When we lived in Samoa in the mid 1980s, there were few accommodation options. There were two main hotels in Apia, but only one or two options in other parts of the country. There are now several world-class resorts, fronting beautiful beaches on both Upolu and Savaii. There are several 4-star hotel options and many cheaper hotels or guest houses.
For those who want a taste of the simple Samoan life…a fale on the beach will provide basic accommodation for a few tala (dollars), with a view to die for, and the sand and sea just meters from your door It will depend on whatever you want from your stay in Samoa, which option will appeal to you the most.
Apia…….the main city, has a good variety of accommodation. But it is not the best location if you are looking for beaches. You will need to travel to the other side of the island to sleep in a bed next to the beach. Some of the best accommodation in Apia is “up the hill” on Cross Island Road, where it’s cooler…but will require a taxi ride into town, if you haven’t rented a car.
5 Suggestions for hotels in Samoa
UPOLU
apia
Aggie Grey’s Hotel – Beach Road – Apia
Aggie Grey’s Hotel is Apia’s historic hotel. Despite the recent renovations, it still retains the old colonial atmosphere. While it’s not luxurious, it’s certainly comfortable. It has the feeling of being in a tropical paradise, with the accommodation set in lush gardens with a swimming pool, restaurants and bars. A traditional Fia fia cultural show including buffet dinner is presented weekly in the large fale restaurant. You can choose to stay in a full fale or one of the rooms.Aggie’s is very central…within walking distance of most of what Apia has to offer, including several good restaurants, markets, and shops. I recommend this hotel if you want to experience traditional Samoa.
Manumea Resort – Cross Island Road – Apia
Close to Robert Louis Stevenson’s home, Vailima…….. Manumea Resort is a small hotel further up the hill, set up for conferences as well as individual guests and families. The Resort is quite new, and the fales are beautifully decorated, with a special feature being the outdoor stone baths! Separate kitchens add to the convenience. There is a small pool, large open fale, restaurant and bar. Taxi is around $8 logging to Apia.
Hotel Insel Fehmarn – Cross Island Road – Apia
Another hotel located on Cross Island Road, this is a mid-range three-star accommodation. Not at all traditional or visually appealing, this hotel still represents good value for money. The rooms are large, simply furnished, but completely self-contained, with their own full kitchen and private bathroom. There is an excellent Italian restaurant.
across the road
Sea Breeze Resort – Paradise Cove – Upolu
Sea Breeze is located across Upolu from Apia. This resort opened in 2007 and is owned and run by an Australian couple. Sea Breeze offers beautifully decorated and comfortable fale accommodation. All enjoy sea views and are set in tropical gardens, with seaside fales housing huge two-person hammocks. A place to relax, catching the sea breeze away from the heat. There are kayaks for rent and a private beach.
This is a great honeymoon resort. They also cater weddings. The restaurant and bar are located on the sea and give you the feeling of being on a ship while you dine. Snorkeling off Sea Breeze beach was the best thing we did in Samoa with lots of beautiful live coral and colorful tropical fish darting between the rocks and coral beds. Day trips can be arranged, although I recommend renting a car for easy transportation to some of the other sights on the island.
The logo – Savaii
The Logoto is located on a very beautiful beach on the big island… Savaii. Probably considered the best hotel on this traditional island, it has its own en-suite fale and its own outdoor terrace. The decor is clearly traditional Samoan…yet all the extras are here.
Le Logoto has two restaurants and a bar set around a pool, all overlooking the white sand beach. This is a place for a relaxing break. It is recommended to rent a car to make the round trip of the island on your own day and return. Le Logoto occasionally has day trips, even to local town events. Diving trips can be arranged from the Diving Center across the road. It is close to many of Savaii’s special attractions, including
- swimming with turtles
- Watching the lava fields
- Watching the ventilation holes.
NOTE: All accommodations in Samoa offer breakfast as part of the nightly rate.