Club Bali Hai Moorea, Haapiti

We exchanged through RCI. We paid to upgrade to an over water bungalow. Upon arrival we were told our unit was still occupied and that we would be staying in their "worst" (their phrase) over water unit, #30, for our first night. This unit is in very poor condition and right next to the very noisy road. The excursion boats are docked directly in front of the unit and there is no access to the water from the deck, although I don't think you'd want to swim in this area anyway. There are no screens, so if you open the door for air you got bugs and road noise. After a short, sweltering stay in the room we decided we did not want to spend the night there. We were initially told they were full and there were no other options. We decided to try to book a room at another hotel, and suddenly they had another unit available, upstairs in the block of units facing the water. This room was also in poor condition, peeling paint, cracked tiles, stained toilet and sink, tons of bugs, but at least the air worked, and the view was good. (other units in this building face the road) We woke with numerous bug bites. The next day we moved to unit #36, over water. Of the three units we had seen, this was by far the best, but still very dated and in poor repair. It may have been well cleaned, but because of the age, it looks dirty. The mirrors were heavily spotted. It was really difficult to open the sliding entry door, or closet. We captured a very large roach, named him George. and released him outside. The view outside the unit is spectacular. We don't need the "resort" experience, but this place needs some serious repair work done. We were told that one unit has recently been renovated, but we didn't see it. If you stay in a bungalow, the higher the number, the better the location. The staff was very friendly but not exactly helpful. They were often away from the reception desk and did not seem to be happy to have to return when a guest went to the desk. If you stand politely and wait form them to complete the task they are working on, they will ignore you. The show on Wednesday evening was very nice. We met two other couples who were also less than thrilled with their units and checked out early. The people we met who actually own here seem to love the place and come back year after year. To each his own. This place is in the most beautiful location. The outside looks a little dated, but still charming. It is the interior of the units that is the real problem. We used Albert's Tours and car rental directly across the street. They were fantastic. Great guides and good rates. We decided to keep our car for the full week, rather than two days, and they gave us a very good price. Dr. Poole's Dolphin & Whale watching was also a highlight. Moorea is a beautiful island and well worth a visit. I would suggest renting a car so you have some freedom to come and go as you please. Take good sunscreen and industrial strength bug spray. Tourism is down and there were some great rates available. If you can afford it, stay somewhere else. We used Honors Points and checked out early and stayed our last two nights at the Hilton. As a timeshare owner, we pay fees so that our home resort is well maintained. I can only assume that Club Bali Hai is still allowed for exchange due to it's location and the beauty of the setting it is in. It is the most poorly maintained unit we have exchanged for in our 25+ years with RCI.

The over water bungalow was a dump. poor air conditioning, ripped curtains, windows didn't lock, chairs were only lawn chairs made of plastic, couldn't get decent chairs when requested. small stove, no toaster or oven, roaches, viewing window covered with green scum. A total waste of money! Don't go

Club Bali Hai in Moorea is not the Sofitel. Nor is it $1000/night for an over water bungalow. The digs are getting long in the tooth, but the view and the wonderful staff make up for it. The location is central to the best restaurants on the island. The owners, Muk and Jay are always willing to give someone a lift. Try that at the Four Seasons. Many, many guests have been coming for 20 years. I started coming 15 years ago. I stayed at the Hilton Bora Bora Nui on my way there. The Hilton was $1500 US per night rack. That will probably get you two weeks at Club Bali Hai. If money is no object, stat at the Four Seasons. If you are trying to stretch your vacation dollars, give them a try. You will have a relaxing vacation with a view that a million dollars cant buy.