IC Bora Bora Le Moana Master Thread [merged]
Dec 5, 2018, 1:19 pm
#586
Join Date: Feb 2014
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium, IHG Plat.
Posts: 49
If there's availability then you can pay to upgrade. Price is based on the difference between beach bungalow to lagoon overwater bungalow posted on the standard rates in their lobby. On my return visit from the same trip, I inquired about an upgrade. I was first quoted the standard price difference but I asked why it was a lot more than the price on IHG. The front desk staff went to ask her manager, then she came back and offered me a free upgrade to lagoon bungalow or a slight discount for the horizon overwater bungalow. I didn't hesitate and went for the free upgrade. Horizon would of been around $250 a night plus taxes. I was upgraded my last two nights of my stay. There weren't availability on the first two nights. I'm a platinum ambassador. Maybe that had something to do with the free upgrade. Search for availability before asking for an upgrade or they'll just tell you there's no availability.
Dec 6, 2018, 8:09 am
#587
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: SNA and XRY
Programs: UA PP, 2 MM; IC;
Posts: 1,043
We rode past the Conrad on jetskis and the property appeared way way nicer at the Conrad than at the Le Moana. Le Moana is small without much amenity to it, and is located on the part of the island with the worst wind. I think the Conrad gets a lot of wind too as it faces outward to sea, but they seemed to have 3-4 times the size and I'd imagine 3-4 times the offerings of Le Moana.
Dec 6, 2018, 9:31 am
#588
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: LAX
Programs: Delta Silver, Marriott Gold, HH Diamond, Ex-UA Gold, Ex-AA Gold , Ex-SPG Gold, Peon everywhere else
Posts: 616
We rode past the Conrad on jetskis and the property appeared way way nicer at the Conrad than at the Le Moana. Le Moana is small without much amenity to it, and is located on the part of the island with the worst wind. I think the Conrad gets a lot of wind too as it faces outward to sea, but they seemed to have 3-4 times the size and I'd imagine 3-4 times the offerings of Le Moana.
Over at the Conrad Bora Bora board, I have read people are paying about $450/day to upgrade to an OW bungalow. If I can half that at the Le Moana, I'll take it. Besides both my wife and daughter are picky eaters and having the option of dining wherever on the main island daily is certainly an advantage for us. From the pictures that I seen on Tripadvisor and other sites, the Le Moana is certainly no pushover. Like my wife said, a picture from the deck of a Conrad OW bugalow will probably look the same as a picture from the deck of a Le Moana OW bungalow.
I appreciate the comment though.
Dec 6, 2018, 9:42 am
#589
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: LAX
Programs: Delta Silver, Marriott Gold, HH Diamond, Ex-UA Gold, Ex-AA Gold , Ex-SPG Gold, Peon everywhere else
Posts: 616
If there's availability then you can pay to upgrade. Price is based on the difference between beach bungalow to lagoon overwater bungalow posted on the standard rates in their lobby. On my return visit from the same trip, I inquired about an upgrade. I was first quoted the standard price difference but I asked why it was a lot more than the price on IHG. The front desk staff went to ask her manager, then she came back and offered me a free upgrade to lagoon bungalow or a slight discount for the horizon overwater bungalow. I didn't hesitate and went for the free upgrade. Horizon would of been around $250 a night plus taxes. I was upgraded my last two nights of my stay. There weren't availability on the first two nights. I'm a platinum ambassador. Maybe that had something to do with the free upgrade. Search for availability before asking for an upgrade or they'll just tell you there's no availability.
Dec 9, 2018, 4:15 pm
#590
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 54
I do... many times with TOPDIVE Tahiti... good operation.. can have some good dives in both locations probably better in Bora... we just got back last night from a two week trip to the Tuamotus where we now go exclusively rather than Bora or Moorea... about twice a year... also, probably a bit cheaper on Bora, I have a friend who is a guide at Eleuthera Diving.. Fun guide... ask for David... TopDive is great though and they have a dive center right on the Thalasso property
Dec 9, 2018, 6:34 pm
#591
Join Date: Nov 2018
Programs: IHG Platinum Ambassador
Posts: 9
Just checked in for 2 nights as a platinum ambassador and was upgraded to overwater bungalow at no charge and without asking. First night was Chase reward certificate and 2nd night on points. More then likely has to do with it being slow season so I wouldn't tell you to necessarily expect it but am going to Thalasso and coming back and will be checking in as just platinum member so we will see if we get upgraded then.
