Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa — Hotel in Moorea-Maiao

We booked the Hilton for 5 nights following a stay at the Four Seasons on Bora Bora. We arrived via ferry from Tahiti in late morning and weren’t able to check in right away. So we went down to the beach bar and started off with some drinks and lunch. We had a great server there, Jacques, so the experience started off well. He even ran up to the front desk for us at a little after 1:00 to see if our room was ready. Despite our Hilton Diamond status, it wasn’t ready and we didn’t get into the bungalow until shortly after 2 (which was regular check-in time). |||Once we were checked in, we absolutely loved the “window” in the floor of the bungalow, through which we could watch the fish activity all day long. We got settled in and called for room service to set up our room for the stay, where we learned that there was no higher end alcohol (and no bourbon at all), and that there was no way to have a bottle of anything other than wine delivered to our room. Throughout the week, we also discovered that there was no consistency in cocktail preparation, and nearly all of the drinks seemed to be watered down.|||Things started to go downhill before the end of our first day. Our dinner reservation was at the crepe restaurant, which was (a) not at all tasty — they served heated-up pre-prepared crepes that tasted like hot pockets, and (b) a terrible dining experience. After we requested our check, our server struck up a 15-minute conversation with a table behind us and ignored us the entire time. The only upside here was the wildlife — including sharks — that floated by in the lagoon while we dined.|||Next, we discovered that the WiFi in our bungalow simply did not work. We called for tech support and tried to help them debug the issue, to no avail. Next, we discovered that the TV also didn’t work — it was totally pixelated and we basically couldn’t see anything.||||We followed up on both of the tech issues the next day, the IT manager came to our bungalow to troubleshoot, and we never heard another word. No follow-up at all, so we dealt with no WiFi and this TV display the entire time we stayed. The WiFi issue was doubly disappointing since we were supposed to receive premium WiFi as Diamond members.|||The next morning, we went to the breakfast buffet, where we discovered cats wandering throughout the property, including through the dining area. We also noted questionable food service actions such as mixing fresh omelette “batter” with previously-used batter. |||Walking through the property, we noted several disrepair issues. The floor boards on the deck were rotting in several areas (and had already been reinforced with extra boards where the golf carts run), many of the thatched roofs were falling apart, and there was bird poop everywhere. ||Throughout the week, we also noted that dead coral, which had detached during the previous week’s heavy rains, was accumulating under two of the bungalows. We saw one staff person trying to clear it early in the week, but never saw anyone there again. The smell was horrible, and we felt sorry for anyone stuck with those two rooms. ||||Inside our bungalow, the housekeeping team kept things clean (although we had to request cleaning service literally every day), but we were limited to one bath towel each per day, and the toilet seat had been replaced with an ill-fitting one that couldn’t even be propped up. We eventually learned that the bath towel limit was due to a lack of water availability. We learned this because we were also limited in drinking water. There was a single place for the entire resort to refill water bottles, near the pool, and had we not asked, we never would have found it. The lack of water was also likely the reason there were no guest laundry facilities — the only place in FP where we didn’t have that convenience. We don’t understand why the Hilton doesn’t filter water; in fact, they had us sign a waiver at check-in acknowledging that the water in the taps was unsafe for drinking. This was especially frustrating given the lack of available water stations throughout the property.|||Room service was decent, but the menu was limited to the same food as the beach bar. Since there were only two other restaurants on property, and the most upscale restaurant didn’t even seat until 6:30 (when sunsets were ~5:45), we were very tired of the beach bar food by the end of our stay. Pizza and burgers were the highlights. The one night where we chose to eat at the upscale restaurant, they were out of the lobster risotto, which was one of about six choices on the limited menu, the atmosphere was cafeteria-like (e.g., no background music at all), and our experience was average at best.|||We did appreciate the availability of snorkeling equipment in the pool area, as well as the stand-up paddle boards, canoes and kayaks that could be checked out on demand. Snorkeling in the lagoon was amazing, the sunsets from our deck were extraordinary, and the inclusion of a Robert Wan pearl shop on property was very convenient.|||To top things off, our checkout was frustrating as well. I requested a noon checkout (standard is 11) through an email to the concierge the night before checkout, which was their preferred communication method. I received a terse email response that basically said to check with the desk in the morning, and if you want to request the transition bungalow, be at the front desk by 10. We later had a flashing message light on our phone, but when I tried to check messages, the mailbox was empty. I called the front desk three times, and each time they transferred me to the spa. ||Eventually, we discovered that there was a written message on our TV (which was never sent to my email), which said we were expected to check out by 11 (which I interpreted to mean no late checkout was available). This was especially frustrating given our Diamond status, through which we are supposed to get priority for requests like late checkout, and we were literally only asking for an hour. Plus the resort did not appear to be anywhere near capacity. |||Overall, a very disappointing experience at a resort for which we had high hopes. Our experiences at a Hilton Garden Inn in Wisconsin have been far more positive...

