InterContinental Hotels Group Stay Forum - IC Le Moana, IC Thalasso & Spa, Bora Bora, IC Resort Tahiti, Papeete

I just back from the 3 properties.
I booked my stay using points (30 000/night) almost a year ago.

I spent 3 nights at the Moana.
The transfer from the airport to the hotel is via boat. Boat cost 5500 Xpf for 2 adult, one way. It takes around 35 minutes. At the airport, someone for the Inter continental welcomed us with flower necklace. Boat arrived 10 minutes after.
When you arrive at the hotel dock, there is people from the front desk waiting for you. They bring you to the bar area and that' where you check in. When paper work is done, they bring you individually for a hotel tour and it ends at the bungalow. Because I used my point to book the room, I didn't expect anything from the hotel since it was high season but I got upgraded to bungalow #10 facing the mountain and almost the last bungalow. The room was very nice. Water was the same color as a pool. There is only one restaurant at the resort. The saturday buffet is "sea food special" but the price is not.... If I remember, it's around 125$/person. The food is not the best but it's ok. Around the hotel, there is 2-3 restaurants, and around 4-5 snack places. Outside the resort, it's quite poor but very safe. Double check your bar bill, they make mistake sometime ... like charging 2 bottles instead of 2 glasses. You can rent free DVD at the hotel store but don't expect to watch MI3 or any recent release. If you don't understand french, cable TV might be a problem.

3 Days after, I left the Moana and went 5 days to the Thalasso, again book on points. There is a free shuttle between Moana and Thalasso.
The hotel was sold out and again didn't expect anything. The welcoming is similar as the Moana but instead walking, you sit in the golf cart. The site is quite big. They bring you to the reception and you prepare all the paperwork on very nice patio furniture with a drink(free). Once it's done, they take a picture of you with the mountain as background and you go around the resort with the cart and the front desk staff. They bring you to your bungalow and you just say .... wow .... The bungalow is huge, separate living room, you can walk around your king size bed. The bed is facing a big window . Everything is perfect, there is even champagne (375ml) waiting for you (free) but it's not Veuve or moet.
I found the restaurants better than the moana but I found the food is a bit overpriced. Continental breakfast is around 30$ , regular breakfast is 37$ I think. The staff is nice but a lot are inexperienced.
Around 60% of the customers are from North America, 20% Japanese, 10% From France and UK.
They have 1 tennis court (I think it's free) and they have racket loaner.
Free Kayak and free snorkeling kit.
From the Moana, you can take a free kayak and go behind the sofitel motu, there is a lot of corals and fishes. The Tv channels are the same as the moana.


Here some of the activities with price
Shark Observer = 9300 Xpf
Submarine, 45 minutes = 24900 Xpf
Parasailing, 100 meters, 15 minutes = 25900 Xpf
Jet Ski = 25900 Xpf
Catamaran = 6600 Xpf
Jet Boat =9300 Xpf
Water ski , wakeboarding , 30 minutes = 12500 Xpf
Deep sea fishing full day = 137 000 Xpf
Boat rental 6 HP 4 hours = 93000 Xpf
Jeep Safari = 7700 Xpf
Aqua Safari = 7300 Xpf


After 5 days in heaven, I left for Tahiti, only one night.
It took 20-25 minutes to check in. They couldn't find my reservation. They asked for my reservation confirmation and 10 minutes later, they gave me a room. 24 hours later, I noticed they took 40 000 points from my PC account.
The hotel is 5 minutes from the airport, taxi will cost you 1000 Xpf + 100 per luggage. The hotel has a shuttle to go downtown Papeete but not on Sunday. On Sunday, everything is closed. The hotel is "ok" but nothing special.

If you have any question, just reply

I'd just like to expand on a few of these points.....

1) I-C Moana Beach - brilliant location, and more convenient than Thalasso for other dining options. Older than Thalasso, so rooms nothing like as majestic.

2) I-C Thalasso - best Inter-Continental rooms in the world, but location on an offshore islet still inconvenient, and St Regis and soon-to-open Four Seasons have even better rooms.

3) I-C Tahiti. I don't know whether Wakemania understood the background to this hotel. It opened 30+ years ago as a Travelodge, and so the original rooms, which have been beautifully fitted out, are just too small for an I-C. They keep them open (instead of demolishing and rebuilding) because they are used for airline staff and for cruise ship passengers who just want a cheap overnight room. No informed person in their right mind who was staying for several days and could afford a proper room would actually book these (Garden / Lagoon) room categories, and similarly, it's a bad idea to redeem points at this property because you'll get these substandard rooms.

But the Panoramic Rooms and the Bungalows are superb, and it's my favourite urban Inter-Continental in the world. The secret with this hotel is never ever use points for a room, because you'll get an old Travelodge room. Book the category just below a Panoramic Room, and use Ambassador status to confirm an upgrade to the Panoramic at the time of booking.

Thanks for the great report and follow up info. My wife-to-be and I will be going for our honeymoon and will be doing Thalasso, Moorea and Tahiti (all IC). Nice to hear you had a great time!

Has anyone else noticed that there is absolutely no award availability at Thalasso for the entire coming 12 months? I randomly checked at least three days each month and couldn't find a single award room. All the other FP properties seem to have good availability but not Thalasso. Is this a glitch in the system or have the completely blocked awards again :confused:

I looked and see the same thing myself. Not sure but I certainly feel lucky. :cool: Just last month I made our reservation for our honeymooon with 5 award nights there!

It seems I have to stay with Bora Bora rather than Tahiti?

Great report - thanks wakemania! I'm really looking forward to staying at Thalasso in October - I also booked it using points at the old rate of 30,000 per night.

Steve

Am going to these properties in Jan, and will report back. Looking forward to it after your remarks!!!

Am going to these properties in Jan, and will report back. Looking forward to it after your remarks!!!

Jan huh? I will be there as well with on my honeymoon! You should take a look at the ICHG meeting thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=585922) and add where you'll be. You'll never know who you may run into. :)

If our dates overlap pm me and perhaps we could meet up.

I am there Dec 28 - Jan 3 at Thalasso, and Jan 3-4 at Resort Tahiti...

Well, Edv, steveper, and thehaloboy... how were you trips?

Anyone have recommendations for dining while staying at the Bora Bora Thalasso?

Our Favorite was the Lagoon by Jean Georges at the St. Regis - of course very expensive but we really enjoyed. Have the concierge at the IC call and the St. Regis will pick you up at the dock and deliver you home again. Our second favorite was actually at the resort at the Reef was very good as well. They do have another restaurant called Lagoon but it was closed when we were there.

we also did a private lagoon tour who grilled us everything but the kitchen sink which was amazing! Let me know if you would like the information.

