Last updated: 25th March 2025
When you think of Bora Bora, you probably imagine luxury overwater bungalows, infinity pools, and eye-watering prices. But what if we told you that you could experience this tropical paradise without completely emptying your bank account? Welcome to Hotel Royal Bora Bora, an affordable boutique hotel that lets you enjoy the magic of Bora Bora without the five-star price tag!
Table of Contents
About the Royal Bora Bora
The Hotel Royal Bora Bora is a budget 3 star boutique hotel located on the main island of Bora Bora. We thought it’s the perfect place if you want to do Bora Bora on a budget as these places are hard to find in French Polynesia. We liked the Royal Bora Bora because it’s small and intimate with a casual French Polynesia vibe. Its location is perfect for walking to the stunning Matira public beach aswell as enjoying some of the local restaurants. The staff are friendly and helped us get day trips booked.
Royal Bora Bora Hotel is a budget 3 star boutique hotel
Royal Bora Bora hotel entrance
Royal Bora Bora is a comfortable beachfront resort surrounded by lush palm trees and turquoise waters
Checking In: A Warm Polynesian Welcome
After staying at the fabulous Thalasso Resort we took their speedboat to their sister resort on the main Bora Bora island and got a taxi ride to the Hotel Royal Bora Bora. The reception team welcomed us with big smiles, fragrant flower leis, although their English wasn’t perfect, there was some slight confusion over the check-in, but we got there in the end with some more smiles and laughs.
This charming boutique hotel is tucked away on Matira Beach, known as one of the best beaches in French Polynesia. It’s not an overwater bungalow resort, but trust us, the setting is just as breathtaking. Think lush tropical gardens, swaying palm trees, and direct beach access—all at a fraction of the cost of Bora Bora’s mega-resorts.
Entrance to the hotel lobby
The hotel reception lobby
Hotel Royal Bora Bora Facilities & Hotel Review
The Beach
The beach is small and intimate, but stunning with a beautiful white sand beach and an amazing view of motu Piti Uu’Uta – a nearby island. There are loungers with umbrellas and the hotel provides beach towels. We liked the peaceful atmosphere, despite the we had very windy conditions so the lagoon was very choppy and not great for snorkelling. If you want a kayak or paddle board you can hire one from reception for a small fee.
Beachfront at Royal Bora Bora – soft white sands lead to the clear lagoon water
Looking back from the jetty gives you a nice photo
The beach is a small stretch of white sand framed by swaying palm trees
We visited at peak season and there were still loungers available on the beach
There’s even a tiki sculpture on the beach
View from the jetty across the beautiful lagoon
Garth at the Royal Bora Bora
The Pool & Bar
The beachfront pool might be small but it’s lovely with views looking out to the lagoon. Phil thought the water was really cold, so he didn’t go in, so we grabbed some tropical cocktails instead from the handy poolside bar. The one thing that really bugged us were all the plastic flowers used to decorate communal areas, such a shame as they could all be real plants and thrive in the tropical setting.
Poolside relaxation at Royal Bora Bora with sunloungers and chairs
OK the pool is basic, but this is Bora Bora on a budget
Games Area
The hotel offers a games area with table football, a pool table and a ping pong table perfect for keeping your kids occupied.
The games room
Ori Ori Restaurant
The hotel’s beachfront Ori Ori restaurant is nice, especially inside with its tasteful Polynesian interior. The menu is a mix of French, Polynesian and international dishes. We made a reservation for dinner (which is required) Phil ordered a bacon cheeseburger and chips and Garth ordered Steak de Thazard, simple but really nice and tasty. Twice a week the restaurant brings in bands and dancers for a Polynesian buffet which you can book ahead for.
The pool bar seating area
Restaurannt outdoor seating area
Ori Ori Restaurant at Hotel Royal Bora Bora
Garth’s Steak de Thazard
Breakfast
Breakfast is included during your stay at the Royal Bora Bora. It’s plentiful and filling with fairly good selection. It would be nice to order an omelette for breakfast but there are other hot options like scrambled egg, bacon, sausages, pancakes and french toast. Ok it’s basic, but there’s a good selection of fruits, yoghurts and croissants, although get there early for the chocolate ones! We absolutely loved the beachside seating at Breakfast soaking in the lagoon view first thing in the morning.
