Reviews of The Black Pearl Beachside Apartments This rating is a reflection of how the property compares to the industry standard when it comes to price, facilities and services available. It's based on a self-evaluation by the property. Use this rating to help choose your stay!
Kavera, Arorangi, Arorangi, Rarotonga, Cook Islands

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Reviewed: August 25, 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewVery convenient to lots of restaurants and beach just over the road. Very helpful manager/owner and staff.
We liked the property, but our room was quite noisy next to the road. Also, it was unfortunate but the people in the next unit were heavy smokers and the smell of cigarette smoke came through our windows from their outside courtyard, which was unpleasant. Perhaps smokers could be encouraged to do it further away from the rooms?
Reviewed: August 24, 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewHelpful owner & manager, and basic self service facilities
Rooms a bit tired and old. As our unit closest to busy road, and some windows did not shut, it was noisy at night, plus bright due to thd thin curtains. We also needed to use the spray & coils they provided for insects
Reviewed: August 22, 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewA complimentary breakfast was in the fridge for our first morning which was a lovely surprise and much appreciated. The pool and gardens were lovely and staff amazing. The motel is just a few yards from the beach and a shop conveniently next door.
The local roosters were an early morning wake up call and the dogs seem to bark through the night but you got used to them and that is Raro.
Reviewed: August 10, 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewThis 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.
There was nothing we didn't like. We even got to enjoy the roosters welcoming the new day!
Reviewed: July 24, 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: July 17, 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewLocation is perfect. Host and staff were wonderful. I can’t wait to return.
Location, cleanliness and the pool.
Reviewed: July 9, 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewRelaxed and comfortable atmosphere, attentive and informative staff.
Reviewed: July 9, 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewThank you to Rangi who offered us a late check out time because we had our toddler with us. That one kind gesture made everything so much helpful and less stressful. We didn’t have to lug all our luggage around as we had to wait for our rental car and next accommodation. Thanks Rangi and the team!
N.a
Reviewed: July 4, 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewAcross the road from the ocean. Very quiet area
Reviewed: July 2, 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewGreat location. Paul was very helpful and friendly. Rooms comfortable, pool and BBQ great.
Nothing really.
Reviewed: June 17, 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewThe appts are large and well maintained and across the road from a very safe beach. staff extremely friendly.
We were told they only serviced the rooms every 3 days. We had to ask for fresh towels. We then came back to our accommodation on the 3rd day to find the beds hadn’t been changed. We were advised that they do not change linen if you are checking out on the next day. So for us - only staying 4 nights - no linen change was considered necessary. Completely unacceptable. A lot of local barking dogs. Internet is unreliable.
Thanks for the feedback Pamela. My apologies for the sheet change issue. Unfortunately I have no control over local dogs and roosters that do not understand what is acceptable levels. It is a common issue on the lovely island. Not sure about the internet issues you experienced but there were plenty of opportunities to raise this with me while you were so I could have investigated it further. I have not had any comments raised by any other guests. Paul
Thanks for the feedback Pamela. My apologies for the sheet change issue. Unfortunately I have no control over local dogs and roosters that do not understand what is acceptable levels. It is a common issue on the lovely island. Not sure abou… Show more
Reviewed: June 14, 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: May 11, 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewComfortable, roomy & excellent host.
Nothing really.
Reviewed: April 24, 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewWe 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!
Next 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!
Thanks for the feedback Jo. Paul (not Brian!!)
Reviewed: April 4, 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: February 24, 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified reviewThe rooms have been renovated and look quite fresh, however in the summer/rainy (January) season, the lack of air conditioning is a serious limitation. The room had one ceiling fan high above the bed which gave next to no relief from the heat. The room would be fine in the cooler months but really not comfortable in the hotter/more humid months. There were no other guests staying there at this time, and I suspect this is part of the reason.
Thanks for the feedback Peter. I'm sorry you found our summer heat oppressive. If you'd mentioned anything while you were here I could have provided additional floor fans to help move the air about. January and February are our normal quiet months as a high percentage of our guests come from NZ and they are in the middle of their summer so don't tend to travel as much.
Thanks for the feedback Peter. I'm sorry you found our summer heat oppressive. If you'd mentioned anything while you were here I could have provided additional floor fans to help move the air about. January and February are our norm… Show more
Reviewed: February 16, 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified reviewVery 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.
Nothing. Everything was good.
Thanks for staying Simran. Paul
Reviewed: February 7, 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified reviewManager was fantastic. Easy going, even gave us a ride into town to pick up our scooters! Really appreciate the hospitality
I 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!
Thanks for staying and enjoying our "little Paradise". Paul
Reviewed: January 31, 2025 · Stayed in January 2025
Verified reviewPaul 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.
I 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.
Thanks for the feedback Terry. All taken onboard so we can improve. Paul
Reviewed: January 14, 2025 · Stayed in January 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: January 14, 2025 · Stayed in December 2024
Verified review+ 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 :))
Honestly 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 🌧️
Thanks Dominique. Lilly no longer shares the pool.
Reviewed: January 12, 2025 · Stayed in November 2024
Verified reviewReviewed: January 7, 2025 · Stayed in January 2025
Verified reviewFrom 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!
Reviewed: December 27, 2024 · Stayed in December 2024
Verified reviewWe loved everything! Home away from home! The apartment, the pool, the barbeque facilities, the location, the super friendly and helpful host
Nothing
Reviewed: December 10, 2024 · Stayed in November 2024
Verified reviewGood location, clean, nice pool,friendly owner
No long enough stay!!