25 BEST Budget Accommodations in Samoa 💸 [2024]

The Top Cheap Accommodations in Samoa

Forget flashy resorts. You haven’t experienced the real Samoa until you’ve stayed in its cheap accommodations. Beach fales are your quintessential option; simple huts raised on the beach where local hosts will treat you to real Samoan food and hospitality. If “roughing” it on the sands isn’t your idea of a holiday, there are plenty of budget hotels in Samoa‘s capital, Apia, as well as beach lodges across the islands of Upolu and Savai’i that at least provide four walls without sacrificing Samoan spirit. Check out some of our favourite cheap stays, right here, in the best budget accommodations in Samoa.

While you’re here, you will probably also want to bookmark the 50 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Samoa.

1. Faofao Beach Fales (Upolu)

If you’re thinking of “budget” in Samoa, make sure at least one of your nights is the awesome village experience of a beach fale. Located on one of the best beaches on Upolu, Faofao Beach Fales offers traditional fales on the sands of Saleapaga with woven bi-fold blinds for privacy and a simple mattress and mosquito net set-up. If you crave a little bit of air-conditioning comfort, simple yet colourfully-decorated rooms are also available. The basic bathroom facilities are shared. As for your food and entertainment needs, the hospitality here is excellent between the authentic Samoan cooking (sometimes including an umu) and the occasional impromptu fiafia night. Staying in a beach fale is a unique experience, so make sure you’re prepared with the Essential Tips for Staying in a Beach Fale in Samoa.

Check Faofao Beach Fales out:

25 BEST Budget Accommodations in Samoa 💸 [2023]

2. The Samoan Outrigger Hotel (Upolu)

A cute and quintessentially Samoan hotel on the outskirts of Apia, The Samoan Outrigger Hotel provides affordable rates and Samoan smiles. Rooms are well-maintained, better so than some of Samoa’s more premium hotels, and come in a range of layouts for solo travellers to families. Choose whether you want air-conditioning and ensuite or shared bathroom facilities. Otherwise, there are open fales in the garden should you want to get the real Samoan experience! With a well-equipped communal kitchen, swimming pool and gorgeous gardens to relax in, what else could you need in Apia? Speaking of, see how this accommodation compares to the 20 BEST Budget Accommodations in Apia.

Check The Samoan Outrigger Hotel out:

3. Va-i-Moana Seaside Lodge (Savai’i)

Offering much more than a bed for the night, Va-i-Moana Seaside Lodge pulls out all of the stops to offer the complete Savai’ian holiday experience. Although the lodge is one of the top places on Savai’i for fishing charters, they also have kayaks, snorkelling gear, bikes, fishing rods and SUP boards for guests to hire. Not to mention, some of Savai’i’s top cultural experiences depart here, from their highly recommended Koko Plantation Tour to their Village Walk, massages and so on. Breakfast is included in the rate and served at the on-site restaurant, which also has an a la carte menu for dinner. As for the accommodation, choose your level of comfort from the traditional open fale on the waterfront to one of the spacious ensuite bungalows. Either way, it’ll be a charmingly rustic experience. For more affordable stays in Samoa’s lesser-visited paradise, check out the 10 Best Budget Accommodations on Savai’i.

Check Va-i-Moana Seaside Lodge out:

4. Vaiula Beach Fales (Upolu)

22 beach fales sit on the absolute beachfront of Tafatafa Beach at Vaiula Beach Fales. There’s room at these Upolu beach fales for most group sizes, from two-person fales to six-person to even a two-storey fale; the only one in Samoa! If you want to camp, you’re even welcome to do that for a small fee – see The Best Accommodations for Camping in Samoa. Like all fale accommodations, bathrooms are shared but this one comes with the fun feature of an outdoor lava rock shower. Enjoy your included breakfast and dinner family-style and even stick around for lunch at the accommodation’s very own cafe and bar. With surf guides also available, we also list these guys in the 10 Best Surf Resorts in Samoa.

Check Vaiula Beach Fales out:

5. Dave Parker Eco Lodge Hotel (Upolu)

Boasting a unique location nestled on the bush-clad hillside of Upolu‘s rugged interior, yet only 15 minutes drive from Apia, Dave Parker Eco Lodge Hotel is a budget accommodation well worth considering. Choose either a lodge room with or without air-conditioning, rainforest or sea views, but all with an ensuite shower. Your time here couldn’t be easier with airport transfers, 24-hour reception, an on-site bar and restaurant, car rental arrangements and even a complimentary return shuttle to town (except Sundays). Have a dip in the swimming pool, play a game of pool and explore the grounds with a picturesque stream and cascades. Get more of the lodge vibe with the 10 Best Lodges in Samoa.

