I was asked to update this thread with my comments.

I stayed for 5 days at the hotel and to be honest with you was quite surprised by it. From all the reports that I had read about the lack of good service in Tahiti, this was not the case in this hotel. I was very impressed with the service and also the quality of the food. Also the hotel is not very over priced as you would think due to it's location. I would say that it was comparable to any other 5* that I have stayed at.

I enjoy a few beer's so that ran me up a slight bill on the first day, but the next morning we took the Hotel boat to Bora Bora's main island. Only took us 5-10 mins to get there. (leaves every hour and there is no cost) Once you get off the boat there are car and buggy rentals available by the hour. i took it for two hours and drove around the island (which was worth a visit to see how the locals live) picked up some snacks from the supermarket to keep me going for the next 4 days. Also there are some decent shops to browse. This trip was well worth it as the hotel charges quiet a bit for knick knacks in the mini bar.

As for which room to stay at, we stayed closer to the beach side on the over water bungalows. The best place would be somewhere in the middle. I say this because the expensive over water bunglows are at the end of the line and the water there looked quite deep. I would say it would have been around 8-10ft. In the middle where we stayed it was around 5ft which was perfect was snorkelling and standing when you needed a break. Also there are sharks in the water so be careful. Take one of the mid price water bungalows, the views are perfect and you won't have deep water around you. Beware not to go for any water bunglow too close in as the water is quite shallow there. Loved the glass floor to view the fish at night time in every room.

Overall the hotel is very nice, nothing much to do other than to relax and soak up the sun. The small turtle sanctuary is worth a snorkle inside the hotel. The water was crystal clear in the sea. Really was paradise if you are into beach resorts.

I consider myself as having travelled quite a bit and Bora Bora really has been one of the jewels on the crown so far. Don't waste any time in Papette though. We got bored stiff there.

Let me know if any of you want to ask any other specific questions.