Oa Oa Lodge

Staff was very nice Lodge itself is nice

Lady at the bar not so friendly We have the room along the road, it was very noisy but during the night there is less traffic so it is quite ok but during the day it s so uncomfortable to stay in the room

Oa Oa Lodge, Bora Bora I learned of this lodge in an article about staying in an over-water bungalow (OWB) on a budget. Knowing Bora Bora was going to be expensive, I decided to check it out (the other recommended place was closed due to renovations). Our schedule was flexible, so were able to get one of the three OWBs at Oa Oa. (The other rooms are not over the water.) Only the front pilings are over the water, but that was definitely adequate for us. You can't get into the water from your deck, but there are platforms and ladders (and lounge chairs) between the bungalows. So you can still swim and snorkel right off your room (deep water). Night lights light up the water to spot sea life.  If you have the proper expectations, this place is decent. Good value, clean water, nice views including sunsets (end of March), nice pool, decent restaurant (good, because there isn't much else in walking distance). Boat tours can pick you up right from the deck in front of the restaurant. The OWBs do not have AC. Cranking the ceiling fan up, which didn't work initially, was adequate with the big doors fully open. We had to sleep that way, too. Fortunately, being over deep water was cool and bug-free enough to sleep. The bright morning sunlight, however, sucked. 

Service was ok. We did get promptly picked up at the ferry dock. We wanted to get provisions (potable water, drinks, snacks) and didn't have a car, so our driver kindly let us go to the store with her. She probably wasn't thrilled with how much time we took, but she was cool about it. Our room didn't have hot water, which took 3 days to resolve after asking multiple times. Housekeeping was random and unannounced (no "Do not Disturb" sign). We got a weird attitude when we were in the restaurant asking for local activities (events, live music, performances, anything). The restaurant manager came over and said, "We're a small family lodge, not a 5-star resort." Her reaction was defensive and inappropriate.

Private bungalows, amazing staff, pool / ocean access, close to the pier

Wasn’t extremely clean (had used q-tip and fake nail on the floor upon our arrival). Poor ventilation, made for very hot sleeping conditions.

Beautiful over the water Bungalow

Facility