Our Favorite was the Lagoon by Jean Georges at the St. Regis - of course very expensive but we really enjoyed. Have the concierge at the IC call and the St. Regis will pick you up at the dock and deliver you home again. Our second favorite was actually at the resort at the Reef was very good as well. They do have another restaurant called Lagoon but it was closed when we were there.

we also did a private lagoon tour who grilled us everything but the kitchen sink which was amazing! Let me know if you would like the information.

We'll be there a few days so I am definitely interested.

Dining in Bora Bora is ultra expensive no matter what you do. Some people can pay $1000/night for an OWB and easily drop $40 each for breakfast and $200-$300 each for dinner. Some of us stay on points and have to watch what we spend on food too. No matter how much you watch your budget, it's going to cost you quite a bit. I would say that the snack shacks and restaurants outside of the IC's are a much better deal. Snack La Bounty was Ok for $15-$20 a person (Pizza, etc.), Bloody Mary's was good too at only $10-$15 each for lunch (Burgers, etc.), and the restaurant at Le Matai (Close to Le Moana) had reasonable food (Good french fries) too. There is a small grocery store in Vaitape or an even smaller store in Matira (About 10minutes walking from Le Moana). You can get some food and sundries at these stores and it is cheaper than eating at restaurants. If you are at Thalasso, going into town can be a pain. We would order a pizza and some fries for dinner a couple nights and that was plenty of food for about $30. If you are staying for a week or so I would consider bringing some snacks with you from the US. If you are a drinker, hit the duty free in LAX on the way. I find Bora Bora enjoyable no matter what you eat. I prefer to save my money and use it for activities like the Shark/Ray feeding tour.

I would say that the snack shacks and restaurants outside of the IC's are a much better deal. Snack La Bounty was Ok for $15-$20 a person (Pizza, etc.), Bloody Mary's was good too at only $10-$15 each for lunch (Burgers, etc.), and the restaurant at Le Matai (Close to Le Moana) had reasonable food (Good french fries) too. There is a small grocery store in Vaitape or an even smaller store in Matira (About 10minutes walking from Le Moana). You can get some food and sundries at these stores and it is cheaper than eating at restaurants. If you are at Thalasso, going into town can be a pain. We would order a pizza and some fries for dinner a couple nights and that was plenty of food for about $30. If you are staying for a week or so I would consider bringing some snacks with you from the US. If you are a drinker, hit the duty free in LAX on the way. I find Bora Bora enjoyable no matter what you eat.


This is helpful.

How did you make do with no fridge or microwave in the room?

The place called "Sunset Pizza" is very good and cheap too, but they only open at night. The nicest pizza I had ever had! It is located in between La Moana and La Bounty. When you get out from La Moana front entrance, make a right turn and walk along the road toward La Maitai and you will see sunset pizza at the opposite side of the road. I don't remember if it is before or after La Maitai. It should be somewhere near La Bounty.

Beside Bloody Mary, Top Dive restaurant is pretty good too. The atmosphere is romantic the meal cost a bit cheaper than the hotel. They do provide complementary pick up and drop off by their van, so you have to call and make reservation in advance. The concierge at La Moana or Thalasso can make the reservation for you.

This is helpful.

How did you make do with no fridge or microwave in the room?

Every room has a fridge. It's just being used as a mini-bar. I put my grocery items in with the other stuff. If you are a Royal Ambassador and you get free mini-bar, it's in your interest to let them have the room to keep it stocked. If you don't have free mini-bar, you can ask them to empty it and then use it as a regular fridge. The stores sell fresh baguettes daily and they are actually reasonable. If you buy cold drinks, I would buy the same brands that come in the mini-bar and just keep swapping them out for cold ones. The store is close enough that you could make several trips for fresh food and buy only what you are going to eat.

This has been covered to death in other threads, but make sure you take plenty of sunscreen, bug spray, and toiletries. Our luggage got delayed and we had to shop for these items. a trial-size stick of deodorant runs about $10. I strongly recommend a combination suncreen with insect repellent built in. I ordered some Coppertone Bug and Sun from Drugstore.com and took it with me. It worked great.

One more tip: There are some activities that you can book on your own and save a lot of money. Jetski trips are 25,900 XPF when booked through the concierge. We found the same tour directly from the company for 15000 XPF.
This place is right out of Le Moana and about half way to Le Maitai. It has a Pearl shop in front of it.

I hope this stuff helps....

Every room has a fridge. It's just being used as a mini-bar. I put my grocery items in with the other stuff. If you are a Royal Ambassador and you get free mini-bar, it's in your interest to let them have the room to keep it stocked. If you don't have free mini-bar, you can ask them to empty it and then use it as a regular fridge. The stores sell fresh baguettes daily and they are actually reasonable. If you buy cold drinks, I would buy the same brands that come in the mini-bar and just keep swapping them out for cold ones. The store is close enough that you could make several trips for fresh food and buy only what you are going to eat.

This has been covered to death in other threads, but make sure you take plenty of sunscreen, bug spray, and toiletries. Our luggage got delayed and we had to shop for these items. a trial-size stick of deodorant runs about $10. I strongly recommend a combination suncreen with insect repellent built in. I ordered some Coppertone Bug and Sun from Drugstore.com and took it with me. It worked great.

One more tip: There are some activities that you can book on your own and save a lot of money. Jetski trips are 25,900 XPF when booked through the concierge. We found the same tour directly from the company for 15000 XPF.
This place is right out of Le Moana and about half way to Le Maitai. It has a Pearl shop in front of it.

I hope this stuff helps....


You've been quite helpful.

If you don't have free mini-bar, you can ask them to empty it and then use it as a regular fridge.

Would you happen to know if RA's get free minibar on Reward Nights?

Would you happen to know if RA's get free minibar on Reward Nights?

Search the same thread that I quoted earlier about hotels that Respect RA benefits on Award nights. At Thalasso I got most of my mini-bar items free but I did end up having to show an email I had received stating it would be free. In Moorea and Tahiti I had no problems and got everything free.

Search the same thread that I quoted earlier about hotels that Respect RA benefits on Award nights. At Thalasso I got most of my mini-bar items free but I did end up having to show an email I had received stating it would be free. In Moorea and Tahiti I had no problems and got everything free.

Thanks--that was helpful. I did had seen that post and was wondering how universal that might be, especially since I have no such email.

One more tip: There are some activities that you can book on your own and save a lot of money. Jetski trips are 25,900 XPF when booked through the concierge. We found the same tour directly from the company for 15000 XPF.
This place is right out of Le Moana and about half way to Le Maitai. It has a Pearl shop in front of it.

