SHANGRI-LA YANUCA ISLAND RESORT Coral Coast, Fiji 🇫🇯【4K Resort Tour & Review】A BIG No From Me!

[@shehebehsuebwisshgauwbevsjs]

Your humour, honesty and attention to detail really makes this channel a gem!

[@tfft]

Appreciate that! Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@lokpongchan2812]

I just stayed in this resort for 5 nights and what I can say is this video speaks it all! The comments are extremely accurate especially the part about bills. I was overcharged for 300 FJD and they took 30 minutes and the senior manager to settle it.

[@tfft]

Wish it was different!

[@mytartanbahrain]

Agree. Our group had a big problem to sort out at checkout.😊

[@oreotcat]

I just love you Kevin. I appreciate your honesty in your videos, I think it really helps people in deciding where to stay. Plus you make me giggle lol. This place reminds me a lot of the Coco Reef in Bermuda, though not as bad as this. Sublime location but basically outdated everything. Though it was clean and the food was decent and the staff were very friendly. I enjoyed myself for sure. It is considered "cheap" for Bermuda, as in you can get rooms for under $300 a night. Yikes. Now 5 years later they are finally remodeling! Some of these places really do squeeze every nickel of revenue they can without putting much back in.

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@RogervanHamburg-sy9gt]

Hi Kevin, my wife and I stayed at this hotel over 30 years ago. We asked (3 times) for a bottle opener to be delivered to our room and we are still waiting for it. Sadly the hotels'" use by date has come and gone ! cheers, love your videos 😎

[@tfft]

Wow, you must have really wanted to get into that wine if you remember that 30 years later 😂 Thanks for watching 🩴

[@rjwilson73]

I know you don't like negative reviews, but i have to say, they are entertaining (easy for us to say, we weren't there!). I can't understand how hotels that hold a charge get away with not offsetting it against in-hotel spend when checking out. It just makes me think 'untrustworthy' and not want to go back. I was getting flashbacks to the mid 90's, 3 star, booked through ceefax (if you know, you know) 'allocated on arrival' hotels in Greece when i saw the room. I guess the location has to do all the heavy lifting here and it did look stunning.

[@tfft]

Well if you thought this one was entertaining, just wait for the Jumeirah Bali 😂 Thanks for watching 🩴

[@gurukool3241]

As a local Fijian, I stayed at this hotel in the family wing close to the main swimming pool and beach about 3 times during the covid lockdowns when no tourists were around and I loved it - mainly due to the scenery and quietness. Even at that time, the overall service was not bad, but I have to agree with you about the dining service part. The reef wing has been really neglected during covid lockdowns, so I am not surprised at the bad state that is in where you stayed. After seeing your video, I'd say rooms at the family wings were better.

[@tfft]

Since you're Fijian, I only have one question for you... Is it true that you can pronounce Nadi as both Na-di/Nah-di and Nan-di? Before I did my Fiji series I researched it and came up with "both are okay, but locals will usually say Nah-di" which is how I pronounce it... this was backed up by an article in the Fiji Times... but since then, I've been dragged time and time again by Aussie comments along the lines of, "IT'S naNdi you Putz!" 😂 I'll consider you the final word on this one :)

[@Johnny847]

@@tfft LOL....

[@lynetteshute9519]

Nandi

[@vinnupooh4054]

The first resort on the channel I would never even in my wildest dreams dare to visit, other resorts which went wrong had at least the decor going for it. The exterior loos like an Indian government school, room like a 3 star end of the road motel, common area interiors like a day resort I went to play sports and chill out with my friends when I was a kid. Couldn't imagine Shangri-La having such a property in their portfolio, I always thought of them like an upper upscale brand similar to Conrad. I have visited 2 Shangri-La in my life and were 5 star level. I hope you slept enough that night for next day's work🤞

[@tfft]

And yet... so many people in the comments defending this place 😂

[@some_randomninja]

Ive been to fiji more than 40 times in my life and im 40 now. Its never been know for its food and service. In fact, "fiji time" is actually a thing. The locals laugh at how slow things move and frustratingly proud of it ! . They are extremely loving but quite useless with service and attention to detail - God bless them. Anyone coming to fiji should know this. You come for the beautiful beaches (bali aint got that), friendliest people in the world (bali they just want your money) etc. I do agree that this hotel now trades on its name and would definitely be pulling down the "shangri la" brand name. Alot of complaints need to be had to the parent company in Hong. Kong. Clearly doesnt give it the money it needs so badly.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@michaelhealy3638]

E X a c t l y ❤

[@HotelSnob]

Thanks!

