When giving this review a 5 star rating, it's because it's a fabulous 3 star family resort that is affordable and the service we received was excellent. My family and I (3 generations from 9 years to 75) stayed here for 5 nights in January 2012. We read the reviews beforehand and weren't sure whether we had made the right choice (although we only booked a week before going so our choices were limited). The appearance of the resort is a little tired but after the first day, you don't notice that anymore. When we arrived in Fiji, we stayed at the Outrigger on the Lagoon for 3 nights which was amazing but different to Plantation Island which we expected. However, after staying at both, we were more than happy with our holiday and would return again to both resorts.
We booked a 2 bedroom garden bure which was basic but clean and spacious - great for the family and what we expected ( very Fijian). However, we didn't realise that the windows were shuttered with flywire and no glass which meant that if we wanted the AC on we had to have the shutters closed. Our mother isn't able to be out and about all the time due to menieres and enjoys relaxing looking out the windows in the afternoon so this was going to be a problem. However, after talking to Dione and the Customer Service Manager, Api, on the first day they worked out the perfect solution for us. Even though the resort was busy, they offered us an additional ocean view hotel room at the cost of only one extra night for 2 of us and we could still use the garden bure. This meant our mother could easily walk to the restaurant and beach and also have an outlook during the hot afternoons from the comfort of her room. She commented that this holiday really suited her and was most enjoyable even though she wasn't out snorkelling and swimming with us all day. Api and Dione couldn't have been more helpful and understanding and certainly ensured that our holiday was a success. If you talk to the staff and get to know them, you will find them very friendly and obliging. The Fijian people are especially wonderful with children and the elderly - they have a great sense of family.
Our rooms were serviced each day and we found them to be clean. There were some mozzies but we didn't have too many problems and you can buy fly spray or coils at the shop. The 3 pools are lovely but the beach is so pristine and inviting and the water so warm that we spent our days snorkelling in the mornings and swimming in the afternoons. The food was fine (not gourmet but there is some variety and there is plenty of it). We chose to have the buffets for breakfast and dinner and a small snack from the cafe for lunch - we didn't choose any meal packages as this worked out just as cheap. If you ask for a table in the middle of the restaurant out on the T-section it feels like you are almost on the water - for atmosphere, you couldn't get a better position especially at night when there is live music. At night, this position also gives you a great view of the torch lighting ceremony.
Plantation Island is very affordable compared to the 5 star resorts. The food, drinks and beauty treatments were cheaper so we indulged however, the hair braiding for the girls wasn't any cheaper than the mainland (Fijian $65 for a full head for one niece with shoulder length hair - it took an hour, Fijian $70 for the other niece - long, thick hair and it took 4 hours on the mainland at the resort).
Even though the resort was busy, it was never crowded except in the main restaurant. We were expecting lots of noise from kids but the beach and pools never seemed to be crowded (not like our beaches can be at home). We could always find deck chairs and hammocks on the beach and book into water activities. We took our own snorkelling gear but you can get it for free there as well as beach towels and mats for the deck chairs. You pay a bond and get it back at the end of your stay. The items in the shops aren't too badly priced - souvenirs, clothes etc. The Kids Club had lots of fun activities and we could also choose from free activities like basket weaving which was great. Most days there was a huge thunder storm that would roll in but it didn't spoil our trip - rather it added to the tropical atmosphere and most of the time the sun was out. Pack lots of sunscreen - you can also buy it there.

As others have said, if you are expecting a 5 star resort and food for a 3 star price, then you need to book somewhere else. It is the beach and tropical atmosphere of this place that make it special and give you a true Fijian experience. Also remember that you are on holidays and Fijian time so don't expect everything to run to the minute and you'll be happy.

PS. Mainland Trips - The Sigatoka River Safari with the jet boat ride was a highly recommended half day trip. However, you need to book early as we found out. We ended up booking a similar trip without the jet boat ride which suited all of us as it was a gentle ride up the river in an old-style wooden boat. The company which runs the Sigatoka River Cruise is locally owned - the whole crew were related, and their local knowledge was great. They even sang to us as we cruised the river. We visited their local village and had the opportunity to buy handmade souvenirs which help support the local economy. We would highly recommend this trip as it was small (only a small number on the boat) and authentic. It leaves from Jack's of Fiji - a chain of souvenir shops. My nieces who are 9 and 11 enjoyed it and learnt a great deal about the local culture and my 75 year old mother also enjoyed the trip.

PPS - We'd like to highly recommend Island Escapes in Melbourne and Marilyn Lynch if you need a travel expert. This company specialises in Fiji and was able to give us information and quotes on the day we rang up. The service was personalised and everything went according to plan. Thanks Marilyn for a fantastic trip.