Check Dave Parker Eco Lodge Hotel out:

6. Tailua Beach Fales (Savai’i)

A hybrid between a beach fale and a rustic beach hut, Tailua Beach Fales offers 10 spacious open-air accommodations also on the coast of Manase, Savai’i. Breakfast and dinner are included with fresh fruit, toast, coconut jam and omelette being Tailua’s signature breakfast, while dinner is a homecooked meal much like Samoans would usually have, such as chicken curry. It’s common to see turtles outside of the accommodation (which is helped by staff putting papaya in the water for them), but luckily they don’t encourage guests to swim with the turtles while they’re feeding; you’ll just get a great view from the fales! For more places to spot turtles, check out the 10 Places to See Turtles in Samoa.

Check Tailua Beach Fales out:

7. Le Uaina Beach Resort (Upolu)

Swap international resort chains for a locally run operation with the best resort rates in Samoa at the Le Uaina Beach Resort. Enjoy South Pacific cuisine at the on-site restaurant and spend your days snorkelling or kayaking by the excellent reef just off a beach on Upolu. There’s a substantial swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers if you’re looking for a more relaxing aspect to your holiday. Rooms all have an ensuite, while layouts fit couples up to large families. Find this resort in Faleapuna village, right by the Piula Cave Pool and approximately 20 minutes from Apia. As one of the best resorts for families, we also list this one in the 25 Best Family Resorts in Samoa.

Check Le Uaina Beach Resort out:

8. Taufua Beach Fales (Upolu)

This tidy collection of traditionally thatched beach fales painted in vibrant greens and yellows can’t help but put a smile on your face – but that might also be the fact that you’re staying directly on one of Upolu‘s most sought-after beaches, Lalomanu. Taufua Beach Fales has an impressive array of accommodation styles to choose from, including open beach fales, enclosed fales for full privacy, enclosed fales with an ensuite (a rare room type in Samoa), and even air-conditioned ensuite rooms nestled in the cliffs behind the beach. You’ll be treated to a generous breakfast and dinner in the dining fale, which also has an a la carte menu for lunch. Kayaks and snorkelling gear are available to hire for a fee. Check out more irresistible beach fales in the 20 Best Beach Fale Accommodations in Samoa.

Check Taufua Beach Fales out:

Taufua Beach Fales on Expedia

9. Tanu Beach Fales (Savai’i)

Established in 1993 and claiming to be the first beach fale accommodation in Samoa, Tanu Beach Fales certainly offers some of the most spacious and well-maintained beach fales in Savai’i. Most of the 28 fales are located on the lagoon’s edge in the glorious snorkelling and beach hotspot of Manase. Fales can be laid out for solo travellers, couples and families with both sleep-only and sleep, breakfast and dinner rates available. Food is a shared affair with the likes of palusami, breadfruit, taro, chow mein and some vegetarian options. Learn more about eating in Samoa in our foodie bible, The Food Guide to Samoa.

10. Lynn’s Getaway Hotel (Upolu)

Budget hotel meets B&B, Lynn’s Getaway provides another worthwhile option in Apia. This collection of bright ensuite double and family rooms with air-conditioning provides a cooling place to unwind after a day’s exploring. More relaxation can be found in the garden swimming pool, as in the various lounge and dining areas inside – some with free WiFi. Enjoy a freshly baked breakfast with local fruit each day. Otherwise, try Lynn’s Getaway Apartments nearby for self-catering accommodation. For more B&B stays, check out the 10 Best Guesthouses & B&Bs in Samoa.

Check Lynn’s Getaway Hotel out:

11. Olivia’s Accommodation (Upolu)

A no-frills yet perfectly comfortable accommodation on the outskirts of Apia, Olivia’s Accommodation is a family-operated budget accommodation where you’ll instantly be made to feel at home. Relax in the outdoor garden lounge where you can meet fellow travellers or read a book in a hammock. When you’re not enjoying the included tropical breakfast or cooking meals in the communal kitchen, retreat to your ensuite double or triple room with either air-conditioning or a fan. Enquire about their dormitory beds and shared bathroom to save even more. Check out more options for backpackers in the 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Samoa.

Check Olivia’s Accommodation out:

12. Talofa Inn (Upolu)

Another affordable hotel in Apia well worth considering is Talofa Inn. Offering an ultra-convenient location in the heart of the city, as well as irresistible prices, there’s not much reason not to choose Talofa. Rooms are compact but are all uniquely styled with characterful bedding and furniture. Most have an ensuite, but be sure to double-check on booking. Choose from single rooms or double/twin rooms each with air-conditioning. There are two lounges, as well as a communal kitchen with a fridge and microwave/convection oven. You also have laundry facilities and free WiFi! See more places with free internet in the 8 Accommodations in Samoa with Free WiFi.