[@tfft]

Thanks very much for the support ❤️ I can't find the comment you replied to now, but just FYI i scared my dogs I laughed so hard when I read "Kevin needs to take on Maui" or something to that effect haha.

[@kimpriority]

There is a really good deal of this hotel with Fiji Airlines that lure me to book it. But... but...but... before I book, need to check out what kind of beach they offer and I came across your video. Found a channel that is very honest with review and showing what is the actual feel of the place. The package offer free breakfast and dinner.....guess the free food is not worth going at all LOL. Love your humourous comment. Cheers!!!

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@humanoidy]

I stayed there for over a week. The place is perfectly imperfect. What made it special was the staff. The issues need to be directed towards the Chinese owners. Fijians are exceptional in their hospitality. Beach was the best.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@shelleywallis4569]

Stayed at the reef wing a year ago. I think the price was right and included canapés and drinks for about an hour. The pool there was lovely but given the position it was too cold!! Maybe because of the constant on shore breeze. Given the short flight from Australia and the regular deals it will probably always do well regardless

[@tfft]

Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@DeniseSommerRoque]

Thanks

[@ellend1323]

You've just saved me from major holiday disappointment! I was going to book here after all the praise on Facebook, but it looks so rundown that I will now avoid it. Thank you!!

[@tfft]

Good Choice!

[@howardcobb4656]

This video was well worth my time. The videos of landscapes are spectacular. Unfortunately the videos of the resort are realistic and depressing. This makes a great video.

[@tfft]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@jeremyepstein7977]

Amazing that Shangri-La allows this hotel to operate in this state. The public spaces have all the charm of an underfunded public park in a medium size town.

[@tfft]

Hahaha, yes that's a great way to classify it. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@kilantravels]

“Some areas looking like a legit garage sale after they bought all of the good stuff.” This is why I always watch with CC turned on 😁

[@tfft]

But... I did say it also lol

[@kilantravels]

No, your voiceover goes “some areas legitimately looking like the third day of a three-day garage sale” which is also funny but I think “…a legit garage sale after they bought all of the good stuff” paints a more severe mental image 😂

[@frederickmei6196]

Stand-up comedy worthy entertainment. With a heavy dose of wry. Well done!

[@tfft]

Hahaha Thanks for watching 🩴

[@awac2]

I tried a few of Shangri-La resorts in Philippines and your experience matches what I have seen here. The greed of their chinese owners seems to undo the whole Shangri-La reputation for being a luxurious place to stay.. Thank you for another very real and good review with some elegant sarcasm that made me smile thinking of my own experiences with this hotel brand ... "Now lets see the room.....excited??? 😅

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@Mr_Kaahunna]

Out of interest what resort in Fiji would you recommend for a family for a fair price? We stay at this place a lot and your review is fair and correct.

[@youwebz]

Would you stay here again? I have a great deal being offered and it’s hard to say no, but……

[@tfft]

It's a tough call becuase while the Shangri-La certainly has a lot it needs to improve, it has also priced itself under the competition. If you can look past the rooms and other bits I mentioned, then it may be worth it just to experience the beautiful landscapes. In a similar price range my next options would be on Denarau Island where there are many to choose from, but the beaches are no where near as nice.