I hope this stuff helps....

Yes, you have to look around the Le Moana area. Everything is cheaper, when booked direct with the company than through the concierge.

Does anyone know if there are DVD players in the rooms?

Does anyone know if there are DVD players in the rooms?

Yes, there are DVD players in the rooms. I know for sure as we bought a CD/DVD from one of our excursions in Moorea and then played it all the time in Thalasso

Does anyone know if there are DVD players in the rooms?

And they also offers DVD free of charge. But I can´t remember all the titles.

Yes, you have to look around the Le Moana area. Everything is cheaper, when booked direct with the company than through the concierge.

We are going back in February and I really want to do the shark/ray feeding trip again. It's one of the best things I have ever done. We booked it through Thalasso last time, but I would like to book direct if possible to save money. Does anybody have nay experience booking direct or know where to go?

Yes, there are DVD players in the rooms. I know for sure as we bought a CD/DVD from one of our excursions in Moorea and then played it all the time in Thalasso

Thanks.

We don't really do movies throughout the year, and usually take a couple on holiday to stay semi-literate culturally.

Do I need currency in Bora Bora for any reason or will credit cards suffice?

Do I need currency in Bora Bora for any reason or will credit cards suffice?

Well, how long are you planning on being there? I would say yes, you should definitely have some currency on you at least. Cabs, anything while walking around (lots of vending machines), etc cash is always better. Plus for tipping and the like in the room.

Do I need currency in Bora Bora for any reason or will credit cards suffice?

I would get a few hundred dollars worth of currency at the airport in Tahiti. There are ATM's there. This way you have change and you avoid foreign transaction fees on your credit cards. There was only one person at the small store in Matira that even knew how to process a credit card. We tried for 10 minutes while we held up a line of locals. It was pretty embarassing.

Thanks to both of you for your advice. I will be there a week so I certainly will need to get cash.

David,
We used Keishi tours with Pierot. It was great and included a private picnic, and a full tour. It was from 10-3:30ish.

Email contact is tk.haunui@mail.pf

He was there to pick us up at Thalasso on our agreed upon date. Paid Cash.

David,
We used Keishi tours with Pierot. It was great and included a private picnic, and a full tour. It was from 10-3:30ish.

Email contact is tk.haunui@mail.pf

He was there to pick us up at Thalasso on our agreed upon date. Paid Cash.

Thanks. Any idea on the price?

On July 15, Keisha Tours quoted me a price of 65,000 French Polynesian Francs per couple (so just under $1000 US). Estimated time was 10 am to 3:30 pm.

On July 15, Keisha Tours quoted me a price of 65,000 French Polynesian Francs per couple (so just under $1000 US). Estimated time was 10 am to 3:30 pm.

Wow! That seems really high. I think it's only around $150-$200 per person when booked through the IC concierge.

The tour booked through the concierge is a group tour with shark and ray feeding, snorkeling and a BBQ picnic on the motu as a group. The Keishi tour is for ONLY the couple and includes champagne and a lobster lunch on a linen and china set table IN THE WATER. It sounds fabulous, but I agree -- I can't justify $1000 for the experience.

David,

Keishi Tour is private - you are the only ones on the boat with the guide. I believe the other trips are with more people. Not sure about the picnic or if there is one with the other tour. There is so much food on this tour - you won't need dinner so keep that in mind (as you are aware dinners are expensive). Also includes sodas, Hinano Beer and a bottle of Champagne.

Price is correct - 650 CFP which is about 850 today. Yes pricey but we used points for the room and felt it was worth it! It was very romantic if that is something you are looking for.

Thanks for the lead on the tour. I am indeed looking for something a little less expensive. We did the group tour last year and it was great. The only food we got was some melon, but I didn't really care about food. I was too interested in the scenery and fish.

I was just hoping to book direct this time and save a few bucks. Like I mentioned before, I was able to find a jetski tour for about half the price that the hotel offered it. I guess I hoped I could do the same thing with the Shark and Ray feeding. Group tours are fine with me if anybody out there has any advice.

From what I've read, both the IC Moorea & IC Le Moana/Thalasso have free kayaks and snorkeling gear. Do they also provide life jackets as well? We are bringing our baby, and am wondering if I need to bring one.

From what I've read, both the IC Moorea & IC Le Moana/Thalasso have free kayaks and snorkeling gear. Do they also provide life jackets as well? We are bringing our baby, and am wondering if I need to bring one.

Yes to free life jackets, but I can't say if they have them for babies.

Hi all,

Instead of starting a new thread, I figured I would just piggyback on this one...

Heading to FP in April, and was looking into booking some rooms (IC Tahiti, IC Moorea, IC Thalasso). Just trying to see if I should go ahead and book now, and keep checking to see if prices go down (or up for that matter). Does anyone know if the prices at these places generally stay the same b/c of the location or do they fluctuate like at most properties?

Thanks!

Does anyone know if the prices at these places generally stay the same b/c of the location or do they fluctuate like at most properties?


I would book now. The times I have booked it seemed like the prices just kept going up. The currency will fluctuate, which will change your cost but at least you will be locked in. Look at the AAA rates if you want something reasonable that you could still cancel if prices drop.

I would book now. The times I have booked it seemed like the prices just kept going up. The currency will fluctuate, which will change your cost but at least you will be locked in. Look at the AAA rates if you want something reasonable that you could still cancel if prices drop.

One of the greatest excursions we did at Le Moana was the water jet ski ride. we got to go all around the island of bora bora and stopped on an island for a picnic.

we booked direct with concierge.

I second getting out and walking around for food. we went to the grocery store each morning and bought baguettes, butter, cheese and kept it in the mini bar.

we also went to dinner at the restaurants in town instead of at the resort.

it saved us tons of $$$

One of the greatest excursions we did at Le Moana was the water jet ski ride. we got to go all around the island of bora bora and stopped on an island for a picnic.

we booked direct with concierge.

I second getting out and walking around for food. we went to the grocery store each morning and bought baguettes, butter, cheese and kept it in the mini bar.

we also went to dinner at the restaurants in town instead of at the resort.

it saved us tons of $$$

If you are staying at Le Moana you can walk for about 10 minutes left from the hotel to a nice and cheap snack place.

I recently booked 5 nights at Le Moana and 4 at Thalasso for our honeymoon next year. All are award nights. Giddy, I am.

Just wondering if anyone can give me an idea if spending a night or two in Papeete is worth it or not. I did see the warning about spending award nights there. It might be interesting to hang out in a more populated area with nightclubs and stuff.

