Trying your best to decide where to stay Cocos Keeling Islands? With only 144 beds for tourists, it’s not always possible to get your first pick, so knowing all of your options is key.
One thing makes looking at Cocos Keeling accommodation easy, though. There are only two inhabited islands at the Cocos: West Island and Home Island.
Between the two, there’s something for all budgets, from modest homestays and self-contained apartments to beach bungalows with lagoon views and a colonial-style heritage mansion (Oceania House).
We know first-hand that accommodation can make or break a trip. In this blog post, we’ll share the best hotels on West Island and Home Island, as well as insider tips for each island and ways to reduce your costs and budget. Our detailed ultimate Cocos (Keeling) Islands travel guide is packed with more essential, actionable tips.
Quick Answer — Best Places to Stay at a Glance
Want a quick answer to where to stay Cocos Keeling Islands? The Cocos Keeling hotels are divided between West Island and Home Island, but the vast majority are on West Island.
West Island is where most tourists stay. It has 18 different accommodation options alongside the islands’ airport, three restaurants and multiple beaches and snorkelling spots.
Top 3 Hotels:
- The Breakers – $340 per night
- Cocos Cottages – $430 per night
- Waves Oceanfront Accommodation – $595 per night
Home Island is where the majority of the Cocos Malay population resides. There are only two hotels and two restaurants, but it’s a good place to try cultural experiences such as cooking classes, basket weaving and sea salt making.
Top Hotels:
- Oceania House – $275+ per night
- Cocos Kampong Homestay – $260+ per night
Understanding the Two Main Islands
1. West Island
Pros: West Island has the largest selection of hotels and tour operators, and it’s easy to reach from the airport.
Cons: The town centre can feel busy during peak season (August to February). Plus, at 10 kilometres in length, renting a car or bicycles is recommended.
Best For: Easy holidays with good access to restaurants, ferries, beaches and local tour operators.
West Island is the main place to stay on the Cocos Keeling Islands. All but two of the Cocos Keeling hotels are located on the island. Plus, as we explain in our guide to how to get to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, it’s home to the airport.
West Island accommodation covers all budgets, whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly studio or a luxurious beachfront stay for the full family.
To add to that, it’s also home to the airport. more than half of the Cocos’ restaurants and three popular beaches, Trannie’s Beach, Pulu Maraya (accessible from Scout Park) and Kite Beach. Snorkelling, kitesurfing and golf are all possible; it’s considered the ideal base for snorkelling and diving in the Cocos (Keeling) islands.
At about 10 kilometres in length, hiring a car or bicycle will help you get from one end to the other, skipping the sweaty tropical walk, but walking around the town centre is incredibly easy. The restaurants, bar, supermarket and local tour operators are all within a 10-minute walk of each other.
West Island is also well-connected to other parts of the Cocos, with bi-weekly ferries to Direction Island and ferries to Home Island six days per week. Our Direction Island guide provides all of the finer details for the former.
2. Home Island
Pros: Home Island allows you to experience the local Cocos Malay culture up close. It’s quieter and less touristic than West Island, and there’s also the chance to stay at the historic Oceania House.
Cons: You’ll need to cover up to show respect for the local culture and religion. There are also fewer restaurants and Cocos Island hotels.
Best For: Local community stays with easy access to cultural activities, historic sites and ferries
Home Island doesn’t have as many accommodation options as West Island. In fact, there are just two, a modest homestay and the historic Oceania House, a six-bedroom heritage mansion.
This island is where the majority of the Cocos Malay population (of just 600 people) resides. Life centres around the Sunni branch of Islam, so visitors are expected to dress modestly.
If you’re someone who values cultural experiences above all else, it’s the place to be. On Home Island, you can try basket-weaving and sea salt-making workshops or master the recipes for local dishes like beef rendang. The island also has a small museum recounting the history of the island since 1826.
Buggies or bicycles can be rented to get to Turtle Beach or the low-tide reef walk to Prison Island. Just like West Island, Home Island has a small supermarket where you can pick up essential food supplies. There are ferries to West Island six days per week and Direction Island twice per week.
Accommodation Types Explained
- Hotels: Cocos hotels typically provide air-conditioned rooms, with or without kitchen facilities.
- Guesthouses: Local-run guesthouses tend to be more budget-friendly, with basic facilities and friendly hosts.
- Self-contained stays: This accommodation type includes kitchen facilities, so there’s no need to worry about restaurant reservations. This could be a fully-equipped apartment, a bungalow or one of the Cocos Keeling villas.
- Holiday homes: Cocos Keeling holiday homes are spacious, self-catering stays suitable for large groups or families.
Best Accommodation on West Island
1. The Breakers
Price range: $340 per night
Pros:
- Spacious bungalows
- Kitchen facilities
- Near the airport, visitor centre and golf course
Cons:
- Darker walls and wood panelling
- No swimming pool
Best for: Centrally-located, self-catering stays with a tropical atmosphere.
