We stayed at the Kaiviti Motel for 2 nights. For our family of 4, it was very convenient to have our own kitchen, and 2 bedrooms, and the location was an easy walk to town. The rate was affordable and they were very flexible about check-in and check-out times, as our flight was delayed. The staff was very friendly here too.
The rooms were clean, and the pool and deck areas were in excellent condition and looked to have been recently refurbished. There was security on premises all night.
Our view from the main bedroom faced the harbour, and provided excellent views of the incoming cruise ships and yachts anchored there.
The downside is that this property still needs some work. The stove in the kitchen was only partially functional, in that only one burner was usable. But the kitchen, in general, was well-equipped. The furniture in the main living area, facing the nice flat-screen TV, was sagging quite severely. The lighting was extremely dim and made the rooms unpleasant to be in at night. Some windows were not lockable, and the screens on most of them were broken. Unfortunately, you have to leave the windows open as there were only fans, no air con. And being close to a busy road meant that there was some road noise.
The bathroom had broken and chipped tiles and chipped bathtub. But the shower was good, with strong pressure and hot water. We weren't impressed with the "used" soap provided.
There was internet access provided for a fee in the main reception area.
This place was fine for a couple of nights, but on a subsequent visit to Port Vila, we stayed elsewhere.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
10 November 2011
Dear Travelling_Axe
Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback regarding our motel.
Yes we agree that there is still more work to be done on many of the rooms. The property was very run down when purchased and there has been a lot of work done that you can’t see since that time. We are addressing the old furniture progressively within capital budget and guests see changes on every visit. All stoves in the apartments were checked and fixed only last year and I apologise that only one burner was working in the apartment you stayed. We have since carried out a thorough testing and service to ensure that all the burners are working until the equipment is replaced in the future.
However, the prices of the rooms do reflect the state of the property and offer competitive and excellent value for money.
We are fixing the screens also progressively and other building works. Unfortunately building projects take more time than in other countries and the speed of which is frustrating.
Thank you for pointing out the lighting problems which be addressed shortly. We will be adding Fluro strip to light up the lounge area for working at night better.
Unfortunately the bathrooms are dated with chipped tiles. The bathrooms are in need of a full replacement which will be attended to in the future, but they are clean and all fittings such as the shower have been replaced. I was horrified by your comment of the used soap and investigated the matter. We do not reuse soap, however I understand that some of our new staff have been unwrapping the soap! and putting it on a wet soap holder giving the impression that the soap was used. We have since corrected this practice and staff now make sure that the holder is dry before placing the soap which will also remain in the wrapper.
The new pool, bar and cafe were opened in July 2011. We are very pleased with the results and thank you for your positive feedback. I hope you had a chance to look at the new Executive rooms also which will give you an idea of the vision we have for the Motel.
Thank you again for your comments and I hope that you enjoyed the rest of your holiday in Vanuatu.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
