Sunset Hill Lodge

Bora Bora is known for its over-the-top hotels with sky-high rates, and the Sunset Hill Lodge offers a value alternative for travelers that want to visit the beautiful island on a budget. The small property has eight low-frills rooms with colorful decor, split between the main building up a hill and a few waterfront units, divided by a busy road. Located at the end of a road, the red-painted lodge showcases its simplicity off the bat with a piece of paper taped to the front door acting as signage. Inside, the main lobby also acts as a living, dining, and work area for the French owner Gerard, who lives on-site with his friendly dog and cat. His room is partitioned off by a curtain. The textured red and yellow walls are cheerful, and various curios -- some gifts from past guests -- are display throughout, including a Buddha statue, a dreamcatcher and Polynesian canoe oars. 

This space leads out to a lovely garden area with lily ponds, flower-covered trellis, hammock next to a banana tree, and covered terrace with seating and ocean views. Everything is a bit basic and mishmash here, but the place is clean and centrally located. Guests are a mix of couples, friends, and families, most of whom rave about Gerard's service.  Still, it's worth comparing rates with Village Temanuata, which is set along stunning Matira Beach, and the nearby Oa Oa Lodgepoa Beach Hotel, which has a pool. 

The Sunset Hill Lodge has a great location on the west side of Bora Bora's mainland. International travelers will first arrive to Fa'a'ā International Airport in Tahiti, and then take a 45-minute plane to Bora Bora. Bora Bora Airport is located on its own motu (small island), so travelers to the lodge will need to take the free ferry that runs from the airport to the Ferry and Boat Point on Vaitape -- Bora Bora's main city. Gerard will pick up guests for free from this drop-off point, which is only a three-minute drive (15-minute walk) from the hotel. Guests of the property will be within a 15-minute walk of two grocery stores, a handful of restaurants, and Tahitian pearl store. Although a couple of the units here are along the water, there's no beach, so guests will have to drive 15 minutes south to the beautiful Matira Beach. 

There are eight rooms at Sunset Hill Lodge, all of which largely have a similar cheerful, albeit basic, design consisting of colorful walls, simple wood furniture, and colorful, tropical linens and artwork. Some furnishings are showing wear and occasionally bugs are an issue (common for Bora Bora), but everything's clean. Two studio units and a two-bedroom apartment are located down by the water, meaning these are separated from the main building by a busy road. These rooms are large and have ocean-view patios with dining tables and bench seating. Outdoor spaces for rooms by the main building are shared. All rooms have kitchens with fridges, microwaves, stovetops, dishes, kettles, and cookware, as well as dining tables, air-conditioning and fans, and free Wi-Fi. No rooms have TVs. Bathrooms have showers with colorful patterned curtains and mosaic-tile sinks, plus shampoo, conditioner, and lotion.

This small property lacks the amenities expected of a true hotel, as there are no restaurant, pool, or wellness facilities available. However, most guests don't seem to mind given the low rates. A garden area has a hammock and various seating, including a covered, ocean-view terrace with a couple of tables and a couch. Additionally, Gerard can help provide transportation (often for free) and arrange various excursions or bike and car rentals. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and laundry services are available.