I stayed at Hotel Maitai Bora Bora in September 2012 in a beach bungalow and an overwater bungalow. The hotel is on the east side of the island so don't expect any sunset views, however for early risers, the sunrise is quite breathtaking! Amandine greeted me with a lei of flowers and a refreshing tropical drink. For the price alone this hotel is an excellent value, great views in the overwater bungalow, and as for the beach bungalow, I had a "beach bungalow" that was actually over the water facing inward toward the lagoon. The lagoon itself it quite amazing, just jump off your own dock into the water for some great snorkeling. As stated in the title the staff here was amazing! They really do take care of you, by the time I left I felt like a I was a part of the family at this hotel. I'm not quite sure if they do this for everyone, or because I was at the hotel for some time as my base location, but somewhere around the 5th night, I had free champagne brought to my bungalow! Staff in particular that stood out to me the best was Gilles the server along with Patrice, one of the managers, and Cecile and Camille, two summer interns; they are usually in the restaurant that overlooks the lagoon, very EXCELLENT service. Manu who runs the bar made me feel like home, and was great to talk to while I drank Hinano. The 3 ladies at the reception, I did not quite catch there names, were VERY helpful in a booking problem I had, where I would have had 2 days without a hotel. Although they were HEAVILY booked, they, along with a hotel management intern, Alfredo, were able to let me stay in my same room the first night, and let me move to an overwater bungalow on the last night, which they gave me a great price for. Along with the regular staff, the summer interns from Bordeaux, France were also excellent, I only know 4 of their names, but they are Alfredo, Amandine, Cecile, and Camille, they did an excellent job, and I look forward to seeing them manage their own hotels someday soon. Bravo!

The only downside to this hotel is there are 2 stray dogs and a cat that you might occasionally see at breakfast, asking you for food. But that didn't really bother me. The food is a bit pricy for the amount that you get, but I had expected that, because the whole island itself is a bit expensive. Finally, as far as other reviews stating how the hotel is divided by a road, which it is, there was hardly any traffic at any time during my stay, which was about 2 weeks.

I would highly recommend this hotel to any of my friends and family, and if I am ever on Bora Bora again, I will definitely stay here!

*I put 3 on sleep quality, because the lagoon is so peacful and beautiful at night that I found myself sitting on my porch taking it all in!

Mauruuruu! -John

Just got back from a 4 island trip to Tahiti September 2012.

Loved the Mai Tai in Bora Bora Olivier and staff are committed to you having a good experience. The staff is committed to service and does a great job, this is a 3 star not a 4 or 5 but you need to check your expectations if you are looking for the Barbie Honeymoon

We stayed in both the Garden View and the Over water, both were great accommodations. The only reason why we don't apply 5 or Excellent is that there are a few realities, its not a new hotel some elements are a bit dated or worn, also there is a little too much neon lighting, while it is energy saving it just isn't mood creating. The breakfast food is ok but with limited supplies in Tahiti it is understandable.

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NOTE TO TRAVELERS TO TAHITI (TAHITI IS NOT CHEAP)

There are two types of travelers to Tahiti.

Type 1:
The A-List (Barbie honeymoon / Ultra Luxury Traveler)

Type 2: Culture / Explorer Traveler
those that like to connect with the locals on some level while enjoying the benefits and sometimes mixed results of acquainting with the country you visited will like the Mai Tai.

Type 1 Travelers will prefer to be hidden away off on the Motu in the culturally isolated resort only experience, gloss of the "private island escapes is what is often presented in the Tahiti experience." Please don't ask you Agent to meet a low budget and expect them to provide a 4-5 star hotel.

Hotel Maitai is inexpensive compared to the other resorts on BoraBora. We selected this hotel because it offers reasonable on-water chalets which we felt is a must for our stay. The on-water chalets are well maintained, and offers excellent views of the reef, no complaints here.

I would have given this hotel an 'Average' rating, however, because of the security issue, I have downgraded this hotel to 'Poor'. Please note that security is a problem for on-water chalets because during the night, it is poorly lit, allowing thieves that gain entry via the balcony glass doors. They came via boat from the water during the night and broke the balcony door locks when we left for dinner. They only took valuables (stole a watch) and left everything else as it were. Thankfully, all our other valuables were kept in the room safe, so they weren't able to take these. This may be a possible situation at other on-water chalets in other resorts on BoraBora, so please ensure valuables are kept in the hotel/room safe at all times when you are not in the room. We were transferred to a room on the mountain side of the property at Hotel Maitai following this incident.

The majority of the hotel staff are very friendly and helpful although some were not as happy to be on the job. The food at the restaurant at Hotel Maitai provides great variety, reasonable portions, and the cooking is quite good. Aside from the security problem for on-water chalets, i think that the rooms on the mountain side are adequate, clean and reasonably priced.

This is a certified 3 star hotel and I question the extra 2 stars! We all go to Bora Bora for luxury and romance, if you are going for something else then this hotel may suit you. It is dissected by a road as it is on the main island and the road goes all the way along the coast. Rooms are adequate, we had a beach side bungalow. Lunch menu nice, dinner was in edible and we sent our meals back.

We paid for the meals and drinks package. We were quickly informed we had "a drink" per meal, choice of a beer, a softdrink or a 1/4 carafe of house wine!! Do not get the package as the food is not good and the wine is rough and you have no choice at all!! Because I voiced my complaint about the limitations of this to the head waitress in the lunch dining area, we had a go slow on our meals and the few lunches we had there our meals came out well after everyone else's and were cold. There was a definite "attitude" towards us.

Other staff were helpful though. The equipment for snorkelling was old, split, damaged and made what should be a fabulous past time a real annoying activity! Am sorry to say I cannot recommend this hotel at all. Pay more for a nicer resort and have a shorter break rather tha. Think you have a bargain with this place.