Hotel Sheraton Tahiti

The hotel is 0.5 mile from Papeete (15 min walk) and 1 mile from the airport (10 min by car).

During our visit to the hotel, a new lobby was being built, along with a business centre, 4 shops and a hairdressing salon. The Sheraton occupies since 1999 the oldest hotel on the island (the Tahiti hotel, built in the 1950's). The hotel has a Wi-Fi connexion in the lobby and around the pool.

Located between the sea and the road which goes to the Faaa village, west of Papeete, the Sheraton is situated midway between the main Tahitian city and its airport. It houses 190 rooms spread in a four floor building with rather banal but not unpleasant architecture. If you consider that most of Tahiti's hotels are more like short stops before getting to the islands, the Sheraton, thanks to its location, comfort and services, offers a setting that is up to what you could expect from it. Especially since it has enlarged the surface of its artificial beach. It has also a very beautiful pool with a jacuzzi, a large fitness room, a sauna, and two massage rooms.

Now being renovated, the rooms should all offer a new "Sheraton" standard - namely regarding bedding, with real 2 meter "King Size" beds. All 190 rooms overlook the sea, without any exception. They all offer the comfort of a hotel of an international standard. The only exception: the minibar which is not stocked (only a bottle of water is kindly offered). All rooms shall soon be equipped with Wi-Fi connection. The decor with colonial style furniture and a beautiful wooden floor is pleasant, but not especially significant. The bathrooms are also well-appointed but a little sad because of the absence of windows and the too dark colors.

The hotel has 2 restaurants, "The Terrace" and "The Moevai". Located on the seafront, they both offer a pleasant setting. "The Terrace" has a "casual" menu, a compromise between a "snack" type menu and a choice of international specialties (6 starters, 6 carpaccios, 15 main courses and 6 desserts). The Moevai has a more refined cuisine in French style with a Polynesian touch (medium-rare bluefin tuna with saffron for example), around ?30 (£24) per course. A beautiful wine list, primarily French (house's choice at ?15 or £12).

In 2005, the hotel brought a large quantity of sand and planted 50 coconut trees along its park. This has enhanced its charm even if the Sheraton's "beach" does not directly lead to seawater. It is separated by rocks. Bathing is possible but not really pleasant: the hotel is on the edge of the channel which accommodates maritime traffic. The clear water is a bit dirty due to the residues from the port of Papeete, not far away. The large pool, its beautiful jacuzzi, and the several deckchairs available help one to forget this disadvantage.