I just go back from Sofitel Moorea. We stayed n Papettee for five days and only two nights at the Sofitel. It was probably the most magical place I’ve ever been. I wish we had a couple more days. The snorkeling off the over water bungalow was not to be beat. I just want to go back so bad. Likely never will though. The restaurant was ok not great. Loved the breakfast though. we decided one night to have drinks and Tapas, but the service was slow and I asked for water that never came. But overall we had such a good time. We went on excursion the last day, which was fun but lasted 8 hours which was a lot for the final day then 30 hours of travel before getting. No laying down for 42 hours.
Hey MaryAnn! Thanks so much for the feedback on your trip- I’m SO glad you had an amazing time. Moorea really is soooo magical. Oh man, a tour on the last day definitely sounds exhausting but good on you for taking full advantage of the time you have!!! You never know re going back, sometimes there are some amazing flight deals :)
Hey there! thanks for your comment! I hope so too :(. My hope is someone has come in and fixed it up - the problem is there is not much competition in Moorea so brands aren't "concerned" about it. That being said, the setting is just....unbelievable. The sea life is incredible, the beach is beautiful and moorea itself is our absolute favorite island to date. I do hope the hotel service and maintenance has changed but as long as you go in with the right expectations, I hope you end up getting blown away. Please do comment back after your trip to let us know if anything has changed! Our viewers would love to know and on a personal level, I am really hoping it has changed! xx, Maren
Just stumbled across this and it was fascinating. My wife and I honeymooned there 26 years ago. In some ways Ii was saddened to see that the charm of the place has been surrendered to the endless drive toward homogeneity in this type of resort and the more mundane room style consistent with what an unfortunate number of people prefer. Back then there were just a handful of over-the-water rooms; I'd guess less than half the number shown here. The grounds were much more open and the rooms or huts, believe it or not, were wide open entries. We didn't need a room key because there were no locks. The room decor was much less european and much more polynesian and we were at least partly entertained every night by the gekkos moving around the thatched roof and on the walls (eating the mosquitos so we cheered them on). We did not eat dinners at the hotel but our plan included an absolutely incredible breakfast in the dinning room that was open wall to the ocean side. We spend at leas an hour every morning lazing thru a super relaxed breakfast. Some things don't change. The snorkeling equipment which we had relied on since the literature said it was available from the hotel was abysmal and at least back then, little secret, it turned out that newer nicer equipment was stashed away at the distribution kiosk and rarely distributed. We discovered that after two days of using junk when my wife was hit by an errant soccer ball kicked by the guy who ran that kiosk. He was so upset about his mistake and so thankful that my wife just shook it off that every time we went for equipment after that we got the good stuff from the private reserve. But, based on these photos and electronic door locks and the much denser occupancy it appears that, sadly, much of the charm of this hotel has been lost. The waters still look amazing and the people we met on the island were the most relaxed and gracious folks you could ever hope to encounter. I've always thought about going back but I wish there was still a hotel that had not succumbed to the resort development syndrom.
Hey there! Thanks so much for your comment :) I can only imagine what it was like back then. I agree with you that the people on Moorea are the kindest in the entire world! It truly is almost unbelievable. Regarding hotels that may have preserved the style, there are still some! If you are looking to stick with a more classic and local experience I would recommend checking out the “pensions” - they are typically local owned B&B style accommodations
Have to agree. My gorgeous wife and I spent an unforgettable week right there in 1990. Can still get glimpses of "the way we were," but this modern hotel room look loses most of the "grass shack" aura that we found so appealing. Thank you for giving us another look at the most beautiful and romantic place we have ever experienced.
Awww that sounds incredible!! Congrats to you and the wife - I can imagine how beautiful it must have been back when it was so untouched :) I hope you can go back one day
Hi Maren and Max. I am a new subscriber. Just found you today. I am going to Moorea next April and I was planning to stay at the Sofitel but now I'im not sure. I wonder if it has gone back to 5 star status. Do you have and info on that? Also I understand that there is no market or restaurants in the area. Is there a shuttle service to off site restaurants or would we need to hire a taxi? Im also looking at the Hilton but the Sofitel was my first choice. Thank you in advance for any help you can give me.
