Kavera, Arorangi, Arorangi, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
#67 of 138 hotels in Rarotonga
Guests' ChoiceBased on 185 apartment reviews
8.7Cleanliness
9.2
Comfort
9.2
Location
9.1
Facilities
9.0
Staff
9.7
Value for money
9.0
Free WiFi
7.5
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End of dialog contentReviewed: 10 August 2025
Barrie
New ZealandThere was nothing we didn't like. We even got to enjoy the roosters welcoming the new day!
This was the perfect place for us to stay. The apartment was just right for us. Good size, clean and tidy. Comfortable beds. Nice swimming pool and grounds. The location was great with the beach just across the road and a grocery shop next door. The staff were friendly and made us feel very welcome. We spent a very enjoyable week at Black Pearl and can definitely recommend it for a relaxing stay.
Stayed in August 2025
Reviewed: 17 July 2025
Nikki
AustraliaLocation, cleanliness and the pool.
Location is perfect. Host and staff were wonderful. I can’t wait to return.
Stayed in July 2025
Reviewed: 9 July 2025
Anne
AustraliaRelaxed and comfortable atmosphere, attentive and informative staff.
Stayed in July 2025
Reviewed: 4 July 2025
Bruno
BrazilAcross the road from the ocean. Very quiet area
Stayed in June 2025
Reviewed: 2 July 2025
Joseph
AustraliaNothing really.
Great location. Paul was very helpful and friendly. Rooms comfortable, pool and BBQ great.
Stayed in June 2025
Reviewed: 11 May 2025
David
New ZealandNothing really.
Comfortable, roomy & excellent host.
Stayed in May 2025
Reviewed: 24 April 2025
Jo
New ZealandNext time we visit, we’ll likely book a one- or two-bedroom unit as a few of us snore – but that’s no reflection on the accommodation itself, which was excellent. We also accidentally broke a chair and were told “all good – don’t worry about it.” That kind of relaxed, understanding attitude really stood out. Thank you!
We had a fantastic stay at The Black Pearl! The room was lovely – clean, comfortable, and well-equipped. A big shout-out to the owner (Brian, I think? Apologies if I got the name wrong) – you were great, but I have to say, Rangi might be even cooler! This spot is perfect for families with kids, even though we didn’t have any with us. The location couldn’t be better – a fully stocked shop right next door (including petrol and alcohol), and the heavenly beach just steps across the road. The other guests made the experience even more memorable. It felt like a real whānau atmosphere, and we were lucky to be included – especially when they shared their BBQ with us. We felt privileged to be in such good company. Thank you again for a wonderful stay – we’ll definitely be back!
Stayed in April 2025
Reviewed: 16 February 2025
Simran
New ZealandNothing. Everything was good.
Very clean, had nice pool, basic necessities in kitchen, lots of towels, snorkel gears, reef shoes which was very handy. They also arranged porta cot for my infant. Had Bbq facility too. Also got complimentary brekkie. Loved it.
Stayed in February 2025
Reviewed: 7 February 2025
Daly
New ZealandI sleep hot and no air con but that didn’t bother me as I just swam as often as I wanted :) we had the whole place to ourselves at the time!
Manager was fantastic. Easy going, even gave us a ride into town to pick up our scooters! Really appreciate the hospitality
Stayed in February 2025
Reviewed: 31 January 2025
Terry
New ZealandI feel that there needs to be a slight upgrade with the bathroom. Pressure in the toilet wasn't that great, bathroom and toilet windows needed curtains for privacy. Maybe an air conditioner could be installed in the near future, even though Paul provided a large pedestal fan and there was a ceiling fan, we went and invested in another large pedestal fan but the room was like a sauna during the day. The outside clothes line we couldn't dry anything when it rained. Perhaps move the wire under the shelter. These are all minor things but all in all the stay was very very good.
Paul our host was very welcoming from the very beginning of our arrival until the very end of our departure. He was also very informative about the local restaurants and eateries, the fun activities and sightseeing that was available. We were lucky that there was a laundry room there which was very convenient to have. The pool was huge, the bbq area was awesome. The area was clean. We had a gas station, takeaways and a shop next door with a beautiful beach right across the road.
