SD › Tahiti › Royal Tahitien Review
Updated: January 20, 2021
By Santorini Dave
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Royal Tahitien – Midrange, spacious, and the only beach resort in Pape’ete.
Close to downtown, the layout resembles a beach resort (with a pool and huge grounds) and motel (with rooms in two-level blocks, where guests can park outside). But from the bathmat to the telephone, internal brick wall, and cylindrical lampshades, it screams 1965, though not in a retro Parisienne pension way. Although promoting its apparent ‘1960s ambience’, the hotel seems to need a complete overhaul – from the taps to the plastic lounge chairs on the balconies/patios from which sea views are substantially blocked by trees. Nonetheless, it does face a lovely beach – with black sand – overlooking the alluring Moorea Island, and is in a tranquil suburban location.
Royal Tahitien – The Basics
- Location: In the northeast suburbs of Pape’ete, the Tahitian capital. In a beach area known as Pīra’e, about 3 km from downtown and the ferry terminal for services to Moorea Island, and about 10 km from the airport.
- Guests: With a definite resort feel, it attracts packaged tours and families looking for a midrange option.
- Beach: It faces the only real beach in Pape’ete. Although the sand is grey, bordering on black, it’s still quite attractive. Ideal for walks and sunsets, but sometimes too narrow for sunbathing.
- Views: All rooms face the gardens, but possible glimpses of the sea are mostly blocked by trees.
- Wi-Fi: Free around the restaurant (but not the lobby). Guests are charged high rates for access in the rooms.
- Parking: One bonus is the chance to park outside the room, motel-style.
- How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
- Phone: (689) 40 50 40 40
- Email: resa@royaltahitien.pf
- Website: royalpolynesiahotel.com
Royal Tahitien – Amenities
- Pool: An adequate size, but looks in need of modernization like the rest of the hotel.
- Spa & Fitness Center: Not really expected (nor provided) at this sort of midrange hotel.
- Private Pools/Jacuzzis: Not expected or provided.
Royal Tahitien – Food and Drink
- Restaurant & Bar: Underneath a 75-year-old roof of pandanus leaves, Le Royal Tahitien is renowned across the city. With some tables seemingly perched above the sand, the chef offers an eclectic range of international cuisine. Particularly popular among expats for the congenial bar and live music and/or traditional dancing on weekends.
- Breakfast: Included in some rates, depending on how and where the booking was made.
- Room Service: Only at meal times, i.e. about 12-2 pm and 6-9 pm.
Royal Tahitien – Rooms
- Room Types: Standard Rooms and Studios.
- Smoking Rooms: No smoking allowed in the rooms, but permitted on the patios/balconies and elsewhere.
- Best Room: The Studios are marginally better than the Standard Rooms, if only because they have kitchens (which are useful as there are no restaurants nearby). Ask for 1 on the second (top) floor and closest to the sea for the best possible views.
- For Families: Standard Rooms allow an extra single bed, while the Studios can accommodate families of 4 and feature well-quipped kitchens.
Royal Tahitien – What’s Nearby?
Best Nearby Restaurants & Bars
There is nothing within walking distance, which is a problem. Two petrol stations on the main road 300m away sell baguettes, sandwiches, and pastries. Otherwise, organize a taxi (unmetered) or bus into town and try:
- Les 3 Brasseurs – Microbrewery, street-side seating, and pub-style meals. Very popular for sports on TV, tapas, burgers, and pizzas. Other side of roundabout from the Bora Bora.
- Bora Bora Lounge – At the roundabout where Ave de Prince Hīnoi meets the esplanade, almost opposite the ferry terminal. At the start of a delightful alley of Parisienne-style bistros and bars. Happy hours, daily specials, and pleasingly inexpensive considering the perfect setting.
- Star Studio – Worth finding inside an arcade alongside Hôtel Tiare from the esplanade. No views, but solid meals at affordable prices. Plats du jour and fascinating movie-themed décor.
- Le Rétro – Easy-to-find bistro midway along the esplanade. Very French and très popular for coffee, shakes, and light meals. Also people-watching and live music at night.
Nearby Market or Grocery
- About 300m away at the junction with the laneway to the hotel, 2 petrol stations along the main road sell basic supplies.
Local Transport
Ask reception about buses along the main road to downtown. Otherwise, they can arrange a taxi, but rates are extortionate.
Royal Tahitien – The Hotel
All Tahiti Hotel Reviews
- Aimeo Lodge – Closed
- Fare D’hôtes Tutehau
- Hôtel Fenua Mata’i’oa
- Hotel Hibiscus
- Hotel Kaveka
- Hotel Les Tipaniers
- Hotel Sarah Nui
- Hotel Tahiti Nui
- InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa – Closed
- InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa
- Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea
- Moorea Beach Lodge
- Moorea Fare Miti – Closed
- Moorea Island Beach Hotel
- Pension de la Plage
- Sofitel Tahiti Ia Ora Beach Resort
- Tahiti Surf Beach Paradise
- Taoahere Beach House
- Te Ora Hau Ecolodge
About Santorini Dave
Santorini Dave was started in 2011 by a guy who loved Greece, travel, and great hotels. We're now a small team of writers and researchers on a mission to deliver the most helpful travel content on the internet. We specialize in Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, and Greece and recommend the best hotels, best neighborhoods, and best family hotels in top destinations around the world. We also make hotel maps and travel videos. I can be contacted at dave@santorinidave.com.