The best accommodations French Polynesia

Budget & Tips

French Polynesia may seem a little expensive, but you don't need a fortune to enjoy it! It's neither Saint-Martin nor the Maldives, so there's something for every budget and comfort level.

For adventurers on a budget, accommodation between 1,700 XPF and 4,000 XPF per night per person (around €14 to €34) is often available in dormitories or camping sites. More remote islands offer basic facilities, with lukewarm water to remind you that you're in the Pacific. Cleanliness can be a little tricky, but is usually beyond reproach. Beware of limited space in this range. Book well in advance, or you may be in for a little unexpected luxury!

With a little more money - between 7,000 and 10,000 XPF per night per person (approx. €58 to €84) - you'll be able to afford a small air-conditioned room in a modest guesthouse, especially on the less touristy islands. From 9,000 XPF per night per person (€75), you have a little more room to move up to a more elegant guesthouse; at this price, half-board may even be included. Children benefit from special rates.

For a more autonomous option, think of chambres d'hôtes and fares , with private bathroom and kitchen: a temporary home to rent by the night, week or month. And there's no need to share the family life, unless you want to. Be prepared to pay between 13,000 and 30,000 XPF for two, with or without half-board!

In Polynesia, a smallbudget of 20,000 to 30,000 XPF per night and per person (around €250 to €500)is called a "big" budget. This price range gives you access to hotels and residences with air-conditioned bungalows, set in large tropical gardens or right on the water. These establishments offer the full package : restaurant, room service, activity desk. The welcome is usually professional and relaxed. A far cry from the uniform motel chains of Europe, here it's more authentic.
On almost the same budget, some may prefer to play the Robinsons with a little more privacy. Well, that's also possible in Fenua! If you're dreaming of getting together as a couple, with friends or family, the vacation rental option may be a good idea (especially if there are a lot of you). Renting a luxury villa is the perfect option - especially for groups! A wide range of luxury villas are now available for holiday rental, particularly in Tahiti, Moorea and the Leeward Islands, so much so that specialized agencies have proliferated in recent years. To avoid unpleasant surprises, it's best to use their services rather than going direct; Stayinn' Travel and Enjoy Villas, in particular, are among the most reliable. Their websites are comprehensive and well illustrated, so you'll find the house of your dreams in just a few clicks.

Over 50,000 XPF per night per person (€419), you enter the realm of luxury. Here, we're not just talking about a bed and a roof, but bungalows on stilts with breathtaking views over the lagoon. Suites, meanwhile, can flirt with astronomical prices, happily exceeding thousands of euros a night. In short, at these prices, it's almost as if the sea curtsies to you every morning!

With the opening of the skies to new airlines, tourism in Polynesia has taken off, and with it, "Airbnb"-style rentals have multiplied. Admittedly, this may seem an attractive option, but let's not forget that it competes unfairly with local guesthouses, which are burdened with taxes and charges. What's more, with the explosion in private rentals, Polynesians are struggling to find affordable accommodation. In short, it's not always the smartest idea for everyone!

Please note that prices do not always include all taxes, so it's best to ask before you book, to avoid wincing when you pay! VAT on accommodation is 5%, whether you're staying in a hotel or a guesthouse. For classified hotels, a little cherry is added to the bill: 5% government tax for tourism promotion, plus 6% service tax. Some communes even add a tourist tax, ranging from 50 XPF (guesthouses) to 150 XPF (hotels) per night and per person. And for cruise passengers, it's 500 XPF per day.

To be booked

It goes without saying that booking your accommodation in advance is a wise decision. Not only do you ensure a place to lay your head, but you also avoid the awkward moment when you're told that everything is fully booked... within your budget!

What's very local

Guesthouses are THE star of Polynesian accommodation. A veritable institution, these small structures seduce with their warm welcome and authenticity. As a bonus, you can sometimes share the host family's daily routine. On the menu: dormitories or camping for the budget-conscious, rooms, bungalows and maisonettes for the more comfortable. Some guesthouses even flirt with the standing of small hotels, and their rates can soar accordingly. Beware, however: the label "guesthouse" conceals a wide variety of experiences. Sometimes you'll dine with the family, sometimes with fellow travellers, sometimes alone in front of your plate... Choose carefully to avoid surprises, and follow the guide to find the atmosphere that suits you best!

For food lovers

Breakfast is often included in guesthouses (as is dinner), but beware: this is not always the case in campsites and hotels. If you're the kind of person who'd rather make do with a few pieces of fruit, head for the market (especially in Papeete), but be sure to get up at the crack of dawn! Expect to pay between 800 and 1,200 CFP (€6.70 to €10). In guesthouses or small restaurants, expect between 1,300 and 3,000 CFP (€10.80 to €25), with, if you're lucky, delicious traditional coconut bread on Sundays! Less hearty than those in the big hotels, they are nonetheless more than enough to start a good day. As for the hotels, it's haute gastronomie in the morning, with well-stocked buffets starting at 2,500 CFP (€21): pastries, cold meats, cheese, eggs, fruit and a myriad of sweet and savory dishes. Drinks generally include coffee, tea or chocolate, as well as freshly squeezed fruit juices... A real feast to get the day off to a good start!

Smokers

Since 2009, it is forbidden to smoke in public places in French Polynesia. Although exemptions are provided for the implementation of smoking areas on the terrace in some hotels, the rooms remain non-smoking.