Most people recommend getting out of Tahiti as quickly as possible, but I enjoyed my stay there. My flight arrived around midnight, so I stayed two nights at the I/C (booked a panoramic view room, got upgraded to their best overwater bungalow, used the BOGO of course). Spent the day on a circle island tour (used Dave's VIP tours -- very well done), then into town for a stroll and dinner at the roulottes. I'm planning on returning in November of this year and will spend two more nights on Tahiti before continuing on the Bora Bora.

It might be interesting to hang out in a more populated area with nightclubs and stuff.

I would agree with this statement. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed staying in / near the city and enjoying some nightlife. Remember, once you leave Papeete it is dead at night.

Most people recommend getting out of Tahiti as quickly as possible, but I enjoyed my stay there. My flight arrived around midnight, so I stayed two nights at the I/C (booked a panoramic view room, got upgraded to their best overwater bungalow, used the BOGO of course).

This is pretty much what we did too. Got in late at night and spent 2 nights there. Highly recommended, IMHO

Spent 10 nights there during the beginning of October. 1 night in Tahiti, 7 nights in Bora Bora, 2 nights in Moorea.

In Tahiti we stayed at the IC. Taxi from airport is about 1500 CFP to most hotels (distance doesn't mater). Takes about 10 minutes to get to. Prices are higher during the night. Check in was a little slow but not too bad. You get some sort of pineapple drink while you wait. Don't remember much about the room, went straight to bed. In morning ate breakfast (Get the breakfast option if you can when you book...well worth the money as breakfast buffets run about $50 pp) Used the kayaks the following morning before my flight to Bora Bora. Checkout slow again, but they called a taxi and it came at desired time.

Stayed at Club Med in Bora Bora and IC in Moorea. Since that's not the title of this thread I won't get into it, but feel free to PM me for more info.

On way back took ferry from Moorea to Tahiti and had about 5 hours to kill so we went into town for dinner. Went to restaurant cab driver recommended. Average at best. Food isn't the brightspot over there.

Thanks for the feedback. I decided to switch our last night to Papeete. It'll be a Friday, so it might be nice to party it up a little on our way out of paradise.

Hopefully, they'll bump us up to a panoramic room or OWB from the garden view room. Since it is only one night, I figure the chances are decent, even though it is an award stay.

The Sunday brunch buffet at IC Tahiti is pretty famous and shouldn't be missed, even sophisticated local people go there often for social gathering, to see and to be seen. My wife and I had bunch of fresh raw osyters during the buffet before checking out heading to Bora Bora.

Papeete at night can be wild, we saw some local transexuals or local men who dressed like a woman hanging out the alleys behind the main road. We thought they were waitng to get picked up. We didn't dare to walk further deep into the alleys since it was a kind of dark and quiet. We did enjoy the small adventure we had in ppt.:)

Now it is still the season for watching humpback whale. Dr. Poole in Moorea launches whale watching excursion once a week on every Thursday from late July to early November.

Hope the information helps.

Hey guys,

I'm contemplating splitting my time between the Le Moana and Thalasso. The problem is that I'm not going to have much time. I should have enough reward points for two days soon. And I also have the BOGO voucher from the Ambassador club. My tentative itinerary is as follows:

3/22 - Depart LAX arrive in PPT 3/23 and fly to Moorea
3/23 - 3/26 - Moorea
3/26 - 3/30 - Bora Bora

Now, from 3/26 - 3/30, I'm not exactly sure how to do it. I'm wondering if I should spend the *entire* time at Thalasso or if I should try to split time between Thalasso and Le Moana. It seems the Thalasso is just nicer, newer, more isolated etc. But it doesn't offer the convenience (and better snorkeling) that I hear Le Moana has. Is it worth it to stay only two nights at each resort? Or should I just stay at Thalasso the whole time and depend on the free shuttle to get me over to Le Moana and go from there? Also, going to Le Moana may save me $$$ (if I use the BOGO voucher there) or afford me a better room (Beach bungalow @ Le Moana vs Coral Suite room @ Thalasso). Of course, I would likely be able to get the Coral Suite room upgraded to an OWB assuming I pay at Thalasso...

If I could use my BOGO voucher at Thalasso on Sun and Mon nights I would, but it's only good for weekend nights, and Mon is definitely not a wknd night.

One other question I had: We'll be flying out from PPT (red-eye) on Tuesday night. This means that our checkout will have to be on Tuesday morning (unless we get a late checkout because of Ambassador club). In either case, and considering we will be hauling our luggage around with us for at least 4-5 hours, what would you guys recommend we do in terms of any last-minute sightseeing or decompression before we get to the airport etc? Do we have the option of leaving our luggage in lockers or something? I just want to make the most of our time.

One other question I had: We'll be flying out from PPT (red-eye) on Tuesday night. This means that our checkout will have to be on Tuesday morning (unless we get a late checkout because of Ambassador club). In either case, and considering we will be hauling our luggage around with us for at least 4-5 hours, what would you guys recommend we do in terms of any last-minute sightseeing or decompression before we get to the airport etc? Do we have the option of leaving our luggage in lockers or something? I just want to make the most of our time.


I think I found the answer to my own question:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g311415-i869-k1774547-o10-IC_ambassador_card-Bora_Bora_Society_Islands.html


The late check out is nice if it is available, but remember they have transit rooms at the Thalasso. This is to say: The resort will hold your bags once you check out for the day and you can use the resort. They will provide you with a transit room to shower and change before your flight. This is a free service to all guests.

We are back and split 3 award nights in Bora Bora-1 at Thalasso and 2 at Le Moana. If this is your first time in Bora Bora, I think this is a good way to get acquainted with both hotels to see which one suits you. I gave the extra night to Le Moana because I knew the type of travellers we are, we would like the more Polynesian atmosphere and the convenience of being near cheap shops and restaurants. I can see why many people prefer the larger OWBs at Thalasso though and if you aren't on a budget and can afford the meals there, they are really gorgeous and the grounds are really beautiful. Unpacking wasn't an issue as we only had carry-on size backpacks. I was shocked at the size of the suitcases some people had!

We used the boat transfer from the airport to Thalasso, took the free shuttle to Le Moana and booked the shark and ray feeding tour for check out day. The tour operator was willing to drop us in Vaitape but we opted to jump out at Bloody Mary's and then hitchhiked to Vaitape and took the Air Tahiti navette to the airport.

