Marquesas Islands hotels & places to stay

We booked the Pearl Lodge as a treat on our month long trip in the South Pacific. To start with the positives- we were warmly greeted with garlands and a drink and shown to a beautiful bungalow overlooking Taiohae Bay. Our shower overlooked the bay too which was a bonus. The food wasn't bad and had some local specialities - it was about the same price as the other restaurants on the island. We were also able to have room service and they sweetly gave us a tray for breakfast one day when we overslept. The small pool has a spectacular view. Overall it's very relaxing here and as the Marquesas are very remote we appreciated the extra comfort of staying at the Pearl Lodge. Negatives - the return airport transfer cost was about £125 for two of us. Granted the airport is over an hour's drive away but for this price we expected a comfortable experience. Especially after the 3.5 hour flight from Tahiti. Unfortunately the hotel had asked a local lady to pick us up. She spent the entire journey speaking to her friend in the front passenger seat, whilst we were squeezed in the back seat with a large lad of 17 who played his stereo for over an hour. We arrived at the hotel stiff and sore. If the hotel asks for a significant payment for transfers it should make an effort to make them comfortable. The return journey was better. Then after a few days we asked to borrow the hotel bicycles to cycle into town. We weren't warned about the bikes' failure to break on the steep slope down to the bay. We came off hard onto the gravel and returned to the hotel a few minutes later covered in blood, with the manager saying we should have been told to wheel the bikes to the bottom of the hill. Because of the injuries we had to make two trips to the hospital and one to the pharmacy. Incredibly the cost of these was added to our bill when we came to check out, although it was removed after we complained. A bit more attention to detail would have made this a great stay for us but unfortunat

One must really know that the place is very removed, wild and far from civilization. The Areke Chez Kayser pension offers absolutely everything; the facilities and organization of all details. You can't dream of better. It enables one to visit the tombs of Gaugin, and of Brel, the Gaugin museum and the Brel museum. The manager as well as the manageress, who form a wonderful couple, also know how to organize expeditions to the neighbouring island. As soon as you need a transportation service they take care of it, taking one to the town as well as the airport, and to go on errands needed. What is rare for a place like this is they have a pool table and a pretty little pool. They prepare wonderful traditional dishes but also good European cuisine. As expert of the Pacific world and Africa, as expert of anthrolopogy, I can only recommend to chose this pension for one of your future trips. I end by saying that the manager is a man who can also help you visit archaeological sites on the island and he knows the past history of the island very well. Charles-Edouard Duflon, Expert.

When planning a trip to Hiva Oa, my French Polynesian Island goal, I struggled. “Lonely Planet” was useful highlighting limited options. The Hanaka Pearl is the best choice- telaxing, private breezy bungalow with an ocean view balcony, air conditioning if needed, English speaking staff (mostly... but go ahead &!practice your French), airport shuttle, fabulous French menu & dining area, giant breakfast buffet, infinity pool, free twice daily shuttle to town to visit Gaugin grave and museum and grocery store... So perfect for relaxing, recharging and exploring. This lodging was the highlight of my two week trip to Tahiti, Mmorea and Hiva Oa. Merci!

The best thing about Mave Mai is owner/manager Jean-Claude who is very friendly and helpful, the best of the best. His helper was less so, and even seemed rude to our friends, but not to us. There may have been a language miscommunication. The rooms are surprisingly spartan. The room had nothing except a bed and a small low useless table. We dragged in another table from outside to put our clothes on (no closet or hangers or anything for storing clothes) and brought a small table in from the bathroom for a night table. I kept my clothes on the floor. There seemed to be no daily upkeep of the room, no bed making or towel changes. The breakfasts were excellent, fruit, breads, coffee, juices etc. I can't compare this to any other place on the island. This is French Polynesia and everything is expensive. Our stay was not cheap.