How to Pick the Best Family-Friendly Accommodation in Samoa

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What Types of Family Accommodation are Available in Samoa?

Resorts and hotels are by far the most abundant family-friendly accommodation available in Samoa. Those looking to be more independent during their holiday only have a few holiday homes and self-catering villas/apartments to choose from. More adventurous families also have the option to try out a beach fale.

Family-Friendly Resorts

Resorts are a popular choice for a family holiday to Samoa, especially considering that they provide all of the food and entertainment, making things easier for mum and dad. Only the largest resorts have watersports rentals and babysitting services, while the standard entertainment is usually at least a swimming pool and cultural shows/activities. Resorts offer a range of accommodation types, from hotel-style rooms sleeping a whole family to spacious multi-bedroom villas.

Check out some examples in the 25 Best Family Resorts & Accommodations in Samoa, as well as The Top 25 Resorts in Samoa.

Family-Friendly Hotels

Very similar to resorts but mostly the accommodation type found in Apia and Salelologa (Savai’i), family-friendly hotels have fewer facilities than resorts but usually provide entertainment in the form of a swimming pool and restaurant.

Discover more about what Samoa’s hotels are like in the 25 Best Family Resorts & Accommodations in Samoa, as well as the 30 Best Hotels in Samoa.

Guesthouses/Lodges/B&Bs/Motels

Another one mainly within the confines of Apia, small-scale accommodations like guesthouses, lodges, motels and B&Bs offer at least a couple of family rooms at affordable rates, typically with breakfast included. Facilities include private rooms with shared or private bathroom facilities, and communal areas such as a lounge and dining area or kitchen.

We have these types of accommodations listed across several articles, which you can check out at 10 Best Guesthouses & B&Bs in Samoa, 10 Best Lodges in Samoa and 7 Best Motels in Samoa.

Holiday Homes

Particularly in and around Apia, locals are listing their properties on websites like Booking.com, Expedia and Airbnb for very affordable prices, especially for families and groups. There’s a mixed bag of basic to more modern holiday homes, usually with at least two bedrooms and an open-plan kitchen/lounge.

Take a look at some of your options in the 10 Best Holiday Homes in Samoa.

Holiday Apartments

Again, Apia is your main destination for serviced apartments and self-catering villas, allowing families to save money by being in charge of their own meals. While a handful of resorts and hotels offer an accommodation category of multi-bedroom villas with a kitchen, there are just a couple of dedicated if not basic self-catering apartments in Apia.

Check out the options for families in the 10 Best Holiday Apartments in Samoa.

Beach Fales

Samoa’s most iconic accommodation type and the cheapest option for families, beach fales are simply constructed huts raised on the beach and can be found all over Samoa. Some are even large enough to house a family! They are typically equipped with a woven mat, enough foam mattresses and bedding for the whole family, a mosquito net each and perhaps a tarp or woven blinds for privacy/rain protection. Think of it like beach glamping! Toilet and shower facilities are usually shared at a bathroom block, while breakfast and dinner are served at a communal dining fale.

Take a look at some of your beach fale options in the 20 Best Beach Fale Accommodations in Samoa. Plus, find out more about what it’s like to stay in these unique accommodations in the Essential Tips for Staying in a Beach Fale in Samoa.

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Location, How to Get There and What is Nearby?

Once you know what sort of accommodation you’re looking for, you should either pick a main destination that you’d like to visit (the relaxing option) or plan an itinerary around the islands to ensure more attractions and accommodations are hit (the adventurous option). Luckily, we have you prepared for both!

There’s family accommodation on both of Samoa’s main islands, while the most choice can be found in the capital city. Compare the destinations using the following guides:

• The Complete Travel Guide to Upolu for Families
• The Complete Travel Guide to Savai’i for Families
• The Complete Travel Guide to Apia for Families

Note that getting between the islands and even travelling around the islands of Samoa is relatively inexpensive, perhaps with the exception of fuel prices. So, if you’re renting a car, look at reducing travel times by either staying close to attractions that you’re interested in visiting – see the 20 Best Things to Do in Samoa with Kids – or consider staying in different accommodations as you travel around the islands. For the latter, take a look at these itineraries especially curated for families:

• Samoa Family Itinerary: 14 Days
• Samoa Family Itinerary: 10 Days
• Samoa Family Itinerary: 7 Days
• Samoa Family Itinerary: 5 Days
• Samoa Family Itinerary: 3 Days

Each itinerary also has family accommodation recommendations.

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Family-Friendly Facilities

Anything to help a family holiday go smoother is a welcome addition to any accommodation. Make sure that you always compare the inclusions, facilities and services of Samoa’s accommodation to ensure they have everything you need.

Services and Facilities

Some, but not all, of Samoa’s family accommodations have the following services:

• Restaurant some with a kids’ menu
• Breakfast included
• Swimming pool
• Portacot
• Watersports equipment (either free or available for a fee)
• Parking
• Gardens/beach
• Fans and/or air conditioning
• Insect screens on the windows
• Airport transfers (usually for a fee)
• WiFi (usually paid) – See 8 Accommodations with Free WiFi
• Washing machine/laundry service
• Children’s playground
• Babysitting – See The Top 3 Babysitting
• Kids’ club – See The Best Kids’ Clubs
• In-house activities program for guests
• Tours (island tours, snorkelling, cultural activities, etc. for an additional fee)
• Self-catering facilities.

If you need any of the above services, be sure to inquire about them with the accommodations you have decided to compare.