Where to Find Guesthouse and B&B Accommodation in Samoa
Stay with the locals and get a more enriching travel experience, not to mention, be kinder on the travel budget, by staying at one of the guesthouses/B&Bs in Samoa. Accommodation with the equation of private rooms using shared facilities, like a lounge and dining area, while usually being in a more homely setting such as your host’s house, might be more of a stretch to find in the South Pacific, but we’ve certainly found a few hidden gems in Samoa. The majority of guesthouses and B&Bs here are located in and around the capital, Apia, while the odd stay can even be found on Savai’i. We go through all of your best options in this list of the best guesthouses and B&Bs in Samoa!
Before we begin, be sure to also open The Best Samoa Travel Guide: Plan a Trip to Samoa the EASY Way for more effortless holiday planning.
1. Olivia’s Accommodation
A low-key yet perfectly comfortable and affordable guesthouse 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 – check out the 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Samoa for more stays with dorm accommodation.
Check Olivia’s Accommodation out:
2. Aniva’s Place
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.
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3. Ulalei Lodge
Also offering a welcoming guesthouse accommodation in Apia, Ulalei Lodge is located in the quiet suburban village of Vaiala, adding to the tranquillity of this guesthouse stay. Choose to either dine at the on-site cafe or you’re only minutes away from the Apia Marina and its eateries. You can afford to treat yourself when the rooms are this affordable, boasting the options of single, double, triple and family rooms. Note that bathrooms are shared. For more lodge-style stays, check out the 10 Best Lodges in Samoa.
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4. Florence’s Place
It doesn’t get more homely than Savai’i‘s only bed & breakfast accommodation! After a warm welcome to Florence’s Place, you’ll be treated like family with shared dining and sleeping arrangements (choose from one of the four double beds, three single beds or mattresses for additional guests). Take a tour of the property’s 300-acre farm and learn about “fa’a Samoa” from your host, Ruth, who grew up in the B&B’s village, Fa’ala, while her husband, Kelvin, can share what it’s like to live as a palagi (foreigner) in a Samoan village. In between adventures, relax in the breezy open living room decorated with all sorts of books and trinkets. Discover more stays on Samoa’s less-visited island in our guide, Where to Stay on Savai’i: The Best Savai’i Accommodations.
5. Talofa Inn
Back to Apia, another B&B well worth considering is Talofa Inn. Offering an ultra-convenient location in the heart of Samoa’s capital, 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, free WiFi and, of course, breakfast is included! See more places with free internet in the 8 Accommodations in Samoa with Free WiFi.
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6. Dave Parker Eco Lodge
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 is a guest lodge 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). Although breakfast isn’t inherently included, the rates are so low as is the addition of breakfast, that you might as well add it for the full B&B experience. Check out more cheap stays in the 25 Best Budget Accommodations in Samoa.
Check Dave Parker Eco Lodge out:
- Dave Parker Eco Lodge on Booking.com
- Dave Parker Eco Lodge on Expedia
- Dave Parker Eco Lodge on Trip.com
7. Lynn’s Getaway
Budget hotel meets B&B, Lynn’s Getaway provides another worthwhile option in Apia with breakfast included. This collection of bright ensuite double and family rooms with air-conditioning provides a cooling place to relax after a day’s exploring. More rejuvenation can be found in the garden swimming pool, while the various lounge and dining areas inside offer more places to unwind – 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 out:
8. Apaula Heights Lounge
Soar to new heights on the slopes of Mt Vaea at this property facing Apia‘s township and harbour. Apaula Heights Lounge is a rustic B&B with a small number of units nestled in lush gardens with either sea or garden views. Wind down your garden pathway to find your outdoor shower and toilet cubicle, while mornings call for breakfast at the restaurant on a gorgeous sundeck. Rooms are pretty compact, but even seasoned travellers will no doubt find them charming.
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9. Eteline’s Homestay
Set in colourful fully enclosed fale units, Eteline’s Homestay shows you what Samoa’s traditional accommodation looks like in the city. Rooms are compact and as basic as they get with retro tile designs in the ensuite bathrooms and as many beds as possible squeezed into a small space. But compared to the Taumeasina Island Resort just down the road, you’re getting a much more authentic Samoan experience with breakfast prepared in the morning by your friendly host family. For more of that “village stay” experience, check out the 10 Best Village Stays in Samoa.
10. Tanu Beach Fales
Speaking of fales, don’t rule out this traditional Samoan accommodation type when looking for guesthouses and B&Bs in Samoa. Each typically includes breakfast and dinner during your stay, while accommodation is in traditional beach huts. A fine example is one of Samoa’s first beach fales, Tanu Beach Fales based on the island of Savai’i. Most of the 28 fales are located on the lagoon’s edge in the glorious snorkelling, turtle and beach hotspot of Manase on the northern coast. Fales can be laid out for solo travellers, couples and families, while food is a shared affair with a choice of Samoan and vegetarian meals available. Choose the perfect fale for you in the 20 Best Beach Fale Accommodations in Samoa.
More About Guesthouses and B&Bs in Samoa
That’s it for our guide to the best guesthouses and B&Bs in Samoa but there’s much more advice we can offer for a Samoan holiday! Check out some of our guides to plan more of your trip:
- How to Have an Authentic Samoan Experience
- Essential Tips for Staying in a Beach Fale in Samoa
- Samoa Travel Tips: 30 Tips for Travelling in Samoa
And if you’re still struggling to find the perfect place to stay, then start from scratch with Where to Stay in Samoa: The 50 Best Accommodations in Samoa.
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.