Hey Kate! Thanks for your comment :) there is no shuttle service to the restaurants, however most restaurants will come and pick you up for free so that’s amazing - you just have to call them to make a reservation. Sofitel is super close to the port, whereas Hilton is in a better location mid island (but more expensive from the ferry). Regarding the service issues and quality, to be honest I’m not sure. It’s very hard to tell from reviews but my hope is they sorted out their leadership changes and issues. I do not love that they cater so much to local events as it takes away from the experience but perhaps things have changed with covid. I believe either way you’d have a great experience as I can’t imagine that they haven’t improved their service after so little tourism. We will be at the Hilton in November so will let you know! Stay tuned for a review on that :)
Do you think some of the cons were due to COVID and low staff? We're planning on the Hilton next summer 2022. Hoping things post-pandemic are better. Great review. Enjoyed your top 3 things in Moorea!
Hey Linda! Thanks so much for your comment!! We really appreciate your feedback :). Regarding the negative experiences at sofitel, unfortunately we were there before covid, but, that being said I know they had some major management changes at the Sofitel when we were there in 2019 so that’s likely the culprit. I do hope that things have improved since then! Regarding Hilton, that sounds awesome!! We are staying there in November, so stay tuned for that review!!
Hi there! Thanks for your comment! The price for the rooms really really changes based on time and season so I would recommend checking the hotel's website and also third party booking sites for the best price. I usually search on Trivago! I hope this helps!
Hey Colin! Thanks so much!! sadly we started our RUclips after we stayed at the Hilton! 😭😭 but, we do have review on our blog from our stay a few years ago: www.voyagerguru.com/hotel-review-hilton-moorea-lagoon-resort/ please let me know if you have any questions at all! We hope to return to the Hilton on our next trip for an updated review :)
Hey Kazimir! Thanks for your comment! That’s a tough one to be honest. We still really love this hotel and that’s really important to know - the Hilton is amazing in terms of location and does get sunrise AND sunset so that’s great. They also offer similar room types and many of their beach villas have pools. When we stayed at the Hilton, it was right after our first trip to the Sofitel and we thought the food was better at the Sofitel. However, after our latest experience at Sofitel, I’d say Hilton was better. We could have been at Sofitel the second time during a time or transition or change, but we found ourselves comparing the experience to Hilton. If you want to connect more about this, feel free to send us an email at team@voyagerguru.com - I can tell you a bit more if you let me know your room type you booked as well.
We have eight days in French Polynesia and are thinking of 2 nights in Papeete, 4 nights in Moorea at the Hilton and 2 nights in Bora Bora at a little hotel on Matira beach. I’m wondering if you would spend more time on one island vs another and if there are some suggestions of things to do to make things easier or smoother. Any info on Papeete would really be helpful. Thank you and thanks for the awesome video
Thanks so much for your comment- that sounds like a wonderful plan. 2 nights in Papeete is plenty to be honest. Personally, I would consider 1 night on Papeete, 4 nights in Moorea and 3 in bora bora. Moorea has the more reasonably priced activities compared to bora bora so I’d consider doing most excursions there. Papeete is a very small town and can be done in one day for shopping and dining (just don’t fly in on a Sunday). I would personally try to get a flight into Papeete in the morning so you can spend the day enjoying, take the 11ish am ferry the next day to Moorea. After Moorea, take an early ferry back to Papeete and catch the afternoon flight to bora bora. The hotel you choose in bora bora can arrange the transfer to their hotel from the airport :). Matira beach was stunning and very fun to explore. Let us know any questions you have!
Just found your channel. :) Husband & I are hoping to go to Mo'orea next year or the year after. We have planned on the Hilton but I've seen a lot of videos on the Sofitel as well. Based on this video, I am thinking that is confirmed however we have not been. If you were to choose just one, which? I read both of your blog posts also!
Hi Stephanie! Thanks so much for your comment! Mo'orea is incredible - you will absolutely love it there :). The Hilton is an excellent hotel. We are staying there for the second time (first with our blog) in November and are really looking forward to that. Stay tuned for a full review. As of now, I feel confident that the Hilton is going to be exceptional. The other advantage to Hilton is the points earning and loyalty benefits. If you have an AmEx platinum that gives you automatic Hilton Gold, you also get the free breakfast - which is huge. The beach there is impeccable and you get both a sunrise and a sunset. The sofitel was incredible the first time we went but it really did not impress the second time. Between the multitude of events, lower food quality and general disappointing management, we were bummed to say the least. Also, the location of the Hilton is great as it is situated near some shopping and restaurants. Sofitel is right near the port so the transfer there will be cheaper from the ferry, but there is nothing else around. Let me know what other questions you have!
