Your video was well produced and very informative. We just returned from this property where we stayed for one week in a panoramic premium bungalow. A few updates to your video, if you don’t mind: the pineapple juice served at reception is no longer brought in a plastic cup but in an ice-cold glass; we received turndown service every day and they would also refresh any towels, water, etc; the property now offers several yoga classes and they have a “full” massage menu; the paddle boards were a mix of typical fiberglass and boards in the “woody” style (the ones you had hoped for in your video) which looked quite new. We also experienced no staffing issues, delays in service, etc., whatsoever. EVERY single employee there was absolutely the best! They were helpful, full of life, and very engaging. Breakfast was my favorite meal. As a Diamond member, full breakfast was only $9.00 and the fresh fruit was the absolute highlight - every piece had a taste of the island and was delectable. Lastly, the concierge desk was incredibly helpful and made every request happen with such ease (Azusa was so sweet and she really took care of us.) The Hilton Mo’orea really makes you feel like you’re in heaven ❤ In fact, my wife can’t talk about it because she tears up from missing it so much. Thank you again for your hard work… we look forward to watching more of your videos!
Hi Patrick, thank you so much for this update!! That is such great news. We are really glad to hear that- it makes me happy to hear that the property is coming back to its former glory as it really is the best place on Moorea. Seriously appreciate your detailed update and now we can't wait to go back :)
My two daughters (31 & 30) and I spent a wonderful week last month (October 2023) at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa. It was a 30 year bucket list trip for me. We had a bungalow with a plunge pool the first few days, then we had an over the water bungalow at the end of the walkway with unobstructed views of the mountains, lagoon and ocean the last few days we were there. The first bungalow was close to everything, with little walking to all the hotel amenities. Oh the other hand our over the water bungalow at the end of the dock required lots of walking, which for me was fine but its not for everyone. The Garden Bungalow had two sliding glass doors to the very private patio. The pool was not heated but the weather was warm, so no need for heat. The over the water bungalow was simply divine!!! We loved the the floor viewing window to the lagoon and at night it was lit to see underwater activities. The nice size deck needed needed a bit of touch up work as did the lower dock with a ladder into the water. We loved hanging out at our dock snorkeling and swimming in the lagoon. The upgraded breakfast was wonderful with plenty of protein, fruit and noncomplex carbs. A regular breakfast at this hotel had only noncomplex carbs. I do have three hotel complaints: 1. The three of us each drink at least a liter of water/day, plus we needed water for coffee. Getting only 1.5 liter of water in the room, just wasn’t enough. We were buying water daily. At $1,800.00/night (over the water bungalow) I would have expected plenty of bottled water. The Garden Bungalow was around $900.00/night, still pricy for lack of enough bottled water. Our first day was a spa day. It was well needed after traveling from the east coast, about a 15 hr plane ride. We all got massages from well experienced people. 2. The spa director was a bit pushy. She scolded us for arriving 1/2 hr early and sent us away. Upon returning at the allotted 5 min before our appointment we received wonderful messages. Each of us got the perfect masseuse to fit our body needs and personal preferences. After our wonderful messages that pushy spa director couldn’t wait to book more spa services for us and suggested other ways for us to spend our money at the spa. We just wanted to relax in our message bliss not hear this irritating woman’s suggestions. 3. Most importantly, my youngest daughter and I both got food poisoning from the Hilton Moorea Hotel food on different days. We only ate at this hotel except once, with no health problems. After careful analysis we think it was from the fish sandwich, we both got horribly ill. My youngest daughter had food poisoning the second day at the Hilton Hotel Moorea and lost two days of vacation time. I got food poisoning the last day at the Hilton Moorea Hotel. So two days of my daughter’s vacation was ruined by food poisoning. The last day we were at the Hilton Moorea Hotel I ate the fish sandwich for lunch and by 5PM I was feeling queasy and managed to contain my stomach contents throughout the choppy ferry ride from Moorea to Tahiti. We arrived at the Hilton Tahiti