[@ricoperillo4120]

We stayed there every August holidays from new Zealand 6 of us , family holidays, about 6 time that was 35 years ago,and seeing your video i would not go back,

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@mytartanbahrain]

I went here many years ago, it was October, the weather was pretty overcast and humid. We attended a friend's wedding in the little white chapel. One thing I recall was that there were so many rocks in the shallow waters, it was difficult to go into the sea, plus the tide was very strong. The resort is so sprawling there wasn't enough time to spend in the many different areas. I agree that it felt dated and maybe -4* feel. It was not luxurious. On a par with the 4* of Mahe Island in the Seychelles.

[@tfft]

I didn't know entire islands had star rankings lol

[@petercowling6769]

Credit holds aka preauthorisations are a credit card transaction that blocks a part of a users credit card balance. They do not take payment when first run. However, it takes two seconds to close them off - you just take the preauth receipt confirmation number, provide the cc details, plus the amount to close it for (usually either 0 or total price held), and run the cc machine. There is no legit reason this cannot be closed off in a five star resort on checkout. I stayed in a shangri-la 12 years ago and it was great, but have never and likely will never stay with them again. Thanks for the great video.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@taone8185]

Thank you for this honest review - We are booked for a week next year for my birthday, BUT after watching this am going to cancel our reservation and book elsewhere. PS. Really like your honest reviews.

[@tfft]

Good decision! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@simonpayne54]

Visited this hotel in 2001 and it was great, but your video highlights how this hotel hasn't really changed any of it's main fixtures and fittings since then. In serious need of a good scrub / clean and modernising of fixtures and fittings.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@tboy1236]

Another masterpiece Kevin! Thank you for shining a light on the bad ones. The last music track reminded me of the soundtrack from White Lotus which is perfectly fitting for the anarchy that you experienced at this resort! Thanks!

[@tfft]

Haha Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@sakiusarasova1953]

The resort is only suitable now for the locals, since its aged now. It needs a new face lift and new furnitures, if it wants the 5 star rating you're talking about. Thanks for your complaining, resort management needs to take note of this and step up. Vinaka. I recommend you to visit (Kokomo Private Resort) its a 7 star, located in Kadavu Province. Southern side of Fiji, you will be taken away.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@garrusvakarian3473]

Heyo, new to travel - what does a credit card hold mean? Is it like keeping a tab open? Your bank holds payment to the hotel because they know it’s shady?? The hotel physically keeps your card??? Deposit????

[@tfft]

A security deposit that is not officially charged but is blocked by the resort. It will stay on your credit card as ‘pending’ and will block that amount of credit unless they take further action.

[@KintsugiJoe]

I'm so sorry you had to endure the stay there but so worth it for the shot of the Children's TV room entrance. 😂

[@tfft]

I kinda actually agree lol.

[@craigmarkey7224]

We stayed there two weeks ago fir two weeks and really liked the place , Rooms were exceptionally clean and cleaned daily , nothing like in your video . Yes the buildings need some renovation , we actually met the manager and she told us that is happening over next year . We were very happy with the place and would return for sure

[@tfft]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@lynetteshute9519]

They were probably forced to clean up after a bad review…lol

[@andyh5666]

The shame of it is, such a lovely location to not do it service. I've stayed on the Coral Coast a few times, but up the road at Fiji Palms, Pacific Harbour (my Auntys timeshare) . An honest 3 star 'resort' that has it's charms, for the mainland. These days though I head straight to Northern Yasawa Islands to paradise at Coconut Beach Resort. Having been 5 times I can attest that every 5 star tripadvisor review and comments left are 100% correct - check them out and be amazed.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@SF-px9go]

Is there somewhere else you'd recommend in the same price range? I've booked here for my mom's birthday with the breakfast and dinner package but now I'm weary

[@tfft]

My first instinct is to say the Sofitel (or some others on Denarau), but the downside is the beaches up there just aren't as beautiful.

