Independant State of Samoa Hotel Tips by Groverdean

Comes highly recommended and is the newest and I have been told by far the best of the two accommodation options for the island (this place is not listed in the 2003 published Lonely Planet guides). Boat transfers are included in the price of 90 Tala per person. All meals are included as well. There are 5 waterside fales here. Facilities are basic but that's Samoa and my stay was still quite comfortable. Ring the phone number the day before you intend to stay and arrange a time and they'll pick you up from the Manono port on Upolu.

Unique Qualities: Manono island has no cars, no roads (just a walking track), no dogs, and very little western influence on daily life. The hosts - Leota and Sau provide a completely unique experience which feels more like a homestay. They are wonderfully helpful and will include boat trips to the nearby reef for snorkelling, use of their outrigger canoe all for the price. They also put on an "Umu" which is the traditional way of cooking in Samoa.
Leota also offered his nephew to walk with me around the island if I wanted a guide! Definitely excellent value for money when you consider all the add ons.

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Theme: Other
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$20-40  » Currency Converter
Phone: 45640
Address: Manono Island
Directions: Manono is located between Upolu and Savai'i.

What a lovely place to stay but then again I don't think you can go wrong at any of the options on Manase beach. There are numerous Fales in the grounds and the cost is 50 Tala per person which included a decent breakfast and dinner. It's a cold shower in the amenity block away from the Fales.

Unique Qualities: The Fales are as basic as can be but perfect for relaxing. This is a family run business and Tanu's Beach Fales have been a popular tourist destination for many years making the family the wealthiest on Savai'i (what I was told). Everyone is wonderfully helpful and they can organise a tour of the island for you if you can get a group together. The beach is lovely and there are snorkelling opportunities here as well. They also put on a fiafia every Saturday night and on other nights if the place is full. This is included in the price.

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Theme: Other
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$20-40  » Currency Converter
Phone: 54050
Address: Manase
Directions: Can't miss the huge sign on the road at Manase for Tanu's.

My room was in need of some attention. Disappointingly there was no mosquito net, but I was told the following morning there should have been one. Toilet and shower are in the Fale. The Fale was quite roomy. Meals were fine. The Safua Hotel was the first one ever built on Savai'i and it felt like they'd not put any money back into it since. It's not on the water either though that was a nice change for me . At 150 Tala which included a decent dinner and breakfast, it was a bit overpriced.


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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$40-80  » Currency Converter
Phone: 51271
Address: Lalomolava Village
Directions: 6kms Northeast of Salelologa. There is a small sign on the right hand side as you are driving north.
Other Contact: safuahotel@yahoo.com