We loved having breakfast outside with the lovely tropical view
The buffet breakfast
Our Accommodation: A Slice of Polynesian Comfort
Royal Bora Bora has 80 rooms, all are standard and located on the mountain side, so you need to cross the road from the sea side where the beach and hotel restaurant are located. There are 10 x 2 storey buildings, each housing 6-8 rooms all looking out to the tranquil gardens. Royal Bora Bora don’t have any ocean view rooms.
The rooms are basic, a little tired looking, remember this is a 3 star hotel but the interior decor is nice, traditional Polynesian style. If you’re from the UK think of it as a nice Premiere Inn in a tropical setting. Most importantly our room was clean and fairly spacious with beautiful views of the large tropical garden from the outdoor terrace.
The bed is comfortable and there’s also a sofa-bed and a bathroom with an ok shower, no bathtub. Room facilities include free wifi, which is painfully slow, a fridge, tea and coffee, a desk and a safety deposit box. The tv screen is small but has a couple of English language channels and the air conditioning is ok, not super cold, ours kept spitting out cubes of ice! However we found you need to keep your balcony doors closed because there’s lots of bugs and creepy crawlies, it would be better if they had a mesh net for a fresh breeze instead of having to use AC all the time.
All the accommodation is opposite on the other side of the main road
A view to the tropical garden
The 2 storey buildings are set in a lovely tropical garden
The bedroom decor is nice, traditional Polynesian style
Looking from the front door towards the balcony
The tv is tiny, but there is a small fridge and desk
The bathroom is basic but nice and clean
The hairdryer and kettle are located in the bathroom
Really nice view from the balcony – the gardens are immaculately kept
6 Best Things to Do at the Hotel Royal Bora Bora
One of the best things about the Hotel Royal Bora Bora is its fantastic location, making it easy to explore the island without needing a luxury resort budget. Here are our 6 top picks:
1. Matira Beach – The Best Public Beach in Bora Bora 🏖
Literally a stone’s throw from the hotel, about a 10 minute walk is Matira Beach – Bora Bora’s only public beach and it’s an absolute stunner. Powdery white sand, shallow crystal-clear water, and barely any crowds – paradise. It’s perfect for a long stroll, swimming or just lazing under a palm tree with a good book. Matira beach is probably the best places to witness and photograph the sunset.
Garth on the gorgeous Matira Beach
Stunning Matira Beach
Phil soaking up the su on Matira Beach
Matira Beach – The Best Public Beach in Bora Bora
The perfect beach for a walk
2. Bora Bora Beach Club 🍴
Located in the middle of Matira Beach, the Bora Bora Beach Club is an amazing spot for a laid back fresh fish meal next to stunning views of the lagoon. We loved the relaxed, beachy vibe, where you can sip on their signature turquoise cocktail whilst doing a spot of people watching. The menu features fresh seafood, with local Polynesian flavours, plus a few international dishes. Phil ordered Tahitian prawns in a coconut curry sauce, Garth ordered steamed Paraha Peue with ginger, which is a rare fish not often caught in these waters. Both were incredibly fresh and tasty. We loved it here as it’s a great spot for soaking up that dreamy Bora Bora island atmosphere.
Bora Bora Beach Club on Matira Beach
Our table with an amazing view!
A beach club Signature turquoise cocktail to match the lagoon – made of champagne, blue curaçao, sugar cane and lime
Our tempura prawn salad starter
Garth’s Paraha Peue fish with ginger
Phil’s prawn curry
The Bora Bora Beach Club – fabulous location and food
3. Snorkelling & Lagoon Tours 🐠
Bora Bora is all about that legendary blue lagoon, and you can’t visit without exploring it! With the help of the concierge team we booked a half day tour with Bora Bora Onoku Service. The full day option includes a visit to their private motu (island) with lunch and other activities. The trip started with a tour around the whole island past all the overwater bungalows at the fancy resorts and then we set stopped off at various points for snorkelling with tropical fish, sharks and stingrays, we were lucky enough to also see rays. It’s Garth’s favourite activity in the water and he was in his element!