There are 2 reasons I watch all your videos 1) Such detail, you cover everything we need to know. 2) The way she smiles and stared at you whenever you talk. She is so damn cute 🤣🤣🤣❤❤❤
Hey Miyoko! Thanks for your comment. We did stay before covid happened in November 2019, so for our experience, it was not due to covid. However, I believe the hotel was going through some management changes so I believe it could have something to do with that. Let us know if you have any other questions :).
Hey Brittany! You can't go wrong in paradise- but based on our experiences, I would recommend checking out the Hilton Moorea. The Intercontinental just closed permanently and I am unsure about who is going to purchase and reopen the property. Depending on your budget, there are a number of lower cost options as well (Sunset Lodge being our favorite low-cost, but stay away from the Moorea Beach Lodge due to fraudulent behavior) - feel free to contact us on instagram or email if you need anything :)
@@horsedreamer182 Hey Amy! We have not stayed at Manava yet. One thing I would say is looking at the satellite shots on google, they do not have the same expansive lagoon as the Sofitel and Hilton. The "best" hotels on the island are going to be Hilton and Sofitel with Manava behind them. Manava's prices are sometimes better than the other two, but again, I would make sure you check the satellite images to make sure its the water you're looking for :)
@@horsedreamer182 We are living on Moorea for 16 years and after having tried everything, it is always at Manava that we go in particular to eat. The welcome and the quality are excellent there !
Thank you for sharing. We plan to stay at Sofitel in Dec but now wonder if we should change to Hilton..Was the trip during COVID? I wonder if this is why Sofitel is not as good as your first visit? Cheers
Hey Vivien! Thanks for your comment! We stayed at the sofitel pre-covid (November last year) so I wish I could say that was why. I do get the sense they were going through some management changes and were generally prioritizing local events and traffic over their guests. We will be staying at the Hilton in February so I’ll have a solid comparison then, but until then, in general the sofitel really is very nice. The food was disappointing compared to the first time we stayed there but there are many restaurants within driving distance and it has a beautiful property. I’m also hopeful that the food is better after any management turnover last year. They also did do a big renovation recently so I believe that’ll really help with the room issues we experienced on our second visit. Given the covid situation, I do believe the sofitel will do a great job with precautions and it’s a fabulous hotel. You can’t go wrong in paradise- let us know how your trip goes :)
Thank you for this very solid review. I Have watched both your Hilton and sofitel reviews I am really torn which stay would be better. Any update since your recent travel you could shed some light which would be best?
Thank you so much, Samantha! So I would consider a few factors: Sofitel is 5 minutes from the ferry port so for a shorter stay it’s a good option, but they do not have a sunset since the sun sets over the hill at 3pm. Hilton has a fab sunrise and sunset, gorgeous reef and really central to walk to a couple restaurants and many tours leave from their pier so longer stays is great here. It’s about 30 minutes from the ferry so it’s farther and for a 2 night stay may be pricier when considering total cost because of this. The rooms at both are fairly run down so very similar to each other. Both have great reefs. Hilton is a better location all around but again, short stay is consider Sofitel due to the east proximity to the ferry
@@VoyagerGuru This is so helpful thank you for your response. I was also wondering what time of year you would recommended we were thinking of end of may what would be your advice regarding optimal weather. thanks
Hey there! Anytime!! End of may is fantastic- it’s a great time of year weather wise and it will be right before the big summer crowds so that’s optimal!!
@@VoyagerGuru perfect thank you so much. We are traveling to bora bora first and after watching your le bora bora by pearl we are staying there. Your reviews are very helpful thanks!!