[@stevedgrossman]

I reckon if you are coming from AU/NZ this could be a cheap holiday, and have a lovely surroundings if you are not too picky, it would be great. I could not imagine paying a fortune for super long-haul tickets, and getting THIS! I would be super upset.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@russellgray1426]

My only experience of Fiji was, kind of your reaction to this place. I was working on an oil tanker and we got orders to discharge a cargo in Suva, I was really happy as it sounded exotic. We arrived at 8am and were told we were leaving at 6pm😩 and it rained nearly all day. So all in all pretty disappointing. But at least I ate better than you did 😜

[@tfft]

Yes you likely did lol. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@apnz4161]

Great video and review. I know where not to stay in Fiji now. thanks heaps

[@tfft]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@slamfamilyy]

I have been here many times and going back in a couple months! I loves it so much it's a very nice relaxing retreat for family! I do see where you Are coming from though❤😮I'm suprised about how they treated some people and you! Edit: my family really likes this style and are just very beachy and islandy so maybe that's why we love it so much😂

[@tfft]

Sure, no arguing that the location is beautiful! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@adventureforme]

Appreciate the effort and care you put into all of your videos. You helped me understand that my idea of Fiji was a fantasy because watching your video reviews tells me the truth. Fiji looks just like most of Florida. There is nothing special about Fiji that would make me ever want me to go there, like never ever. Thanks for sharing this important info.

[@tfft]

I think the problem is that Fiji's best resorts got caught up, like many across the world, in the "we can charge whatever we want to" game. In some cases, that's ok, but SO many (more than I've ever seen in one place) resorts ALSO require 3, 4, or even 5 night minimum stays- and that just brings it to crazy town. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@DeniseSommerRoque]

I agree with you. After viewing all the resorts, not one appealed to me or really stood out. Also the people didn’t make it seem extra special….quite disappointing all in all.

[@mathilu4453]

@LeeClaxtonbeing a person who went to bora bora in February and stayed at the FS bora bora, I have to agree, never saw such a wonderful service and such a beautiful resort… being a person who has stayed in many 5 stars, that was the best I’ve ever stayed in

[@georgeroig5628]

I wouldn't take Fiji off any bucket list. We were there beginning of '20 (Marriott Fiji Resort - another of Kevin's videos) and it was lovely. The service and the people were absolutely the best anywhere.

[@HotelSnob]

@LeeClaxtonyou get what you pay for unless you’re in Hawaii at a 5 star hotel that no longer even provides welcome leis! Can’t wait till Kevin takes on Maui!

[@rickyc5068]

Having stayed here before, I agree with all of your points. The location is beautiful, but the resort itself is extremely run down and is not worthy of the Shangri-La title. The highlight of the stay was the included evening canapés and cocktails at the adults only pool.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@Unazaki]

I'm honestly shocked. Like genuinely shocked. This doesn't feel like a 5 star hotel at all. This feels like a budget hotel that has had some of the most savage budget cuts I've ever seen, complete with an overstretched and understaffed workforce. Absolute disgrace.

[@tfft]

If you're shocked with this one, wait until the Jumeirah Bali haha. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@lisawitte5331]

That's because it's not a 5 star hotel, it's a 4 star. Big difference.

[@DeniseSommerRoque]

I usually love your background music, but this time you chose a perfectly fitting sad and almost off key piece… Wow, this has scouts camp gone wrong written all over. Thank you for taking this one for the team 🙌🏼😅🙏🏼

[@tfft]

Ah yes! I feel like ‘scouts camp’ is exactly what I couldn’t think of specifically, but felt, when looking at the Children’s TV Room haha. Thank you as always for your support! 🙏🏻

[@weibinglee5297]

Kevin, many thanks for your distinctively honest feedback on all the hotels, resorts and airlines that you have experienced first-hand. Well done and keep up your great work.👏👏👏👍👍👍

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@2THGap]

Kevin, thank you for this review. I've stayed at other Shangri-la resorts and I only have good things to say about them. However this particular one is quite a disappointment. I hope the management of this resort gets relieved of their duty and replaced with ones that can fully understand what a "resort" means. On a side note, I'm a new subscriber and still trying to catch up on your other videos. Cheers.

