Accommodations

There is a wide range of accommodation options in French Polynesia, but they all have one thing in common: they're expensive. You're paying for paradise, so expect to pay twice or even triple what you think the room might be worth. French Polynesia doesn't have a thriving backpacker culture, but hostels (called "guesthouses") can be found. The bulk of the accommodation options are pensions and hotels, and then there are the luxury resorts with over-the-water bungalows of which dreams are made. Most hotels quote their rates in the local currency and they don't include the hefty taxes that will be added to your bill: the 6% taxe sur la valeur ajoutee (TVA, or value-added tax), the 5% government tax, and the tax de sejour (accommodation tax), which is charged per person per night.

Bed & Breakfasts

There are a few bed-and-breakfasts scattered around French Polynesia, although it's difficult to find a traditional B&B by Western standards. The term "bed-and-breakfast" is often used to describe everything from home-stays to hotels, so check with your host about what's on offer before confirming your reservation, just to make certain it's what you're after.

Reservations Services

BNB Choices. www.bnbchoices.com.

Rentalo.com. rentalo.com/vacation-rentals/tahiti.

Pamela Lanier's Bed & Breakfasts. www.lanierbb.com/french_polynesia.

Bed and Breakfast.Net. www.bedandbreakfast.net.

Guesthouses

Guesthouses in French Polynesia can mean anything from family-run pensions to hostel-style accommodations. Roughly translated, it means cheaper rates, the chance to mix with other travelers and locals, a kitchen, and rustic facilities, such as lukewarm water and outdoor bathroom compounds. Guesthouses are a good option for people traveling on a budget, but note that they usually don't accept credit cards.

Reservation Contacts

Haere Mai. www.haere-mai.pf.

Home Exchanges

Home exchanges are growing more and more popular in French Polynesia. Although you're primarily looking at exchanges on the main islands of Tahiti and Moorea, it's still a unique way to experience the islands. The best resource for home exchanges is to explore the Internet.

Reservation Contacts

Home Exchange. www.homeexchange.com.

Home Welcome. www.homewelcome.com/oceania/french-polynesia.

Vacation Rentals. www.vrwd.com/vacation-home-excahnges/oceania.

Hotels

"Hotel" is another word in French Polynesia that has multiple meanings, from a dreary overpriced room to five-star accommodation. Prices vary greatly, as does the value for money. Although hotels are more comfortable and offer more amenities than pensions and guesthouses, mid-range hotels may leave you feeling jilted—a three-star accommodation in Sydney or San Francisco offers a lot more than a three-star property in French Polynesia. Deals and travel packages abound, however, and are worth looking into.

Reservation Contacts

Hotel Advisor. frenchpolynesia.hoteladvisor.com.

Pacific Island Travel. www.pacificislandtravel.com.

South Travels. www.southtravels.com.

Luxury Resorts

French Polynesia is the stereotype for paradise, and the islands know how to do luxury. From private islands, to helicopter transfers, to iconic over-the-lagoon bungalows, if you've dreamed it, it's here. Most luxury hotels offer spa services, sumptuous food, four-poster beds draped with netting, and a wealth of activities—just expect to pay for it all. Paradise doesn't come cheap, and most luxury resorts are not all-inclusive. Still, if there was ever a holiday to splurge on, French Polynesia fits the bill.

Reservation Contacts

Luxury Link. www.luxurylink.com.

Perfect Escapes. www.perfectescapes.com.

Tahiti Escapes. www.visit-tahiti.com/luxury.html.

Pensions

Pensions are the step between the hostel and the hotel. They are usually simple family-run establishments with eclectic furnishings. Some pensions are gems, with tidy thatched bungalows and warm showers. Others are little more than threadbare rooms with calendar pages for artwork. Still, pensions are a great way to mix and mingle with the locals, who take pride in being your host. Pensions are also good value for money, and you're guaranteed to bring home a story or two. Room prices usually include half board (breakfast and dinner), full board (all meals), or the use of a kitchen. Credit cards are often not accepted.

Reservation Contacts

Diving World. www.diving-world.com/tahiti-pensions.html.

Hideaway Holidays. www.hideawayholidays.com.au/ppt_pensions.htm.

Tahiti Travel Connection. www.tahititravel.com.au/pensions/index.asp.