Le Moana was our favourite hotel. The first night, we were in a beach bungalow as per points booking. I asked about upgrades and the hotel was full the first night but the second night, we got a Lagoon View OWB which we loved! The view from the deck is the beach and we could see Otemanu from the front door (#41). There is a small coral head under the glass coffee table and we could see a lot of fish and a couple stingrays under our OWB. We are more into convenience and local atmosphere so Le Moana was more our style for both location and style of resort though we enjoyed Thalasso too. The beach bungalow you get on points was pretty nice too, if there weren't OWBs to compete with, anyone would be happy with the BB. If you go during high season and are not sure about getting an upgrade (paid or complimentary), go with Le Moana as the family Coral suites at Thalasso are in a really bad location and have no view, you wouldn't know you were in Bora Bora.

I did reviews here. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/intercontinental-hotels-priority-club-inter-continental-ambassador/650386-please-post-your-priority-club-elite-experiences-109.html#post12934349

Does anyone know what each of these hotels (Tahiti, Thalasso, and Le Moana) charge for internet access?

Heading out there in a week -- the mister wants to keep in touch with work back here. :( What's that going to cost us, does anyone remember/know?

I don't recall exactly but I am pretty sure it was over $20 an hour. You can get prepaid wifi cards, there are several companies available. I got Mana which is sold by the post office and there are hot spots near all the post offices and in the airport.

Thanks, Tiki. $20/hr was what I had pulled out of the air when my husband asked how much it could be -- guess I wasn't far off.

Hi Everyone,

I am travelling to Thalusso BORA BORA IC in June for honeymoon - has anyone here been there and had ROYAL AMBASADOR status - if so, can you list in details which benefits they offered ? Also - a general questions to anyone who been to this IC, how is the mini bar (is there snacks, soda, water, beers etc, or was it minimal?)

Thank you!

Hi Everyone,

I am travelling to Thalusso BORA BORA IC in June for honeymoon - has anyone here been there and had ROYAL AMBASADOR status - if so, can you list in details which benefits they offered ? Also - a general questions to anyone who been to this IC, how is the mini bar (is there snacks, soda, water, beers etc, or was it minimal?)

Thank you!

Eat/Drink your heart out. IC Thalasso Minibar Pics:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4469282406_f6ec4560d0_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2458/4468507155_9922374b4b_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4468507233_5b99d9d8f5_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4469285100_5a80e4a5dc.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4469284116_744fa534a7_b.jpg

As far as RA bennies, I would suggest you check the RA rules as the perks listed there are what you should get. Same for Minibar rules, if you read the T&Cs you'd know snacks are not free but all liquids are fair game. ^ Downing that $120 (their inflated price) bottle of champers made my RA status quite worthwhile. :D

Thanks, Tiki. $20/hr was what I had pulled out of the air when my husband asked how much it could be -- guess I wasn't far off.



I just got back. Posted a full review here:

http://www.tahiti-explorer.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/85124/page/1#Post85124

As far as internet goes, it's roughly $20 per hour at Thalasso. And that's for a consecutive hour, so if you aren't glued to your laptop for an hour from the moment you purchase, you lose whatever you don't use. Same goes for Le Moana as well, but I think Le Moana's rates were maybe a little less.

As far as internet goes, it's roughly $20 per hour at Thalasso. And that's for a consecutive hour, so if you aren't glued to your laptop for an hour from the moment you purchase, you lose whatever you don't use.

If you look for it, it's quite easy to find free wifi at Thalasso. ;)

If you look for it, it's quite easy to find free wifi at Thalasso. ;)

Where at? Since I never plan on going back I guess it doesn't matter if you tell me or not. But other people may find it useful ;)

I never took my laptop out of my room while there. I had it out once while waiting in front of Sands and found an access point but couldn't get online for some reason. Otherwise, I didn't spend any time roaming the grounds war-walking :P

BTW: if I did an advanced-payment and used a BOGOF voucher on the best flex rate night and used points for two nights, was I supposed to get charged tax on the room upon checkout? I already paid for room tax in the initial advanced payment.

If you look for it, it's quite easy to find free wifi at Thalasso. ;)

Really? Tell us more?

Really? Tell us more?

If I were to guess, I would say the free WiFi would most likely be back by the employee quarters/dorm. You gotta figure about all they have to do while not working is surf the net or watch TV back in that building.

First off thanks to everyone who has helped me to date on here for my honeymoon, i appreciate it. Here are a few more comments and questions:

1. Does the BOGO work with the current promotion of pay 4 nights and 5th is free?

2. I confirmed mini bar for RA's is one refill per day, I believe they come in the morning to change it. Its not unlimited like some people said.

3. If anyone has a copy of the menus can you PM me and ill give you my email? thank you

4. Does anyone have a link to a website where i can pre book activities with a tour operator directly so as not to get middlemanned with the concierge? Also. what are the top 3 MUST do activities on the island? Can you explore Mt. Otemanu (tours)?

5. How is the flight from LA to TAhiti in Economy, is it a nightmare? Does anyone have any tips how to avoid the long lineups so many people have spoke of in the airports coming and going to/from Tahiti if your not J class? I was considering paying for the upgrade if its truly that bad...are there seatback TVs?

6. Any honeymooners get a honeymoon gift from the resort if so what was it?

7. I paid for the BREAKFEAST and DINNER meal package - what did everyone do for lunch that took this? Any tips on using the meal package to the max and advice?

8. Snokeling - i have heard its not good. where should i go to get awsome coral reef snorkeling ?

Thanks everyone!

Answers for the ones I know in line and in bold :)

First off thanks to everyone who has helped me to date on here for my honeymoon, i appreciate it. Here are a few more comments and questions:

1. Does the BOGO work with the current promotion of pay 4 nights and 5th is free?

I think, as long as you pay for one night that qualifies. So either pay for a Friday or Saturday and use the BOGO for Saturday or Sunday. I don't see why it shouldn't work, but you should definitely confirm with the hotel beforehand.

2. I confirmed mini bar for RA's is one refill per day, I believe they come in the morning to change it. Its not unlimited like some people said.

3. If anyone has a copy of the menus can you PM me and ill give you my email? thank you

4. Does anyone have a link to a website where i can pre book activities with a tour operator directly so as not to get middlemanned with the concierge? Also. what are the top 3 MUST do activities on the island? Can you explore Mt. Otemanu (tours)?

Check out http://www.tahiti-explorer.com/forums/ - lots of info to be had in terms of emails and numbers for excursions and restaurants. Activities we did: picnic tour (includes a session of shark and ray feeding...amazing), circle tour of the main island by bike (this was TIRING but fun and worth it! takes about 2-3 hours to go around the island), Deep Ocean Spa (EXPENSIVE but the facilities are nice and the massage was pretty good... worth it to please the wifey :)). Some other activities I wish we would have done (possibly if I didn't get sick!): diving, jet skiing, fishing, lagoonarium, and sunset cruise. BTW: if you want to eat out at all and want to try the infamous "Villa Mahana" make reservations NOW :)

5. How is the flight from LA to TAhiti in Economy, is it a nightmare? Does anyone have any tips how to avoid the long lineups so many people have spoke of in the airports coming and going to/from Tahiti if your not J class? I was considering paying for the upgrade if its truly that bad...are there seatback TVs?

