The George Hotel is a family-owned motel-style hotel on Betio island, around 30 minutes drive from the airport, and close to everything in the centre of town.

 

They have just 23 rooms in 3 categories; Economy Single Room, Deluxe Double Room and Ocean View Deluxe Double Room.  They offer single or double beds, ensuite facilities with shower and complimentary toiletries, air conditioning, ceiling fans (some rooms), TV with DVD player, small fridge and tea and coffee making facilities.  We feel, though, for western guests, the Economy room maybe very basic, and we would only recomend the Deluxe rooms.

 

There is a restaurant and bar on site which offers basic but fresh food, with oriental and international dishes, using fish that is caught locally and locally grown produce, plus some imported meats and produce.  Being such a small island nation, most things have to be imported, mainly from Australia, so prices will reflect that.  10-15 minutes walk away, around the town of Betio and Betio Wharf, there are a few other restaurants and cafes, but there is not a huge amount of tourism infrastructure here, so don't expect loads of choices or fast food names.

 

Just across the road is the islands' only nightclub, great if you want to try out the local nightlife, and the hotel bar is open every evening if you want to mix with the other guests and locals, or just have a sundowner on your own under the covered seating area.

 

There is a small mini-market and gift shop on site and other shops in town are 10-15 minutes walk away.  Wi-Fi is available throughout the property with prepaid cards.

 

The George Hotel is one of only a few hotels on Tarawa that offers some of the facilities of a western hotel, but don't expect western standards in everything.  But this is now one of the best properties in Tarawa, and Betio especially, and would be our recommendation for your stay in Kiribati.

---