chuuch

We have a trip in early November and we are staying two nights in Tahiti near PPT before heading off to Bora Bora (getting in after 9 PM the one night, leaving 7:30 AM in the morning 2 days later).

I have SPG Gold and IHG Spire Elite status, for what it is worth, both through credit cards (though a quick glance at another thread indicates the latter might not be worth much at an IC).

Already booked Le Meridien on points and cash (seemed like the sweet spot), but would people still recommend the IC over it even if staying for multiple nights? I guess I could book it on points and upgrade in cash later.

bhrubin

We'd be there on a Wed night, departing Thurs morning for BB.

DCF

And you're an 0805 departure from Faaa airport? The traffic is going to be as bad as it ever gets.

At best you are going to clear customs and get to Le Meridien around 11pm (compared with 1030 at the IC).

But if you are checking luggage, you're going to want to be at the airport no later than 0705. Which means that you could leave the IC at 0630, but you'd need to be leaving Le Meridien around 0545 at the absolute latest.

Tahiti is not like Bora Bora. It's a westernised island where everyone has a cellphone and a TV and commutes to work. But the people with their own cars mainly live on the western side of the island, between the airport and Le Meridien, and the traffic is a nightmare at rush hour because there is only one main road. And your Bora Bora flight is slap-bang in the middle of rush hour.

But the IC is a much nicer hotel, both in terms of the rooms and the location. You're straight across the water from Moorea, which you will just about see before you depart for the airport.

With your flights, a stay at Le Meridien would be short and stressful.

DCF

I agree with the "too far away" bit, but you do realise that the IC used to be a Travelodge?

bhrubin

So is the IC actually nicer than the LM...or are they actually comparable but the IC is just so much closer to the PPT airport?

DCF

The IC is a much, much nicer property but you won't really experience much at either with your very short turn-around.

The IC and Le Meridien have similar constructions in terms of three stories with pools in front, then overwater bungalows. And arriving at the top of an upside down hotel is a nice experience.

But the IC feels much more luxurious because all the room fittings are nicer and the grounds are much nicer, plus with Moorea being straight across the water the view is spectacular by day or on a cloudless night.

The cheapest rooms at the IC are small - they are the walls of the old Travelodge with new fancy fittings and furniture. But the Panoramic rooms (which are much larger) and bungalows there are the best rooms on Tahiti. The secret is to join their Ambassador program to get automatic upgrades and a free weekend night, not that that will help you on this trip.

bhrubin

Already had booked a Panoramic king room at the IC Tahiti for our brief 1 night stay. Between it being so close to the PPT airport AND nicer than the LM, according to you and so many others, it seemed a no-brainer. Thanks!

We'll get our luxury on more with 7 nights at the St Regis Bora Bora afterward.

mrlonghorn

Interested to hear about SRBB... I'm headed down in two weeks - two nights at LM and then 7 at SRBB in a deluxe OWB. I hope you will post a review.

bhrubin

Sorry, my tense misled you! I won't be in Tahiti/Bora Bora until April 2016. I hope YOU will post a TR!

DCF

SRBB is magnificent, although it's unclear whether the termite situation showcased in photos on TripAdvisor has been fixed. Enjoy it before the place falls down!

kmcbrid2

We are on the Air NZ flight at 0200 and will be taking the last ferry from Moorea to Tahiti at 16:30 to Tahiti.

Has anyone tried to use LM Tahiti facilities to hang out and use until the 0200 Air NZ flight?

I'm PLT and will have stayed at the LM earlier in the week.

Also how long should we expect the drive to take from ferry terminal on Tahiti to LM at 17:00?

How long will the ride take from Tahiti airport to LM at 1am in the morning, I assume no traffic?

JBauer

Looking for recent advice. Flying in with 8 people (kids included). Arrive at 5am. Then fly out the next day at 10am to St Regis Bora Bora. The question.

If we arrive at 5/6am, should we expect an hour drive to Le Meridian??? And $100? See various reports here.

We do have 24 hours so don't want to stay at crappy hotel. But do people think I'm crazy for schleping kids to Le Meridian from airport? Never been but posts seem to state it's very far???

Thanks.

ajnaro

Le Méridien is about 10 kms from the airport; IC is just about 4 km. There are smaller hotels right near the airport, but they are not international level. If you decide for IC it would probably be worth joining Ambassador as they seem to give favorable treatment. The Méridien for SPG Platinum is like pulling teeth, but if you insist they usually come up with something quite good.

DCF

It will only take you around 25 minutes to get to Le Meridien with no traffic in that direction that early, but in 2 or 3 taxis.

But it will take you an hour to get back to the airport in rush hour traffic (unless it's the weekend) the next morning. Leave no later than 7 am.

But unless you're burning points, you're making a mistake staying at Le Meridien instead of the InterContinental.

ajnaro

I tend to agree, but Le Méridien has a rather attractive sandy bottom pool.