We returned to this property after two years. Last time we used it as most people use it, a layover hotel before going to one of the islands; this time we decided to spend the entire 12-day stay here. Let me start by saying that this is a beautiful property, nicely maintained, with two pools and one lagoon with fish in it, with spectacular views of the ocean and Moorea.
Our flight arrived very early in the morning, so we had to wait for the room which was expected. I had requested a room with a view (balcony) and privacy (end unit), just like the previous time. The room they booked for us was on the ground floor with no views, despite the acknowledgment by email. They then moved us to a first floor room in the middle of the row. So the next day I requested to be moved and we were finally put in the same room than two years earlier (second floor, corner). This was an upgrade due to my Ambassador membership. My loyalty was not explicitly recognized at check-in. I usually get upgraded to a premium room but not this time, but it was fine. We did get the breakfast option as a Diamond Elite. Since breakfast for two was already included in my rate, they extended the free brekafast to my 10-year-old daughter which was appreciated.
Staff were really nice - I have encountered many of them over the 12 days and I only found one who did not smile and was grumpy with me. Other than that, they were very pleasant and helpful, including the front desk staff.
Now the areas for improvement: they make you sign for the full bill at breakfast even when it's included which is really annoying. At the pools they write down your room number when you get a towel and you also need to use a towel card. This is super annoying and completely unnecessary. I would like to think that people who can afford Tahiti and the IC resort will not steal the towels. Finally, the dining: food and drinks are outrageously priced. I may expect a steak to be US$42, but why is a hamburger US$39 (or so)? The dinner options at the Tiare were not adequate and rather mediocre quality. They have a fine dining option, the Le Lotus, where the food was superb; however, I wish they had disclosed the price of the Christmas buffet upfront. Nowhere has it been mentioned, so we went there under the impression that one can choose a la cart and with the (already high) prices noted. Only when we were seated did they tell us that we could only choose the set menu (still no price). It took three hours for the otherwise fantastic dinner, and cost us US$600 for two, plus a child. Anyway, it was a nice culinary experience. BTW, I had also requested a table by the water and it was acknowledged, yet when we arrived they wanted to seat us in the first table in the middle right behind the maitre d'... In other ICs, they seat top status members at the best tables.
Other than these small mishits, we had a very pleasant stay and we did not regret having chosen this hotel for our vacation. Again, the staff were fabulous and the resort very nice. I do recommend this hotel if your budget prevents you to go to Bora Bora.