We have stayed frequently at the Sandalwood over the years. It is a great value place to use as a base when you are in the Nadi area. An important feature is the very friendly staff - take the time to chat and you will meet some very caring and kind people. Our room was very well kept. In fact the lodge had been repainted and had undergone a soft refurb since last year's visit. We enjoyed just hanging around and "spinning the bowl" with the staff on different occasions. The front desk staff helped to arrange a great day cruise for us up through the Yasawa Islands - just fantastic. It is easy to pick up groceries etc next door at the Jetpoint Centre. There are restaurants within walking distance too. The pool at the Sandalwood has a variety of plants around it...nicely matured after a few years now. This is a famly business and you can tell this from the friendliness, attention to guests, and the personal hellos and chats. This makes a vacation all the more relaxing. it is the BULA and smiles that makes a trip to Fiji all the better, and a stay at the Sandalwood takes away the stress. Thank youi Angela, John, Ana and the Lodge team (Uma, Repeka, Nancy, Soma, Emily, Salu, Joe, Ben, Little Salotte,...and all the rest). Looking forward to a return trip - as always, your friends Don and Kathryn.

What a wonderful place to stay for the budget traveller. Set back from the busy Queens Rd, Sandalwood is truly peace and quiet. We were based here for a month and not once did we have any issues, It was nice to have the kitchenette available for when we were tired of eating out, with the supermarket just 5 minutes walk away. I can’t fault the place, the best part was the staff; they were so friendly and helpful. I have no hesitation recommending Sandalwood. Will definitely consider staying there again soon.

Sandalwood has been a great 'first base' for a few visits to Fiji and never disappoints. Great staff, clean, comfortable and self contained - all the things that make a difference when travelling with small children. Staff are genuinely friendly and seem to enjoy their work and meeting new guests. The pool is perfect for children as there is a great grassed area surrounding it and lots of shade and lovely gardens. You probably wouldn't visit for the scenic location, although Cafe Masala and Tu's place both offer great meal options (Cafe Masala is a lunch only cafe with lots of locals, while TU's serves great curries and smoothies). I'd be a bit wary walking the streets at night solo in this area, but grab a taxi and then have them drop you back again after dinner to avoid any problems. Self contained accommodation is hard to find in Fiji but a real blessing with kids. We use Sandalwood as a bit of a base to get the kids settled for a few nights and explore in and around Nadi before moving on. There's a supermarket in walking distance and Namaka market is a short bus ride down the road. The rooms are clean and well kept, although certainly not five star (not priced that way either). Lots of local people and longer term travellers seem to stay here as it is a great affordable option if you want to experience local Fiji life and not blow your budget completely.

I recently returned from another trip to Fiji. I booked a room at the Sandalwood Lodge for the duration of my stay. Having stayed here many times...I know what to expect. Again the staff were fantastic. This has always been a very friendly place to stay. There are quit a few regulars and it is always fun to chat. We had a few late nights spinning the bowl and talking over things. Great way to kick back and meet people - both locals and travellers. Sandalwood is great as a base for travelling. The new supermarket closeby makes it easy to pick up things for cooking. If you just drop into the strip mall - Jetpoint - there is cheap internet or even next door at the Hexagon Hotel (formerly West Motor inn). Sandalwood staff easily book any cruises or day trips for you. Buses/vans will come and pick up you up at the Lodge. Angela - the daughter of John and Ana - now manages the Lodge. Always great to catch up. The personal touch in a place like this, and seeing old friends makes all the difference. See you again soon. Already booked tickets for June 2011. My thanks as always to John, Ana, Angelea and the Sandalwood Lodge staff.