Pape’ete’s First 5-Star Luxury Accommodations: Hilton Tahiti Resort [NOVEMBER 15]
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The ’60s were a happening time and the Hilton Tahiti was really a great impetus to tourism on the island. The newly renovated resort is scheduled to reopen on November 15. Here is a look at the old and the new.
History of the Hilton Tahiti Resort
The first Hilton Tahiti Resort was built in the 1960s before there was even an airport. It has seen several iterations since, marked by great change and growth. During this time, it has hosted A-list celebrities from around the world (including the Beatles, Brigitte Bardot, and Alfred Hitchcock), undergone renovations (and one demolition) and served as a cultural hub and must-see destination. At the heart of the resort, both then and now is traditional Tahitian hospitality that celebrates the island’s rich heritage.
Taitea Brasserie
Key Dates
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May 1960: Inauguration of the Hotel Tahiti, owned by Spencer F. Weaver
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1997: Demolition of Hotel Tahiti
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July 1999: Opening of Outrigger Hotel, owned by Mr. and Ms. Wane
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2000: Outrigger becomes Sheraton Hotel Tahiti
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2009: Sheraton becomes Hilton Tahiti
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July 2010: Closing of Hilton Tahiti
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Nov. 2021: Grand Opening of Hilton Tahiti Resort
Origin through 1960s
1959
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Tahiti was an isolated island, only served by seaplane from Bora Bora.
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American businessman, Spencer F. Weaver, came to Tahiti and had a vision for a future airport and foresaw the rise of tourism and the birth of the hotel industry.
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Spencer purchases the land for the future hotel from the Princess Terii Pomare and Princess Tahau Pomare (descendants of the Pomare and Teva families)
1960
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The Hotel Tahiti opens its doors
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May: Hotel receives international press at the Hotel for the grand opening of Tahiti’s first airline between France and Polynesia
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July: Opening of hotel’s cocktail lounge/bar making it the place to be on the island
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August: Hotel hosts the national French rugby team
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October: Mutiny on the Bounty is filmed, featuring Marlon Brando
1961
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May: The official opening of the airport marks a distinct increase in tourism
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500 visitors in 1957
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5,000 visitors in 1960
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50,000 in 1970
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Celebrity Guests from the 1960s
In the 1960s, the hotel became a hot spot for celebrities around the world. They saw famous athletes, actors, musicians and even royalty.
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Prince Charles of England
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Jacques Brel
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Marlon Brando
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Romain Gary
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Catherine Deneuve
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Brigitte Bardot
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Alberto Moravia
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The Beatles
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Georges Pompidou
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Prince Albert and
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Princesse Paola de Belgium
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Giuseppe Saragat
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Countess Orlowska of Poland
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Jean-Paul Belmondo
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Johnny Hallyday
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Charles Aznavour
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Joe Dassin
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Jacques Dutronc
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Michel Polnareff
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Tino Rossi
Hilton Tahiti Resort Renovation 2021
With travel on the rise as more and more people are looking for destinations to explore in the coming months, the Hilton Tahiti Resort is prepared to welcome guests to their newly renovated property, set to open its doors on Nov. 15.
Uniquely situated a mere five minutes from Fa’a’ā International Airport and only a short walk or drive to Pape’ete’s downtown attractions and Maritime Port, the resort is the perfect place for travelers to enjoy on its own for or as a respite to relax and refresh between flights.
The only five-star resort in Tahiti, they are proud to offer:
- Three onsite elevated dining options: Moevai (traditional Tahitian), Taitea Brasserie (fish and steakhouse), and The Asian (Southeast Asian)
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The largest pool on the island that overlook Moorea Island and offer cabanas as well as a poolside restaurant
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A full-service spa, business center and fitness center
Renovations
The Hilton Tahiti Resort received complete top-to-bottom renovations that introduced modern, sleek amenities to each room and a contemporary, yet sophisticated design across all areas of the resort. As part of the renovation, a new wing was constructed adjacent to the previous structure, expanding the overall square footage and bringing the total number of rooms at the resort up to 200. Each of the rooms have been upgraded with contemporary furniture and fixtures that reflect true Tahitian elegance. The new design introduced more natural light to shared areas offering an open-air lobby and stunning ocean views from 160 rooms, bringing the natural beauty of Moorea Island and the Pacific Ocean to the space creating a warm and inviting ambiance.
Moevai
The renovations also expanded the ballroom to an impressive 7,917 sq. feet, making it the largest meeting space in French Polynesia. As mentioned, the resort also is home to the largest pool in Tahiti, another product of the recent work. The original two onsite restaurants received upgrades, as well, and were redesigned to incorporate more locally made products and materials. A third restaurant was added.
Celebrating the beauty of nature is the focus here, as is providing guests with top-of-the-line finishes that complement the surrounding environment. The introduction of the resort’s Market Place is also notable in that it guests can purchase retail products from local vendors. The newly built Transit Lounge allows those who are awaiting a connecting flight to utilizes one of the resort’s day rooms.
About Hilton Tahiti Resort
The first Hilton Tahiti Resort was built in the 1960s before there was even an airport. It has seen several iterations since, marked by great change and growth. During this time, it has hosted A-list celebrities from around the world (including the Beatles, Brigitte Bardot, and Alfred Hitchcock), undergone renovations (and one demolition) and served as a cultural hub and must-see destination. At the heart of the resort, both then and now is traditional Tahitian hospitality that celebrates the island’s rich heritage.
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