The flight isn't bad at all. At least, ours wasn't. It wasn't even a full flight so it was nice not being all crowded and waiting for ppl to board and also get off the plane. Actually, we noticed quite a few people who boarded first had seats in the back of the plane. We were 18 rows behind first class around the middle, and it was nice. The flight RETURNING to the states from Tahiti was the one that I didn't care much for (also because we were going back to reality! haha) - the wait at the Tahiti FAAA airport was horrendously slow and hot. Make sure you wear VERY comfortable clothes and have water and food with you. Or have something out to occupy your time while waiting an eternity in the check-in line. Ugh. There are seatback TVs btw: they're pretty cool - you can play games, watch movies, listen to music, etc (although, there weren't many game options to play on the flight to Tahiti) They give you little complementary kits that include headphones, an eyemask, socks, etc....

6. Any honeymooners get a honeymoon gift from the resort if so what was it?

We stayed at Le Moana the first day and received a bottle of champagne. We also received several other goodies (t-shirt, sarong, bag, vanilla tea, plate of coconut) but that may have been for the Ambassador status. Not sure. At Thalasso we didn't get anything except a couple Ambassador hookups (fruit plates, water, and a couple IC towels). I don't remember if I put "honeymoon" in the special notes for Thalasso as well. Doesn't hurt to try though.

7. I paid for the BREAKFEAST and DINNER meal package - what did everyone do for lunch that took this? Any tips on using the meal package to the max and advice?

If you load up enough on breakfast (assuming they give you a lot or it's a buffet), you could very well skip lunch. That's what we did most of the time in Moorea. Not on purpose, but the buffet offered so many options and we got really full. If it's a buffet, you might also be able to sneak some goodies out too to snack on later. In Bora Bora we didn't purchase a meal plan, so I can't speak to this.

8. Snokeling - i have heard its not good. where should i go to get awsome coral reef snorkeling ?

It's not the best at Thalasso. We didn't really explore the areas surround the hotel much but there doesn't seem to be a lot of coral around there at all. You occasionally do see papio (jack crevalle) and barracudas floating around the bungalows though. At least around the group of bungalows closest to the shuttle/ferry dock. There are the coral gardens over behind Sofitel, which appears to be reachable by kayak/canoe from Le Moana. You could conceivably paddle over there if you wanted to. Otherwise, if you do a picnic tour, this is usually one place they stop off at. I also heard there's a good spot for manta ray viewing on the way towards the 4 Seasons. I'm not 100% sure where (we didn't check it out) but a local told us around 10am and 2-3pm is when they come out to play.

Thanks everyone!

Hi guys,

we go in two weeks times to Bora Bora (Thalasso on points) and to IC Papeete. Read some of your stuff and got some good advice from it. Looks like le Moana would also be more our style, but unfortunately no reward nights available. Food seems to be expensive, so we have to deal with that...
For the flight to Bora Bora I saw handlugage is restricted to 3 kg, that seems incredibly low. How strict will they be at check in? We usually travel with a medium daypack/backpack which you can easily stow away, contrary to some of the trolleys people sometimes carry with them.

Any other advice we should think of?

Guillaume

Hi guys,

we go in two weeks times to Bora Bora (Thalasso on points) and to IC Papeete. Read some of your stuff and got some good advice from it. Looks like le Moana would also be more our style, but unfortunately no reward nights available. Food seems to be expensive, so we have to deal with that...
For the flight to Bora Bora I saw handlugage is restricted to 3 kg, that seems incredibly low. How strict will they be at check in? We usually travel with a medium daypack/backpack which you can easily stow away, contrary to some of the trolleys people sometimes carry with them.

Any other advice we should think of?

Guillaume

Hi Guillaume,
You should have a nice time there! I prefer Le Moana but I'm sure Thalasso will be fine. The bungalows are nice. If you plan on mostly just relaxing and aren't too adventurous or don't care about spending lots of $$$ you'll probably be ok :) The shuttle between Thalasso and Le Moana is pretty convenient but still out of the way when you want to hit the main island etc.
I can tell you for a fact that they aren't very strict at all with carry-on weight. But bulkiness might be a problem. From Moorea to Bora Bora, we were in a tiny airplane, so I'm sure we wouldn't have been able to carry on my medium-large hiking backpack. This might be different if you're going straight to Bora Bora from Papeete. The airplane should be a little bigger. I don't think they'll give you a hard time as there should be overhead bins for that flight. But even if they do, it's not a big deal checking it in - you never have to wait at a carousel to get your checked in luggage, so in that respect it's way more convenient.

In any case, have fun!

Food seems to be expensive, so we have to deal with that...
For the flight to Bora Bora I saw handlugage is restricted to 3 kg, that seems incredibly low. How strict will they be at check in?

In my experience (as well as from what I've heard), it is VERY hit or miss whether or not they will be strict. They were strict one-way with us and not the other way.

If you are looking to bring down your food costs you might try bringing some non-perishable food items to substitute for a meal or two while you're there. Or you could always hit up the grocery store down the street from IC Le Moana for cheese/bread/Hinano/etc after you take the free boat over there.

In my experience (as well as from what I've heard), it is VERY hit or miss whether or not they will be strict. They were strict one-way with us and not the other way.

If you are looking to bring down your food costs you might try bringing some non-perishable food items to substitute for a meal or two while you're there. Or you could always hit up the grocery store down the street from IC Le Moana for cheese/bread/Hinano/etc after you take the free boat over there.

Agreed in terms of strictness... it's pretty variable.

Also agreed with food - if you really want to go cheap, hit up Le Tiare like Gregory suggested. To us it was sort of a big pain to do that often though. It's not *that* convenient with all the walking, etc. On our way to the main island one day, we saw this lady carrying like 8 loaves (I kid you not) of bread back to her room @ Thalasso. Hahaha that was great.

Also agreed with food - if you really want to go cheap, hit up Le Tiare like Gregory suggested. To us it was sort of a big pain to do that often though. It's not *that* convenient with all the walking, etc. On our way to the main island one day, we saw this lady carrying like 8 loaves (I kid you not) of bread back to her room @ Thalasso. Hahaha that was great.

