Hotels - Papeete or Moorea - 3 nights before cruise

We will arrive in Papeete three days before our March cruise on Crystal. We are looking for a nice hotel that won't break the bank (have already done that, booking the cruise). We enjoy small, boutique hotels. Any ideas?

We are cruising the month before and booked Fare Suisse for 1 night in Papeete which was very reasonable, 80€. They pick you up at the airport and bring you to the ferry. We are then spending 2 nights at the Hilton on Moorea. We used points for 1 night and paying for 2d night. Overwater bungalows are very pricey but if you want a regular room they are pretty reasonable

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Some thoughts about staying in Papeete vs. Moorea for your time there? There is not a lot to do in Papeete other than take a drive around the island or do some hiking. The snorkeling is poor generally. Probably the best place to stay is the Intercontinental, but it wasn't really memorable. But Moorea is one of the most spectacular islands you'll likely visit with tons of things to do and some incredible scenery. As Gbits suggested the Hilton is an excellent choice with some of the best snorkeling in Moorea to be found right off the beach.

Staying at Fare Suisse for a night and taking advantage of the free airport pickup and drop off at the ferry is a decent option. The accommodations are very basic, but clean and comfortable. No pool or restaurant close- it's in a residential neighborhood. You can add a breakfast to your room- good but limited. You can walk to a well stocked grocery store. Beni, the proprietor could not be nicer and more helpful.

I agree with everything Gbits suggested unless you are feeling adventuresome and want to push on to Moorea by ferry when you arrive in Papeete. Then spend all three nites in Moorea. I'd go with option #1.