Orchid Island B&B on the River with Pool & Jetty

Friendly welcome by host. Clean comfortable room, with large walk-in shower in the ensuite bathroom. Great breakfast served by the host. We enjoyed using the kayaks on the adjacent river. There was a facility to hang washing outside and the host offered us of a washing machine. For an evening meal there is a resort hotel within easy walking distance that accepts walk-ins and is not expensive.

There appeared to be some kind of water pump in a building in the garden outside our room. It started up every time the water system was used anywhere on the property. I did find this somewhat disturbing during the night, it was possible to tune it out during the day. Note there is no a/c though there is a ceiling fan. Being near the river there were mosquitoes and although the room has screens on all windows and doors these don't fit 100% so some found their way into the room. We opted to sleep with windows closed to avoid this, but it would have been unbearably hot to do this in some months.

Everything was good

It is very convenient (2 mins driving from BAD as they pick up) as we went their for shark dive. The room is clean and cozy. Most important is the host they are fabulous!!! Super friendly. They are like mama and papa that can take care of you. For girls traveling you need someone who can give you suggestions and help you out. I had my phone dropped in water and the host helped me and gave me suggestions. They were about to help me find a driver to Suva to get it fixed (and gave me rice to put my phone in the night before) example like that. Strongly recommend. They also have 2 big dogs that are very friendly to adult. A plus for people loving pets. Oh btw the kayak is free if you want to have a relaxing afternoon.

The hostess finally got home at around 8 and took charge of the situation. She apologized for her husband's bad behavior and offered to refund my money if I don't see an improvement by morning. She also said she'll talk to him and that I'd be missed if I didn't join her family for the Diwali celebration, which was a main reason why I came. Robert did offer a half-hearted apology the next morning, but not taking any real personal responsibility for his behavior, just that he won't talk about Trump anymore, and that I'm "lucky" he has battery backup, otherwise we’d have no power at all. Lini took me to her family home later that day and they were so nice to me. Although they live simply & humbly, the difference in hospitality was night & day. The Diwali get together the next day was also very nice and allowed me to experience the real Fiji. I'm grateful for the kindness & friendship Lini & her family showed towards me.

From the moment I arrived, Robert launched into a tirade about Trump as soon as he learned I'm American. I came here to relax & enjoy myself, not for a political debate! Then it started raining and the power went out. He began complaining to me about how crappy the infrastructure here is and how lazy the utility workers are, etc. I left the house to go for a walk, when I returned, he became very aggressive towards me and said I left a plate & a bowl unwashed. But there was no running water in the house due to no power to their water pump. "That’s not my problem. I'm not your dishwasher," he yelled at me. Then he didn't want me to use the kitchen anymore when I just wanted make some instant noodles, claiming all I paid for is my room, so stay there! By this time, I was ready to check out. As much as I appreciated Lini, I can’t overlook the fact that I was treated so poorly by Robert on day 1, as a result, my stay certainly doesn't deserve a 10. When it rains and water builds up, the smell of raw sewage becomes almost unbearable at the house. Then the last thing a paying guest needs is a bitter expat who complained incessantly and became so belligerent that even his 13-year old daughter told her mom that "dad was being very rude to the guest!" This only applies on Sundays when Lini spends the whole day at church, which is important for her own sanity, but Robert wants no hosting responsibilities, even though he was happy to take my money! So in conclusion, if your stay doesn't involve a Sunday overnight or during the rainy season, Lini will take good care of you and show you kind Fijian hospitality. Otherwise, no one should have to put up with the haughty, man-boy temperament of the host, who seriously lacks social skills and acts like an overbearing colonialist.