We went over there one day from Thalasso and got 3 loaves plus a bottle of rum & another of diet coke. :)

We did the food on the cheap as well; we checked a bag of non-perishable food (camping food; dehydrated soups; laughing cow cheeses; hard salamis; peanut butter; etc.) and mostly ate from that, plus the fresh bread. This worked out well for us, but we're pretty cheap to begin with. :) YMMV.h

If I were to guess, I would say the free WiFi would most likely be back by the employee quarters/dorm. You gotta figure about all they have to do while not working is surf the net or watch TV back in that building.

To me it looks not very convenient to go search for Wifi somewhere outside, walking around with your laptop. If you are there for a couple of days you can buy a week of internet access for around 160USD, much more reasonable then the charges for one hour. But keep in mind that the connection will be slightly on the slow side, which will change somewhere by the end of this year when a cable to Raiatera will become active.

Wow, I can't believe it. It's been a dream of ours to visit Tahiti. But somehow it always seemed so unachievable. But for the grace of flyertalk...

We have a week booked at IC Papeete, thanks to Pointbreaks. Nonstops out of LAX on AF, thanks to AmEx points.

Reading here, it sounds like points stays get the "travelodge" rooms. I guess that's appropriate. I am Plat Ambassador and March is low-season, but I won't get my hopes up.

We're very interested in visiting Bora Bora or another Society Island. Any recommendations? Like others in this economy, we're trying to keep costs down (especially with April 15 looming...) so the Air Tahiti flights at $400pp are probably a stretch.

How is the snorkeling at the IC Tahiti? Do you have to leave the property to get decent visibility/coral/fish?

I had booked a room at the IC Tahiti and checked my reservation today, the hotel modified my reservation to show me arriving a day early and departing a day late....I called member services and apparently the hotel did it to block off the room for me for an early check in and late check out....I've never seen that before.

I had booked a room at the IC Tahiti and checked my reservation today, the hotel modified my reservation to show me arriving a day early and departing a day late....I called member services and apparently the hotel did it to block off the room for me for an early check in and late check out....I've never seen that before.

I had that with IC tahiti before too. Was landing at 3am and told them that I would reach at 5ish and if they could see if I could get check in before 8? They changed my booking within a few hours of my email to reflect me as checking in the night before. ^

I had booked a room at the IC Tahiti and checked my reservation today, the hotel modified my reservation to show me arriving a day early and departing a day late....I called member services and apparently the hotel did it to block off the room for me for an early check in and late check out....I've never seen that before.

Both times I've been there the GM greeted me at check-in... Going back in early April for a single night on way home from almost two weeks at different islands... IC Tahiti is very accommodating..

Just checked in, not impressed at all. Seems like RA is worthless here.


Had to wait 15 minutes to be checked in, there was no dedicated area.
-No mention of RA benefits nor was RA status acknowledged.
- Mini-bar was raided, all they left were two waters, two juices, and two beers...they took out all the wine/champagne and liquor
- no fruit basket, had to call for it, still have not received it

the gift was a box of cookies which were pretty good.

Just checked in, not impressed at all. Seems like RA is worthless here.


Had to wait 15 minutes to be checked in, there was no dedicated area.
-No mention of RA benefits nor was RA status acknowledged.
- Mini-bar was raided, all they left were two waters, two juices, and two beers...they took out all the wine/champagne and liquor
- no fruit basket, had to call for it, still have not received it

the gift was a box of cookies which were pretty good.

Both times I stayed at the IC Tahiti the minibar was similarly empty (and in the panorama suite both minibars!)

I therefore suspect that this is standard practice when an RA is checking in?

Cookies are nice though :-)

Both times I stayed at the IC Tahiti the minibar was similarly empty (and in the panorama suite both minibars!)

I therefore suspect that this is standard practice when an RA is checking in?

Cookies are nice though :-)

Isn't that wrong? Can they do that according to the T&C's?

Both times I stayed at the IC Tahiti the minibar was similarly empty (and in the panorama suite both minibars!)

I therefore suspect that this is standard practice when an RA is checking in?

Cookies are nice though :-)

Isn't that wrong? Can they do that according to the T&C's?

Well, I guess if one made an issue of it with the front desk they might well resolve it, but for the stays in question I didn't really care either way. I seem to have seen mentions in the RA experience thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/intercontinental-hotels-priority-club-inter-continental-ambassador/375550-please-post-your-royal-ambassador-experiences.html) of this occurring in one or two other hotels also.

It is of course very hard to be certain as to what has been taken out unless one asks for a change of room and the other room turns out to have a fully-stocked minibar.

In terms of the T's & C's I guess you are entitled to whatever beverages of the minibar - the issue of the minibar being deliberately 'destocked' for an RA simply isn't covered by the Ts&C's as I see it although it is of course in contravention of the 'spirit' of the program.

On the other hand, the IC Tahiti and the IC Bora-Bora are owned by the same company, and I did make regular use of the free minibar 1/2 bottles of champagne while in BB :D

Well, I guess if one made an issue of it with the front desk they might well resolve it, but for the stays in question I didn't really care either way. I seem to have seen mentions in the RA experience thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/intercontinental-hotels-priority-club-inter-continental-ambassador/375550-please-post-your-royal-ambassador-experiences.html) of this occurring in one or two other hotels also.

It is of course very hard to be certain as to what has been taken out unless one asks for a change of room and the other room turns out to have a fully-stocked minibar.

In terms of the T's & C's I guess you are entitled to whatever beverages of the minibar - the issue of the minibar being deliberately 'destocked' for an RA simply isn't covered by the Ts&C's as I see it although it is of course in contravention of the 'spirit' of the program.

On the other hand, the IC Tahiti and the IC Bora-Bora are owned by the same company, and I did make regular use of the free minibar 1/2 bottles of champagne while in BB :D

Were you on an award stay or paid stay?

I had 2 1-night stays there as part of my trip to the IC Thalasso because flight timings mandated overnighting in Tahiti in each direction.

First stay was paid, purchased through a TA, so non-qualifying but fully-paid.

The second stay was purchased from the IC website using my corp rate and was fully-qualifying.

I had 2 1-night stays there as part of my trip to the IC Thalasso because flight timings mandated overnighting in Tahiti in each direction.

First stay was paid, purchased through a TA, so non-qualifying but fully-paid.

The second stay was purchased from the IC website using my corp rate and was fully-qualifying.

Then this is a substandard treatment to RA.

I will be at IC Tahiti in a few weeks, booked through a TA for a flight stopover. Will report back how I will be treated. ;)

Then this is a substandard treatment to RA.