[@tfft]

Good luck catching up, there are quite a few videos haha. Thanks for watching and subscribing 🩴

[@aunz0101]

The thing is, Fiji and south Pacific have become unnecessarily more expensive. We in NZ tend to look northwards to southeast Asia (Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia) because they have better quality and diverse offerings than the Pacific, at a more competitive price. And Shangri-La in Asia is known for super high quality for a slightly lower price than that of the JW Marriotts, Four Seasons, Banyan Trees, etc. So it is quite disappointing that Shangri-La Yanuca Island is like this.

[@tfft]

Come more often because even around here in SE Asia prices are sky rocketing... especially in Thailand!

[@aunz0101]

I think I'd be able to justify the higher price in SE Asia than in the Pacific in terms of the value for money. But of course, we know how the economy and pricing work for smaller, more isolated countries in south Pacific. I just can't really find the value for money.

[@moea3692]

you saved me man (: all the best to you

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@Johnny847]

Shangri-La Hotels did not start operations until 1971. When this hotel opened in 1967, it wasn't a Shangri-La property, it was just called "The Fijian". Also, Nadi is pronounced "Nan-Dee". I learned the pronunciation, flying thru Nadi with FedEx, oh so long ago.

[@tfft]

I don't think I said it was branded as a SL when it opened... but ok. As for the great Nadi pronunciation debate of 2023, I got my pronuncaition from The Fiji Times (as well as every Fijian I heard while I was there): "we natives of Nadi and other iTaukei people pronounce the name of the place in question as Nadi...tourists by the nature of their pronunciation - and even some locals too for that matter - pronounce it as Nandi so an extra letter, “n”, is added..."

[@saggiteightyfour8367]

Naah 'dee

[@Michele-ot8bh]

Really appreciate your posts- many thanks

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@V5mGpYp]

Thank you for enduring this experience and giving a full report out Kevin ! To me, this is where the franchise enforcement of standards fails on all levels. As we all know, many of these resorts are locally owned and license the brand for the resort. When the brand does enforce standards or the franchise agreement does not give them the power to enforce the brand standards, then you end up with very uneven brand experiences that in the end sour you on the brand, and you no longer trust it anymore and, most importantly, will not pay the premium normally associated with it. This is a doom spiral and I think Shangri La as a brand, is in that spiral, and has been for some time. Which is a real shame....because it was a great brand and had a very powerful exoticism to it for westerners. Now when I think of Shangri-La, I think of Hong Kong in the 70's as its heyday.....

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@taiyonatiare7918]

THANK YOU! We’re going to Fiji in Dec and there’s so many options so it’s nice to be able to see if places offer what we want or not. The pool getting closed off so early is weird 🤔

[@tfft]

Enjoy your trip 🗺️

[@TheLibermania]

That room looks really great and worth it. If it is under 80 Dollar per night.

[@tfft]

No thanks lol

[@plasmaturkey48]

It's definitely giving BIG4 caravan park in Queensland vibes.

[@tfft]

I would love to know what that means lol

[@HotelSnob]

You can conduct your own therapy sessions at your desk 😂😂😂😂😂 good one 👏🏽

[@tfft]

Setup a laptop in the chair and have a good Zoom session haha

[@Scoobadal]

Another cracking review in true flip flop style

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@adamjones4730]

I stayed in this hotel in about 1988 with my mum and dad when I was a kid. It looks exactly the same! 😬😧

[@tfft]

Yes, certainly a good way for you to relive your childhood haha. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@Brashyboy]

Why did I watch this??? We are going there in 2 weeks, as we originally went there (and really enjoyed it) in 1988 when it was called 'The Fijian'. I was excited - now I'm stressing that it will be crap.

[@lisawitte5331]

My daughter is there atm and she's having the best time. Wonderful resort so don't stress.

[@tfft]

To each their own 🤷🏼‍♂️ Hopefully they've improved!

[@youwebz]

I a, going there in two months. May I please ask if you could report back? I will be going nonetheless, but would appreciate a heads up. Hi from Sydney,

[@youwebz]

@@lisawitte5331thanks for the info. Any more info?

