Paea, Pk 18, 6 Cote Ouest Tahiti, Punaauia, French Polynesia | (937) 315-4602
Affordable property with private and dorm rooms
10-minute walk from public beach and grocery store
On-site owners often give well-received travel advice
Private rooms with towels, fans, and storage
Dorms have bunk beds, fans, and lockers
Free continental breakfast served outside
Two communal kitchens with necessary cookware
Attractive grounds with various seating
Free snorkeling gear
Free on-site parking and Wi-Fi
Airport transfer and laundry service available (fees)
Basic digs with lots of wear and tear
Removed from Tahiti's main town and restaurants
All units share bathrooms
One dorm isn't fully partitioned from communal area
No restaurant or pool
Pension Te Miti is a budget property with seven basic dorm-style and private rooms, located a 10-minute walk from the beach and 20-minute drive from the airport in Tahiti. Split between two houses -- each with their own communal kitchen and shared bathrooms -- rooms are no-frills spaces with the bare minimum of beds, towels, fans, and storage space. Unfortunately, wear and tear is evident throughout and one dorm isn't fully partitioned from a communal area, leading to noise complaints. Amenities are limited to a simple free continental breakfast served outdoors, free snorkeling gear, free Wi-Fi, and free parking. Airport transfers and laundry services are available for a fee. This is one of the cheapest options on the island, but travelers willing to pay more may prefer the modern Tahiti Airport Motel, conveniently near the airport.
Scene
Small, no-frills bed-and-breakfast with some of the cheapest rates in town
Run by French owners Fred and Christelle, who live on-site with their children, Pension Te Miti is a no-frills bed-and-breakfast with some of the cheapest rates in town. On either side of the owners' house, which acts as reception, is a house holding three or four bedrooms, shared kitchen facilities, and furnished patios. Interiors are Surrounding the units are grounds dotted with tables and chairs, fruit trees, and a covered terrace with communal seating for the free breakfasts. Guests are often found reading on their patios, getting local advice from staff, or grabbing free snorkeling gear before heading to the beach. The vibe is friendly and relaxed without being boisterous. During our visit, clientele were a mix of French and Canadian couples and groups of friends. Backpackers are common guests here.
Location
Removed from Tahiti's center, but 10-minute walk to beach
Pension Te Miti is on the west side of Tahiti, removed from the island's center, but a 10-minute walk from a public beach. There's not a ton in the area, though a handful of restaurants, grocery stores, and shops are within walking distance. Fa'a'ā International Airport is a 20-minute drive away, while the ferry port is just a few minutes farther. The downtown area of Papeete, known for its food and handicraft markets, and higher concentration of shops and eateries, is the same distance.
Rooms
Basic private and dorm-style rooms with fans
The seven private and dorm-style rooms here are divided between two houses, though travelers book their room by category and not location. All rooms have basic wooden furnishings, tile floors, tropical-print sheets, and evident wear and tear. Amenities are lacking, with just fans (no air-conditioning), towels, and storage space (lockers for dorms).
House One has a microwave and sink inside, while a full kitchen and dining table are outside. On the opposite side is a covered patio with a mishmash of seating and books to borrow. Some hanging hats and sea-themed artwork add charm. An indoor bathroom is shared between all rooms here.
House Two has a full indoor kitchen next to a living area with a TV, bookcase, and green-patterned couch. Walls decorated with hats and artwork are also found here. Unfortunately, the bookcase acts as the dorm's wall partition and as it doesn't reach the ceiling, noise can be an issue. An indoor bathroom with a shower and adjacent toilet, and an outdoor shower and separate toilet are shared among rooms. The outdoor terrace for this house is larger.
Features
Free breakfast, snorkeling gear, and Wi-Fi
As a hostel-style bed-and-breakfast, amenities are unsurprisingly few at Pension Te Miti. All rates do include a free continental breakfast, served on an outdoor terrace for a few hours every morning. The spread consists of French baguettes, fresh fruit, cereal, butter and jam, and coffee or tea. No other meals are offered on-site. Other freebies include snorkeling gear and Wi-Fi. Airport transfers and laundry service are available for fees.