I will be at IC Tahiti in a few weeks, booked through a TA for a flight stopover. Will report back how I will be treated. ;)

Just got back... I got pretty good treatment at check in at IC Tahiti... although the desk clerk seemed young and inexperienced and a bit confused about the RA status.... at the request of the desk clerk, the concierge came over to greet me and took my to our upgraded bungalow... I had reserved cheapest AP room... minibar was stocked with soft drinks and beer and water. I wanted tonic water more than anything for our G&T's and called the concierge. He arranged tonic water be brought gratis to the room... We also were on an overnight before returning home on an early flight..

I real gripe is that for the 3rd year in a row, I was given from the hotel, a non-qualifying night on an advance pay purchased over the PC website. I explained my displeasure with the CSA at PC and the stay was immediately adjusted.

Just finished a one night at IC Tahiti, and the minibar was full - beer, water, and juice, etc. I guess I was just being lucky. ;)

IC Tahiti Minibar

http://www.flyertea.com/data/attachment/forum/201205/06/112106zxrnhnjbyvrwtwy5.jpg.thumb.jpg

IC Thalasso Minibar

http://www.flyertea.com/data/attachment/forum/201205/09/005548x9b4j1eezxy1j4ex.jpg.thumb.jpg

I'm new to Intercontinental so I have the worlds biggest beginner question. Without making me read through all the different thread can someone please tell me what the situation is with upgrades with an award stay in either BB or Moorea. I had planned on staying with Hilton points but now I'm thinking that maybe the IC is a better point value.

Can you do a paid upgrade to and OWB before checking in and approx what is the cost?

Any comments on whether the Hilton property is better/worse/the same as IC both on BB or Moorea?

Thanks much.

I'm new to Intercontinental so I have the worlds biggest beginner question. Without making me read through all the different thread can someone please tell me what the situation is with upgrades with an award stay in either BB or Moorea. I had planned on staying with Hilton points but now I'm thinking that maybe the IC is a better point value.

Can you do a paid upgrade to and OWB before checking in and approx what is the cost?

Any comments on whether the Hilton property is better/worse/the same as IC both on BB or Moorea?

Thanks much.

Based on TripAdvisor, Hilton Moorea is better than IC Moorea.

Based on my own experince, IC Thalasso is much better than Hilton BBN. Even IC Le Moana is better than Hilton BBN.

I'm new to Intercontinental so I have the worlds biggest beginner question. Without making me read through all the different thread can someone please tell me what the situation is with upgrades with an award stay in either BB or Moorea. I had planned on staying with Hilton points but now I'm thinking that maybe the IC is a better point value.

Can you do a paid upgrade to and OWB before checking in and approx what is the cost?

Any comments on whether the Hilton property is better/worse/the same as IC both on BB or Moorea?

Thanks much.

While IC status is important, both Thalasso and Le Moana have a lot more opportunities for UG to OWB.. I've stayed on points or a combination of points/bogo/cash at Le Moana four years in a row and had wonderful OTW experiences on all four stays..

Based on TripAdvisor, Hilton Moorea is better than IC Moorea.

Based on my own experince, IC Thalasso is much better than Hilton BBN. Even IC Le Moana is better than Hilton BBN.


Thanks very much for that info.

Did you use points to stay in BB and if so did you pay to upgrade and at what cost? I've gathered that Ambassador status doesn't help with upgrades?

Thanks very much for that info.

Did you use points to stay in BB and if so did you pay to upgrade and at what cost? I've gathered that Ambassador status doesn't help with upgrades?

I think RA means a lot at both properties... not sure about below.. I've never paid for an UG

While IC status is important, both Thalasso and Le Moana have a lot more opportunities for UG to OWB.. I've stayed on points or a combination of points/bogo/cash at Le Moana four years in a row and had wonderful OTW experiences on all four stays..

Thanks for the info. Did you pay ahead of time, for the points stay upgrade or do you chance it at check in?

Thanks for the info. Did you pay ahead of time, for the points stay upgrade or do you chance it at check in?

Never paid anything.. never charged... at check in was UG'd each time.. I guess that's taking a chance at check in...

Never paid anything.. never charged... at check in was UG'd each time.. I guess that's taking a chance at check in...

Thanks for all the info.

Never paid anything.. never charged... at check in was UG'd each time.. I guess that's taking a chance at check in...

I notice that you have RA status. I will just have platinum (from cc), and am wondering for a 3-4 night stay using C&P, would it be worth buying the ambassador membership for potential upgrades and/or other perks?

It'll be my first IC stay, but I don't think I'll be staying at IC's too often generally (SPG and Hyatt typically).

Thanks!

For IC Moorea and IC Bora Thallyso, do you need to contact them to get picked up by boat? Or how is that arranged? I know you have to pay for them but how do you make sure they have one there for you?

For IC Moorea and IC Bora Thallyso, do you need to contact them to get picked up by boat? Or how is that arranged? I know you have to pay for them but how do you make sure they have one there for you?

If you book directly, you will get an email from Thalasso... no boat transfer in Moorea.. you should check with each property directly....if you use a tour company transfers are included.. think Thalasso's transfer is about $80-100 pp r/t

I notice that you have RA status. I will just have platinum (from cc), and am wondering for a 3-4 night stay using C&P, would it be worth buying the ambassador membership for potential upgrades and/or other perks?

It'll be my first IC stay, but I don't think I'll be staying at IC's too often generally (SPG and Hyatt typically).

Thanks!

not sure i can answer that one.. wouln't hurt..

not sure i can answer that one.. wouln't hurt..

Fair enough. Will get one. Better safe than sorry

Fair enough. Will get one. Better safe than sorry

I think an Ambassador will get an upgrade to OWB only in Thalasso. But it is nice to get all sort of things that we got like a bag, Champagne, cookies etc.

I real gripe is that for the 3rd year in a row, I was given from the hotel, a non-qualifying night on an advance pay purchased over the PC website. I explained my displeasure with the CSA at PC and the stay was immediately adjusted.

I'm having the same problem, except I'm not able to resolve it through CS. The rep insists that I my reservation shows a non-qualifying discount code :mad: She's asking me for proof that it was advance purchase rate, but all I have is a confirmation email of the reservation with no indication of the reservation type. I have the charge on my credit card but she didn't know if that would help. She even called the hotel and they claimed they can't find any documentation.

The only reason I didn't use the family & friends rate was so I can get the points, and I still didn't get them. To top it off I didn't even get any kind of Ambassador room upgrade at this hotel. Really ticked off about the whole thing. Any suggestions on how to get this resolved?

OK, they called me back after a couple hours and said they determined it was a "system glitch" and they are giving me the points. Not sure why they would make the same system glitch repeatedly but glad it was resolved.