We have been living in the area of this hotel for 16 years and we know the place very well, also to see it from above (you can see its bungalows in the lagoon on my photo). As you indicated with accuracy in the text of presentation under the video, this hotel is characterized especially because it is the refuge of the residents of Tahiti who come all the year on Moorea. As a result, the hotel is filled more with local people (who often pay less per night than international tourists!) and this has sadly a negative impact on the quality of service (which we regret because we are demanding customers - especially in restaurants) and facilities that are insufficiently renovated (locals are less demanding than tourists from outside...). Personally and my family, we have not been eating there for many years because we have seen many times that the hygiene is insufficient according to us (mice in the room, cat piss on the legs of the tables, birds on the tables, etc.) and the staff often seems overloaded with tasks. Also, our last American customers in April 2022 (on their honeymoon) went down to eat the Tahitian buffet on a Wednesday evening, & back from there they told us they were very disappointed about food (and regretted that we had not warned...). Apart from that, the place is really wonderful, the colors of the lagoon and the public beach are certainly the most pleasant to see and to dive in on Moorea. Even more beautiful to see from above - with the whales jumping in front 😘
This is really good insight!!! I agree on the local tourism, we did experience that and we weren’t even told about this amazing brunch that they had because it looked like locals only!! It was very disappointing. Agree that the lagoon is stunning, but there’s a lot to amazing restaurants in Moorea 🙌🏼🙌🏼 thanks for the background
@@VoyagerGuru Yes, the lagoon here is crystal clear because there is always a current of water going from the end of the beach on the left (water enters the lagoon over the reef) and water exits the lagoon through the pass on the right (to Vaiare). The current therefore crosses the bungalows of the Sofitel.. The water is also very clean and pure as there are no rivers flowing into the lagoon here. Finally, the place is a Caralian garden and a marine protected area (for example, motorboats are prohibited there). We hope, Maren & Max, you will come soon to see all this from above at the Moorea Suite Love 🤩
Thanks for a solid, honest review of the Sofitel. I have stayed there and totally agree with your comments and yes I would go back!
so glad you agree! thank you for the input!
I just go back from Sofitel Moorea. We stayed n Papettee for five days and only two nights at the Sofitel. It was probably the most magical place I’ve ever been. I wish we had a couple more days. The snorkeling off the over water bungalow was not to be beat. I just want to go back so bad. Likely never will though. The restaurant was ok not great. Loved the breakfast though. we decided one night to have drinks and Tapas, but the service was slow and I asked for water that never came. But overall we had such a good time. We went on excursion the last day, which was fun but lasted 8 hours which was a lot for the final day then 30 hours of travel before getting. No laying down for 42 hours.
Hey MaryAnn! Thanks so much for the feedback on your trip- I’m SO glad you had an amazing time. Moorea really is soooo magical. Oh man, a tour on the last day definitely sounds exhausting but good on you for taking full advantage of the time you have!!! You never know re going back, sometimes there are some amazing flight deals :)
My, my! I hope things have changed since you were there. I’ll be going my in July’24…
Hey there! thanks for your comment! I hope so too :(. My hope is someone has come in and fixed it up - the problem is there is not much competition in Moorea so brands aren't "concerned" about it. That being said, the setting is just....unbelievable. The sea life is incredible, the beach is beautiful and moorea itself is our absolute favorite island to date. I do hope the hotel service and maintenance has changed but as long as you go in with the right expectations, I hope you end up getting blown away. Please do comment back after your trip to let us know if anything has changed! Our viewers would love to know and on a personal level, I am really hoping it has changed! xx, Maren
Just stumbled across this and it was fascinating. My wife and I honeymooned there 26 years ago. In some ways Ii was saddened to see that the charm of the place has been surrendered to the endless drive toward homogeneity in this type of resort and the more mundane room style consistent with what an unfortunate number of people prefer. Back then there were just a handful of over-the-water rooms; I'd guess less than half the number shown here. The grounds were much more open and the rooms or huts, believe it or not, were wide open entries. We didn't need a room key because there were no locks. The room decor was much less european and much more polynesian and we were at least partly entertained every night by the gekkos moving around the thatched roof and on the walls (eating the mosquitos so we cheered them on). We did not eat dinners at the hotel but our plan included an absolutely incredible breakfast in the dinning room that was open wall to the ocean side. We spend at leas an hour every morning lazing thru a super relaxed breakfast.
Some things don't change. The snorkeling equipment which we had relied on since the literature said it was available from the hotel was abysmal and at least back then, little secret, it turned out that newer nicer equipment was stashed away at the distribution kiosk and rarely distributed. We discovered that after two days of using junk when my wife was hit by an errant soccer ball kicked by the guy who ran that kiosk. He was so upset about his mistake and so thankful that my wife just shook it off that every time we went for equipment after that we got the good stuff from the private reserve.
But, based on these photos and electronic door locks and the much denser occupancy it appears that, sadly, much of the charm of this hotel has been lost. The waters still look amazing and the people we met on the island were the most relaxed and gracious folks you could ever hope to encounter. I've always thought about going back but I wish there was still a hotel that had not succumbed to the resort development syndrom.
