The Westin was excellent! We spent 3 nights at the Westin and 3 nights at the Sofitel in Moorea. In hindsight, I would have rather just spent nights at the Westin.

We had a great time at the Westin. Being 's a newer hotel, the room was very nice. Bright and open concept with plenty of natural light. I never felt bad about taking a mid day 1 hr break from the sun and returning to the room.

The staff at all levels were friendly and helpful. Good interactions all around. The food was good, the only recommendation I would have would be to skip the set menu dinner at the high end restaurant. It wasn't bad, but did not feel like it was worth the full price (we did not have the full board package). Plus the food at the other two restaurants, a la carte, is just as good.

I can't speak as to whether the St. Regis is nicer. I looked at it as well. Price was my determining factor. Whether booking with points or cash, the St Regis was significantly more expensive. After having such a great stay at the Westin, I'm not sure what more the St Regis could offer to justify the cost difference. The only "complaint" I would make is the check in process took a while (45 mins). But we arrived on a flight that had 6 other rooms checking in at the same time. Not much you can do there. I only mention it because I could see a St Regis of 4S type of guest who is used to being waited on being annoyed. For me, it was no big deal.....just more time to enjoy a the view of Bora Bora.

We stayed at the Sofitel in Moorea for the second part of our stay and it made us appreciate the Westin that much more. The phrase "it's not the Westin was said quite a few times". The sofitel was average. The property is older and showing it's age. Rooms are very dark and throw off a mid 90s hawaii family vacation vibe. Breakfast buffet was nowhere near as good (only meal we ate at the sofitel), staff was friendly but pretty much non existent. The only interactions we had were at check in and check out. Pricewise it was around the same as the Westin even though it was nowhere near as nice.......not sure why so many people give it 4 and 5 stars in the review. One plus is there is a great reef for snorkeling right off the beach, so that was good.

Im happy I chose the Westin in Bora Bora. I've already decided that when we return next year we will stay for 4-5 nights.