Manava Suite Resort

We spent three days here with a friend in early August, and I’d warn anyone booking to pay close attention to the final bill and how things are organized. The staff’s professionalism left a lot to be desired. I forgot my passport in the room when I moved on to Moorea. My friend took it to reception that same day and explained what had happened. I also emailed to say I’d come collect it in mid-August, and was told everything was under control. But when I arrived to pick it up, the staff had no idea where it was. They did eventually find it, after more than half an hour of chaos. During those same first three days, I rented a car and booked another for after my return from the Tuamotu Islands. When I got back from Rangiroa, I went to collect the keys near the pool, only to be told they knew nothing about my booking and had no cars available. I showed them the reservation form they’d countersigned, and they started making unanswered calls. It was evening and everywhere else was closed, so I couldn’t go to another company. I said I wouldn’t leave until they found me a car, and eventually, “coincidentally,” one turned up. We waited over an hour and were left very stressed. We also noticed inflated breakfast bills. The service was terrible for the level this hotel claims and the high prices it charges. We had a much better time in Polynesian homestays than at this luxury resort. If we return to Tahiti, we’ll stay far away. Forewarned is forearmed.

The staff I met were all so pleasant and helpful, and I’d absolutely recommend this place. Our huge room had plenty of space for three, the unit was super clean, the beds were really comfortable, and the bathrooms felt luxurious. The resort itself is beautiful, and the restaurants had delicious food with lots of options. Breakfast was the one thing I wasn’t especially pleased with. I’ll stay here again on future trips.

The buffet breakfast was a real highlight, and the nearby food trucks were fantastic for dinner. I used Te Moana as my base for exploring Tahiti and really liked the location. It’s only a few minutes’ walk to the bus stop for Papeete, and the return bus drops you right at the resort. I’d definitely stay again.

I’ve stayed at thousands of hotels and resorts as a travel advisor, and Te Moana was one of the worst experiences I’ve had. The problems started in our first room, where we found a roach in the bed. That’s unacceptable anywhere, especially at a place presented as upscale, and the rest of the room was filthy too, so we had to leave. The second room wasn’t much better: used underwear had been left behind, and cleanliness overall was lacking. Housekeeping and maintenance seem far below what this price should bring. There’s a heavy artificial fragrance throughout the resort, as if it’s being used to cover foul odors, and it made the place feel unpleasant and suffocating instead of fresh. The pool area is visibly run down, and dining was disappointing too. The $33 burger was appalling, one of the worst I’ve had, and I’m not even sure it was beef. This resort is nowhere near worth the money. In Tahiti, spend the extra and stay at the Hilton or the InterContinental for better cleanliness, better service, and a property that meets international hospitality standards. I rarely post negative reviews, but travelers deserve honesty. Te Moana needs significant improvement before it should be considered a legitimate option for visitors to Tahiti.