Airai Water Paradise Hotel & Spa

We ended up staying for 10 days after booking just two, mainly because the staff were so kind and the whole experience was great. They were ready to help with every part of our stay, and breakfast was consistently fresh and good. The rooms were comfortable and did the job. The grand entrance, with all its cultural wood carvings, is impressive, though the hotel does show its age. I believe it’s the oldest hotel in Palau. The location was the main drawback, but a rental car can be brought to the hotel for a reasonable fee. Driving on the right side of the road took some getting used to, but we managed to explore the whole island, and the roads were top notch.

You’ll need a rental car to get into town since the hotel is outside the main area. The staff were super nice and helped us book tours. The rooms are large, and there’s a lot to choose from in the restaurant. Breakfast was a buffet some days and not others, which I guess depends on how many guests are there. The building is huge, and it didn’t look like every part of it was being used.

For a place as expensive as Palau, I found this a decent value, especially for a short stay or as a stopover. It’s only a few minutes from the airport, and there’s a free shuttle, which is handy when arriving or leaving. Families and groups with kids have plenty to do, with two outdoor pools, a children’s pool, a water slide, and hot tubs. There’s also an on-site spa, Rainbow Spa Cottage, offering treatments and body scrubs. Guests often mention how attentive and accommodating the staff are, particularly with transport and airport arrangements.

We spent half the day by the pool and had lunch there too. The food was GOOD, and their beef burger was delicious. Breakfast was delicious as well, and the two mornings we were there had different options. The room was clean!! Staff were friendly and professional, from reception to the restaurant and housekeeping. It’s on the main island, about 10 minutes from downtown. Since that 800-meter downtown street doesn’t have nightlife or much shopping, I’d recommend staying here. Highly recommend.