Hôtel De Poé

We had a fantastic time dining at the restaurant.

The restaurant was a real bright spot: generous, excellent dishes and friendly staff. The bungalow also has a private garden, and the grounds are well maintained in a beautiful setting just steps from the lagoon. The person who welcomed us was warm and helpful. One thing to know is that the hotel is right by the airfield, so planes fly straight over and can be noisy, especially in the morning during parachute jumps. For the price, though, the stay was very disappointing. On arrival, nobody explained how things worked or mentioned the restaurant or breakfast. By chance, we found out that breakfast trays had to be reserved in the afternoon and picked up in the evening. Communication between the hotel and restaurant seems poor. Reception was often empty; we tried several times to report problems and couldn't find anyone. Checkout was contactless, with the key simply left in the accommodation. The bungalow was very old and poorly maintained. Curtains were coming loose, furniture was damaged, the toilet door was worn, cupboards were faulty, and the upstairs air conditioning barely worked. The refrigerator was in very poor shape and extremely loud at night. The TV didn't work, its remote was dirty, and there was just one worn sun lounger outside for a place that sleeps four. Hygiene and pests were the biggest problem. From the first evening, there were lots of cockroaches in the kitchen and bedroom. Geckos were inside too, leaving droppings on the beds, sofa, and countertops; one morning, about ten were on the refrigerator. A centipede fell from the ceiling as well. In a tropical climate, some insects are expected, but this felt like poor upkeep and a lack of prevention. We spent the whole stay on edge and didn't dare leave our belongings uncovered in case we brought insects home. We also saw a neighboring bungalow left open to the elements for over 24 hours, and hotel linens left outside in the rain. It's a shame because the place has real potential. With proper maintenance, thorough cleaning, and pest control, it could be wonderful. As things are, the service is subpar, and we left very disappointed.

The gardens are magnificent, and the bungalows are well designed in a beautiful setting. But upkeep has slipped: the shower drains were blocked, the gutters were overgrown with plants, the shower curtain was torn, and gecko droppings had built up in spots the cleaning staff couldn't reach. Some electrical outlets were damaged too. It used to be better.

The good thing about the hotel in Poé is its location, close to the beach and behind the flying club, where you can take memorable flights over the lagoon. Beyond that, it's a disaster. The welcome was barely acceptable; we felt like an inconvenience. Then the room was a shock. It hadn't been cleaned, or even properly attempted: the kitchenette was neglected, the fridge and microwave so dirty we hesitated to put food in them, and the dishes were dirty too. The air conditioner leaked badly, the toilet paper was nearly gone, and there was no shower gel. Guests are also expected to wash dishes and take out their own rubbish. Much of the furniture is worn or broken and just left there. The place isn't maintained, except perhaps the parts visible in photos. There's a restaurant on site, but reception gave us no information about it because the two apparently don't communicate. Prices are also steep, with almost nothing under 3900 XPF. This hotel may have had its day, but that seems long past. The exterior is pleasant enough, though nothing special. For just a few extra francs, the nearby Sheraton offers much better amenities and a more pleasant stay. If you're after an expensive camping-style experience, go ahead. Otherwise, avoid it and choose somewhere else.