Name: NIC's Bungalows
Address: Tamakautoga, Niue, Tamakautoga, Tamakautoga, Tamakautoga, 0000, Niue
Rating: 8

Air conditioning

Smoke-free property

Washing machine

General

Non-smoking rooms

Fridge

Cable TV

DVD Player

Shower/Bathtub

Shower

Wardrobe/Closet

Mosquito net

Rooms

Iron and board

Telephone

Iron

Services and amenities

Microwave oven

Kettle

Meals

Free Wi-Fi

Internet

Airport transportation (complimentary)

Car rental

Transfer

Free parking

Parking

Pets Not Allowed

Pets

Location

At the hotel

Room amenities

Hanan Airport

NIC's Bungalows

Tamakautoga

Trip advisor for Nics bungalow

We stayed in Unit 2 at Nic's bungalows for eleven days.  Initial impressions were not good.  There had been major problems with our booking when staff member Sinoi directed me to pay our deposit (which amounted to $1270.50) into her personal bank account. For some unknown reason, I had also been debited with a surcharge of $60.   It was fortunate I was suspicious, checking it out with her superior, who offered profuse apologies.  Payment for the bungalows should go to a Niue Investment Company.  I was not looking forward to meeting with Sinoi on arrival at Niue airport, and as she made no attempt to find us, we were left standing around until a stranger offered to help us.  There was no smile of welcome from this woman, just a paper slapped down requiring a signature.  When I hesitated, she said it was for hire of the car that came with the accommodation. 
My first impression of our accommodation on entering the room was most unpleasant.  It smelled very stale and stuffy.  The reason was soon obvious.  Extensive mould was in the wardrobe and bathroom.  Each time the kitchen cupboards were opened that horrible stale smell was there.  We did use the wardrobe, but jammed wood under the door to keep it wide open all the time.  Each day we left the windows wide open - there are mesh screens so no problem to do that - and by the time we left, the stale smell had left the main room, but still clung to the cupboards.
I noted on Nic's Bungalows website they claim to have over 16  TV channels to choose from.  In fact, there are barely half the claimed number.  According to their website we would be provided with breakfast essentials including cereal.  There was no cereal and only the tiniest amount of milk, sufficient for two cups of tea.  The kitchen was quite well equipped except for two minor but essential items:  a microwave proof container for heating food and a can opener.  WiFi proved to be a problem initially.  Our 'hostess' gave me an incorrect password, so of course I couldn't connect.  We tracked her down at her office in Alofi next day, feeling completely cut off because the phone in our room wasn't working either.  "Sorry," she said.  "I've given you the wrong password."

But Nics Bungalows do have a positive side.  Although only one room plus a separate bathroom/laundry, we found the unit quite spacious.  Both air-conditioner and TV are temperamental to operate, possibly because the batteries in the remotes need to be replaced.  (The TV can only be turned on by finding a small switch on the back of the screen but the remote will - sometimes - change channels and volume.)  About half way through our stay, I left a note asking if we could please have a replacement light bulb in the living area.  Although it was promised, the bulb was never replaced.  But the daily change of towels with the bed being made most days was appreciated, as was the removal of rubbish.  The provision of a washing machine and drier was ideal.

Although the accommodation comes with "a free car," I felt the $220 daily charge went a considerable way towards paying for the car too.  Right from the first day, we feared the car would break down because of the knocking noises and rattles but it kept on going.  In fairness, I should add that the state of the roads in Niue must be very, very hard on vehicles because no matter how careful the driver is, and how many potholes are avoided, there are always more that simply can't be avoided.

Memorable - for both good and bad reasons

Package came with a car which is a must to be able to explore Niue.  Bunglows are well appointed with washing machine and dryer and kitchen facilities.  Super comfy large bed was great! Wi fi and air con and a tv.  A home away from home.  Nice deck area to sit and relax in the evening.  Towels changed daily and good hot water.

NIC's Bungalows

Main amenities of the hotel

Location

Available rooms

Location

Description of the hotel

What other amenities are there?

Policies

Check-in terms and conditions

Payment