This was the second time we stayed at the Carolines Resort. We came back for the high level of privacy, forthcoming service and beautiful view. After a day of roaming the island, in sunshine and action, coming back to Carolines feels like coming home. The bungalows are spaced at a comfortable distance from each other, and the resort seems to attract the type of guest that values peace and quiet, making the stay enjoyable for everyone.

This time, we stayed at Carolines for five nights (3+2, spaced almost two weeks apart) in two different cottages. Both were equally clean, well-decorated and comfortable. I wish the room rates were lower, but they're fair for Palau.

The resort provides breakfast (typically not included in room rates) that is ordered the previous evening, but has no restaurant of its own. Breakfast is served on your bungalow's balcony. For lunch and dinner, we explored the different eats available at a short driving distance (the resort's or the restaurant's transport as we didn't rent a car).

The staff were very friendly and helpful, advising us on island activities, arranging restaurant and spa bookings and such. Mike, Carmen and Micah (not sure of the spelling) in the reception all did a great job, and Nelson (the driver) always made car rides more fun with his relaxed and straight-forward way of being. I don't remember the names of the other staff members, but they were all very nice too. I'm not sure if the reception closes at night - if it does, the opening hours are generous as we were never faced with a closed door.

The resort is located on a hillside (which gives the lovely view), so it doesn't have a beach of its own. However, there is a cooperation with the Palau Pacific Resort which is a short drive away and has a lovely beach (with some rental gear, and a bar!) that is open to Carolines' guests free of charge (except a few dollars for the ride).

I understand the Carolines resort is undergoing a change of ownership. Not counting some work to refresh the surroundings (the road up to the resort from the main street consists of more holes than flat asphalt), my fingers are crossed for as few changes as possible!

The Carolines is a small and charming resort on a hill and its cottages are surrounded by nature. There arent any fancy details, just basic cottages with a balcony with beautiful views of the surroundings.
Ask for your breakfast to be brought to your room and enjoy! Staff is very friendly and will help you to arrange activities. please note that you will need a taxi to get to KOror.

The staff of this resort was very helpful and friendly, particularly the driver, Nelson. Rides were not always available at short notice, but could be arranged ahead of time.

Our cottage was spacious, very clean, and had a nice water and island view from the balcony. It was built in a traditional island style. It was completely quiet. Shower was excellent with good water pressure and very soft towels.

Breakfasts were delivered to the balcony and were tightly sealed to keep out bugs. There were insects swarming around the balcony in the mornings but they did not touch us or our food. Food was of standard Palau quality (pancakes were good, but there were ersatz juices, occasional spam, and a "vegetarian omelette" that was made with peas and beans--not what I'm used to). The room minibar was stocked with an impressive variety and amount of alcohol. The resort does not really provide much for lunch or dinner--so you should plan to be eating out. We ate one dinner at Elilai restaurant which is a 5 minute walk from the hotel (but a flashlight is a must--the hotel provided one). Elilai has a nice atmosphere but the menu, at least at the time we went, was very different from what was listed on the website.

We spent both days at the Palau Pacific Resort (which can be used for free, other than a $4 round trip shuttle fee--although walking downhill to the resort is not bad). The resort had great F&B facilities, a lovely uncrowded beach with shaded and unshaded chairs, and some beautiful snorkeling from the beach--in particular there are a lot of giant clams, more than we saw even in "clam city". Snorkel equipment rental was $10/set/day. Although there are other beaches with snorkeling in Palau, this one was ideal, with no waves and minimal boat traffic at one end of the beach. (The Sea Passion hotel also has snorkeling, but it is in the middle of a major boat thoroughfare, which I think is a safety hazard)

It would have been a little more convenient to stay at PPR but rooms were unavailable during the peak xmas/new year's season, even booking 6 months in advance! The advantages of Caroline's are (1) that the rooms are detached, providing more quiet and privacy, (2) there are better views because of the elevation of the resort, and (3) the price is about half of what PPR charged. The rooms are more traditional and quaint, and a little less modern than PPR. The major disadvantage is there is no onsite dinner, but the PPR and downtown Koror are only a 10 minute drive away.

I can pretty much echo every othe review that has been written, but we'll add our's to the praise. The view from #7 is amazing - every morning and night. Nelson was great - always had a smile on his face. His restaurant recommendations were great! Mike and the rest of the staff filled every need we had. Everything was coordinated perfectly, from the tours with Sam's to the rental car and the plane tour. They set it all up for us and we had the most enjoyable week imaginable.

We have heard that there is a new owner. The only suggestions we have would be to keep it small and personal, replace the mattresses (they're ok, I've slept on worse) and re-do the main road, including lighting. We loved to walk to the nearby restaurants for dinner, but the extremely dark walk up and down that road made it difficult (Light from the cell phone helped).

We will definetly be returning to Palau and won't even consider staying anywhere else.