I arrived very late, close to midnight, and had sent the hotel an email notifying them of this. However, I never received any reply. On arrival, though, reception was open and I was quickly checked in by a friendly receptionist who spoke some English – not much, but we got along. My ”deluxe” room on the second floor was, according to the floor plan, the smallest room on the whole floor and the only one without a bathtub. Nothing deluxe about it, quite the opposite. The hotel really lives up to its name, Le Paris, as Paris is full of these ubiquitous three star hotels with dated, cramped rooms. My room felt reasonably clean, however, it reeked of decades of cigarette smoking and could really use a refresh. There was a soft bed called a double, but it would be narrow for two, a desk and chair as well as a fridge that was not turned on. The safe worked, the A/C was effective and the wifi was reliable albeit a little slow. There was a clock on the wall, however, it did not work. There were no water bottles in the room, but they had some for sale downstairs. The bathroom was small and came with a shower cubicle where the handheld shower had good water pressure and ample hot water. The only amenities provided were two wall-mounted containers: hand soap and a combined hair and body soap. Check-out time was 10:30 am, which must be the earliest check-out time I have ever seen. A ”late” check-out at noon would have incurred an extra charge of approx. 25 €. I could levae my bag at reception for a few hours on checking out, though. I stayed here for one night because I had a late arrival and I also wanted to see the city centre before moving to a beach hotel in Anse Vata. For this purpose, the hotel did its job, but I would not be happy staying here for more than one night. The hotel enjoys a very central location two blocks from Place des Cocotiers and is within easy walking distance to anything in the city centre. The cathedral is right behind the hotel, and you are reminded by this each hour as the church bells ring, day and night. I paid 71 €, no breakfast included, and felt the hotel was more or less worth the price.
Just had a lovely week long stay at Le Lagon Stayed in a suite Anse vata street side. Got a good deal on Agoda. Would upgrade the suite next time as it was a bit noisy outside. Would definitely stay again though. Positives: good size, clean, pleasantly presented, huge comfortable bed Great location - we ate breakfast at the l’atelier bakery down the road and got their filled rolls for lunch - amazing value. Was also 2 stores that sold alcohol and food. Beach was lovely Swimming pool nice - great sun beds and temp not too warm Negatives: No toaster, no sharp knives in kitchen. No wine glasses No shampoo conditioner etc - only pump soap provided Bath tubb painted - needs replacing. Difficult to climb in and out of for shower if have mobility issues No door on icebox freezer so took ages to freeze water Advice: If on budget eat at bakery and picnic it. Buy Brie and pate from the stores nearby for snacks. Store next to bakery has the better wine selection. Being a chilly bin/esky and water bottles to freeze for day trips There are no nighttime buses from lemon bay - was a bit nervous to do the walk at night do we only ate lunch at lemon bay - go to Babar cafe Anse vata restaurants v expensive. Avoid Le tripica (tiny portions). Casa Italia great but needs booking. Pizza and pasta does huge pizzas can share. Vietnamese Along Beach good. Go to duck island. If not doing yellow boat deck hair package 2500 get the 1000 grey boat and go to the left of island for nice sand to sit on. Great snorkelling. Can snorkel off rocks (climb down) in lemon bay Maître island bit disappointing / poor snorkelling, no turtles Hang out at beach in evening with the locals - really nice vibe
We arrived by water taxi from Noumea, it takes around 30 minutes. Lovely journey. Place on arrival looks like paradise. The whole resort is owned by Double Tree Hilton exclusively. There’s nothing else in the island except the resort and a beautiful beach with turtles and sea creatures. The little bungalows are adorable, some in the water, others on the resort. On arrival, whilst I was waiting to check in, I had a great massage in the spa by a Thai girl. However, the service is lacking, and the food was pretty diabolical, which is such a shame because this place is Paradise.