The last three nights of our French Polynesian three island tour were spent at the Moorea Sofitel Beach Resort. We are thankful that the lack of common courtesy and tahitian warmth displayed by Sofitel personnel was the exception to our wonderful visit to the islands. What a different welcome than the one we received on Bora Bora at the Hotel Bora Bora (see separate review).
Exhausted after a long days' travel from the tuamotus, our family arrived at the Sofitel around 5pm on a Thursday. The hotel had been notified of our late arrival by e-mail when we had made our pre-paid booking for our two garden bungalows. The check-in clerk asked for our papers and passports and told us to wait in the lobby. After a 15 minute wait, she brought documents to sign. My husband asked for some water at this point and she returned with juice for all. We inquired about dinner at the restaurant that night and she said that it was too late. Reservations must be made by 3p.m. for a table. She then pointed to the curb and told us to wait for the porter. The hotel restaurant was not full that night so maybe the 3pm deadline has something to do with food delivery orders. Thank goodness for Allo Pizza when you are too tired to go out - they delivered to our hotel that night. Very yummy pizza!
We had two beautifully situated spacious garden bungalows to the left of the overwaters. Nice view of the beach and Tahiti through a few coconut trees and well maintained grounds. About a three minute walk to the beach. Wood patio with two rattan chairs and small table, beware the mosquitos though. Room design nicely laid out, the beds were comfortable. Lovely garden shower that people have talked about previously. However, the bathroom walls in both bungalows were stained with some splatters and mold growth, and could use a repainting.
Our bungalow was missing the blackout curtain the first night, only a sheer liner was in place. This was a bother not because of the light, but because a passerby on the walkways could see into our lit bungalow at night. Housekeeping was below par. Each day, room and beach towels would be collected and we would always be missing some replacement. No washcloths were left till the last morning. The condiment bar was not fully restocked each day - yes I need my instant coffee at 5a.m..In one bungalow, the coffee water heater pot reaked of soured milk. I was told that "it always smells that way", but it was replaced that night.
The beautiful white coral sand beach, with a clear view of Tahiti, is groomed daily - in contrast to the adjacent Temae beach which is left in its natural state (like our beaches here in San Diego). We saw a number of French famlies at the hotel vacationing with toddlers. The azure waters are shallow with a sandy bottom for quite a ways making this a great swimming beach. If you wish to snorkle, you must go out about a hundred yards to access coral. There are a few small rental boats docked always along the shoreline. Watch out for over enthusiastic paddleboaters in the lagoon if you snorkle.
No personal map of the resort or an activities list is provided for guests. One evening we took a stroll along the beach. We paused on the beach area directly in front of the infinity pool to admire the lagoon. A man called to us from the restaurant balcony nearby and told us to leave. He said that this area was restricted to spa guests only. There were no postings (or guests) to be seen. We apologized for the intrusion and left. We later learned that the man was the hotel manager. He never introduced himself or inquired about our stay during our visit.
We knew that the hotel is isolated from shops and restaurants. We rented a car from Avis and the four of us toured Moorea at our leisure rather than going on an organized expedition. We never did eat in the hotels' restaurants, we patronized the local restaurants and roulottes. Since the Department of Health in French Polynesia advises to drink only bottled water on Moorea, we stopped at a nearby market to stock up on water and snacks. The hotel does not provide any free bottled drinking water. Unless you want to pay 450XPF ($6.25) for a tiny 50cl bottle of water from the mini bar - go to the grocery.
My husband is a Sofitel Privilege card holder which entitle the guest to a late checkout. We were fortunate and grateful that we had the opportunity to do so with one bungalow. We appreciated the 4p.m. checkout (vs. noon), as we had a late Sunday night flight back to the U.S. Upon checkout, the front desk clerk asked us if there were any complaints. I told her that we had started out on a bad note with our abrupt checkin procedure and related the details. I indicated the couples currently registering. Unlike them, there was no warm greeting, no flower leis, no decorated drinks. Her only response was "sorry, you will get a shell lei when you leave". We got the impression that guests were an inconvience to the staff. When they ask if you needed anything , you better say "no". It is a lovely resort, but it lacks genunine Tahitian warmth, kindness and common sense courtesy.