Check Talofa Inn out:

13. Falealupo Beach Fales (Savai’i)

Isolated on the western tip of Savai’i, Falealupo Beach Fales spans one of Samoa’s most scenic beaches. Fales are kitted out with all the usual beddings, including a mosquito net and woven blinds for privacy. The rates include a generous local breakfast and a buffet dinner (stir-fry, taro, palusami, chop suey and curry with vegetarian options). Their shop sells drinks and snacks, while snorkelling gear, snorkelling tours to go further out and island tours are also available (be sure to let your host know in advance). Learn more about their island tours in the 10 Best Day Tours of Savai’i.

14. Sina PJ Beach Fales and Surf (Upolu)

Like all beach fales, Sina PJ Beach Fales and Surf are pretty basic but the hospitality and authentic Samoan stay are unmatched. Secluded on a coconut-filled peninsula in Tafitoala village on the south coast, you truly feel away from the world at Sina PJ’s. The local family owners will treat you to real Samoan meals and provide lots of opportunities to discover what village life is like in Samoa. Outside is a black-sand beach suitable for swimming, snorkelling and even surfing if you ask for advice from your hosts. For more on village life, take a look at the 10 Best Village Stays in Samoa.

Check Sina PJ Beach Fales and Surf out:

Sina PJ Beach Fales and Surf on Expedia

15. Vaea Hotel Samoa (Upolu)

Only marginally pricier than the other stays on this list of budget accommodations in Samoa, Vaea Hotel Samoa provides excellent value for money, from their stylish rooms to the garden swimming pool. You don’t have to worry about rowdy families here, as the hotel is exclusively for guests aged 11 and up, making your cocktail from the on-site Bora Bora Garden Bar all the heavenlier. After a day in Apia town, which you’re only within five minutes of, retreat to your garden and mountain-view room complete with an ensuite, air-conditioning, balcony or patio and tea/coffee-making facilities. Discover more of Apia’s top hotels, including cheap ones, in the 25 Best Hotels in Apia & Upolu.

Check Vaea Hotel Samoa out:

16. Anita’s Beach Bungalows (Upolu)

On the popular sandy stretch of Lalomanu, Anita’s Beach Bungalows offers respite from the classic “beach fale” experience with her enclosed beach units – although, as always, there are open fales if you prefer. The open and closed fales on Upolu are your most affordable options with shared bathroom facilities, while the ensuite room with a double bed, fan and bathroom is perhaps a little costly for what you get. Either way, a homely Samoan breakfast and dinner are included in the price, served in Anita’s Bar & Restaurant which also has a Samoan food menu and serves all your favourite Samoan drinks.

Check Anita’s Beach Bungalows out:

17. Karl’s Getaway Hotel and Tours (Upolu)

Offering more of the “student accommodation” vibe than the holiday vibe with its predominantly single rooms and communal areas featuring table tennis and a kitchen, Karl’s Getaway Hotel and Tours is a shamelessly appealing option for budget travellers. Nevertheless, the place is well-kept and features hotel-like facilities like ensuite bathrooms and tea/coffee-making facilities, as well as an outdoor pool. There are also double rooms/family rooms should you be travelling as a group. Take Karl up on the offer for tours around Upolu, including free shuttles to some of the island’s top attractions. What’s more, WiFi is free in some of the shared spaces. Find Karl’s on the Cross Island Road south of Apia.

Check Karl’s Getaway Hotel and Tours out:

Karl’s Getaway Hotel and Tours on Booking.com

18. The White House Hotel (Upolu)

A little different from your usual Samoan family-owned accommodation, The White House Hotel boasts crowd-pleasing sleek yet minimalistic decor from the crisp-white sheets to the tiled floors. Choose from king, queen and family rooms, each with an ensuite, air-conditioning, fridge and tea/coffee-making facilities. There’s an attractive restaurant on-site, as well as free parking, not that you’ll need it when Apia city centre is only a 15-minute walk away. All in all, The White House provides a comfortable and contemporary stay on a budget. Discover things to do nearby using the 15 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Apia.

Check The White House Hotel out:

19. Jane’s Beach Fales (Savai’i)

On the glorious coastline of Manase on Savai’i, Jane’s Beach Fales is a great option for those seeking a little more privacy from their beach fale thanks to their spacious fales complete with a deck facing the ocean and timber walls sectioning off the bedroom yet still allowing for airflow. Like all beach fales, bathrooms are shared but there are also vibrant-yet-rustic ensuite units with very basic private bathrooms that still lie within the budget realm. Breakfast and dinner are available at an extra reasonable fee, while a couple of kayaks are also available to hire. They didn’t have much left in the way of snorkelling gear when we last visited.

