First night accommodation

I'm arriving in Samoa at 2am, should I book accommodation beforehand? Any suggestions as to where to book or how? Also, how do I get from the airport to the accommodation? Will there be any taxi's about at that time at the airport?

Ideally I would like somewhere cheap and clean, any suggestions greatfully received!

take a look at www.hostelworld.com, they have a dozen or so places in apia that you can prebook through them

Did this just over a month ago and used Bertie's B&B airport pickup and stay service. I posted this in a thread below, but I think it was $99 ST for both. Nice guy, clean, air conditioned rooms (thought not spectacular, very comfortable - get what you pay for), breakfast great, and he has lots of good advice on Upolu.

Contact well ahead - does email - because if there happen to be two late flights, I doubt he'd make two trips.

Also was happy to store luggage while I went off, and I used that stay and airport trip again on the way out.

You will find it much to your chagrin if you don't book a room for arrival so early in the morning.

There will be heaps of taxis at the airport to wisk you into Apia, 30 km away. I was paying no more than 50 Tala to get into town in March of this year... Rates may have gone up since then.. hopefully wksamoa will chime in to give you an update. The taxi drivers will all come up to you asking you if you want a ride, but they are not nearly as aggressive as in other parts of the world.... Everyone is so polite in Samoa and no one is out to hustle you.

Also when you leave customs and walk out into the main area of the airport, there is a Samoa visitor's centre to your left... I don't know if it is open for such a late flight. You can go there to find other transport options.

There used to be a shuttle bus that took folks into town, but it's service comes and goes... Again wksamoa may have an update.

One year I was cheeky and went up to the Aggie Grey's shuttle bus... he had no passengers and since he had to go back to town anyways I got a ride for 10 Tala which he would have pocketed anyways... Keep and I out for this one.

There is a huge range of accommodation in Apia... from grotty backpacker guesthouses and dorms, to nicer guesthouses, mid range and expensive hotels. Google for Samoa and then get the official visitor's website... Lots of accommodation ideas in all budgets.

I always had luck at these two hotels:

1. Princess Tui Inn...
2. Outrigger Hotel...

Both have budget accommodation and are in nice locations. Google to find the websites for each place.
Another I have heard is good is Valentine's Motel.

About 75% of all long-distance flights to Samoa arrive late at night / early morning so all facilities will be up and running, including the visitor's bureau (Tourism Authority).

There is a new airport shuttle bus service now, quite reliable as it looks like. Heaps of taxis too. All bus and taxi fares have been officially raised a few days ago by between 15% to 40%, so I cannot tell any actual rates at this time.

#2 is right - Berties B&B have a Room&Transport Package for SAT99, valid until 30/04/2009, so with that you would certainly be on the safe side regarding both transfer and accommodation..

Check out www.samoa-hotels.ws/accomodation_budget for their offer. There you find as well more details about the Samoan Outrigger and the 1848 Princess Tui, both nearer to central Apia as Berties but you have to organize transport yourself..

How much is that new shuttle, wksamoa?

As far as I remember it is 25 Tala per Person.

We stayed at Princess Tui - organised over the internet which was nice and close to Palolo Deep reserve where the snorkelling is great - but it was a trifle noisy - less character and slightly cheaper - but with a pool and air con was Pasefika Inn.

Thanks everyone for the replies, really appreciate it.

Try www.berties.org they have just posted new low season rates.

Transfer and room single onlt 75 tala