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.

found Sandalwood Lodge on the internet, booked it easily via e-mail, self-catering rooms were clean and comfortable, staff friendly and helpful, we have lived in Fiji, and Fijian friends also stay here by preference to other hotels. If you want to be self-catering this is ideal. Interesting other folks also staying here. Pool was clean and sits in a beautiful little shaded, well-planted spot, the birds - bulbuls, mynahs, parrot finches added to the atmosphere, altogether a good find, especially for those who want something a little different from a regular tourist hotel. Close to any area that you might want to visit in Nadi, Lautoka, good road access to Suva and the Coral Coast, not far either from the North Coast route to Suva. Good bus access. Supermarket virtually next door, open late - 9pm, many restaurants within easy walking distance.

This quiet, motel-style hotel, operated by Fijian, is conveniently located off the main road, 10 min ride from the airport and from Nadi town (taxi FJD 4) and about 15 min from Port Denarau.

For this price don't expect luxury, but for this price you can also find better in the area.

The basics are here: all rooms are fairly clean (although it could be much better) and have air-con, kitchenette and fridge (with complimentary tea and coffee), TV, bathroom and private terrace or balcony overlooking the pretty garden and the pool.

The hotel doesn't have a restaurant nor internet but local shops (supermarket, liquor store, ATM, internet cafe...) and restaurants are located within a short walk. And for more serious shopping just catch a taxi and head for Nadi town where you'll find more of the above on either side of the main street.

The staff is very friendly and will be more than happy to help you. They provide free transfer from and to the airport.

To sum up, if you're on a budget and don't need a spotlessly clean room in a hotel with all the facilities on site then the Sandalwood Lodge is not a bad option. But again, you could be better off with other alternatives.

About Fiji here is my recommendation:
- Monuriki Island (where Tom Hank's "Cast Away" movie was shot) is a nice - but not mandatory - stop as part of a one day cruise aboard the Seaspray sailing boat along with 40 other tourists.

- Don't miss the islands of the Yasawa group where you'll find the perfect postcard beach, along with many other tourists. If you choose to go North, the Sava-i-Levu cave trip is good fun and impressive.

- For the divers, the shark dive on the mainland (Viti Levu) in Pacific Harbour is a MUST-DO! I saw not less than 30 sharks, including the majestic Tiger Shark.

- To take in some real Fiji life, culture, environment and great diving and snorkeling, the island of Taveuni is also a must-do. And if you go there be sure to stay at the Aroha Taveuni (I wrote a review about it).

We did all this in about 2 weeks and we wouldn't do it differently if we had to do it again!

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

I stayed again at the Sandalwood Lodge for almost 3 weeks. As always the staff and management were friendly and helpful on every occasion. I enjoyed relaxing and reading by the small pool. Great place to sit and pass the time with a G and T. The reception desk easily book cruises/trips. The kitchen in the room provided the basics I needed to cook simple meals. There are restaurants nearby and I particularly enjoyed Sitar which opened relatively recently. There is also a new supemarket which just opened nearby (walking distance). Great to again 'spin the bowl' with old friends again. Thanks to the crew at the Sandalwood! Great to see friendly faces again.