[@Brashyboy]

@@youwebz - No problems! We have also booked a day on Mala Mala island. Looks amazing! TBH, I'm not really fussed if Shangri La is as bad as he says. Sun, wine, the woman I love with me, good food (hopefully). I'm not going to stress!

[@MrSilentmike86]

You lost me at asking for your chips to be well done 😂😂

[@warrensee410]

As a Singaporean, this is so shameful lol! You can’t pay me to stay at this property.

[@tfft]

Well I mean... every place has it's price 😂

[@saggiteightyfour8367]

It looks absolutely gorgeous! You've convinced me to book this place

[@tfft]

hmmmm... ok lol

[@marti_in_tx]

Sarcasm maybe? It was pretty

[@gregepps4710]

I stayed there in 1996and remember being underwhelmed. I agree with you, after staying in both Shanghai-la’s in Hong Kong, I was expecting more.

[@tfft]

Haha now there's a testament that's stood the test of time.

[@jimmyjames6492]

WOW. No need to add this to my bucket list of places to stay. Thanks for the info + video!

[@tfft]

Definitely no need. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@Stllno]

That is a very in-depth review, however despite the (many) shortcomings I am still keen to go there… rustic yes, but nothing that can’t be fixed upon arrival and throughout the stay. In terms of luxury, this is not a five star resort by world standards - depending on the country. This is island time and feel. Regarding your restaurant review that was the most concerning… Club med could turn this around to become a jewel in the pacific.

[@tfft]

I reckon any hotel brand could turn it around lol. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@nobletalent]

"Looks like the third day of a 3-day garage sale" LOL there goes my morning coffee.

[@tfft]

Sometimes, it's just true hahaha. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@carsella11]

I stayed April 2024 and can concur. Accurate review.

[@flightofancy1]

Gorgeous location! And love the honesty too. But I can't say I like the negative examples of hotels in your reviews, especially this one. The disrepair and neglect and dirt in your room here made me a bit sick. This is why I tend to avoid the brand, in HK and even Singapore too. Thanks for the affirmation :)

[@tfft]

Well don't worry, I surely didn't expect you to like it haha. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@brettkear2933]

Yeah but apart from all that, how was the Shangri-la? I LOVE what you are doing with your invisible reviews.

[@tfft]

Totally fabulous :) haha

[@achillevilon4355]

Hi ! Thanks a lot for the reviews and all the work behind it ! I would love to see more boutique hotels not part of big brands !

[@tfft]

More boutique hotels will come in the future when I have a larger following. At the moment, small hotel brand/name means small audiance. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@achillevilon4355]

That def makes sense ! Looking froward to those reviews in the future ! You deserve a much larger audience considering the quality of each video !

[@LibertaliaExplorer]

The only good thing that I could see in this video was the gorgeous clear ocean water.

[@tfft]

Agreed! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@robineur]

Sadly, the overall impression that remains with me is that Figi no longer offers a suitable value-to-quality ratio worthy of bucket list desirability. I base this rating on the series of reviews that you have shared Kevin. Live and learn, I suppose.

[@tfft]

Agree about the value. Fact of the matter is, Fiji just has too much competition within a relative 'stone's throw' to be taking in these prices during low season... but hey, the resorts were full, so what do I know lol.

[@alistairmelhuish2168]

I never understand why folk stay on the Island. If you pay $5000 on the Island and $10,000 to be on the Islands OFF Denerau, it's chalk and cheese... it's paradise... looking at this video is like looking at a 1 star hotel ...

[@tfft]

Because this and many other resorts 'on the island' come no where close to $5000 for a week's stay lol.

[@plantcalledpickle]

I was considering Fiji over Bali for the end of the year, but having watched your reviews on the hotels there, and reading reviews from others.. I think I'll stick with Bali.

[@tfft]

If you're normally in the same price range as I am, I too would stick to Bali. 5 Bali videos coming out very soon!