Insider’s notes: Don’t forget to visit the Cocos Club, 150 metres away, for happy hour drinks.
2. Cocos Cottages
Price range: $430 per night
Pros:
- Views of the lagoon and golf course
- Spacious open-plan living spaces
- Outdoor decking area
Cons:
- Reviews say the air-conditioning is not great
Best for: Families who need plenty of space.
Insider’s notes: This is one of the most popular places to stay on West Island, so make sure to book in advance.
3. Waves Oceanfront Accommodation
Price range: $595 per night
Pros:
- Beachfront apartments and a cool Cocos Keeling villa
- A five-minute walk from the airport and the town centre
- All the modern conveniences, from a kitchen to a fan-cooled decking area
Cons:
- One of the more expensive places to stay on West Island
Best for: Couples or families who want to stay directly on the beachfront, and who don’t want to sacrifice their creature comforts.
Insider’s notes: If you’re holidaying as a family of four, check out the spacious Waves Ocean Villa, which has two air-conditioned bedrooms metres from the lagoon.
4. Cocos Castaway
Price range: $305 – $ 550 per night
Pros:
- Villas and bungalows within metres of the ocean
- Access to a private or common verandah
- Surrounded by the island’s restaurants
Cons:
- In the busier part of West Island
- Minimum seven-night stay for the deluxe retreats
Best for: Comfortable self-catering stays for couples or families on the waterside.
Insider’s notes: Look out for the red crabs during migration season. The accommodation is only a few metres away from the beach, so it shouldn’t be too hard to spot them scuttling around the area.
5. Cocos Seaview
Price range: $280+ per night
Pros:
- Well-equipped apartments, serviced weekly
- Free airport transfers
- Outdoor covered barbecue areas
Cons:
- Internet comes at an additional fee
- No private decking area
Best for: Easy self-catering holidays for couples, within a 10-minute walk of the town centre on West Island.
Insider’s notes: If you don’t fancy the 10-minute walk to the restaurants and shops, head to the visitor’s centre to rent a bicycle for the duration of your trip. This will also make it easy for you to reach snorkelling spots at the north and south of the island.
6. The Castle
Price range: $650 per night
Pros:
- Open-plan house with three bedrooms, ideal for larger groups
- Large patio with a barbecue, day bed, table and seating
- Surrounded by coconut palms
Cons:
- May seem too expensive for couples
- No ocean views
Best for: Larger groups of friends or families with up to eight people who’d appreciate a spacious undercover patio and an open-plan design.
Insider’s notes: If you’re visiting the Cocos with kids, they might not be keen on the idea of hiking 40 minutes to the very end of the island. Therefore, a rental car will come in handy.
7. The Birds Nest
Price range: $375 – $425 per night
Pros:
- Private garden
- Ocean views
- Fully self-contained apartment
Cons:
- Breezy location
- Next to the high school
Best for: Couples who want a small but central place to stay with a fully-equipped kitchen, all within steps of the ocean.
Insider’s notes: The apartment is a two-minute walk from Surfer Girl Restaurant & Brewery, so don’t forget to leave your name on the blackboard to reserve a table.
8. Tropical Nook
Price range: $250 per night
Pros:
- Self-contained unit run by a local family
- Private setting in a quiet cul-de-sac
- Only 150 metres from the beach
Cons:
- Basic kitchen with no oven
- No TV
Best for: Couples who want to spend less on accommodation and more on activities.
Insider’s notes: The family who run Tropical Nook are locals who are keen to share their space and help people to explore the islands. Make sure to ask them for tips!
9. My Island Home
Price range: $520 per night
Pros:
- Surrounded by parkland with coconut palms
- An architecturally stunning building
- Fully air-conditioned and self-contained
Cons:
- Minimum four-night stay applies
- An expensive accommodation
Best for: Honeymooners or small families who want seclusion.
Insider’s notes: The property is designed for four people, but if you need extra space for a small child, make sure to request a roll-away bed.
10. Studio 42
Price range: $250 per night
Pros:
- Small, simple studio space
- Suitable for a couple or solo traveller
- Basic kitchen facilities
Cons:
- Studio layout places the kitchen in the same room as the bed
- Arrival day must be Monday or Friday
Best for: Simple budget-friendly stays for solo travellers or a couple
Insider’s notes: The studio is right next door to Cocos Dive, the island’s only diving tour operator. That makes it easy to book onto a sea scooter or diving tour with the diving host, Dieter Gerhard.
11. Cocos Bellevue Apartment
Price range: $350 per night
Pros:
- Modern self-contained apartment
- Outdoor barbecue and indoor kitchen
- Office chair and desk lamp
Cons:
- For couples only
- No mosquito coils permitted
Best for: A modern self-contained holiday with smart TVs, free WiFi and a desk with an office chair.
