5 Suggested Samoa Hotels

When we lived in Samoa in the mid 1980’s, there was little choice in accommodation. There were two main hotels in Apia, but only one or two other choices in other parts of the country. Now there are several resorts of top international quality, fronting beautiful beaches on both Upolu, and Savaii. There are several 4 star hotel options, and many cheaper hotels or guesthouses.

For those who want to sample 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 only metres from your door.It will depend on what you want from your stay in Samoa, which choice will appeal most.

Apia…….the main town, has a good range 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 for a beachside bed for the night. Some of the nicer accommodation in Apia is “up the hill” on Cross Island Road, where it is cooler…..but will require a taxi ride to town, if you have not rented a car.

5 Samoa Hotel Suggestions

UPOLU

Apia

Aggie Grey’s Hotel- Beach Road – Apia

Aggie Grey’s Hotel is Apia’s historic hotel. Despite recent renovations, it still retains the old colonial atmosphere. While not luxury, it is certainly comfortable. You have the feeling of being in a tropical paradise, with the accommodation set in lush gardens featuring a swimming pool, restaurants and bars. A traditional Fia fia Cultural Show including a buffet dinner, is performed weekly in the large restaurant fale. You can choose to stay in a full fale, or one of the rooms.Aggie’s is very central……. within walking distance of most that Apia has to offer, including several good restaurants, the markets, and shopping. I recommend this hotel if you want to experience traditional Samoa.

Manumea Resort- Cross Island Road – Apia

Near 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 appointed, with a special feature being the outdoor stone bathrooms! Self contained kitchens add to the convenience. There is a small pool, large open fale, restaurant and bar. The taxi is about $8 tala to Apia.

Hotel Insel Fehmarn – Cross Island Road – Apia

Another hotel located on Cross Island Road, this is 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 fully self contained, with their own full kitchen and ensuite bathroom.With a small but pleasant swimming pool, and a restaurant that had some surprisingly good meals, it is a short taxi ride to Apia. There is an excellent Italian restaurant

across the road.

Sea Breeze Resort- Paradise Cove – Upolu

Sea Breeze is located on the other side of Upolu from Apia.This resort opened in 2007, and is owned and run by an Australian couple. Sea Breeze offers beautifully decorated, comfortable fale accommodation.All enjoy sea views and are set in tropical gardens, with seaside fales housing huge hammocks for two a feature. A place to relax in, catching the sea breezes away from the heat. There are kayaks to hire, and a private beach.

This is a great honeymoon resort. They also cater for weddings. The restaurant and bar is set out over the sea giving you the feeling of being on a boat, as you dine. The snorkelling off the beach at Sea Breeze, was the best we did anywhere in Samoa, with plenty of beautiful live coral, and colourful tropical fish darting amongst the rocks and coral beds. Day tours can be arranged, although I recommend hiring a car for ease of transport to some of the other sights around the island.

Le Logoto – Savaii

Le Logoto is set on a very beautiful beach on the big island………Savaii. Probably considered the best hotel on this traditional island, you have your own fale with ensuite, and your own outdoor deck. The decor is distinctly traditional Samoa ……yet all the extras are here.

Le Logoto has two restaurants and a bar set around a pool, all overlooking the white sandy beach. This is a place for a relaxing break. You are advised to hire a car to do the one day round trip of the island at your leisure. On occasions, Le Logoto has day tours, including to local village events . Diving trips can be arranged from the Dive Centre across the road. You are close to many of the sights special to Savaii including

• Swimming with Turtles
• Viewing the Lava Fields
• Seeing the Blowholes.

NOTE:All accommodation in Samoa provides breakfast as part of the nightly rate.