[@davidrockman4385]

I was really glad to see a Shangri-La make it onto the channel, having had good experiences at Shangri-Las in Hong Kong and Sri Lanka. Quite the disappointing surprise with this one. Thanks for taking one for the team by warning us away from this one.

[@tfft]

My pleasure haha. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@18751]

Imagine the stuff I'll need to bring to have a vacation there - sanitizing wipes, swiffer dry cloths and a mop, trash bags, insect repellent, headlamps, and cup noodles!

[@tfft]

Sounds like a good time! haha Thanks for watching 🩴

[@djbabygggudani7911]

After reading this I’m NOT EVER GOING TO FIJI!I love love love your reviews ..SHANTI-LA IS SUPPOSED TO BE 5 Star!

[@tfft]

Well don't write off an entire country becuase of one hotel :) Thanks for watching 🩴

[@mytartanbahrain]

p.s. A GREAT AND THOROUGH REVIEW 👏🏻

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@OK-Travels]

Did you ever try by Hilton/Doubletree resort at Fiji by any chance?

[@tfft]

Nope, this is my last of the four resorts I visited. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@rogeryoung1201]

Thank you, thank you for your honest opinions about the Shanghai-La. This hotel “was” on the list of possible stays upcoming July 2025. Definitely scratched this hotel off the list. Again thank you! BTW we enjoy your travel channel.

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@tanletran7270]

Thanks for sharing,It looks like this resort will not be on my bucket list

[@tfft]

Yes, bucket list worthy, this is not lol. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@catbernstein8628]

As much as I enjoy your positive reviews, there is a delightful, voyeuristic thrill to touring the less good properties- a hotel bullet dodged!

[@tfft]

Hahaha good to know! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@lauraharsoyo7288]

Whoa, I thought this threw me back to the 90s. What a shame! I'm an ex staff at Shangri-La Jakarta back in the 90s, and the hotels were great back then.

[@tfft]

I reckon this video was shared in a SL ex-staff group recently... seem to get a lot of these comments the past couple weeks haha. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@judesantillan]

thanks for sharing man

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@lewismorgan6714]

Hi, following a review like this, do you ever try and push the feedback further up the channels of management / ownership to gauge their interest in putting money back into the hotel in terms of renovation?

[@tfft]

No, not at all. To put it bluntly, that’s their job. If a property or airline reaches out to me after a video comes out (has happened 5 times out of 220ish videos) I’m more than happy to give more thoughtful feedback if they have more equally thoughtful questions regarding my stay. Any hotel or airline (especially a major chain like SL) on earth these days should have entire teams dedicated to social media and should be able to monitor content about them (and respond or at least see it within hours of publishing…). If they aren’t investing in that, then certainly they’re not going to be refurbishing their rooms anytime soon lol.

[@holgerklare444]

How can so many things go so totally wrong? And: I’ve never ever seen roped pools. No-go.

[@tfft]

Sadly, I’ve had worse haha. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@holgerklare444]

Yeah, just seen the vid from the Jumeirah. Ouch.

[@colinhardy7203]

Great video and yes I agree that you were far too kind! We would have walked straight out of that room. It looked utterly disgusting and unworthy of the Shangri La name. This could have been someone’s dream holiday that they had saved for for years. SL should be ashamed of themselves.

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@slumberlisa]

This video should not remind me of the horrible hotel my daughter and I stayed at in Hammond, Louisiana for the Middle School Honor Band Weeknd.. But it does! 😅 We did have a pretty good breakfast, indoor pool, and hot tub for the parents weary feet!

[@tfft]

That's actually exactly what I was hoping someone would call out! (no, not really haha)

[@slumberlisa]

@@tfft Shouldn't have read that while drinking something. I almost spit it out! I would be truly worried about you if you hoped someone would point out a blood stained hotel in a small Louisiana town! 🤣

[@Radhatter1]

This is horrendous I used to be a GM with Shang. I also went there in 2006 to this hotel its diabolical

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@treewx]

I dont like tipping.. but this might an instance where it is worth it. .might insective better service.