20. Talanoa Fales Accommodation (Upolu)

For something a little different without sacrificing true Samoan hospitality, escape to lush gardens nestled in mountain views at Talanoa Fales Accommodation. On the quiet foothills of Mt Vaea in the village of Moamoa, approximately 10 minutes from Apia, the accommodation is abundant in fruit and vegetable plants ideal for cooking using your fale’s very own self-catering facilities. Your garden fale is vibrantly decorated and also features an ensuite, a living area and a verandah to enjoy watching the birds. Fales are for four people maximum. A free lunch is served on a Sunday. For more options with kitchens, check out the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Samoa.

21. Manusina Beach Fales (Upolu)

On the underrated but no less beautiful stretches of sand next to Lalomanu Beach, Manusina Beach Fales is a boutique fale operation with just six open fales and two closed fales on Saleapaga Beach. Notably, the fales here have a power outlet. Otherwise, the fales include all your expected amenities, including woven blinds for privacy, mosquito net, bedding, etc. Breakfast and dinner are usually included, but just be sure to double-check on booking. Some nights of the week are umu nights, where food is cooked in a traditional hot-rock oven, while there are sometimes fiafia nights with cultural dancing. There’s a shop and restaurant on the premises for your other basic needs/drinking needs.

22. Hotel Elisa (Upolu)

A four-storey building on Apia‘s Mulinuu Peninsula, Hotel Elisa provides budget accommodation in an attractive part of town. The family-run hotel is neatly maintained with soothing rose-garden tones throughout the double/twin rooms and four-person self-catering units. All rooms have air-conditioning and an ensuite, as well as some slightly dated appliances. There’s a shady outdoor pool with a paddling section suitable for kids, while, inside, is the Beachcomber bar and restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Note that breakfast is not included in the cheapest rates.

Check Hotel Elisa out:

23. Lauiula Beach Fales (Savai’i)

Located on the sunrise coast of Savai’i in the village of Lano, Lauiula Beach Fales offers an idyllic setting for their affordable beach fale accommodation. The spacious fales can cater to a number of sleeping arrangements, whether you’re a couple or a family, and come with traditionally woven bi-fold walls for privacy. There’s also the option of an ensuite air-conditioned villa which understandably comes with higher rates. Enjoy breakfast and dinner at the beachfront dining fale or even choose something for lunch off their menu. Snorkelling gear is free to hire, while kayaks have a small hire rate. Either way, you’ll want to explore the glorious beach and lagoon right on your doorstep.

24. Aniva’s Place (Upolu)

Enjoy the family atmosphere, unmatched hospitality and irresistible rates of Aniva’s Place on the outskirts of Apia. Despite only having nine rooms, there are layouts to suit most needs whether you’re a group or travelling solo. All of the vibrantly decorated rooms have a fan to keep you cool, while some have air-conditioning and an ensuite. You’ll be treated to a tropical breakfast each morning with Samoan and international favourites, while there’s also a well-equipped communal kitchen should you want to cook for yourself. Aniva’s also boasts a bar, a charming garden with a pool, as well as a book exchange. Check out more small-scale stays like this in the 10 Best Boutique Resorts & Accommodations in Samoa.

Check Aniva’s Place out:

25. Kuini’s Guesthouse (Upolu)

For that suburban stay in Apia, take a look at Kuini’s Guesthouse. More of a holiday home than a guesthouse, Kuini’s is a simple yet modern two-bedroom house kitted out with all your home-away-from-home essentials, including kitchen and laundry facilities. Each bedroom has one double bed with stand fans, while the open-plan lounge and kitchen area have air-conditioning. Find this home in Vaivase-uta on the southern outskirts of Apia. This is certainly your cheapest holiday home in the area, but there are more to choose from in the 10 Best Holiday Homes in Samoa.

Check Kuini’s Guesthouse out:

Kuini’s Guesthouse on Booking.com

More About Budget Accommodations in Samoa

That’s it for our list of the best cheap budget accommodations in Samoa. If they weren’t quite your vibe, then these guides should help further with your budget trip planning

Finally, anything you might have missed in your holiday planning you can probably find in The Complete Backpacking Guide to Samoa on a Budget.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Samoa and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Samoa Tourism Authority (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
Samoa Tourism Authority Corporate (Tourism news - Updated [2024])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2024])
Samoa Hotels Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
Samoa Meteorological Division (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2024])
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
Ministry of Customs & Revenue (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2024])
Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2024])
Samoa Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
Land Transport Authority (Tourist driver’s license info - Updated [2024])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2024])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2024])
Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2024])

Our editorial standards: At Samoa Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor-in-chief and co-founder of Samoa Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Samoa. She knows the islands inside out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Upolu and Savai’i’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also the editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

Contact Laura via our contact page