Accomodation in Apia, Samoa

[FlyboyAl]

We decided to do a status credit run for the wife.
Out of the barrel of "never been to destinations" we pulled out Apia - I guess if Albo can go and be welcomed, so can we!!!!!!
Does anyone have any suggestions on somewhere to stay?
I've looked around and all we really want is either breakfast included or close to restaurants for breakfast.
I'm not thinking 5 star Hilton or Marriot, just somewhere homely and comfy?
Would love any ideas from those who know more.
Thanks
alan

 

[Flyfrequently]

Did you ever get to Samoa @FlyboyAl?
Looks like our 2025 trip to Vanuatu sadly may not go ahead, any information you gleaned on Apia is much appreciated.

 

[FlyboyAl]

we fly adl-bne-apia on the 4th of january for 10 days.
will let you know how it goes.
We are staying at the "Sheraton" badged hotel, so not sure on what it will be like, but after the craziness of Christmas retail trading, the break will be good.
I've been to Vanuatu a few times and am so sorry to hear the news - it is going to take them a LONG time to recover from it.

 

[Flyfrequently]

we fly adl-bne-apia on the 4th of january for 10 days.
will let you know how it goes.
We are staying at the "Sheraton" badged hotel, so not sure on what it will be like, but after the craziness of Christmas retail trading, the break will be good.

Thanks, we will be Mel- Bne-Apia
Enjoy @FlyboyAl

I've been to Vanuatu a few times and am so sorry to hear the news - it is going to take them a LONG time to recover from it.

Yes, the footage shows such destruction, roads, airport, buildings etc and sadly the loss of lives

 

[kookaburra75]

We were in Samoa July last year, and stayed at the Taumeasina Island Resort which is a 10-15 minute taxi ride from Apia. Trip Report here - South Pacific - Here We Come

To be honest we went into Apia and there wasn't a lot there. If you can, even get down to the Resort for dinner, or even the nights when they have entertainment on. They set up tables down on the beach.

 

[justinbrett]

we fly adl-bne-apia on the 4th of january for 10 days.
will let you know how it goes.
We are staying at the "Sheraton" badged hotel, so not sure on what it will be like, but after the craziness of Christmas retail trading, the break will be good.
I've been to Vanuatu a few times and am so sorry to hear the news - it is going to take them a LONG time to recover from it.

The one near the airport? Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort?

I stayed there earlier in the year. It's quite good (for Samoa). Pool was full of leaves but I expect they'll have it looking good for the peak season.

If you're bored and have nothing to do, I recommend a trip to Pago Pago, the flights operate like a bus service so you can just turn up (only about 10 minutes in the air). The scenery is a million times better than (Western) Samoa, although there's not that much to do there either, so I'd recommend renting a car and seeing nature. I did an overnight stay and it was the highlight of my trip - but you could definitely do a day trip.

 

[Tiki]

Back in 2019 we stayed at Dave Parker Eco Lodge for a couple days which is high in the hills above Apia and appeals more to bird watchers than beach people but it was really beautiful. It's still around as per Google maps and hotel booking sites and reasonably priced. Then we moved into town for a couple days, I can't remember the name but it was near the tourist office because we walked there to see the cultural show. I can't find anything on the map so it may have shut down after Covid.

 

[Wanderlust_tim]

If you're bored and have nothing to do, I recommend a trip to Pago Pago, the flights operate like a bus service so you can just turn up (only about 10 minutes in the air). The scenery is a million times better than (Western) Samoa, although there's not that much to do there either, so I'd recommend renting a car and seeing nature. I did an overnight stay and it was the highlight of my trip - but you could definitely do a day trip.

This is really interesting, I didn't realise it was so easy. Are there entry requirements? And how much was the flight?

 

[p--and--t]

The one near the airport? Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort?

I stayed there earlier in the year. It's quite good (for Samoa). Pool was full of leaves but I expect they'll have it looking good for the peak season.

If you're bored and have nothing to do, I recommend a trip to Pago Pago, the flights operate like a bus service so you can just turn up (only about 10 minutes in the air). The scenery is a million times better than (Western) Samoa, although there's not that much to do there either, so I'd recommend renting a car and seeing nature. I did an overnight stay and it was the highlight of my trip - but you could definitely do a day trip.

Seeing Pago Pago is a US "Territory", is an ESTA required?

 

[justinbrett]

Seeing Pago Pago is a US "Territory", is an ESTA required?

No. AS is outside of the US immigration system (unlike Guam and the other territories).

They have a similar program they run themselves and it costs US$20 - General Information | American Samoa Visitors Bureau. It's a lot easier than an ESTA.

This is really interesting, I didn't realise it was so easy. Are there entry requirements? And how much was the flight?

Flights are around US$300 return, so not cheap for the distance, but think of it as two scenic flights! I did confuse it with Saipan - Tinian with the turn up and go service - you do need to prebook APW-PPT but it has a similar frequency and flight duration to Saipan - Tinian which is why I got them confused.

You'll probably only have 2-4 other pax with you, it is strange to be in the terminal with so few pax. You only have to check in 30 minutes prior to departure (in fact it closes 20 minutes prior, but I wouldn't leave it that late).

 

[Wanderlust_tim]

No. AS is outside of the US immigration system (unlike Guam and the other territories).

They have a similar program they run themselves and it costs US$20 - General Information | American Samoa Visitors Bureau. It's a lot easier than an ESTA.



Flights are around US$300 return, so not cheap for the distance, but think of it as two scenic flights! I did confuse it with Saipan - Tinian with the turn up and go service - you do need to prebook APW-PPT but it has a similar frequency and flight duration to Saipan - Tinian which is why I got them confused.

You'll probably only have 2-4 other pax with you, it is strange to be in the terminal with so few pax. You only have to check in 30 minutes prior to departure (in fact it closes 20 minutes prior, but I wouldn't leave it that late).

That's really helpful, thank you. I was very keen on visiting AS but am not eligible for an ESTA as I have been to Iran and that had stopped me exploring the idea further.