Insider’s notes: This West Island accommodation provides tea, coffee, sugar and milk, so just head to the nearby West Island supermarket or order a food box from Salty’s to fill up on other essential supplies.
12. Cocos Sunset
Price range: $750 per night
Pros:
- Located on the beachfront, with beach towels provided
- Full oven and modern barbecue for home-cooked meals
- Sleeps a group of six people
Cons:
- On the expensive side
Best for: Larger families or a group of friends who want to be able to walk outside and be at the beach immediately. The property has three separate rooms, as well as a huge outdoor deck with ocean views.
Insider’s notes: The property comes with a full oven (unusual for Cocos accommodation), so make sure to stock up on all your favourite ingredients from Salty’s and the West Island supermarket, both a short walk away.
13. Cocos Bellevue Studio
Price range: $230 per night
Pros:
- Small studio designed for a solo traveller
- Comes with an office chair and desk lamp
- Budget-friendly accommodation
Cons:
- Basic kitchen facilities, including a fridge, small microwave, kettle and toaster
- Only sleeps one person
Best for: A solo traveller who’s looking for a short, budget-friendly stay. The studio comes with a desk and an office chair, so it also suits digital nomads and remote workers.
Insider’s notes: The kitchen is small and only suitable for preparing a light meal, so you’ll need to rely on the local restaurants. Make sure to check the up-to-date opening hours at the West Island visitor centre.
14. The Beacon
Price range: $650 per night
Pros:
- On the beachfront with views of the Indian Ocean
- Sleeps up to six people across three bedrooms
- Kitchen and a large four-burner outdoor barbecue
Cons:
- Only the main bedroom has air-conditioning
- Arrival day must be a Monday or Friday
Best for: One of the best family accommodations in the Cocos, right on the beachfront.
Insider’s notes: Don’t miss out on sunset walks along the beach; the property is right next to the sand. Only the main bedroom and living areas have air-conditioning.
15. Wahoo Lodge
Price range: $450
Pros:
- Three air-conditioned bedrooms with queen-size beds
- Basic ingredients are provided in the kitchen
- Nespresso coffee machine
Cons:
- Older, dated lodge
- Bright paint and colours may not suit everyone’s taste
Best for: Families (of up to six members) who like the idea of staying in a traditional lodge in a quiet laneway. Despite looking a little dated, all three queen-size bedrooms are equipped with air conditioning, and there’s a kitchen with a gas stove and an electric oven.
Insider’s notes: Restaurants and the West Island supermarket are within walking distance, but if you’re travelling with kids, you might want to rent a car or bicycles to reach snorkel spots like Trannie’s Beach.
16. Cocos Grove – House
Price range: $550 per night
Pros:
- Modern two-bedroom Cocos holiday home
- Remote spot surrounded by coconut palms
- Louvres and ceiling fans for natural cooling
Cons:
- No air-conditioning
- Modern design, so it’s on the pricier side
Best for: A modern bungalow holiday within metres of the West Island beach. With two bedrooms and lots of space, it’s great for families.
Insider’s notes: The property provides a picnic set, so stock up on snackable foods at the Cocos supermarket or Salty’s and head to Trannie’s Beach.
16. Cocos Grove – Studio
Price range: $300 per night
Pros:
- Budget-friendly self-contained accommodation
- Large daybed with views of the ocean through coconut palms
- Only 40 metres from the beach
Cons:
- No air conditioning
- Studio plan so kitchen smells may linger
Best for: Couples who don’t mind simple accommodation, just as long as it’s quiet and near the beach. The modern open-plan studio is surrounded by plenty of green space, and it has a daybed, making it quite a romantic Cocos retreat.
Insider’s notes: There is no air-conditioning at the property, so you may want to spend the hotter, daylight hours on the daybed or at the nearby beach. Visit the visitor’s centre to rent bicycles and explore the West Island and its lagoon.
17. Cocos Homestead
Price range: $800
Pros:
- Spacious, modern bungalow with a breezy veranda
- Sleeps up to six people (friends or family)
- Overlooks the golf course and lagoon
Cons:
- Minimum seven-night stay
- The most expensive Cocos villa
Best for: Friends and families who value a modern, comfortable place to stay and don’t mind paying premium for it. It’s located a little south of the town centre, so it’s best for groups who plan to rent bicycles or a car.
Insider’s notes: Cycle or drive the car south to visit the Scout Park and Pulu Maraya.
18. Beachcombers Cocos
Price range: $770
Pros:
- Luxurious four-bedroom holiday home
- Large entertainment area with an outdoor kitchen
- Complimentary bicycles, kayaks, paddleboards, snorkelling gear and fishing gear.