[@tfft]

In my opinion that is the worst time to tip.

[@treewx]

@@tfft yeah I was thinking. to give staff some incentive.. but yeah sounds like it's a Management issue. Thanks for video, was planning on going here. but will give it a miss now.

[@andy-kai-chan]

I watched intently, but I didn’t catch who actually owns this particular shangri-la. Is this location 100% owned by the publically traded company, or partially by the Fiji govt?

[@tfft]

Not the government in this case. I believe it is owned by Shangri-La but there were quite a few holes in the story when I was researching it so I didn’t want to misspeak one way or the other. Plus, had plenty of other stuff to say lol. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@terencemulligan6662]

Staying here now. Cheap for what it is yes tired in parts, but at the price fine. Not expecting 5 star, more like 4? Hospitality excellent, the Fijians are amazing, food when carefully ordered by my gourmand wife was excellent. You need to be savvy to succeed.

[@tfft]

You need to be savvy in order to see when a dated four star hotel has lost the plot and turned into a money machine? No, no you don't.

[@killerqueen9298]

Hi Kevin. It must be bad for you to give just 52/100. I've stayed in 2 Shangri-La hotels, don't know if they are the group as this one, in Kathmandu, twice, and Pokara, once. They were gret places to stay much better than this one. Keep up the good work🙃🙃👍

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@charliebrown5]

Thank You ✈️

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@ulitkabob7567]

Очень сочувствую вам, Кевин. Что поездка омрачилась множественными минусами. Действительно номер у вас был как из фильма ужасов. А ночью когда вы показали в ролике. Я боялась маньяка😢. Но думаю он бы мог переломать там ноги бегая по лесницам там темноте. Красота океана умопомрачительная! Держу кулачки, чтобымвам повезло с номером и едой в следующий раз.!

[@tfft]

Ха-ха, комментарий о лестнице заставил меня рассмеяться. Спасибо за просмотр 🩴

[@ulitkabob7567]

@@tfft люблю пофантазировать. Поэтому и смотрим ваши видео. Я с вами отдыхаю виртуально. 🤗

[@melejohansson3652]

Thank you. Not going there

[@tfft]

A wise choice lol.

[@ljolley]

It's such a shame because it has so much going for it with the location and grown-in setting due to the age of the property. With proper investment and maintenance (and obviously some much needed staff training and change of management) this could be such a winner, and they could charge a WHOLE lot more than you paid - it just seems a classic case of greed, neglect, apathy, and frankly, disrespect to the surroundings that they've let it get this low, especially shocking for a Shangri-La branded property then again they do seem to be letting down their older properties in terms of investment and updating (ie: Shangri-La KL and Shangri-La Bangkok, which, while both still lovely hotels, are so dated)

[@tfft]

Agree, that's why I say it's simple short sighted greed. With a proper renovation (likely need to close for 6 months) they could reopen and easily and justifiably charge more than double what I paid. But, it's just all about the money TODAY for some. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@emercycrite]

Hopefully Shangri-La corporate is watching this

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@anthonyprice-zm5iu]

Stayed at Shangri-La Singapore and Colombo .. both stunning properties .. both crazy billing systems!!! This property looks very shabby, cheap and outdated .. very disappointing!! 😮

[@tfft]

Colombo I kind of expect the werid billing systems, but Singapore surprises me. Must really be a SL thing! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@leithraymant8007]

You need a hug mate?

[@tfft]

Sure! Just please not at this hotel…

[@garyl3609]

Thanks Karen

[@tfft]

You're welcome Troll

[@iAxianguy]

This review made LOL so many time 🤣

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@bhai857]

Where exactly is Fiji?

[@tfft]

(whispers): there's literally a map in the video... (whispers even softer): it even has a chapter title linked in the descirption...

[@dennischua1668]

Love your work. Just wait till you see the Cook Island's offerings! Absolute rip off!

[@tfft]

Haha not on my list :)

[@philipbaker4003]

It is looking very tired isn’t it!

[@tfft]

Sure is! Thanks for watching 🩴