The resort itself is pretty,however after seenig other resorts on the island I wished that I had choosen the Pacific Resort. The beach property and location was much better. The beach at Crown Resort was way to rocky and glass on beach. The rooms are ok,the resort was not full and there were pleanty of beach front rooms avaiable but they wanted 200.00 per night extra for an upgrade.To much.Way to many mosquito bits.The food was just ok. I will say the staff was quite friendly,and tried to keep people entertained. Overall ok , but if looking for more check elsewhere.

The primary issue I have with this resort is the value for money. At $500 a night there are far better places to stay at on Cook Islands. We were staying in a pool side hut that is in a desperate need of renovation and updating to modern standards. Everything looks very 80s in the hut. Now, if we were paying $200 a night we would have been fine with that. But at this price and in comparison to other Raro places things just don't add up.

The second problem is the lack of attention to detail and quality of service. When we arrived our safety box did not work so we had to change our hut. In the second hut stove didn't turn off (you had to pull the plug), the provided umbrellas were completely torn, one of the air-conditioning units did not work and the shower lacked drain cover (and smelled really badly). Small things, but as the small things add up the whole place just does not look professional. To top it off the management seems to think that holding meetings in the middle of the restaurants while guests are eating is a good idea. Well it's not, and neither is cleaning the one and only pool at 11am.

The third problem is that the entire place is undergoing a slow renovation. Well, maybe it’s a better idea to close a place for a few months in the off season and spare yourself the embarrassments and your guests the inconvenience of it all.

As for the beach it’s rocky and do not expect to swim without swimming shoes. In fact with all the coral and proximity of the reef swimming is rather dangerous. However, snorkelling is awesome - which is what we ended up doing for the length of our stay.

On the positive side, we were shown new villas that have just been completed and they look awesome (private mini pool, all marble floors, modern furnishing and extra privacy). If we had known we would have stayed in those. So if you are planning to go to Crown Beach, ask for the new villas.

We originally booked the Crown Beach based on reviews on this site and we weren't disappointed. We only spent 5 nights there but we never wanted to leave!
On arrival at 7am we were taken to the day room while our rooms were prepared by the staff who were so friendly and helpful. We had a beachfront villa which was definitely worth the extra money. The view from our room was amazing.
Everything we needed was taken care of, even when one of our lights didn't work it was fixed within the hour.
Everything you need for a relaxing holiday is here, including complimentary snorkling gear and kayaks.
We got married on the beach, everything was arranged for us and it was perfect. You get the feeling that the people here actually care that you enjoy yourself rather than just caring if you pay your bill!
Rarotonga is the most beautiful place I have ever been and I would definitely return to the Crown Beach.

Crown Beach Resort is an okay resort but seems to have a split personality. The resort is obviously in the process of upgrading in place while continuing to function.There is Reception, a pretty, welcoming (albeit dark) building with the new Business Conference Center to one side, then a dingy dirt path to cross to...take a left to the new wall enclosed spa villas (trendy rooms with plunge pools) or...go straight to the curvy paths that lead to the garden and beach front villas, pool, and Ocean Restaurant and bar. Our beach front villa (with hot tub) was sparcely furnished both inside and out (had to request chairs for our patio to go with our table)but with beautiful views of the reef and sunsets. The beach was being cleared of storm strewn coral so walking was tough as was swimming, not the resorts fault. The restaurant was ok for lunches. Breakfasts were a fly filled buffet of mediocrity. Staff was like the resort... okay.
As other have mentioned, the Windjammer Restaurant was the food highlight of our stay. Located on the road in front of the resort (on the grounds but separate ownership), it served some of the best food on our trip.
Crown Beach wasn't bad. It just lacked the sense of laid back comfort we hoped for.