Stayed in January 2025
Reviewed: 14 January 2025
Dominique
BelgiumHonestly there is no bad points in our stay at Paul’s, these are more wishes and suggestions: - there is no Aircon, only fans (2 ceiling fans and a stand one), so it is quite hot inside the accommodation - just FYI that Paul’s cute doggo Lilly swims in the pool, we didn’t mind it but some may - we were happy with the cleanliness of the place, but we were a bit confused with the cleaning lady schedules; maybe better define it (for example having a doorknob card that says “please clean my room” so it prevents any miscommunication); some bedsheets have permanent stains on them, even though there are clean - we wish we had had a television for the bad weather days 🌧️
+ Paul the owner: Paul makes himself 100% available for its customers, he is kind and sweet, a gentle giant 🤗 he is flexible, generous, helpful, and you can tell that he loves what he does 🩷 thank you again Paul for your warm welcome, your little attentions for my birthday and celebrating Christmas with us ! We felt at home at the Black Pearl, thanks to you ✨ + large and clean swimming pool + kitchen equipped with all the kitchenware and tools + laundry machine and dryer (for a fee and common to all) + beautiful garden, well maintained by Paul! + location: right by the bus stop, right next to a small supermarket, bicycles and cars rental close by + Paul’s availability +++ + barbecue (available to all) + the shower: great pressure !! and constant hot water + safe (camera, locks on doors, keys, etc) + there is a phone with a prepaid card in each room, this is super useful to call local phone numbers ! + the beach is literally across the street (3m away from Paul’s place) and is beautiful and clean. There are lots of corals though so take some reef shoes (Paul provides them at the accommodation :))
Stayed in December 2024
Reviewed: 7 January 2025
Taylah
New ZealandFrom the minute we arrived we knew we had booked the right place. We landed on a Sunday where most things are closed, but Paul was waiting poolside for us to arrive and was so welcoming. The location is stunning. Many places in Rarotonga are on the beach, yet the beaches aren't very swimmable due to the coral or rocks. However, the stretch of beach that the Black Pearl is located on is steps away and is very swimmable. The apartment itself was very spacious for 3 adults and one infant and the cot was already set up when we arrived - no need to chase up the hotel like we have found in other places. Paul takes such pride in his little haven and you will always find him outside ensuring the poolside and lawns are pristine. Paul is the type of man who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. There is also a gas station and convenience store next door, as well as an asian food joint and ice cream parlour. We will 100% be back again. Unfortunately I didn't take any photos of the room itself and the facilities but the pictures provided are accurate - it's wonderful. My only regret was not using the awesome BBQ as we cooked most meals in our room - the kitchen provided is good and the fridge and freezer space was go send for the ice creams and cold drinks!
Stayed in January 2025
Reviewed: 27 December 2024
Elena
AustraliaNothing
We loved everything! Home away from home! The apartment, the pool, the barbeque facilities, the location, the super friendly and helpful host
Stayed in December 2024
Reviewed: 10 December 2024
Julie
New ZealandNo long enough stay!!
Good location, clean, nice pool,friendly owner
Stayed in November 2024
Reviewed: 7 December 2024
Margaret
United KingdomVery basic kitchen. Limited cooking facilities. Linen was clean but well used.
Quiet. Good facilities. Staff very helpful. Good situation.
Stayed in November 2024
Reviewed: 4 December 2024
Stefania
New ZealandThe hosts are lovely and available to help and suggest local spots. The accommodation was the cleanest we had ever stayed in Raro. I highly recommend staying at Black Pearl with Rangi and Paul!
Stayed in November 2024
Reviewed: 25 November 2024
Mawhinney
New ZealandI thought that having a broom and shovel and brush in our room would be good but was available on demand so no real problem.
The yogurt and fruit was good for me but my partner is gluten free. We were not expecting a welcome breakfast so not a problem.
Stayed in November 2024
Reviewed: 20 November 2024
Mara
PortugalPerfect bungalows with everything we need! The owners treat you like family! We love it
Stayed in October 2024
Reviewed: 18 November 2024
Rose
New ZealandRight by the icecream shop, gas station with ready-made food and alcohol. Beach across the road. Friendly staff. Had delicious yogurt bowls in the fridge for us too
Stayed in November 2024
Reviewed: 26 October 2024
Rosa
AustraliaNone of it!
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Black Pearl. The manager was so friendly offered us fresh popo for breakfast always out and about making sure property was well maintain. I will recommend to anyone to stay there, so conviences right next door you have petrol stn and store and too top it up yummy ice stn and cheap. Thank you again Black Pearl I will differnately stay there again.
Stayed in September 2024
Reviewed: 22 October 2024
Ally
New ZealandA lovely venue within easy walking distance from the beach, supermarket and restaurant. Very friendly staff. Very tidy grounds and lovely swimming pool. They were very helpful when we asked for a late check out.
Stayed in October 2024
Reviewed: 16 October 2024
Izaac
New ZealandNo free wifi.
Location was awesome.. Beach across the road .. Grocery and petrol station next door. No complaints.
Stayed in October 2024
Reviewed: 14 October 2024
Isaac
New ZealandSuper relaxed and easy with children. Good swimming pool on hand. Lovely gardens add to the relaxed atmosphere. Plenty of reef shoes to borrow and nice collection of books and board games in the office. A small grocery store and petrol station right next door. The bus stops are right out front as well very convenient. No TV in the room was great to connect with the kids.
Stayed in October 2024
Reviewed: 9 October 2024
Lauren
AustraliaLovely grounds with pool. Refurbished and fresh rooms
Stayed in October 2024
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