Overwater bungalows

Although you have to stay slightly out of town, it's hard to look past the unique experience that overwater bungalows in Tahiti afford. Picture waking up to the ocean not only outside your door, but under your floorboards as well. You can slide out of your comfortable bed, slip into some swimwear and dive straight into the water.

The closest overwater bungalow accommodation to Papeete is Le Meridien Tahiti, where a jetty runs out beside intimate bungalows on a calm stretch of coastline. You have plenty of opportunities to relax or you can head into town for a bit of sightseeing.

City-centre style

Papeete is a small capital city that depicts the laidback and culturally rich ambience of its island country. With the Notre Dame Cathedral, regular day cruises from the harbour, an extensive pearl museum and the lush Bougainville Park, there are plenty of attractions to warrant spending more than one day in the city. 

With a small selection hotels to choose from, your best bet is to stay at either the Tiare Tahiti Hotel, Hotel Le Mandarin or the 4-star Hotel Tahiti Nui. The latter is the most luxurious, with a blue-tiled pool and a day spa. However, all of the hotels ensure a comfortable stay and close proximity to the markets, theatres and restaurants.

Diverse lodgings

From overwater bungalows and luxury resorts, to affordable backpacker hostels and homely inns, Papeete has an extensive range of accommodation, especially for a city so small. Highly accessible and welcoming, the city is a great spot to visit during your Tahiti trip.

You can find simple, yet wholesome accommodation at the various lodges and inns around the city, most of which are either tucked away amongst tropical vegetation or steps from the ocean. Hostels are far less abundant, but they are great for anyone wishing to enjoy a more cost-friendly stay and the company of fellow travellers.