20 Best Budget Accommodations on Upolu 🌞 [2024]

The Top Cheap Accommodations on Upolu

Well done, you’ve chosen to stay in Samoa’s best category of accommodation; its budget accommodation! There are no superficial resort vibes here; just pure unadulterated Samoan hospitality that offers something likely very different from what you’re used to at home. But that’s why we travel, right? From simple open-air fales on remote beaches to tidy boutique hotels in the nation’s capital, Apia, there are plenty of cheap accommodations to suit a range of comfort levels. Let’s take a look at them in this list of the best budget accommodations on Upolu!

While you’re here, you might want to also bookmark The Complete Travel Guide to Upolu on a Budget and 25 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Upolu.

1. Faofao Beach Fales

If you’re thinking of “budget” on Upolu, 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 the island, Saleapaga, Faofao Beach Fales offers traditional fales on the sands 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:

20 Best Budget Accommodations on Upolu 🦀 [2023]

2. The Samoan Outrigger Hotel

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 up to families. Choose from air-conditioning, ensuite and 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 25 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Apia.

Check The Samoan Outrigger Hotel out:

3. Vaiula Beach Fales

22 beach fales sit on the absolute beachfront of Tafatafa Beach at Vaiula Beach Fales. There’s room here 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:

4. Dave Parker Eco Lodge Hotel

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:

5. Sina PJ Beach Fales and Surf

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 – see the 10 Best Places to Surf in Upolu.

Check Sina PJ Beach Fales and Surf out:

Sina PJ Beach Fales and Surf on Expedia

6. Le Uaina Beach Resort

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 the beach. 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 20 Best Family Resorts on Upolu.

Check Le Uaina Beach Resort out:

7. Taufua Beach Fales

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 Taufua Beach Fales out:

Taufua Beach Fales on Expedia

8. Manusina Beach Fales

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 fale 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. See how this beach fale compares to the 10 Best Beach Fale Accommodations on Upolu.

9. Talanoa Fales Accommodation

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.

10. The White House Hotel

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 25 Best Things to Do in Apia.

Check The White House Hotel out:

11. Vaea Hotel Samoa

Only marginally pricier than the other stays on this list of budget accommodations on Upolu, 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. It’s only a five-minute stroll into Apia town centre, located in the Togafuafua/Lalovaea suburb. After a day on the town, retreat to your garden and mountain-view room complete with an ensuite, air-conditioning, balcony or patio and tea/coffee-making facilities.

Check Vaea Hotel Samoa out:

12. Talofa Inn

Another affordable hotel in Apia well worth considering is Talofa Inn. Offering an ultra-convenient location in the heart of Apia, 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. Olivia’s Accommodation

A no-frills yet perfectly comfortable accommodation on the outskirts of Apia, Olivia’s Accommodation is a family-operated bed and breakfast 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. For more B&B stays, check out the 10 Best Guesthouses & B&Bs in Samoa.

Check Olivia’s Accommodation out:

14. Hotel Elisa

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:

15. Anita’s Beach Bungalows

On the popular sandy stretch of Lalomano, 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 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:

16. Moegaamanaia Beach Fales

One of several fale accommodations lining Tafatafa Beach, Moegaamanaia Beach Fales offers 10 beachfront fales and six garden rooms among tidy and attractive beach gardens. You’ll be well looked after by the Aunty Mago running this classic Samoan establishment, with plenty of smiles and homemade food for a true island experience. The beach right on your doorstep is one of the 10 Best Beaches on Upolu.

17. Jaymy Beach Fales

Head to the white sands of Saleapaga Beach and stay at the budget-friendly Jaymy Beach Fales. Not only do they provide the usual beach fale set-up with breakfast and dinner included, but the team can arrange airport transfers, island tours, umu and coconut demonstrations, primary school visits and more cultural experiences. If you’re not staying in one of the open fales, the enclosed fales offer more privacy along with an ensuite bathroom and verandah.

18. Karl’s Getaway Hotel and Tours

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

19. Kuini’s Guesthouse

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

20. Lynn’s Getaway Hotel

One more budget hotel in Apia for good measure, Lynn’s Getaway Hotel is another worthwhile option. This collection of bright ensuite double and family rooms with air-conditioning provides a cooling place to relax after a day’s exploring. More relaxation can be found in the garden swimming pool, while the various lounge and dining areas inside provide more places to relax – 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.

Check Lynn’s Getaway Hotel out:

More About Budget Accommodations on Upolu

That’s it for our list of the best cheap budget accommodations on Upolu. If they weren’t quite your vibe, check out these other listings for more recommendations:

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