Dec 12, 2018, 1:18 am
#592
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: SNA and XRY
Programs: UA PP, 2 MM; IC;
Posts: 1,043
No there are many dive centers on Rangiroa, Tikihau and Fakarava. I still prefer Topdive which has dive centers on both islands... and they have a new owner who is doing a lot of equipment upgrades on both atolls... so there is plenty of opportunity to dive in most of the inhabited atolls... Topdive also has a inter Island pass which will give you some break in pricing. I still think the diving in Fakarave is the best diving in the world.. and I've been to many locations...
Last edited by Buzzman; Dec 12, 2018 at 1:20 am Reason: added Tikihau
Dec 29, 2018, 9:41 am
#593
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: LAX
Programs: Delta Silver, Marriott Gold, HH Diamond, Ex-UA Gold, Ex-AA Gold , Ex-SPG Gold, Peon everywhere else
Posts: 616
Anyone have a contact email I can use to ask about paid upgrades from points. I sent one to [email protected], but I have not received a response. Wondering if this is the right place to send the request.
Jan 3, 2019, 1:17 pm
#594
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: New Zealand
Programs: NZ
Posts: 20
Stayed here for two nights in the December trough right before the holidays. As a Platinum member, both nights were upgraded to OWVs at check in without asking.
We took the shuttle to the Thalasso for sunset drinks (~$26 round trip per person) which was very nice, particularly as the Thalasso didn't have last minute availability for us.
The breakfast is basic and a bit over priced even with the 50% off, considering there are several dining options available walking distance from the hotel. It would be fine for 1-2 nights, but for any longer stays, you'll quickly get sick of it, so I wouldn't recommend buying the discounted breakfast option for long stays.
We took the shuttle to the Thalasso for sunset drinks (~$26 round trip per person) which was very nice, particularly as the Thalasso didn't have last minute availability for us.
The breakfast is basic and a bit over priced even with the 50% off, considering there are several dining options available walking distance from the hotel. It would be fine for 1-2 nights, but for any longer stays, you'll quickly get sick of it, so I wouldn't recommend buying the discounted breakfast option for long stays.
Jan 10, 2019, 10:29 am
#597
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: LAX/ONT
Posts: 201
Ive got 6 nights booked here. 2 on chase free nights that were earned and 4 nights that were booked via booking error using "chase free nights". Anyone ever traveled on this? Risky considering I only had 2 actual free nights but was able to book 4 additional even though I didnt have the points or the "actual" free nights. According to the resort they are all reward nights. DM me if you deem necessary, dont want to travel down there and be stuck with a 4K bill for the 4 nights. TIA
Jan 10, 2019, 10:32 am
#598
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: SNA and XRY
Programs: UA PP, 2 MM; IC;
Posts: 1,043
Ive got 6 nights booked here. 2 on chase free nights that were earned and 4 nights that were booked via booking error using "chase free nights". Anyone ever traveled on this? Risky considering I only had 2 actual free nights but was able to book 4 additional even though I didnt have the points or the "actual" free nights. According to the resort they are all reward nights. DM me if you deem necessary, dont want to travel down there and be stuck with a 4K bill for the 4 nights. TIA
Jan 26, 2019, 2:35 am
#599
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: LAX
Programs: Delta Silver, Marriott Gold, HH Diamond, Ex-UA Gold, Ex-AA Gold , Ex-SPG Gold, Peon everywhere else
Posts: 616
Update:
I was upgraded to an Overwater Lagoon Bungalow for XPF25,553 per night. Me and my wife had a combination of paid, points, and free nights reservations (8 nights). Didn't have to pre-pay, but all of our reservations were updated to show an Overwater Lagoon Bungalow. We are going to be there in April during spring break, so I figured the hotel will be at near capacity so I didn't want to wait till I showed up to inquire about paid upgrades.Just for curiosity, I tried to do a dummy booking for an Overwater Lagoon Bungalow for the dates I am going to be there and there are no rooms in that category available to book., only Horizon Overwater Bugalows.
I was upgraded to an Overwater Lagoon Bungalow for XPF25,553 per night. Me and my wife had a combination of paid, points, and free nights reservations (8 nights). Didn't have to pre-pay, but all of our reservations were updated to show an Overwater Lagoon Bungalow. We are going to be there in April during spring break, so I figured the hotel will be at near capacity so I didn't want to wait till I showed up to inquire about paid upgrades.Just for curiosity, I tried to do a dummy booking for an Overwater Lagoon Bungalow for the dates I am going to be there and there are no rooms in that category available to book., only Horizon Overwater Bugalows.
Jan 26, 2019, 9:16 am
#600
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: SAN
Posts: 1,306
Anyone have a contact email I can use to ask about paid upgrades from points. I sent one to [email protected], but I have not received a response. Wondering if this is the right place to send the request.