#8442 - 01/23/03 04:51 AM
Bora Bora Pearl Beach - Second Guessing Myself
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jeanine
Junior Member
Registered: 07/18/04
Posts: 5
Loc: Carmel, CA
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Months ago, based on comments from this Board and the Resort guide, I decided to go with the Bora Bora Pearl Beach hotel. (We are booked for May.) However, based upon some very negative reports seen in the last 2 months or so, I am having thoughts about changing hotels if possible. (Comments about dirty rooms have really bothered me; slow service I can deal with.) Please, those of you with recent experiences, chime in, and help with this decision.
Thanks!
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#8443 - 01/23/03 01:30 PM
Re: Bora Bora Pearl Beach - Second Guessing Myself
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kimina
Junior Member
Registered: 07/02/04
Posts: 2
Loc: united states
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Look at the "Boba Bora - Just Back Post." We had similar problems at the Pearl Beach - "phantom" charges, overcharges, roaches, mosquitoes, none of the jaquizzis were working in the beach suites. They also believe it is perfectly O.K. to try to prevent you from eating at other restaurants. However, many other people have had different experiences there. I managed to get most of the overcharges refunded and I also got us a complementary buffet dinner from the general manager. I don't think the location is very good, either. They have a shuttle to the main island but it drops you off in the middle of nowhere. You can then take a bus to Vaitape. I did not stay there but others who did liked the Bora Bora Lagoon resort.
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#8444 - 01/23/03 08:06 PM
Re: Bora Bora Pearl Beach - Second Guessing Myself
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Anonymous
Anonymous
Unregistered
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We stayed at in a beach bungalo and loved it. We found the rooms clean and everything in working order. The service was friendly and helpful. We did ahve mosquitoes but some with some Off and we had only one bite between us. There were no phantom charges and we found the staff quite helpful in booking restaraunts on the main island. They all picked us up at the dock and brought us back. It seems there must be two PB hotels! Just remember that english is for most a third or fourth language. We laughed and joked with the staff and had a wonderful time. Waking up every morning with aview of Mt Otemanu between our toes was unforgettable. In short we had a perfect time there. Go figure. In all my travels I've noticed that hotels I've stayed at repeatedly have good days and bad. Sometimes it rains too. Do what makes YOU feel comfortable.
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#8445 - 01/23/03 08:20 PM
Re: Bora Bora Pearl Beach - Second Guessing Myself
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Lorna
Member
Registered: 09/16/02
Posts: 35
Loc: Tumwater, Washington, USA
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We loved Pearl Beach (OWB was fantastic). We enjoyed the trip into town and the drive. I still enjoy visiting their website to get the 360 degree view of the room. Staff was wonderful and accomodating. We were there in October 2002. But wherever you end up staying, you are in for the trip of a lifetime - just enjoy and go with the flow.
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#8446 - 01/26/03 03:28 PM
Re: Bora Bora Pearl Beach - Second Guessing Myself
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jeanine
Junior Member
Registered: 07/18/04
Posts: 5
Loc: Carmel, CA
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I am more confused than ever! I really chose PB over the Motu b/c I though I would prefer the sandy-bottom laggon under the OWB to the coral of the Motu. But, the only negative thing I've seen about the Motu has been about their resturants, nothing about the bungalows. I'm still tossing and turning...
Any other thoughts??
Thanks for answering!
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#8447 - 01/26/03 08:02 PM
Re: Bora Bora Pearl Beach - Second Guessing Myself
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Travel Lord
Junior Member
Registered: 01/03/03
Posts: 29
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I had the same questions and concerns, as you may have seen from my post; only I was thinking about Le Meridien as opposed to the Motu.
I know the Motu gets positive comments but it doesn't have a pool, not much beach to speak of, has bug issues also in the treetop areas and coral not sand under the OWB's (which some people like for fish viewing).
The Motu limits your activity since it's an island. However, that's its charm also. It's close to Matira point and you can utilize the Marara's utilities (such as their pool) but have to take the boat to get there. Once there you're near a convenience shop and Hotel Bora Bora but not Vaitape. Pearl Beach is nearer Vaitape after the boat ride but not Matira.
It does have sand and I gather the depth is around 5ft until you wade out.
There's way more white beach at PB and it has a good pool. Check out http://www.pearlresorts.com
Well I hope that helps a bit. For all you ardent Sofitel Motu fans, please don't slay me....each hotel has its pros and cons I think.
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#8448 - 01/26/03 08:56 PM
Re: Bora Bora Pearl Beach - Second Guessing Myself
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Kristy
Advisor
Registered: 10/12/01
Posts: 568
Loc: Windsor, CA USA
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Travel Lord I'm not going to slay you but I will correct you. You are in no way "limited" when you stay at the Sofitel Motu. The shuttle boat is on demand and we never had to wait to make the 3-4 minute trip over to the Marara. For most people, no pool is not an issue when you have the most beautiful lagoon in the world to swim in. The water is warm and crystal clear. Of all of the postings that I have read here I don't recall hearing many complaints about bugs in the treetop bungalows. We definitely did not have a problem in the OW's. As far as sandy bottom versus coral goes, again most people go to experience the fantastic snorkeling. If there is no coral there is not much in the way of fish as they hang out around the coral. Also the beach situation is not that great anywhere as the beaches are made out of ground up coral...not soft sand so it's definitely different. Don't go to FP for the beaches or you will be disappointed. It's the awesome mountains, the crystal clear water and the wonderful people that make FP a remarkable place. Staying at the Sofitel Motu was like a little slice of heaven.
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#8449 - 01/27/03 10:45 AM
Re: Bora Bora Pearl Beach - Second Guessing Myself
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jeanine
Junior Member
Registered: 07/18/04
Posts: 5
Loc: Carmel, CA
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More food for thought... The lack of swimming pool has never been an issue. Of all the resorts I have been to in the Caribbean, I've always spent my time by the beach, not the pool.
Additionally, I chose the OWB because I believe we will spend a lot of our time simply relaxing on deck/in the water. (Yes, we will sight-see, etc.; but I refer to our "down time".) I am just wary of the coral. I like the water, but do not have strong feels of excitement about snorkeling, etc; thus, being above coral is not a bonus for me.
So, it boils down to this: is the coral a negative for us non-snorkelers who just want to swim/splash around between turning pages of the latest trashy romance novels?
Thanks Travel Lord and Kristy!
Regards,
Jeanine
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#8450 - 01/27/03 01:51 PM
Re: Bora Bora Pearl Beach - Second Guessing Myself
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bsinutah
Member
Registered: 08/07/02
Posts: 255
Loc: Utah
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One note on the Motu, there is some coral around the OWB's, but its a little here and a little there. Stepping into the water off your OWB deck, there is a 'sandy' bottom. I think the sandy bottom is tiny tiny crushed coral, like most of the other 'sandy' bottoms in BB. I can't be certain of it, does anyone know for certain?
Back to the coral by the OWBs, they added a little bit of coral near the look out hole in the floor so fish would gather near your hole in the floor so you can gaze. Other than the coral near the hole in the floor and maybe some coral between the OWBs there isn't an abundance of coral around the OWBs. You can swim, wade and float without being near the coral if that is what you wish.
I hope this helps.
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#8451 - 01/29/03 08:40 AM
Re: Bora Bora Pearl Beach - Second Guessing Myself
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jeanine
Junior Member
Registered: 07/18/04
Posts: 5
Loc: Carmel, CA
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Yes, thank you, the comments were a big help. I think we may try to change hotels, but it may be too late if no bungalows are available. Either way, I'm sure we will be fine.
Thanks!
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