Hey there! Thanks so much for your comment :) I can only imagine what it was like back then. I agree with you that the people on Moorea are the kindest in the entire world! It truly is almost unbelievable. Regarding hotels that may have preserved the style, there are still some! If you are looking to stick with a more classic and local experience I would recommend checking out the “pensions” - they are typically local owned B&B style accommodations
Have to agree. My gorgeous wife and I spent an unforgettable week right there in 1990. Can still get glimpses of "the way we were," but this modern hotel room look loses most of the "grass shack" aura that we found so appealing. Thank you for giving us another look at the most beautiful and romantic place we have ever experienced.
Awww that sounds incredible!! Congrats to you and the wife - I can imagine how beautiful it must have been back when it was so untouched :) I hope you can go back one day
Hi Maren and Max. I am a new subscriber. Just found you today. I am going to Moorea next April and I was planning to stay at the Sofitel but now I'im not sure. I wonder if it has gone back to 5 star status. Do you have and info on that? Also I understand that there is no market or restaurants in the area. Is there a shuttle service to off site restaurants or would we need to hire a taxi? Im also looking at the Hilton but the Sofitel was my first choice. Thank you in advance for any help you can give me.
Hey Kate! Thanks for your comment :) there is no shuttle service to the restaurants, however most restaurants will come and pick you up for free so that’s amazing - you just have to call them to make a reservation. Sofitel is super close to the port, whereas Hilton is in a better location mid island (but more expensive from the ferry). Regarding the service issues and quality, to be honest I’m not sure. It’s very hard to tell from reviews but my hope is they sorted out their leadership changes and issues. I do not love that they cater so much to local events as it takes away from the experience but perhaps things have changed with covid. I believe either way you’d have a great experience as I can’t imagine that they haven’t improved their service after so little tourism. We will be at the Hilton in November so will let you know! Stay tuned for a review on that :)
Do you think some of the cons were due to COVID and low staff? We're planning on the Hilton next summer 2022. Hoping things post-pandemic are better. Great review. Enjoyed your top 3 things in Moorea!
Hey Linda! Thanks so much for your comment!! We really appreciate your feedback :). Regarding the negative experiences at sofitel, unfortunately we were there before covid, but, that being said I know they had some major management changes at the Sofitel when we were there in 2019 so that’s likely the culprit. I do hope that things have improved since then! Regarding Hilton, that sounds awesome!! We are staying there in November, so stay tuned for that review!!
Bonjour, Voyager Guru. this is a surprisingly tough video. thank. :)
thanks so much for your comment - it is always hard to be honest, but we're glad we are! hopefully it helps :)
ummmmmmm have to go there someday.
honestly, moorea is incredible and you won't regret it!!
How much were the rooms per night on rhe water?
Hi there! Thanks for your comment! The price for the rooms really really changes based on time and season so I would recommend checking the hotel's website and also third party booking sites for the best price. I usually search on Trivago! I hope this helps!
I’d love a review of the Hilton Moorea! Deciding between the two
Hey Colin! Thanks so much!! sadly we started our RUclips after we stayed at the Hilton! 😭😭 but, we do have review on our blog from our stay a few years ago: www.voyagerguru.com/hotel-review-hilton-moorea-lagoon-resort/ please let me know if you have any questions at all! We hope to return to the Hilton on our next trip for an updated review :)
Thank you for honest review. We are going there in September, or should we change it to Hilton, what do you think?
Hey Kazimir! Thanks for your comment! That’s a tough one to be honest. We still really love this hotel and that’s really important to know - the Hilton is amazing in terms of location and does get sunrise AND sunset so that’s great. They also offer similar room types and many of their beach villas have pools. When we stayed at the Hilton, it was right after our first trip to the Sofitel and we thought the food was better at the Sofitel. However, after our latest experience at Sofitel, I’d say Hilton was better. We could have been at Sofitel the second time during a time or transition or change, but we found ourselves comparing the experience to Hilton. If you want to connect more about this, feel free to send us an email at team@voyagerguru.com - I can tell you a bit more if you let me know your room type you booked as well.
@@VoyagerGuru amazing ! Can you connect with my fiancé ?