Our captain and guide were super friendly, funny and really helpful. We finished at the coral gardens close to the InterContinental Thalasso resort for a spot of diving. Finally to end the morning tour we were offered some fresh coconut strips and cake bites. It was an unforgettable experience!
Onboard our snorkelling and lagoon tour
Garth snorkelling with sharks and stingrays
Never seen so many tropical fish, sharks and rays all in one place
The sharks swim so close!
Coconut and cake treats
4. Lucky House Restaurant & Bar 🍕
Lucky Restaurant and Bar is perfect for travellers visiting Bora Bora on a budget. Good value happy hour cocktails between 4pm – 6pm. The pizzas are what Lucky House is famous for and they are awesome, really thin and delicious. The burgers are big and tasty too. We enjoyed the atmosphere too, and the budget friendly menu, so we ended up going everyday it was that good. FYI – when you walk down the road from the hotel expect to see lots of stray dogs, they all seemed pretty harmless and didn’t approach or follow us.
Phil outside the Lucky House Restaurant & Bar
Lucky has great pizzas, burgers and fabulous happy hour cocktails
Lucky House Restaurant & Bar – perfect for budget travellers
Phil looking very happy with his favourite food – pizza!
Lucky has some really lovely pieces of art on display and for sale by artist Jean-Pierre Frey.
Lovely pieces of art by Jean-Pierre Frey
Another gorgeous collage by Jean-Pierre Frey
5. Cocktails at Restaurant Tama’a Maitai 🍹
For some cocktails with lovely views of the lagoon and some overwater bungalows head next door to the Restaurant Tama’a Maitai. So this is Bora Bora on a budget – but why not cheat? and take some photos here with the overwater bungalows behind you and impress your friends 😅
Phil outside Restaurant Tama’a Maitai
Cocktails with a view at Restaurant Tama’a Maitai
Take a photo with the overwater bungalows
An overwater bungalow at Restaurant Tama’a Maitai
The outdoor seating area
6. Tiare Market 🛒
There’s a small supermarket just a 2 minute walk away. We went here every day and stocked up on soft drinks, beer, wine and snacks. They sell pretty much everything you’d ever need from toiletries, loads of fishing gear to an oyster opener! Beer is not sold on Sundays. Should you not find what you need, there’s another supermarket – Matira, about another 10 minute walk further up the road towards the beach.
The Tiare Market – a 2 minute walk away
Everything you could ever need at the Tiare Market
There’s a another supermarket 10 minutes away – Matira market
Practical Information and Travel Advice for Royal Bora Bora
Phil and Garth’s Top 5 Royal Bora Bora Tips
- Tip #1: Check your bedroom towels for ants or other creepy crawlies.
- Tip #2: Take a carrier bag for shopping at the supermarket next door.
- Tip #3: We couldn’t help notice there’s lots of smokers from France on room balconies.
- Tip #4: Staff don’t speak much English, so learning a few basic words in French might be helpful.
- Tip #5: Take mosquito bug spray with you for the evenings.
Map of Hotel Royal Bora Bora
Map of Hotel Royal Bora Bora
Final Thoughts: Is Hotel Royal Bora Bora Worth It?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for an affordable way to experience Bora Bora, then the Hotel Royal Bora Bora is a fantastic option. It’s basic, comfortable, well-located, and offers a slice of paradise without the hefty price tag. Sure, it’s not an overwater bungalow resort, but with its gorgeous beachfront setting, friendly staff, and easy access to Bora Bora’s best sights.
So, if you’re thinking of doing Bora Bora on a budget, then this is the place to book! 🌴✨
How We Did It
- We stayed at the Hotel Royal Bora Bora for 3 nights.
- Nassima at TheTravelLustCo handled all our holiday arrangements, taking care of bookings and transfers.
- July is peak season in Bora Bora, when we visited.
- The half-day lagoon tour set us back 18,000 XPF (about £126 for two people).
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Have you done Bora Bora on a budget? Let us know your travel tips in the comments! 👇