where we planned to only spend one night. I couldn’t hold it any longer and was happy to have a zip lock bag to contain all the contents until we arrived in our room. I spent the night super sick and a bit scared. I was too sick to fly early the next morning so we had to pay another night at the Hilton Tahiti. Rebooking our flight caused to loose our upgraded seats, not a biggie. On a super happy note we had a wonderful time enjoying the beauty of Moorea. I suggest you rent a car as venders did not pick us up at the hotel dock. We took a boat shuttle to Cooks Island where we had an amazing sushi lunch, the only time we didn’t eat at the hotel. We went jet skiing around the entire island. We saw Spinner dolphins we jumping and spinning on ocean waves. We swam with sharks, sting rays, turtles, puffer fish and beautiful fish of all colors. This tour took us out to open ocean with large swells as well as beautiful lagoons. We four-wheeled up to Magic Mountain to see exquisite views of the ocean bay, lagoons and mountains. We snorkeled and paddle boarded around the hotel lagoon. Apparently there is a marker that we missed indicating how far away we can go with these paddle boards but we missed it traveling to the anchored boats and also to the breakwater. It was a heck of a paddle back as the winds picked-up making forward progress difficult at best. It was a heck of a workout to get back to the hotel beach. We enjoyed the Hotel Luau with fire, singing and grunting, yes grunting and yelling from the performers, all in good fun. All male guests were encouraged to participate also. It was a fun and funny show. Tipping was confusing, to tip or not to tip. It’s a country that “appreciates but doesn’t expect” tipping, unlike the USA that wants a tip to pour some coffee in a cup. So we tipped all venders and excellent waiters and waitresses. The most special part of the trip for us was swimming with the whales. I swam with 12 whales, including three juvenile males and a mother and calf. The others were solitary whales. You can take a large group whale swimming trip or a private one. The private is best but pricy. We took private trip twice and a group trip once. I had a connection with one whale who came to swim near me as I was unafraid and wanted to have the encounter and my guide grabbed my flipper bringing me to the boat, saying its dangerous and illegal to touch the whales. I feel blessed to have had this awesome bucket list trip experience with my girls in this magical place filled with natural wonders to behold. Overall I would recommend this hotel, just don’t order the fish sandwich for lunch and but and get better pricing than I did. Thank you if you read this entire message.
Thank you SO much for this incredible breakdown of your stay! First of all, I’m so sorry you got sick that’s awful and the worst thing to happen on a luxury vacation. I am so happy that you had an incredible experience with whales and the sea life - that’s one of the magical things about Moorea 😍😍😍
I’ve been following you guys for a few years now but for this Hard Rock Maldives review, guys didn’t give an overall score nor the individual category scores. I love your previous Maldives videos which I feel your reviews are more authentic. This one feels like a PR (marketing) for the Hard Rock. I understand they paid for your room so i think it impacts your freedom or flexibility to give an honest review!
My husband and I are trying to plan a last minute trip for January ‘24. Your videos have been so helpful in deciding where to go! Thank you! Still deciding but getting closer.
Amazing!! I love a spontaneous trip :) if you need any help planning, feel free to DM me on instagram or email me at team@voyagerguru.com- we have some partnerships with good deals/perks happy to help! - maren
Thorough, pleasant, and very useful review... inspiring a subscription! Considering that I like the style accents you didn't like (tastes in fashion and style are very subjective)... the place looks absolutely awesome to me - 4.4 stars, I say, tentatively - looking forward to our stay in April! Cheers!
Hi Roger! Thank you so much for your comment! Hilton really is SUCH a gem in Moorea and you can’t beat the location - I hope you have the best time :). Regarding the style- 100%, it is subjective for sure. For us, what was disappointing was that they removed a lot of the Tahitian elements that existed before and made it a bit more corporate looking compared to what it was. That was really what was a bummer, however, overall who cares when you wake up to a view like that ;)
You sold me! I’m going next year! 😀🌺💕 I’ve been to Hawaii about 5 times and I love it, but I want to try something more adventurous like swimming with sharks and rays and perhaps whales, if I get lucky!
