ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: Flights from the U.S. West Coast arrive early (ours landed at 6:15 a.m.), so after clearing customs and immigration you can easily reach the hotel well before standard check-in. We requested and received early arrival access for both our pre-cruise and post-cruise stays. It can be granted complimentary or for a small fee; the extra cost was modest and worth it for the convenience.
Check-in was friendly and efficient. Our room was not ready immediately, but staff promised it would be available within an hour; it was ready around 8:30 a.m. We left our bags with the front desk and had breakfast at Moevai. The restaurant offers both menu items and a generous buffet with many choices. After breakfast our luggage was brought up promptly and we settled into our room.
© Hilton
GUEST QUARTERS: We stayed in Room 412, a comfortable king room with an ocean view. The layout included a seating area and a built-in desk where I set up my computer and chargers. Immediately to the right of the entrance was the bathroom, featuring a single marble sink set on a Tahitian-style wooden base that provided a practical space for toiletries. The shower had a glass front and a rain showerhead, and Crabtree & Evelyn amenities were provided. The king bed dominated the room and was very comfortable—ideal for recovering after an overnight flight. We chose to enjoy the large, inviting pool and soak up some sun instead of lounging in the room.
SERVICES/AMENITIES: One consistent impression was how flavorful the food was across the hotel’s dining options. Moevai’s breakfast spread was impressive, with an omelet station, abundant fresh fruit and cheeses, Asian selections, and a variety of baked goods. Breakfast was included in our room rate, which made it an excellent value. The pool is spacious and relaxing, though a few more or larger umbrellas would improve shade options. We spent many hours there reading and preparing for our cruise.
© Hilton
For lunch we visited Vaiuna Pool Bar, which offers a swim-up bar on one side and regular table seating on the other; we chose a table behind the bar. I enjoyed the Hilton Tahiti club sandwich—ingredients are chopped, mixed with mayonnaise, and served on toasted white bread with the crusts removed, accompanied by pommes frites. A friendly chicken wandered near our table and I fed her a few fries, which added a touch of charm to the meal. San, the Japanese restaurant located on the lower level by the pool, has a strong reputation; we had a pleasant dinner at the sushi bar one evening. La Strata, the hotel’s Italian restaurant, and Heiva Lounge for pre-dinner cocktails and takeaway cappuccinos are also on the same level and offer convenient dining options.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
- Lovely harbor views from the pool
- Concierge arranged helpful transfers and communicated easily by email
- The gift shop carries distinctive items that are not commonly found elsewhere
HILTON HOTEL TAHITI
Auae Faaa Papeete 98713
French Polynesia
tel 689 40 86 48 48