We chose the Hilton Moorea expecting a certain standard from the Hilton brand, but unfortunately, our experience left much to be desired. The room didn't match the photos, with a worn-out deck and pool chairs lacking cushions. The toilet seat didn't stay up, and there was a persistent bad smell in the room. We received a room upgrade after complaining, but it's worrying to think that many guests may face similar issues without speaking up.
Additionally, we encountered problems like old, stained pool towels and an expensive breakfast buffet, leading us to eat elsewhere for the rest of our stay. We'd recommend renting a car to explore nearby breakfast spots, as the hotel's dining options were average at best. The overwater creperie restaurant emitted a sewage smell, which raised concerns that sewage might be leaking into the water. We reported this to the staff.
However, the staff at Hilton Moorea were incredibly friendly, reflecting the hospitality of French Polynesia. We appreciated the room upgrade and enjoyed the beautiful lagoon area for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, where we saw fascinating marine life. Despite these positives, the numerous negatives lead us to rate this hotel with only two stars.