Costaglio@gmail.com
We just booked airfare but haven’t made a decision about hotels
@@leavysf It's a pleasure!! Will do :)
We have eight days in French Polynesia and are thinking of 2 nights in Papeete, 4 nights in Moorea at the Hilton and 2 nights in Bora Bora at a little hotel on Matira beach. I’m wondering if you would spend more time on one island vs another and if there are some suggestions of things to do to make things easier or smoother. Any info on Papeete would really be helpful. Thank you and thanks for the awesome video
Thanks so much for your comment- that sounds like a wonderful plan. 2 nights in Papeete is plenty to be honest. Personally, I would consider 1 night on Papeete, 4 nights in Moorea and 3 in bora bora. Moorea has the more reasonably priced activities compared to bora bora so I’d consider doing most excursions there. Papeete is a very small town and can be done in one day for shopping and dining (just don’t fly in on a Sunday).
I would personally try to get a flight into Papeete in the morning so you can spend the day enjoying, take the 11ish am ferry the next day to Moorea. After Moorea, take an early ferry back to Papeete and catch the afternoon flight to bora bora. The hotel you choose in bora bora can arrange the transfer to their hotel from the airport :). Matira beach was stunning and very fun to explore.
Let us know any questions you have!
Just found your channel. :) Husband & I are hoping to go to Mo'orea next year or the year after. We have planned on the Hilton but I've seen a lot of videos on the Sofitel as well. Based on this video, I am thinking that is confirmed however we have not been. If you were to choose just one, which? I read both of your blog posts also!
Hi Stephanie! Thanks so much for your comment! Mo'orea is incredible - you will absolutely love it there :). The Hilton is an excellent hotel. We are staying there for the second time (first with our blog) in November and are really looking forward to that. Stay tuned for a full review. As of now, I feel confident that the Hilton is going to be exceptional. The other advantage to Hilton is the points earning and loyalty benefits. If you have an AmEx platinum that gives you automatic Hilton Gold, you also get the free breakfast - which is huge. The beach there is impeccable and you get both a sunrise and a sunset. The sofitel was incredible the first time we went but it really did not impress the second time. Between the multitude of events, lower food quality and general disappointing management, we were bummed to say the least. Also, the location of the Hilton is great as it is situated near some shopping and restaurants. Sofitel is right near the port so the transfer there will be cheaper from the ferry, but there is nothing else around. Let me know what other questions you have!
There are 2 reasons I watch all your videos
1) Such detail, you cover everything we need to know.
2) The way she smiles and stared at you whenever you talk. She is so damn cute 🤣🤣🤣❤❤❤
Hi Kayla, thank you so much for your comment!! You are so sweet- we really appreciate your comment :). that means a lot to us! -Maren
In your estimation, how much of the inconsistencies for service/dining/facilities do you think is due to covid?
Hey Miyoko! Thanks for your comment. We did stay before covid happened in November 2019, so for our experience, it was not due to covid. However, I believe the hotel was going through some management changes so I believe it could have something to do with that. Let us know if you have any other questions :).
Which hotel in Mo'orea do you recommend?
Hey Brittany! You can't go wrong in paradise- but based on our experiences, I would recommend checking out the Hilton Moorea. The Intercontinental just closed permanently and I am unsure about who is going to purchase and reopen the property. Depending on your budget, there are a number of lower cost options as well (Sunset Lodge being our favorite low-cost, but stay away from the Moorea Beach Lodge due to fraudulent behavior) - feel free to contact us on instagram or email if you need anything :)
@@VoyagerGuru Have you stayed at the Manava? We are booked to go there in May but now second guessing between there, Hilton, and Sofitel
@@horsedreamer182 Hey Amy! We have not stayed at Manava yet. One thing I would say is looking at the satellite shots on google, they do not have the same expansive lagoon as the Sofitel and Hilton. The "best" hotels on the island are going to be Hilton and Sofitel with Manava behind them. Manava's prices are sometimes better than the other two, but again, I would make sure you check the satellite images to make sure its the water you're looking for :)
@@horsedreamer182 We are living on Moorea for 16 years and after having tried everything, it is always at Manava that we go in particular to eat. The welcome and the quality are excellent there !
That’s great advice!! Also, Amy- Moorea suite Love is a gorgeous villa if you’re looking for something a bit more remote and private versus a hotel
great feedback! Thank you
Thanks so much for watching!
