Accomm, car hire etc

Hi there,
My partner, 13 yr old son and I are off to Samoa for 2 weeks Apr 6 to 20.
We want to hire a car and see both islands - which hire co. is best(cheapest), and wot about getting a couple of motorbikes? Would that be cheaper?
We also want to stay in a nice ish place for a few days with pool, bar, gorgeous beach with activities to keep teenager happy while we chill. Has anyone been there?
Whats the best place to stay out at Lalomanu beach?
And also around the South coast beaches, well everywhere really!!
Any recommendations warmly received to make this holiday rock. Its our first in a LONG time and I want it to be great for all of us.
Thanks,
Simon.

Lalomanu's accomodation options are limited and close together - you can easily compare them all once there.
Taufua's is usually the busiest one, with the neighbouring Litia's possibly better for a whole family.
But if you want a resort with a nice pool and bar, you may find both of these places too basic.

In general, Samoa caters better to budget travellers, while those needing luxuries can find them more easily somewhere like Fiji or Tahiti.

All the car hire places have similar prices just different quality vehicles.
They dont rent motorbikes and scooters in Samoa.
The new Aggie Greys resort has a reasonable beach for swimming but no good for snorkeling.
Lalomanu is a nice beach but there are only fales there, no upscale hotel accomodation.

I think Aggie Grey's resort's beach is dreadful for swimming. Better beaches at Coconuts and Sinalei, but still not brilliant compared with Fiji's beaches.

Activities for a teenager? Apart from swimming and snorkelling I can't think of any.

Forgive my aging memory. Aggie's resort does have a water sports centre. Coconuts certainly had kayaks/canoes (where we stayed) and I think I also saw some at Sinalei along the beach.

Hi there,

I would probably split up your time a bit. If you are looking for a nice place with a swimming pool and bar, start out at Aggie’s or Kitano in Apia. You can catch a shuttle from the airport which will drop you off at either of these hotels. Then, once you are settled, take a walk through town to the tourism bureau and pick up some info on water sports and a map. Then, pick up a rental car in Apia and head out for the beach (don’t forget to stop at some of the tourist attractions along the way!). Pack your snorkel and mask and head for Lalomanu where you will be able to choose the beach fales that suite your needs. Our favourite place to stay is Taufua beach fales but there are lots of places to choose from including both open and closed style huts (bathrooms are communal). The snorkeling and the beach are fantastic out there! If your son is up for it, he may be interested in joining in a local youth volleyball or rugby game in the evening. A Frisbee and some kind of ball might be ideal; he will draw lots of attention from Samoan youth. If he’s not into sports, get him a few good books and bring a deck of cards, mp3 player or have him start a journal. Leave your options open and if your son gets board, move on. For more luxurious accommodations, probably Coconuts or Sinalei would be the place. As for Savaii, we really like the Manase area and Tanu beach fales are great and I would recommend a drive around the island to see the blowholes, lavafields and waterfalls. Hope this helps!

Samoa is one of those few, rare tropical island destinations where the budget accommodation got the dibs on the "gorgeous beaches".

Tiene is bang on...You are going to have to split your time between "gorgeous beach and rustic/budget accommodation" and "Pretty dismal beach/great resort".

Motorcycles are rare in Samoa... even the locals have few. I wonder if the dogs have something to do with this. I don't know where you can even rent them but try at Funway Rentals in Apia.