Tokatoka Resort Hotel

The Tokatoka Resort is a transit hotel ideal for those who need quick access to Fiji’s main airport, as it's a quick two-minute drive away. The hotel's entrance is marked with a stone porte cochere, which leads to the 24-hour, open-air reception featuring a handful of chairs; this main section also houses all the rooms and suites. From there, walkways meander through the expansive grounds dotted with palms toward the villas, pool, restaurant, and bar. A point of pride for the hotel, the Prime Minister of Fiji has been known to stay in one of the larger villas while traveling on business. 

Originally opened in 1990, the property was bought by Warwick Hotels & Resorts in 2012. The upscale hotel brand has 55 properties across the world, including a beach resort on Fiji's Coral Coast, but guests shouldn't expect much luxury or attentive service here -- though given the low rates and short duration of most stays, no one is really complaining. The resort sees a mix of families and couples, and the overall vibe is peaceful. For a livelier atmosphere, the neighboring Raffles Gateway Hotel has two pools, tennis and volleyball courts, and offers free day passes to non-guests.

Nadi (pronounced Nandi) is on the western side of the island of Viti Levu, the largest of 330 islands in Fiji. Located a two-minute drive from the airport, the Tokatoka Resort Hotel is a transit property that primarily houses travelers just arriving in Fiji or about to leave. Guests can use the free airport shuttle, which makes regular rounds between the entrance of the hotel and the international terminal about every 15 minutes.

Those with a rental car will have free uncovered parking in the lot outside the entrance. There is an on-site convenience store for basics, or a grocery store about a five-minute drive away for stocking mini-fridges. The front desk can arrange transportation, and ferry companies departing to outer islands from Port Denarau often offer free pickup and drop-off service to the hotel. 

Tokatoka's 108 rooms and villas received a refurbishment in 2012 after the Warwick brand takeover. This included upgrades with items shipped from Singapore, such as granite countertops and tile floors, but the actual structure of the property shows its age with textured walls and steel doors. Despite this, rooms are clean and spacious, featuring a mostly white color scheme against pale green accents. All room types are equipped with air-conditioning units, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and limited local toiletries (no conditioner). Slatted screen windows offer a breeze, though rooms on the street side may be bothered by traffic noise. All rooms have either a small porch or balcony with two chairs.

Studio Rooms have a queen-size bed or a queen and a single bed, and bathrooms with walk-in showers. Suites are bigger, with separate living rooms and bathrooms with shower/tub combos. Family Villas sleep up to four people and some have views of the Sleeping Giant mountain range. One-Bedroom Villas are the hotel's most spacious units, featuring king-size beds, two single beds in the living rooms, and shower/tub combos. These are the only units that have kitchenettes with microwaves, toasters, and dining sets. 

Since the hotel is inland and not on the beach, it's no surprise that the outdoor pool is the centerpiece of the property and where most guests plant themselves during the day. The pool has a waterslide for kids, a shallow area for toddlers, and a deeper section -- one portion of which is ideal for swimming laps; the main section is shaded from an overhang to protect from sun and rain. The stone terrace surrounding the pool shows age but offers bright blue cushioned loungers and casual tables and chairs.

Attached to the pool, under a tin roof, is the hotel's restaurant and bar offering casual outdoor service. A la carte dishes include steaks, seafood, and vegetarian entrees (fruits and veggies are local when possible), a separate kids' menu, and small bites. In the evening, the main dining area becomes dressier with elegant table decorations and occasionally live music. Room service is available 24/7.

An outdoor spa hut is located to the far end of the property and can be booked for massages. Other features include shared laundry facilities and a gift shop for snacks, clothes, souvenirs, and essentials. Wi-Fi is free for an hour each day, or guests can purchase additional time.