quiet. The free breakfast was very good with a range of fruits and baked goods. All our lunch and dinners at the Hibiscus restaurant were great value and tasty. Loved the caesar salad. While the units are clean, they are looking a little tired and could.do.with new paint. The pool was quiet small and we didnt end up using it as we preferred the beach.

Room was run-down and in need of maintenance. Ceiling fan did not work properly. Initial lack of hot water caused by the need to keep depressing a heater switch which we were not told about. Chickens and roosters wandering about the property making noise and entering the deck area looking for food hand-outs.