Checking into Hotel Kon Tiki Tahiti, I discovered a total gem in the heart of Papeete that seamlessly blends the warmth of Polynesian hospitality with sustainably minded modern amenities.
The spacious and tastefully decorated rooms provide breathtaking views of the ocean beyond, creating a serene oasis to appreciate the natural beauty that is so abundant here. The central location also meant that during my stay I was able to fully immerse myself in the cultural richness of Tahiti, strolling to local markets and food trucks located just minutes away.
If you are embarking on an adventure in Tahiti, read on to discover why Hotel Kon Tiki is the perfect home base.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hotel Kon Tiki Tahiti
When did the hotel open?
Hotel Kon Tiki Tahiti opened in April 2022
Is Kon Tiki Tahiti part of a Hotel Group?
No, this hotel is independently owned and operated
Is the property pet friendly?
Certain private rooms may be pet friendly with prior request
Is the property accessible?
This property has an elevator that will take you to to all rooms and common areas with step free access.
In three words…
modern, friendly, fresh
Location Of Hotel Kon Tiki Tahiti
The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Papeete, literally just across the street from the ferry quay on the seafront, which made it ideal for my brief stopover on the way to Moorea.
It is located in a kind of trendy industrial neighbourhood that admittedly looks a little rough at first glance but ultimately felt totally safe. It’s a great home base for exploring Papeete on foot, as it’s a five minute walk from the famous market and dozens of bars and restaurants.
Amenities At Hotel Kon Tiki Tahiti
Bars & Restaurants
Hotel Kon Tiki has two dining areas, in addition to a communal patio space. The main restaurant, called The Surfhouse, serves lunch and dinner inspired by French and Polynesian cuisine primarily using locally sourced ingredients.
The punnily named Reeftop Bar on the top floor offers small bites with panoramic views over the capital and port of Tahiti. This is apparently a very popular bar with the youths of Papeete, and gets quite busy with a live dj late at night.
Unfortunately they are closed midweek, so I was unable to check them out myself, but they have plans to expand their opening hours as they establish themselves.
Concierge
Hotel Kon Tiki offers 24/7 front desk service that stepped up to provide a great deal of concierge services during my stay. Upon check in, they were more than gracious in helping us plan our route around the island, providing us with maps and recommendations along the way as well as a patient little lesson in local phrases.
Upon check out, the front desk helped us to arrange and negotiate the price for a very early morning taxi to the airport. We didn’t stay in the hotel long enough to have many more needs, but the hospitality shown by the staff was truly phenomenal.
The Rooms At Hotel Kon Tiki Tahiti
There are three tiers of rooms at the hotel: cabins, standard rooms, and studios. The cabin rooms are reminiscint of Japanese pod-style hotels, offering a private place to rest while sharing bathrooms in dorm-style. Standard rooms are larger, with king size beds and private bathrooms, as well as a mini fridge and espresso machine.
I stayed in a studio during our stay, which was quite literally the size of a studio apartment. In addition to the private bathroom and king bed, it also had a living area with a pull out couch and a small private balcony overlooking the port. This would be a great option for families or digital nomads who are visiting on an extended trip.
Sustainability At Hotel Kon Tiki Tahiti
Sustainability is at the heart of this hotel’s design and construction, with a number of innovative measures taken. The entire hotel is fitted with Stopsol glazing, which reduces solar heat by an estimated 65%. The organic decor you’ll see throughout the hotel is actually crafted from micronia, a highly invasive plant. Hygiene products such as soaps and shampoos are all locally sourced using native ingredients like monoi oil, and cleaning products are all reef-safe certified.
And finally, food production at the hotel’s bar and restaurants is also locally sourced – even the juice blend you’ll find in the lobby each morning is made from whatever leftovers they had already prepped but didn’t use the day before.
Overall
Staying at Hotel Kon Tiki Tahiti was a phenomenal experience, and I would recommend it to anyone stopping over in Papeete. The location was a perfect home base for exploring the capital and beyond, and the hospitality from every staff we encountered was incredible.
