Like many of you, I read all of the guidebooks and trusted them to help me decide where to stay while in Polynesia. We chose to spend four days in Moorea at the Beachcomber Hotel, because all of the books could not say enough good things about the hotel. The food, the coral gardens that won an award, etc. <BR> <BR>My wife and I have traveled extensively around the world, throughout North America, Central America, Caribean, South America, Asia, Australia and Africa and the Beachcomber Parkroyal is the most pathetic excuse for a luxury hotel that I have even witnessed. The service was awful and it just never ended. I firmly believe that anyone who likes the Beachcomber hotels are either embarassed that they paid so much money or they have simply never traveled and experienced quality service. <BR> <BR>The hotel bungalos are cheap and flimsy, with kitch furnature to match. As expensive as the breakfast was, I expected to at least find decent quality on my plate, but again, it was terrible. All of the talk about the award they won for the coral, it was long gone. It resembled Dresden in 1945. <BR> <BR>What I found most upsetting though was when I spoke up, nobody cared. Even the hotel GM, Silvio Bion didn't care. Even the manager of the hotel didn't care to talk to me when I asked. The reason that they don't care is that they are running huge volumes of people in and out and can replace you easily. they somehow get enough great reviews that they don't care if you stay there or not. <BR> <BR>During my three weeks in French Polynesia, I met numerous other couples that were treated as rudely and who were equally disappointed in the service and the overall quality. The others were also people who have traveled extensively. <BR> <BR>Paying hundreds of dollars a night does not make a resort luxury. Giving quality service, quality food and a nice atmosphere is what it's all about. During our honeymoon stay, we paid more and we paid less per day than we did at the Beachcomber in Moorea, but consistently, our other choices were considerably superior. <BR> <BR>I am using the e-mail address of the hotel here so they can choose to address the issues related to their hotel. I sense that perhaps in the past the hotel was a better place to stay, but as of Spring of 2000, it's awful. Of course, if the hotel chooses to refute my claims of bad service, they should understand that I have also alerted other Beachcomber guests about my post and they are prepared to discuss their horror stories as well. <BR> <BR>The word is out among travelers and we will not tolerate this kind of behavior. Mr. Silvio BION, I suggest you clean up your hotel by cleaning house with your management team and hiring at least twice the number of service people. For the prices you charge, you ought to be ashamed and embarassed!!! You will not be able to continue your price schedule now that you have shafted so many unsuspecting travelers.

Just returned from Tahiti. Perhaps you wouldn't have been happy any place there as we met a couple who were very unhappy at the Sofitel and loved the Beachcomber.

What a shame you had such a disappointing time. I stayed at the Moorea Beachcomber Parkroyal in an overwater bungalow on my honeymoon in January and my experience was very different. I loved the place and would go back tomorrow if I could. My only complaint was that the room furnishings and bathroom were dated - but I spent most of my time on the balcony or in the water. Service was prompt and good. I thought it was reasonable value for money given the location - 5 star hotels in resorts are not like 5 star hotels in cities. I too have travelled extensively, both on business and pleasure.

Maya, 5-star resorts are NOT like 5-star hotels in cities?!? Are you serious?!? Ever hear of the Grand Wailea and Ritz-Carlton on Maui, the Manele Bay on Lanai, the Kahala Mandarin Oriental on Oahu, etc., etc.?!? I don't know about too many other resort areas in the world, but Hawaii DEFINITELY has 5-star quality resorts that are even SUPERIOR to regular 5-star hotels that are found in the "cities!!" <BR>

"Disappointed": Thanks for your very honest appraisal of this resort as I, too, was always under the impression that it was top notch. Where else did you stay in French Polynesia, and could you give a brief review of each? Thanks!

I am planning on staying there, the beachcomber in august... if it so bad... please refer me to something you heard or saw that was better.

The Sofitel Motu on Bora Bora was Fabulous. It was more than we could have imagined. The service was perfect, the bungalows elegant, the view amazing. It was small (30 bungalows) so the people were able to treat each guest with individual care. I don't think any other hotel on Bora Bora could top it (even Hotel Bora Bora).