The hype
The location and lagoon are world-class, but the rooms feel tired and in need of a refresh.
Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort And Spa
$500-1100/ night
Book this if You want to wake up, jump off your deck, and immediately snorkel with sharks and rays without taking a boat tour.
Why People Love It
- Incredible snorkeling directly under the overwater bungalows
- Stunning mountain backdrop (Mount Rotui) that beats Bora Bora's flat horizons
- The overwater Toatea Crêperie where you watch reef sharks while eating dessert
Quick Take: An aging grande dame that coasts on its spectacular location and marine life while the hardware slowly deteriorates.
Reviewed by @maui_tam: My stay in this garden bungalow was the perfect romantic escape. I loved waking up to those mountain views and having a private pool for a quiet dip. It felt like our own little hidden sanctuary in paradise, completely separate from the rest of the resort.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You are paying for the marine life and the view, not for modern 5-star luxury fittings.
- You are an avid snorkeler who wants easy access to coral and fish
- You prefer the lush, jagged mountain scenery of Mo'orea over the flat atolls of Bora Bora
- You are a Hilton Honors Diamond member utilizing free breakfast benefits
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.8
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though some guests report missed details like dusting high shelves.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean but dated. Grout lines show age, and humidity can cause minor mildew issues if not aggressively managed.
- Maintenance: The biggest weak point. Expect peeling paint, weathered decking, and occasional broken fixtures (blinds, fans).
- Linens & towels: Standard Hilton quality—clean and crisp, but beach towels can be frayed.
- Odors & scents: Mostly fresh ocean breeze, but some garden rooms can smell musty due to the tropical humidity.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Roosters crowing at dawn (inescapable on Mo'orea)
- Road noise for Garden Bungalows located near the resort entrance
- Creaking wooden floorboards and pontoon traffic for overwater units
Before you book
Good to know
- The pool was undergoing renovations in early 2024; verify current status before booking.
- Transfer from the ferry dock is not free; arrange a taxi or transfer in advance ($20-30).
- There is a city tax of ~200 XPF per person per night collected at checkout.
What to pack
- Reef-safe sunscreen (expensive to buy on-site)
- Water shoes (essential for rocky coral entry and hot wooden decks)
- Duty-free alcohol (cocktails are $20+ each)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Panoramic Overwater Bungalows (end of pontoon) for maximum privacy and uninterrupted views
- Bungalow #87 specifically mentioned as having a perfect 180-degree view
- Deluxe Garden Bungalows (stand-alone units) for more privacy than the duplex Garden Bungalows
Rooms to avoid
- Standard 'Lagoon View' bungalows (often actually on the beach with obstructed views)
- Garden Bungalows near the road/entrance due to traffic noise
- Connecting Garden units if you are sensitive to neighbor noise
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a Panoramic Overwater Bungalow at the end of the pontoon (specifically requesting #87 if available) to ensure privacy and direct sunset views. Please avoid units near the main road or reception.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is breakfast included?
Only if you book a specific rate or have Hilton Gold/Diamond status. Otherwise, expect to pay ~$50 USD per person.
Can I swim with sharks right from my room?
Yes, blacktip reef sharks and stingrays frequently patrol the waters directly beneath the overwater bungalows.
Is there a resort fee?
No explicit 'resort fee', but a small daily city tax applies. Service charges are often added to bills.
How do I get there from Tahiti?
Take the ferry (Aremiti or Terevau) from Papeete (30-45 mins), then a 20-minute taxi to the resort.
Are the garden bungalows worth it?
They are spacious and have private pools, but the pools are unheated and often too cold. Good for families, but less 'magical' than overwater.
Is the water deep enough to jump in?
Yes, but check the tide. It's generally waist-to-chest deep around the bungalows, perfect for standing but shallow for diving.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Walk to the nearby 'Magic Mountain' trailhead for a hike with insane views—no tour needed.
- ✨
Buy your own snorkel gear beforehand; the resort gear is basic and often well-used.
- ✨
Happy Hour at Eimeo Bar offers 2-for-1 drinks at sunset—the only time alcohol is reasonably priced.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Lagoon View' bungalows are basically beach bungalows, not overwater.
💡You can hear your neighbors walking on the wooden pontoon if you're in an overwater unit.
💡The garden bungalow pools get very little sun and stay freezing cold.
💡Room service tray charges are steep; walk to the bar to pick up food if you can.
💡The resort cats are friendly and will join you for dinner if you let them.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort And Spa is located and what's nearby.