Hey team, absolutely love your videos especially as we are looking to book our honeymoon in the French Polynesian islands. After watching ALL your videos we have come to 2 that are in our budget and we’re wondering which you suggest? The Hilton Moorea or The Sofitel La Ora? Keep up the AMAZINGLY in-depth videos, they are a ton of help and really well done 👏🏾. Hope to hear from you soon
Hey there!! Thanks so much for reaching out!! So there’s pros and cons to both - Sofitel will be closer to the ferry port so easier to get to, they have nicer overwater bungalows and the sea life is exceptional. Hilton will have sun longer due to their location, there are many restaurants nearby that are easy to access and if you have Hilton gold status or above you get free breakfast. Personally, Sofitel may be a bit higher end so I’d go with Sofitel but you will need to get cabs to restaurants. If you have any questions feel free to email me at team@voyagerguru.com
May I ask what the weather was like in November? I’m currently planning a trip and was just wanting to get an idea (I know it can vary of course). Hope you had a wonderful time.
@@jennifernicole0820The weather was perfect for the three days I was there. It rained sporadically but clears up fairly quickly. Plenty of sunshine after that 😎
Your videos are among the best travelogues, Max and Maren. You do your best to remain positive and encouraging when you share room for improvement, and of course your viewers rely upon your candor as much as we do your enthusiasm and your evident joy of travel. I watched your video of the Sofitel Moorea from 2020, and was planning to spend 3 nights there in February 2023. Your overall rating for each property is 3.9, but based on this video I am inclined to switch to the Hilton. Or do you think some of the issues addressed in your previous Sofitel review may have been due to Covid issues such as understaffing? Both look like lovely properties on a spectacular island, but would you now give Hilton the nod?
@@VoyagerGuru It is I who thank you both for taking such time and concern with your well considered reply to my query. It is also why I urge other viewers to subscribe to your channel as I have done, in support of some of the highest quality travelogues in terms of concise, cogent, current and candid content presented in such a pleasant and enjoyable manner. Beyond your videos and what I consider to be their superior quality, I must also happily affirm and endorse your value added by the rapport you earn with us in replying to our comments both responsibly and respectfully. As to Moorea, I agree that anyone should enjoy time spent in so rare and beautiful a spot, especially provided with reasonable expectations such as you provide. My online research has led me to similar insights from many different sources. I will likely choose Hilton for the location and the activities available. I am a scuba diver and it appears Hilton has done more to reestablish coral in their lagoon for snorkeling, and their location between the two large bays offers more choice for scuba sites, as well as for a range of other activities as you mention. I will likely stay at the new Tahiti Hilton for one night before and after Moorea, and Hilton will arrange for shared transport from the ferry terminal which may mitigate some of the cost in reaching their Moorea resort. Reviews for the onsite dining at either resort indicate continued decline, based on the lack of competition you mention and likely a corporate decision that diners may be taken for granted if we have few alternatives. Thus your recognition that Hilton has alternative dining options within a short walk is encouraging and empowering. Views of sunset as well as sunrise, and that of the Moorea topography also favor Hilton. I will likely split my stay between the peace and privacy of a luxury plunge pool garden bungalow on arrival, and conclude with the quintessential over water bungalow experience. As you both wisely share in your video, it would be unfortunate and anticlimactic to do otherwise.
@@phoenixnmhesq hey there! There aren’t that many restaurants within walking distance but there are a couple and they are very tasty! We highlighted a few on our instagram story highlight for the Hilton Moorea if you want to check it out!