Thank you for sharing. We plan to stay at Sofitel in Dec but now wonder if we should change to Hilton..Was the trip during COVID? I wonder if this is why Sofitel is not as good as your first visit? Cheers
Hey Vivien! Thanks for your comment! We stayed at the sofitel pre-covid (November last year) so I wish I could say that was why. I do get the sense they were going through some management changes and were generally prioritizing local events and traffic over their guests. We will be staying at the Hilton in February so I’ll have a solid comparison then, but until then, in general the sofitel really is very nice. The food was disappointing compared to the first time we stayed there but there are many restaurants within driving distance and it has a beautiful property. I’m also hopeful that the food is better after any management turnover last year. They also did do a big renovation recently so I believe that’ll really help with the room issues we experienced on our second visit. Given the covid situation, I do believe the sofitel will do a great job with precautions and it’s a fabulous hotel. You can’t go wrong in paradise- let us know how your trip goes :)
@@VoyagerGuru thank you for sharing. We decide to stay at Hilton instead... Happy holidays~
@@vivienmlin exciting! Let us know how it is :) can’t wait to check it out in February
Thank you for this very solid review. I Have watched both your Hilton and sofitel reviews I am really torn which stay would be better. Any update since your recent travel you could shed some light which would be best?
Thank you so much, Samantha! So I would consider a few factors: Sofitel is 5 minutes from the ferry port so for a shorter stay it’s a good option, but they do not have a sunset since the sun sets over the hill at 3pm. Hilton has a fab sunrise and sunset, gorgeous reef and really central to walk to a couple restaurants and many tours leave from their pier so longer stays is great here. It’s about 30 minutes from the ferry so it’s farther and for a 2 night stay may be pricier when considering total cost because of this. The rooms at both are fairly run down so very similar to each other. Both have great reefs. Hilton is a better location all around but again, short stay is consider Sofitel due to the east proximity to the ferry
@@VoyagerGuru This is so helpful thank you for your response. I was also wondering what time of year you would recommended we were thinking of end of may what would be your advice regarding optimal weather. thanks
Hey there! Anytime!! End of may is fantastic- it’s a great time of year weather wise and it will be right before the big summer crowds so that’s optimal!!
@@VoyagerGuru perfect thank you so much. We are traveling to bora bora first and after watching your le bora bora by pearl we are staying there. Your reviews are very helpful thanks!!
That sounds like a great choice! Have the most amazing time - we sure did!!
Can you say rehab?
Hoping the renovation they did was an improvement, but yes at the time, it needed some serious rehab.
We have been living in the area of this hotel for 16 years and we know the place very well, also to see it from above (you can see its bungalows in the lagoon on my photo). As you indicated with accuracy in the text of presentation under the video, this hotel is characterized especially because it is the refuge of the residents of Tahiti who come all the year on Moorea. As a result, the hotel is filled more with local people (who often pay less per night than international tourists!) and this has sadly a negative impact on the quality of service (which we regret because we are demanding customers - especially in restaurants) and facilities that are insufficiently renovated (locals are less demanding than tourists from outside...). Personally and my family, we have not been eating there for many years because we have seen many times that the hygiene is insufficient according to us (mice in the room, cat piss on the legs of the tables, birds on the tables, etc.) and the staff often seems overloaded with tasks. Also, our last American customers in April 2022 (on their honeymoon) went down to eat the Tahitian buffet on a Wednesday evening, & back from there they told us they were very disappointed about food (and regretted that we had not warned...). Apart from that, the place is really wonderful, the colors of the lagoon and the public beach are certainly the most pleasant to see and to dive in on Moorea. Even more beautiful to see from above - with the whales jumping in front 😘
This is really good insight!!! I agree on the local tourism, we did experience that and we weren’t even told about this amazing brunch that they had because it looked like locals only!! It was very disappointing. Agree that the lagoon is stunning, but there’s a lot to amazing restaurants in Moorea 🙌🏼🙌🏼 thanks for the background
@@VoyagerGuru Yes, the lagoon here is crystal clear because there is always a current of water going from the end of the beach on the left (water enters the lagoon over the reef) and water exits the lagoon through the pass on the right (to Vaiare). The current therefore crosses the bungalows of the Sofitel.. The water is also very clean and pure as there are no rivers flowing into the lagoon here. Finally, the place is a Caralian garden and a marine protected area (for example, motorboats are prohibited there). We hope, Maren & Max, you will come soon to see all this from above at the Moorea Suite Love 🤩
We will definitely let you know when we head back to Moorea!!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