Hotels in French Polynesia

Hotels in French Polynesia: your guide to where to stay

How much does a hotel in French Polynesia cost?

The price depends on the island, the standard and the dates. The table shows indicative nightly rates for a double room. The cheapest month is usually January, while September and the dry season from June to August are the priciest. Overwater bungalows in Bora Bora resorts cost many times more than a simple room on Tahiti.

Indicative rates, updated periodically. For exact prices and availability, select your dates in the search above.

Where to stay in French Polynesia: most popular places

Travellers split their time between Tahiti (arrival and logistics), Moorea (nearby, cheaper) and Bora Bora (the lagoon and resorts). These are the destinations chosen most often:

• Vaitape (Bora Bora). The main town of the most famous island and the base for overwater-bungalow resorts. The priciest stays in the country, a honeymoon favourite.
• Papeete (Tahiti). The capital and main airport. The widest choice of city hotels at sensible prices and a good starting point for a trip.
• Faaa (Tahiti). The district by the airport with large chain hotels, handy for the first and last night.
• Papetoai and Maharepa (Moorea). An island an hour by ferry from Tahiti, green and quieter. Lagoon resorts plus cheaper fare and lodges.
• Raiatea and Huahine. Quieter islands for those after calm, with fewer crowds and lower prices than Bora Bora.

Nightly rates vary sharply between islands. Here are indicative prices per night for a double room:

What to see in French Polynesia

This is a destination for ocean and nature lovers, so a trip is easy to build around the water and the islands.

• Diving and snorkelling. Turtles, manta rays, reef sharks and barracuda in clear water. The best known spot is the Coral Garden off Bora Bora.
• Bora Bora blue lagoon. The symbol of the country, with water sports and views of Mount Otemanu. You can also take a hike inland.
• Tahiti. The largest island: the Waterfall Valley, Point Venus and the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands.
• Papeete market. Fruit, local crafts and a true island feel in the centre of the capital.
• Marae Taputapuatea on Raiatea. A former religious centre of stone structures, added to the UNESCO list in 2017.

How much does a trip to French Polynesia cost

The islands are expensive because many goods are imported. A cheap meal is about 1,100 XPF (around 10 USD), a mid-range restaurant dish about 5,000 XPF (around 47 USD) per person. On the main islands you can pay by card without trouble, while on smaller islands cash is handy because cards are not always taken. The currency is the CFP franc (XPF), pegged to the euro.

When is the best time to visit French Polynesia

The best time is the dry season from June to August, with pleasant temperatures and lower humidity. It is also the peak season, so prices rise and September tends to be the dearest. May and September are quieter and still pleasant, while January brings the lowest rates although it is the rainy season. Booking is cheapest mid-week and most expensive on Saturday.

Getting to and around French Polynesia

You reach the country by air, landing at Faaa airport near Papeete. Long-haul routes are served by Air Tahiti Nui (Paris, Los Angeles, Auckland, Tokyo), among others. Between islands flying with Air Tahiti is the easiest option, and multi-island passes are available. Ferries run often between Tahiti and Moorea, less so to farther islands. Public bus transport really only works on Tahiti; on other islands you rent a car, scooter or bike. There are no regular passenger ships from abroad, only cruise calls.

Example hotels in French Polynesia

A few recognisable properties from different islands for reference:

• The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort and Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts on Bora Bora (overwater bungalows, from approx. 170,000 XPF).
• Intercontinental Tahiti Resort by IHG and Hilton Hotel Tahiti on Tahiti (from approx. 52,000 XPF).
• Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa and Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort on Moorea (from approx. 78,000 XPF).