Hotel Sarah Nui

The hotel serves as a highly practical and economical choice for travelers in transit, particularly those arriving late or departing early, due to its signature feature of being exceptionally close to the ferry terminal and downtown Papeete. It is an ideal fit for budget travelers and transit passengers seeking a convenient stopover rather than a luxurious resort experience. Many guests appreciate its value and strategic location, highlighting its utility for short stays before moving on to other islands or flights. However, some find the facilities dated and the surrounding area less appealing. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room away from the street to mitigate noise, as some areas can be quite loud. Additionally, be prepared for a more basic accommodation style, focusing on its functional role as a temporary base.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers essential facilities and amenities that cater to the needs of transit guests. Most rooms are equipped with functional air conditioning and a refrigerator, which guests find very useful, especially in the local climate. While WiFi is available, feedback is mixed; some guests report it works adequately, while many others describe it as slow, unreliable, or prone to frequent disconnections, making it challenging to stay connected. An elevator is present, providing convenient access to upper floors. However, the overall condition of amenities often reflects the hotel's age, with some guests noting issues such as non-functional safes and shower doors that are either missing, broken, or do not close properly. Parking is available, including covered options, which is a plus for those with rental cars.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is notably divided. While some guests found their rooms to be adequately clean and appreciated the spacious rooms, a significant number reported issues with dirty rooms, including visible dust, grime, mold along baseboards, and stains on linens or comforters. Some even encountered cockroaches, which significantly impacted their comfort. The beds receive mixed reviews; some found them comfortable, but many described them as uncomfortable, citing issues like excessive hardness, sagging, or being on wheels that caused them to slide. Noise is a recurring complaint, with guests frequently mentioning disturbances from street noise, motorcycle noise, and even roosters throughout the night, making restful sleep difficult. The general condition of the rooms, including creaking floorboards and poor lighting, further contributes to a sense of disrepair.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel provides breakfast as its primary dining option, though guest opinions on its food quality and value vary. Most guests describe the breakfast as basic, sufficient for a quick start to the day, and appreciate the availability of items like coffee, croissants, and fruit. However, many guests feel it is not worth the additional cost, citing a lack of breakfast variety with the same limited options served daily, such as basic bread and cheese, and sometimes tinned fruit. There is no full-service restaurant for lunch or dinner, and some guests noted issues with food shortages or the quality of specific items. Overall, the dining experience is generally perceived as functional but not a highlight of the stay, leading many to seek breakfast options outside the hotel.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest attributes, particularly for travelers utilizing the ferry terminal. It is within easy walking distance to the terminal, making it highly convenient for inter-island travel. Guests also appreciate its proximity to downtown Papeete, allowing for easy access to the market, shops, and various restaurants on foot. While the hotel is also relatively close to the airport, typically a 15-30 minute drive, its immediate surroundings are often described as an industrial area. Some guests found this neighborhood to be less appealing or even felt it was somewhat seedy at night, contrasting with the convenience of its central position relative to key transport hubs and city attractions.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel generally receive positive remarks from guests. Many reviewers commend the friendly staff for their helpful and accommodating demeanor, noting their willingness to assist with various requests. Guests frequently mention the efficiency of the quick check-in process, and some were particularly grateful for the flexibility of being allowed early check-in or late check-out when possible, which is a significant convenience for transit travelers. Staff are also noted for assisting with taxi reservations and providing useful local information. While the majority of interactions are positive, a few isolated instances of less friendly or unhelpful service were reported, but these appear to be exceptions rather than the norm.

Additional Information
A notable and frequently mentioned piece of additional information about the hotel is its past as an old hospital conversion. This history is often inferred from the building's layout, including dark hallways and certain structural elements, which some guests found to be a unique or even slightly unsettling aspect of their stay. The hotel's early check-in policy and late check-out policy are often discussed, with experiences varying; while some guests were successfully accommodated, others were not, indicating these are subject to availability and potentially additional charges. The hotel is generally considered a functional choice for short stays, particularly for those on a budget, and is often recommended as a temporary stopover rather than a destination in itself. Guests should manage expectations regarding modern amenities and be prepared for a more utilitarian experience.