Where to stay in Samoa [Best Places to Stay for 2024]

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.

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

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 2024.

This guide shows 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.

Below are 5 of the best neighborhoods in Samoa to help you make the right decision when trying to work out best areas to stay in Samoa for you. We have tried to make the guide as easy to follow as possible for the best resorts in Samoa.

We have also included some things to do or places to visit as well as some eatery suggestions of either our favourite places or some funky places to eat at within the areas in Samoa so you can use this as a go to guide to pick the best accommodation in Samoa for you.

Plan your trip?

Avoid hidden fees in the exchange rate while withdrawing from millions of ATMs abroad, paying in restaurants and shops, and buying your accommodation and flights using the Wise Card. You can hold up to 40+ currencies at once to spend in in over 150 countries, and convert them in real time with the free Wise app.

Need help planning your trip from start to finish? Check out these helpful links:

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. You can also read our content/editorial policy here.

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 accommodation in Apia

Mid range accommodation in Apia

Family Friendly accommodation in Apia

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Apia

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 accommodation in East Upolu

Mid range accommodation in East Upolu

Family Friendly accommodation in East Upolu

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 accommodation in West Upolu

Mid range accommodation in West Upolu

Family Friendly accommodation in West Upolu

Affordable Luxury accommodation in West Upolu

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’

Mid range accommodation in South Savai’i

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

Mid range accommodation in North Savai’i

Family Friendly accommodation in North Savai’i

Hidden rock pool made by lava flow, Samoa

Top 4 favorites accommodation options for Samoa

❤️ Best Area first timersApia or Savai’i
💸 Best Luxury HotelSheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Hotel & Bungalows
👪 Best Hotel for For FamiliesSaletoga Sands Resort & Spa
🏨 Best Mid-Range HotelAmoa Resort Savaii
🛏️ Best Budget HotelTransit Motel

If you’d like to save it for later, please save it to Pinterest.

Author

  • Samantha King

    Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

Similar Posts