This offers nice bungalows with air-conditioning at the rock/pebble beach. We were picked up at the airport and transferred to the hotel in a 5 minute ride in a minibus. The restaurant was nice, but a lot of flies were distracting the experience.
The bungalows were very nice and fully equipped. We had the beach front bungalow and had a great time. The snorkeling right in front of the beach was amazing, better than most dives we did. We went for dinner at the lagoon grill, which was amazing. The steak with bone was so good, we went back the next day and ordered the same dish again.

Great service, most trips can be booked through the front desk, only bar on the island, grocery store across the street, bikes for rent, free kayaks, good snorkeling right in front of the hotel, no real sand beach, beach is all rocks, free running chickens, good food, but also other food options in walking distance

With the Kia Ora under rennovation, I "settled" for the ex-Novotel, which is now a Le Maitai property. I'm glad I did. We had a wonderful experience -- the property was beautiful and the staff could not have been more friendly and helpful. We took a beach side bungalow with a great view of the lagoon. The hotel is situated about 5 minutes from the airport (don't worry the flights are small and few and you will not hear anything) about 6 km from either end of the island. There are two nearby restaurants within walking distance, both excellent. The food at the hotel was good, but I like variety so this was a great feature. Lots of excursions from the hotel and bike rentals. Great diving -- we went with Rai Manta.

First, you will notice that there are no more Novotel signs : the board at the airport shows Rangiroa Lagoon Resort (ex-Novotel). Novotel has been sold, supposedly to Intercontinental chain. Novotel was not our first choice for our stay in Rangiroa but Kia Ora was closed for renovation. Nevertheless we were more than happy with the service of the ex-Novotel.

Bungalows are disseminated in a garden along the beach. Room was simple but big enough though some renovation might be welcome to improve the hard bed, the bathroom or boost the fridge. The room was very clean when we arrived and was thoroughly cleaned every day. The beach is not strictly speaking a beach : it is not a sandy beach but a strip of coral where you need adequate shoes to walk on it. It is a good place for snorkeling.

We had all our dinners at the restaurant since there is not much around. The restaurant has a splendid view over the lagoon which is lighted at night. We were happily surprise by the quality of the food and the wine list : well prepared local fishes, excellent meat from New Zealand, appropriate wines, an excellent "chef" who takes care to come to the table to ask for your comments. Quality has a price but this is a case where it was not wasted. Next to the restaurant they have an agreeable bar even though you might be tempted to go the grocery shop across the road to buy your Hinano.

The hotel is located right in the middle between Avatoru and Tiputa. They rent bicycles which are good enough to cover the 4 miles (6 km) on either side. We went to Tiputa pass to have lunch at "Chez Joséphine" while watching the fantastic show offered by the dolphins surfing and jumping in the pass. We even made it to Tiputa with the taxi boat. Tiputa is a small clean village where there is not much to do and to see unless you want to challenge the locals at "pétanque" (bowl game).

Obviously, we don't know what's going to happen to the Rangiroa Lagoon Resort but we really enjoyed our stay there. They have a good location, their bungalows are simple but clean and the staff is very attentive to fulfill all your needs. For the time being, the best address in Rangiroa.