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Samoa

Where to stay in Samoa

To Sua ocean trench - famous swimming hole, Upolu, Samoa, South Pacific

The Samoa Islands are some of the best kept secrets of the South Pacific. Often overlooked in favor of the more famous Fiji or French Polynesia, the remote location and stiff competition keep Samoa accommodation prices competitive, so it is possible to have a budget friendly Samoa holiday. Budget travelers will want to look into the beach fales, a unique Samoa accommodation option.

These open-air beach huts are a fun way to stay in Samoa without breaking the bank, and they are available at many beach areas. There are two main islands of Samoa; Savai’i and Upolu, not to be confused with American Samoa which is also nearby.

On these two islands, there are several beach resort areas to choose from. With so many places to stay in Samoa, we have broken out the Samoa hotels and resorts to help you find the best area for tourists so that you can decide where to stay in Samoa.

We will cover off all types of Samoa accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Samoa hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Samoa 2023, the best Samoa hotels, best places in Samoa to visit, the best places to stay in Samoa, hotels near Samoa attractions, Samoa neighborhood guide and many more.

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Apia – Where to stay in Samoa for first timers

The capital city of Samoa offers a change of pace from the Samoa beach resorts. This is where you can have a cultural experience, visit some the Samoa museum, the clock tower and shop one of best markets in the South Pacific.

The Robert Louis Stevenson museum, where the Scottish novelist lived on Samoa, is open for tours.

You can also attend a cultural show at the Samoa Cultural Village. If you are visiting Samoa for nightlife, you’ll find a somewhat lively scene in Apia.

The city is an interesting mixture of Samoan and Colonial influences, and even if you don’t stay here, it’s worth a day trip from your Samoa resort. There are many Samoa hotels in town which you can stay, as well as a few beach resorts along the coast.

Best places to stay in Apia

Budget Hotels in Apia
Su Accommodation Apia
Hotel Elisa
The White House Hotel
Apia Central Hotel

Mid range Hotels in Apia
Orator Hotel
Hotel Millenia
Amanaki Hotel
Tanoa Tusitala Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels in Apia
Hotel Elisa
Apia Central Hotel
Vaea Hotel Samoa
Aniva’s Place

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Apia
Taumeasina Island Resort

Apia, Samoa - Cathedral of the immaculate conception in Apia, capital of Samoa.

East Upolu – Where to stay in Samoa with Family

Some of Samoa’s best attractions can be found in East Upolu. The Sua Trench is a must for any Samoa vacation; this swimming hole is similar to cenotes you might find in Mexico.

This is located along the South Coast road, along with some of the best Samoa resorts. Lalamanu Beach is one of the best beaches on Samoa, with many Samoa family resorts to select.

Other attractions in East Upolu include the Piula Cave Pool, Fuipisia Falls and Sopoaga Falls.

Best places to stay in East Upolu

Budget Hotels in East Upolu
Faofao Beach Fales

Mid range Hotels in East Upolu
Aga Reef Resort
Saletoga Sands Resort

Family Friendly Hotels in East Upolu
Taufua Beach Fales

Affordable Luxury Hotels in East Upolu
Seabreeze Resort Samoa

Traditional fale beach hut accommodation on Manase Beach, Savai'i, Western Samoa, South Pacific

West Upolu – Where to stay in Samoa with kids

The other end of Upolu Island is equally blessed with beaches and attractions. Snorkeling on this side of the island is wonderful, and can be accessed at places like Return to Paradise beach, and tours can be arranged to the black sand beach from the TV Series “Survivor.”

If you are planning any day trips to Savai’i, or would like to split your time between the two islands, the ferry leaves from Mulifanua, on the Western end of Upolu.

The resorts of West Upolu are clustered around the areas of Faleolo and Matautu. If you are visiting Samoa with kids, you will easily find family friendly resorts here, too!

Best places to stay in West Upolu

Budget Hotels in West Upolu
Tua O Maauga Outback Motel

Mid range Hotels in West Upolu
Ifiele’ele Plantation

Family Friendly Hotels in West Upolu
Le Vasa Resort

Affordable Luxury Hotels in West Upolu
Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort

View from a tropical bar onto sandy and rocky beach with palm trees at Lefaga, Upolu Island, Western Samoa, South Pacific

South Savai’i – Where to stay in Samoa for Nature lovers

If you decide to stay on Samoa’s larger island, the ferry arrives at Salelologa, on Savai’i’s south coast. Like Upolu, Savai’i has many interesting attractions for travelers.

Some things to do in South Savai’i include the Afu Aau Falls, the Alofaaga blowhole, and the ancient structures at  Pulemelei Mound.  

The resorts of South Savai’i are clustered around the eastern areas of Tuasivi, Lalomalava and Salelologa.

Best places to stay in South Savai’i

Mid range Hotels in South Savai’i
Jet Over Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels in South Savai’i
Lusia’s Lagoon Chalets

Affordable Luxury Hotels in South Savai’i
The Savaiian Hotel

Breathtaking Sopoaga falls in jungle of Savaii island, Samoa

North Savai’i – Where to stay in Samoa near an active volcano

In contrast of South Savai’i, with “stop and see” attractions, North Savai’i offers outdoor adventures for the active traveler.

There are lava fields at Salealua, and you can climb the highest peak in Samoa. Mount Matavanu is an active volcano that looms over the island and the summit can be reached with a 4WD road followed by a short hike.

Another highlight of North Savai’i is the opportunity to swim with sea turtles at a turtle sanctuary near Safune. Coincidentally, this is also where most of the resorts of North Savai’i are located.

Best places to stay in North Savai’i

Budget Hotels in North Savai’i
Stevenson’s at Manase
Tailua Beach Fales
Vacations Beach Fales

Mid range Hotels in North Savai’i
Savaii Lagoon Resort

Family Friendly Hotels in North Savai’i
Amoa Resort

Affordable Luxury Hotels in North Savai’i
Le Lagoto Resort & Spa
Va-i-Moana Seaside Lodge

Hidden rock pool made by lava flow, Samoa

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Where to stay in Samoa
Where to stay in Samoa
Where to stay in Samoa

Article written by:

Hi, my name is Samantha, Finance Managing Guru by day, Travel Blogging Enthusiast by... well... day too! Haha! Travelling King is the destination hotspot for the wannabe traveller! Showcasing affordable, luxurious getaways for the budget conscious! With the combination of my financial knowledge and travelling experiences I aim to show you, with a little planning, the right budget and a realistic goal you can fulfil your travel fantasies and explore the world whatever your budget or desires may be!