Cons:
- The second most expensive Cocos Keeling villa
- Minimum four-night stay
Best for: Luxury getaways on the Cocos Islands for families or friends who want to take full advantage of the island’s lagoon using complimentary bicycles, watersports and fishing equipment.
Insider’s notes: Don’t waste any time hiring snorkelling gear from the visitor centres because they are already provided. You could take the complimentary bicycles to the island’s best snorkelling spots, including Trannie’s Beach and Pulu Maraya.
Best Accommodation on Home Island
1. Oceania House
Price range: $250 – $350 per night
Pros:
- Historic federation-style mansion built between 1887 and 1904
- Access to a kitchen, grand ballroom, dining room, library and entertainment area
- On three acres of land
Cons:
- Harder to reach from the airport
- Fewer restaurants on Home Island
Best for: Historic stays at a heritage mansion built in the late 19th century. Oceania House is the best-known Home Island accommodation, and for good reason.
Insider’s notes: Make the most of being on Home Island by visiting nearby Turtle Beach and the Home Island (Pulu Cocos) Museum, which recounts stories from the mansion.
2. Cocos Kampong Homestay
Price range: $260
Pros:
- Located in the friendly local village
- Breakfast and traditional meals available
- Kayaks, paddleboards, bicycles and electric buggies for rent
Cons:
- Remote location
- No ferries to West Island on Sundays or public holidays
Best for: This two-bedroom unit is best for families who want to stay on Home Island and experience the local culture.
Insider’s notes: Consider grabbing a rental buggy to make your way around Home Island’s beaches and look for turtles at Turtle Beach.
Best Places to Stay by Traveller Type
Families:
- The Beacon – West Island
- Cocos Sunset – West Island
- Beachcombers Cocos – West Island
Couples
- Waves Oceanfront Accommodation – West Island
- Cocos Bellevue Apartment – West Island
- Cocos Castaway – West Island
Snorkellers
- Cocos Homestead – West Island
- Beachcombers Cocos – West Island
Divers
- Studio 42 – West Island. It’s located right next to Cocos Dive.
- The Beacon – West Island. It has plenty of space to dry wet gear.
Budget travellers
- Studio 42 – West Island
- Cocos Bellevue Studio – West Island
- Cocos Kampong Heomstay – Home Island
Quiet-seekers
- Oceania House – Home Island
- Tropical Nook – West Island
- Wahoo Lodge – West Island
How Early You Need to Book
There are only 144 guest beds at the Cocos Keeling Islands. Therefore, as you might expect, the best places to stay on the Cocos quickly get snapped up.
As a rule of thumb, you should aim to reserve your accommodation at least 6 to 8 months in advance. This is especially important if you’re looking for family accommodation in the Australian school holidays or planning a romantic Cocos Islands retreat over the Christmas or New Year’s period.
Remember, the peak season is from August to February. Accommodation availability at the Cocos is limited during this season.
The school holidays, which vary from state to state, affect availability too. The busiest times are the summer break, from December to January, and the spring break from September to October.
What to Expect from Accommodation
- Most hotels, guesthouses and apartments on the Cocos Islands have a minimum stay of three nights.
- WiFi is not always included in the price of the accommodation. Not all guesthouses offer internet, so make sure to check the fine print.
- Noise levels vary, depending on how close you stay to the airport, high school and restaurants or bars.
- Most Cocos Keeling hotels don’t offer restaurant facilities, so it’s a good idea to check the up-to-date opening hours for local restaurants at the visitor centre.
- Kitchen amenities vary. While some self-contained units have well-equipped kitchens with ovens, others only have a microwave, kettle and fridge.
- Some accommodations have a minimum three-night stay. You’ll need to consider this when you decide how long to stay in the Cocos Islands.
Tips for Choosing the Right Stay
There are some key things you should consider when you’re picking where to stay in the Cocos Keeling Islands.
We recommend thinking about:
- Island transport proximity: How far away are the airport, bus stops and ferry terminals? The ferries have limited timetables, so you almost always need to stay on West Island for at least your first night.
- Food options: With just three restaurants on West Island and two on Home Island, you often need to reserve a table by writing your name on the blackboard outside the restaurant. The Cocos restaurants have varying opening hours and days. If you want full control over your food, it may be best to book self-contained accommodation with kitchen facilities.
- Family-friendly facilities: Not all hotels offer baby cots or roll-away beds, so make sure to read the fine print when you book any Cocos Keeling villas or hotels. You don’t want to arrive and find there’s not enough space for all of you.
- Ferry availability: Remember that reaching Home Island from the airport requires you to take a ferry from Home Island. You’ll usually need to stay on West Island for at least one night before taking the ferry over.
FAQs
Do hotels on the Cocos Island have WiFi?
Most hotels on the Cocos Islands offer WiFi. However, sometimes guests must pay an additional fee.
