Where to Stay in Samoa: The BEST Accommodations & Locations

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Where to Stay: Apia

The capital of Samoa is a bustling hub with a vast range of accommodations to choose from. From what we’ve personally experienced, what Apia lacks in dreamy beaches, it more than makes up for in culture and dining: the latter is something you will perhaps crave once you’ve spent a week in the same remote resort elsewhere on Upolu.

Apia is located on the northern shores of Upolu, surrounding a vast harbour and backed by the bush-clad Mt Vaea. There are markets, museums and picturesque parks to keep you occupied in the city, while tour operators, like Tai’s Native Experience, Samoa Surf & Turf and Coconut Tours, are happy to pick you up from your Apia accommodation and take you to any of the island’s attractions you want to go, so To Sua can still firmly remain on the must-do list.

That’s not to say that there aren’t a few natural wonders within easy reach of town, like the magnificent coral depths of the Palolo Deep Marine Reserve or the waterslide wonder of the Papase’ea Sliding Rocks. Abseiling tours, mountain hikes and paddleboarding are all still on the adventure menu.

Learn more about what Apia is all about in The Complete Travel Guide to Apia and the 25 Best Things to Do in Apia.

Intrigued? Compare Apia’s accommodations even further in the 25 Best Hotels and 20 Best Cheap Accommodations in Apia.

The Best Side of Apia to Stay

Where about should you stay in Apia? According to our very own editor-in-chief, Laura, Central Apia and Sogi on the Mulinuu Peninsula provide your easiest access to the town centre and its attractions, while the southern suburbs of Malifa, Moto’otua and Tanugamanono are another endearing option with proximity to some of the city’s best dining.

Luckily, we have a complete guide on the best places to stay in the city. You’ll find all the details you need in Where to Stay in Apia: The Best Accommodations in Apia.

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Where to Stay: Upolu

This is the South Pacific escape you envisioned: white sand beaches and swaying coconut palms. What’s more, this is also likely why you chose Samoa: lush tropical jungles scattered with waterfalls. The greater island of Upolu provides all of that and more, along with the accommodations to complete the paradisical picture.

With that, tourism infrastructure is abundant in comparison to its neighbouring islands, with an interesting but at least not overwhelming choice of upscale resorts, mid-range resorts and budget beach fales.

Upolu’s attractions are scattered across the island, meaning you’ll likely need to hire a car, take a day tour or ride on the vibrant buses to get to its iconic ocean trench, waterfalls, national park and beaches. You can also plan a more dynamic itinerary around the island, trying various accommodations along the way. Check out our Trip Ideas category for pre-made itineraries.

Dive deeper into what a getaway to Upolu looks like in The Complete Travel Guide to Upolu and the 50 Best Things to Do on Upolu.

Now, “luxury” in Samoa doesn’t exactly mean five stars, but these retreats are the best options for discerning travellers. Learn more about them in the 10 Best Luxury Resorts on Upolu. As for budget to mid-range resorts, learn more about them in the 20 Best Budget Accommodations on Upolu and the 15 Best Resorts on Upolu.

The Best Side of Upolu to Stay

For urban vibes, stay in Apia (see above). For beaches, stay on the east coast of Upolu and for easy access to off-shore islands (see below), stay on the west side. That’s the simplified version anyway. When we were there last, we discovered that each area has its own unique charm.

Check out Where to Stay on Upolu: The Best Upolu Accommodations to learn more about the best side to stay on and find the perfect spot for your Samoan adventure.

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Where to Stay: Savai’i

Humble, traditional and breathtakingly beautiful, Savai’i is Samoa’s largest island and provides a true sense of the South Pacific. Far from spoiled and touristy, the island only has a handful of resorts, while beach fales and boutique lodges make up the rest of the offering. Here, you’ll experience Samoan hospitality in all its authenticity, for the good and for the not-so-polished.

Some of Samoa’s most iconic attractions lie on the “big island”, from the mesmerising Alofaaga Blowholes to the thought-provoking Saleaula Lava Fields. Picturesque waterfalls, swimming with turtles, caving and engaging in Samoan traditions make up the rest of your stay here.

Like Upolu, the island is big, so you’ll need at least a couple of days to comfortably explore it. Check out our Trip Ideas category for pre-made itineraries including accommodation suggestions at the end of each day as you explore the island.

As for what Savai’i has to offer as a destination, make sure to head to The Complete Travel Guide to Savai’i and the 50 Best Things to Do on Savai’i.

Ready to pack your bags? Head to the 10 Best Resorts on Savai’i to learn more about these stays and more. Or experience true Samoan hospitality at the 10 Best Beach Fale Accommodations on Savai’i.

The Best Side of Savai’i to Stay

For dining and beaches, choose Salelologa and the Sunrise Coast (east coast). For beaches, turtles and lava fields, head to Manase and the Sunshine Coast (north coast). For seclusion and history, choose Falealupo and the Sunset Coast (west coast). Finally, for waterfalls and blowholes, stay on the Surf Coast (south coast).

There’s a lot more to unpack when it comes to where to stay on Savai’i, so head over to Where to Stay on Savai’i: The Best Savai’i Accommodations to learn more.

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Where to Stay: Manono and Apolima

For determined travellers, the Apolima Strait islands between Upolu and Savai’i are possible to stay on.

Boats from the western shores of Upolu can take you over choppy waters to either the larger Manono island, home to its own formal but basic enclosed accommodation units on the coast. Alternatively, head a little further to the lesser-visited Apolima where the village lies in the crater of a volcano.

There’s no formal accommodation here, but visitors are usually welcome to stay on mattresses set up at the village chief’s fale at the entrance of the village. From what we’ve experienced, these islands offer a truly unique adventure.

Heading to any one of these islands is an adventurous if not rewarding experience, which you can arrange for yourself using the advice in The Travel Guide to Manono and The Travel Guide to Apolima.

Again, details on these accommodations can be found in The Travel Guide to Manono and The Travel Guide to Apolima.

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Where to Stay: Namu’a Island

The final island in Samoa where you can stay overnight is the uninhabited Namu’a Island. On the edge of the lagoon on the eastern tip of Upolu, along with the neighbouring Aleipata Islands, Namu’a is a tiny island whose residents include birdlife, a dog and the occasional turtle.

While Namu’a Island is open for day trips to enjoy its snorkelling and serene ambience, overnight stays are possible by staying at the beach fale accommodation set up on the island’s sands.

Learn more about how to get to the island and how to stay there in The Guide to the Aleipata Islands.

Again, learn more about the accommodation in The Guide to the Aleipata Islands and 20 Best Beach Fale Accommodations in Samoa.

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The Best Accommodations in Samoa: Accommodation Categories

By now, you’ve probably realised that Samoa has accommodations appealing to all types of travellers and that here, at Samoa Pocket Guide, we’ve ranked them all! Browse Samoa accommodations by category using the following links:

• The Top 25 Resorts in Samoa
• 20 Best Beach Fale Accommodations in Samoa
• 30 Best Hotels in Samoa
• 10 Best Boutique Resorts & Accommodations in Samoa
• 10 Best Guesthouses & B&Bs in Samoa
• 10 Best Lodges in Samoa
• 10 Best Holiday Homes in Samoa
• 10 Best Holiday Apartments in Samoa
• 10 Best Motels in Samoa
• 25 Best Budget Accommodations in Samoa
• 10 Best Luxury Accommodations & Resorts in Samoa
• 25 Best Family Resorts & Accommodations in Samoa
• 20 Most Romantic Honeymoon Accommodations in Samoa
• The Best Adults-Only Resorts in Samoa.