Best Luxury Hotels in Tahiti, French Polynesia
Tahiti Nui is the largest, and most populous island of French Polynesia, and the gateway to the rest of the archipelago. French Polynesia’s most popular islands such as Moorea and Bora Bora just a short flight or boat ride away from Tahiti.
It offers a variety of attractions, with a vibrant capital city, lush interior mountain valleys, and black sand beaches. Whether you are looking for culture, nature, or adventure, you will find it on Tahiti Nui.
But where should you stay on this island paradise? There are many options, depending on your budget, preferences, and itinerary. In this article, we will focus on five of the best hotels to stay in Tahiti, each offering a different experience and style.
InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa
If you want to splurge on luxury and convenience, you should choose the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa. It’s one of the most prestigious and well-located resorts on the island. It’s only five minutes from the airport and 10 minutes from downtown Papeete, so you can easily access the city’s attractions and amenities. It also has a prime spot on the west coast, overlooking the island of Moorea and the lagoon.
The resort is a classic tropical-style resort. It has spacious rooms and suites, overwater bungalows with direct access to the water, two infinity pools, a spa, a fitness center, a tennis court, and several restaurants and bars. The rooms are decorated in a contemporary Polynesian style, with wooden furniture, colorful fabrics, and local artwork. They also have modern amenities such as air conditioning (a must-have in Tahiti), Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minibars.
This hotel is perfect for a quick stopover, the staff here are well briefed on incoming flights, and flight times, and great at organizing airport transfers. If you are arriving on a red-eye and have a late night check-in I would recommend booking here.
The resort also has a variety of activities for you to enjoy onsite, which makes it perfect for maximizing a short stay. There are on-site snorkeling, kayaking, jet skiing, diving, and cultural shows. You can also book excursions to nearby islands or attractions from the resort’s concierge.
What we like about this hotel:
I loved staying at this resort because it was so comfortable and convenient. I enjoyed waking up to the amazing sunrise view of Moorea. I also liked relaxing by the pool or getting a massage at the spa. The food at the resort was delicious too. I especially liked the breakfast buffet with fresh fruits, pastries, eggs, bacon, pancakes, and more. I also tried some local dishes like poisson cru (raw fish salad) and mahi mahi (grilled fish) at the Tiare restaurant.
The InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa is ideal for you if you want to enjoy luxury and comfort while being close to everything that Tahiti has to offer.
Hilton Hotel Tahiti
If you want to experience a modern and chic hotel with stunning views of the ocean and Moorea, you should choose the Hilton Hotel Tahiti. It’s the newest hotel on the island, opened in 2021 after a complete renovation of the former Le Meridien Tahiti. It features a sleek and modern design with a relaxing tropical ambiance. It’s located on the east coast of Tahiti, facing the ocean.
The hotel has modern and stylish rooms, that are large and comfortable. Most rooms have a balcony offering a view of the port, that lets in natural light and fresh air. They also have premium amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, smart TVs, Nespresso machines, and minibars.
The hotel has a large outdoor pool with a swim-up bar, a spa, a fitness center, and a variety of restaurants, including a Japanese restaurant, and an Italian fine dining restaurant. You can also enjoy live music, and entertainment at the hotel’s lounge bar.
This hotel has the best gym/fitness facilities of all the hotels we’ve tried in Tahiti, and it’s close to town. There are on-site shops and concierge services. It’s perfect for a quick stop on your way to Bora Bora as there’s a shopping center across the road to stock up on French wine and champagne before flying out, as well as a local pharmacy for topping up on necessities like sunscreen.
What we like about this hotel:
I liked staying at this hotel because it was very stylish and modern. I liked the pool area for sunbathing with a cocktail in hand. The food at the hotel was very good too. I especially liked San Sushi restaurant where I had some of the best sashimi and sushi on the island.
The Hilton Hotel Tahiti is perfect for you if you want to experience a modern and chic hotel, with a great gym and plenty of dining options.
Te Moana Tahiti Resort
If you want to stay at a beachfront hotel that offers scenic views of Moorea across the lagoon, you should choose Te Moana Tahiti Resort. It’s located on the west coast of Tahiti, only 10 minutes from the airport. It’s also close to some of the island’s attractions such as the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands, the Botanical Garden, and the Marae Arahurahu.
The hotel has spacious one-bedroom and multi-bedroom family suites, each with full kitchenettes and views of the bay from their large verandahs. The suites are decorated in a tropical style, with rattan furniture, bright colors, and floral motifs. They also have amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, cable TV, and parking.
The hotel has a small fitness center, a pool table game room (billiards), and a locally famous waterfront restaurant and bar called Le Cooks. You can enjoy delicious dishes made with fresh local ingredients, such as fish, fruits, and vegetables. You can also sip cocktails while watching the sunset over Moorea.
The hotel offers lots of on-site activities such as snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. They also have a range of day passes, if you decide to stay somewhere else or get stuck with a late flight time. The day passes start from 7 900 XPF per person. Options include a diving day pass, wellness day pass or adventure say pass.
What we like about this hotel:
I enjoyed staying at this hotel because it was very cozy and relaxing. I felt like I was in a home away from home. I liked my suite with a kitchenette where I could cook my own food and eat my meals on the verandah. I also liked the beach where I could walk on the black sand or swim in the lagoon. The food at the hotel was very tasty too.
Te Moana Tahiti Resort is ideal for you if you want to stay at a beachfront hotel that offers scenic views of Moorea across the lagoon, or if you are traveling with a family. The day passes are also great for anyone who needs a pool break during a long stopover, as it’s not too far from the airport.
Le Tahiti Pearl Resort
If you want to stay at a resort that offers a unique location on a beautiful black sand beach, you should choose Le Tahiti Pearl Resort. It’s located on the east coast of Tahiti, in the famous Matavai Bay. It’s about 10 minutes from downtown Papeete and 15 minutes from the airport.
The resort has spacious rooms and suites, each with a private balcony or terrace overlooking the ocean. The rooms are decorated in a contemporary Polynesian style, with bamboo furniture, earthy tones, and island-inspired artwork. They also have amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and DVD players.
There is a large infinity pool with a view of Moorea, a spa, a fitness center, and two restaurants and bars. You can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, diving, sailing, or golfing. You can also book tours and excursions from the resort’s travel desk.
What we like about this hotel:
I loved staying at this resort because it was so tranquil and romantic. I loved waking up to the sound of the waves and the sight of the black sand beach. It feels uniquely Tahitian, and the evening sunsets are amazing. It has a relaxed holiday vibe, and it’s also great if you’re holidaying with your family as the rooms are spacious.
Le Tahiti Pearl Resort is perfect for you if you want to stay at a resort that offers a unique location on a beautiful black sand beach.
Read more of our French Polynesia travel guides:
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