We LOVED our sweet King Deluxe Garden Bungalow w/private plunge pool! It was tucked away at the edge of the beautifully manicured property about 3 rows back from the beach. So peaceful and private. Just what we requested and hoped for. It was spacious and spotless with cold A/C and a ceiling fan over the bed. Yay! Do not underestimate the heat/humidity index throughout FP; it can be savage. Loved the souring palapa style ceilings with perfect mood lighting throughout. Our bed was comfortable with very nice crisp clean smelling linens. No pillow menu so you get what you get. Bath linens were nice, however we constantly had to chase down housekeeping for extra bath towels. They only give you two. This became tiresome during our week long stay. We reuse our towels at home but when we travel, we like to feel a bit pampered or at least have the option. The bathroom was open concept and large with a peek-a-boo window to the main bedroom/living space. Big, deep, comfy claw-foot bathtub with separate shower. It was difficult to keep water from the shower off the floor due to the open concept nature. The bathroom floors are highly polished marble so can be quite slippery. The WC is translucent glass so you can see the silhouette of the person using it. There were dual sinks and plenty of counter space. Wifi and overall connectivity was good. Water pressure was good. There was only one luggage rack so we had to be creative about luggage access and storage. The sofa/chair cushions have seen better days and should be replaced. We appreciated the complimentary offerings in the mini bar that were replenished daily if you consumed them. Ice machines available throughout the property. ||We enjoyed our private plunge pool and used it daily. It was nice under the moonlit sky or when we needed to cool down. The outdoor space was a bit of a disappointment as the wooden decking was in need of renovation/replacement. A few of the planks were no longer secured which was a trip hazard. Many were rotted and we had to be mindful of splinters, nails and screws. Some of the siding on the side of the bungalow was also rotted and looked black. Mold? The chaise lounges were plastic and cheap. We understand the island environment is harsh on structure and must be difficult to maintain. However, at this price point it was a surprise and a bit of a disappointment.||Moorea is a stunning destination. The landscape and the color and clarity of the lagoon was astonishing. So lush and majestic. The large pool showcased the surroundings well. As did the OWB’s. The beach is small and faces the OWB’s. We never had a problem finding chaise lounges in the shade. Excellent beach service. Kayak’s, paddle boards and snorkel equipment available to guests. Beach towels were painfully controlled (you’re allowed one pp) and they are often thread bare. You can float in the lagoon forever. Just beautiful. It’s shallow. So many fishes. The OWB’s were super cool but we saved our OWB experience for Bora Bora. Most OWB’s at this property do not offer much privacy unless you are out on the very ends of the pontoons.||We had a meal package included in our rate so we received breakfast and a three-course dinner daily. There are three restaurants and none have A/C which can be uncomfortable when there is no breeze. The food was good not great. After seven nights the menu’s became redundant. It’s very expensive. Had we paid each day I’m sure it would have added up to $300+ for the both of us. Glad we had the meal plan. The resort is rather isolated so expect a $20 - $30 taxi to other restaurants or markets. They offer nightly Happy Hour (½ off cocktails) in a lovely setting during sunset which are pretty epic. ||We purchased a day-pass at the Sofitel. It was well worth it. Beautiful property and a beautiful day. If you want a wonderful private tour of the island, consider “The Lady in Blue” and book with her directly. She was delightful; we had the best day and learned so much about the history and culture of this beautiful place. Every staff member we encountered at the Hilton were friendly, helpful and welcoming. ||It’s often the little things that can make or break a hotel. I would love to give 5 stars but just can’t get there. Even with the handful of complaints noted in this review, we loved our time at the Hilton Moorea Resort & Spa and would return in a...