Were people able to jump off a platform into the water even if they had a garden bungalow or have to swim from the shore? I see there is a platform for the over the water bungalows
Hi Jennifer! There are a couple of areas that you can access the lagoon from if you're not staying in an overwater bungalow - I definitely recommend this for snorkeling as the best reefs are out towards the edge of the water villas :)
Awesome review! Efficient video with all the relevant aspects discussed. Wondering how you'd compare this to conrad bora bora or just bora bora in general? Thinking about tagging on a couple nights at hilton moorea to a 5 night conrad bora trip, but not sure if it will get repetitive. Thanks!
Hi Sharwin! Thanks for reaching out and thank you so much for the feedback! Bora Bora is a wonderful place to visit - it is absolutely stunning! I'd say Bora Bora has the highest quality hotels from a luxury perspective and its a wonderful place to visit. When you go to Bora Bora, you don't typically leave the hotel all that often. Moorea is a great place to tack on because it gives you a bit more of a cultural expeirence and the activities and excursions are much cheaper. The Hilton isn't on the same level when it comes to luxury accommodations, but it is on the best lagoon in Moorea. If you want to do excursions and explore a really beautiful island, Moorea is a GREAT place to visit. Also, the food in general is better on Moorea than it is in Bora Bora. It's a quick ferry from Papeete as well, so in my opinion, it's worth it :).
great overview, there is a small price difference between the king premium overwater bungalow and the king overwater bungalow do you know what the difference between the two? As your overview didn't show too much of the views from each type of room
Hey there! The only difference between the two is premium is on the edge of the jetty and the standard are closer to shore. The premium is worth it for the unobstructed views and more privacy if the difference isn’t bad :)
@@VoyagerGuru what view should I request for overwater bungalow? east or west? mountain? do you know what room number you had? As the premium isn't available
Hi , I saw on their website they have a beach bungalow but I did not hear you talk about that on your video did you get to see that? Btw I liked the way guys did your reviews very informative and straight to the point!
Thank you so much, Vanessa!! Yes, they do have beach bungalows but we have not stayed in one. They are definitely more private, but you are giving up the view so there is a tradeoff. There is a small plunge pool and decking outside the room and no one can see inside which is very nice. They are on the older side, so we have read some reviews that there are some missing pool tiles etc, but overall I'd say the water villas are great for views and access and beach villa is good for privacy. Many people do split stays and if you decide to go that route, be sure to stay in the beach villa first :)
Hilton will have the most nearby restaurants and will have an actual sunset from the villas whereas Sofitel is closer to the ferry terminal and has a longer beach. They’re fairly comparable in terms of amenities - let me know if you have any questions!
It’s a beautiful property and Moorea is still my favorite island and I would love to be there !However, I think that the overwater bungalows lack that island feeling with their decor unlike some of the properties you showed us in Bora Bora . Does the food have a French influence or just The Creperie ?
Hi Diana! Thank you for your comment! We agree, it really lacks that tahitian feel, particular when you compare it to le bora and Tahaa. We hope when they renovate next time that they lean into the tahitian culture and beauty a bit more. They do have a decent amount of French food but there could always be more! We love the local catches and dishes so hopefully they’ll continue to add more. Xx!
Hey there! Thanks so much for your comment. No, jet skis are not complimentary but during our stay, the paddle boards were included so that’s a nice free alternative :)
Hi there! Thanks for your comment! So the water is deep enough for a good snorkel - there are some great reefs along the other bungalows with incredible sea life :). I don't recall exactly, but I do not think you can stand all the way out on the end of the reef :)
Hi there! They offer free paddle boarding and snorkeling, which we highly recommend doing. At the time of our stay, they did not have any yoga classes or group activities, but it could have been due to the low season
Yea :( it was a bummer. I heard from some recent travelers that they now serve it in glass again post COVID but hopefully someone can confirm that’s true here!
We are sad to say we never got to try it! It was on our list before it went out of business- I'm really hoping one day that someone takes over that property, it is just GORGEOUS!
