Fresh from a 2021 makeover, the Hilton Tahiti isn’t just a place to crash between flights. It’s a luxurious escape nestled between Faa’a International Airport and your gateway to Moorea or Bora Bora. With transfer services winding down before evening US arrivals, the Hilton becomes your island oasis, ready to whisk you away from airport blues and into Polynesian paradise.
Booking
As we planned our journey to Moorea, we encountered the need for accommodation on the evening of our arrival in Papeete, given that our flight landed just an hour after the ferry service to Moorea concluded for the day. Drawing upon my loyalty as a Hilton Honors member, I opted to reserve a room at Hilton Tahiti, strategically situated between the airport and the ferry terminal. Our travel dates in early June 2023 coincided with the peak season in French Polynesia. While we had secured a 5-night stay at Hilton Moorea using points, our layover accommodation costs were subject to the heightened prices of the season. With Hilton Tahiti’s rates averaging around $400 per night, I was fortunate to leverage my Free Night Award Certificate earned through my Hilton Honors Surpass credit card. Utilizing the Hilton Honors app, I reached out to guest services, and they efficiently secured a Standard King room for our one-night stay.
Hilton Tahiti Check-in
Upon our arrival at the hotel, we were welcomed by the enchanting glow of the open-air lobby, offering breathtaking views that extended to the ocean beyond. Despite a queue forming at the check-in counter, our Hilton Diamond status proved invaluable, expediting our check-in process. A warm reception awaited us from a friendly staff member who presented us with two glasses of fresh juice and traditional lei’s. Expressing gratitude for our Hilton Diamond membership, we were pleasantly surprised with an upgrade to a Residence Suite featuring a king bed. The room key cards, made of bamboo, provided a unique touch that enhanced the overall immersion in the property, departing from the typical plastic cards found in most hotels. Declining assistance with our luggage, we were then provided clear directions to our room.
King Bed Residence Suite
Upon stepping into our upgraded King Residence Suite, we encountered a thoughtfully arranged space that began with a kitchenette, followed by a well-appointed living room and a private balcony offering serene views of the garden grounds. The initial impact was one of impeccable design, featuring island-inspired furniture and captivating artwork. As we ventured into the bedroom, the king-size bed stood out with a stunning headboard that elegantly illuminated the wooden tones of the wall above. The room also boasted a walk-in closet stocked with robes and slippers, although the quality of the robes didn’t quite match the luxurious ambiance of the rest of the hotel. The bathroom, generously sized, featured a spacious shower and a inviting soaking tub. Our overall impression of the room was nothing short of fantastic!
Food and Beverage
After settling into our room, we decided to explore the hotel grounds and unwind with a drink at one of Hilton Tahiti’s two bars. The main lobby houses the Heiva Lounge Bar, where we faced the delightful challenge of perusing a refined cocktail menu. Opting to enjoy our drinks on the balcony, we were treated to a captivating view of the pool illuminated at night, overlooking the vast ocean. While the drinks were excellent, it’s worth noting that they came with a price tag exceeding $20 each.
For dinner, we ventured to Taitea Brasserie, an open-air restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating. The vibrant atmosphere and stunning views of the well-lit palm trees created a perfect backdrop for our meal. The food, a welcome respite after a long day of travel, lived up to our expectations.
The following morning, we headed to Moevai, the hotel’s main breakfast restaurant, where Hilton Diamond or Gold status granted us complimentary breakfast. The hostess, after confirming our room number, seated us by a window with a picturesque view of the neighboring island of Moorea. Our coffee orders were taken (black for me, a latte for my wife), and we were then free to explore the extensive buffet. From freshly baked bread and jams to deli meats, cheeses, Poisson cru, yogurts, and granolas, the offerings were vast. An impressive made-to-order omelet station added to the grandeur of the breakfast, leaving us thoroughly satisfied before our ferry transfer to Moorea.
While we didn’t have the opportunity to try La Strada, an Italian restaurant, or San Sushi Bar due to conflicting hours during our stay, we revisited the hotel on the tail end of our trip. This time, we indulged in the Vaipuna Pool Bar, strategically positioned with a swim-up bar, allowing us to stay in the water while enjoying our refreshments. The staff across all the restaurants were consistently exceptional.
A noteworthy tip: The hotel is conveniently connected to the Pacific Plaza Mall via a covered bridge. Though relatively small by U.S. standards, the mall offers non-resort priced dining options. We particularly enjoyed Carrefour Faaa, a hidden gem within the mall, providing a variety of items at very reasonable prices, including bathing suits, toiletries, groceries, an extensive selection of bottled wines, fresh-baked bread, sushi, and more. It proved to be a valuable resource for those looking to extend their stay at Hilton Tahiti beyond a single night.
Amenities
In terms of amenities, the hotel features the Moearii Spa, although we opted not to take advantage of it, and a stunning pool that stands out as a highlight of the property. The pool at Hilton Tahiti proved to be a hidden gem, especially considering the hotel’s layover status, which might lead to it being underutilized. During the latter part of our stay, we had the opportunity to experience the pool, and to our delight, only a few others were present, creating a spacious and uncrowded environment.
Upon entering the pool area, a convenient towel hut with an attendant provided complimentary towels and sunscreen lotion—a thoughtful touch considering the intense sun exposure. Surrounding the pool, there are several generously sized, round lounge beds offering panoramic views of the ocean and passing boats. Opting for the pool’s ledge, I settled into lounge chairs, allowing me to bask in both the warmth of the sun and the refreshing water. We spent several enjoyable hours here on our final two days, appreciating the tranquility and leisure offered by this delightful pool area.
Overall Impression Of Hilton Tahiti
While the hotel markets itself primarily as a layover stop for travelers en route to Moorea or Bora Bora, I believe it offers much more, given the meticulous attention to detail throughout the property. The rooms are not only updated but also impeccably maintained and tastefully adorned. As a Hilton Diamond member, while room upgrades are never guaranteed, experiencing one at both the beginning and end of our vacation added a special touch to our stay. The breakfast offerings were exceptional, characterized by high quality and a diverse selection. Lastly, the pool stands out as one of the finest hotel pools I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying. Its perfect positioning, overlooking the ocean amidst palm trees and lush garden surroundings, left us with enduring and breathtaking memories of a truly dreamlike trip.
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