We spent an amazing week here on our second trip to Tahiti. Moorea is amazing. It’s like Hawaii and France had a more primitive baby. We love the setting, the people, and the food.

Unfortunately, we can’t give this hotel the 4 star review it deserves. Since our first trip here in 2013, time and the elements have been kinda hard on this property. It’s badly in need of renovation. Even so, we did have a lovely stay here and since it’s such an epic place I’ll give you a list of our good and bad points.

The good: It’s an amazing setting here. Beautiful ocean, mountains, wildlife, and grounds. The staff are friendly, and the people here are delightful. The Tahitian and French culture meld to make a really delightful place. The crepe bar on the boardwalk is a delight. You can enjoy peaceful evenings under the stars with fish and sharks swimming below, all while you eat delicious crepes. The buffet breakfast and dinner were good (all things considered). After a few days, we noticed some things about the buffet that we didn’t love but for the most part I’d give it a thumbs up. We love the bungalows. In the class we booked, you get a private bungalow with a fenced in porch, deck, and plunge pool. It’s a stand alone building nestled in with the others offering lots more privacy and tranquility than a regular hotel room. We enjoyed spending time on our private fenced in deck in the afternoons when the breezes picked up. We enjoyed good room service and they kept the room made up and the mini bar stocked. Access to the lagoon and ocean are great here. You can kayak, SUP, snorkel, swim, or whatever you want to do right from the beach at the hotel. They have the standard activities desk that can hook you up with jetski rides and snorkel tours right from the hotel dock.

The bad: The property doesn’t need maintenance, it needs a full restoration. The relentless sun and elements haven’t been kind to the fences, decks, siding, and especially the roofs of the over the water bungalows. It’s feels weird to be at a four star joint and be looking at completely worn out roofs with plastic/rubber slats draped over the worn down roofing material to keep water out. Our bungalow fencing, siding, decking, and flooring were all extremely weathered and worn down. Our bungalow didn’t smell great when we got here. It had a bathroom kinda smell, and not in a good way. Housekeeping “fabreezed” it and kept it tidied up, but it had a musty, sometimes even slightly sewer like smell during our stay. We are avid divers, so we were surprised when the activity desk would not book our dives for us. They were kind enough to have the concierge call the dive operator and hand us the phone (which I could have done myself). If you dive, this is probably not your kind of place. With limited on property food options, after a few days, we wanted to go try some other food. The off property restaurants on the island are a fair bit away, so we had to take a cab out and back, which adds a fair amount of cost to any such adventure, and the food here is anything but cheap. The food at the poolside grill is very average and grew quickly grew old. They drive their electric service carts everywhere on the property. We felt like we had to have eyes in the back of our heads as we walked around the property. I don’t think there was a single time we walked anywhere on the property that we didn’t have to step off the path to allow a service cart to whiz by.

Some tips: There is a current in the lagoon. While we were here, the current was 1-2 MPH west. Be advised that swimming, SUP, kayaking, etc is much harder against the current. We did enjoy swimming downstream and then walking back on the beach adjacent to the hotel. Just don’t go all the way to the public park unless you want to fight the current all the way back or be prepared to walk (possibly barefoot). There is a trigger fish that is very territorial out there on the reef. He bites - lol. The beach at the public park is very nice and has showers. Bring some snacks. There...