need to book accommodation ahead?

We're heading off to Samoa this January. We want to stay at Aggie's for a couple of nights and after that play it by ear, staying at comfortable- but not too expensive- places, including beach fales. So a few nights on Upolu and a few nights on Savaii. Do we need to book ahead? How safe is it to arrive and look around once we get there? Do the hotels and other accommodation options fill up over January?

We want to stay at Aggie's for a couple of nights and after that play it by ear, staying at comfortable- but not too expensive- places, including beach fales.

One thing about Samoa which is unusual in the world of tourism is that the most expensive beach places are on the not-so-nice beaches (I'm thinking Aggie Grey's Lagoon Resort, Sinilei Resort, and Coconuts) and the low-cost, rustic beach fale are on some of the best beaches. After the relative luxury of Aggie's, you may get a shock when you come to the beach fales, however nice they may be... Hippies like me find them perfectly acceptable but you may not.
If I may read between the lines, I am assuming by you wanting "comfortable" I am thinking aircon, ensuite and the perks.... Middle of road accommodation at the beaches seem to be hard to find in Samoa.

You may wish to try Stevenson's at Manase beach in Savai'i for one... It is actually more like a hotel than beach fales. The other beach fale at Manase are quite rustic. At Lalomanu beach on Upolu, there are no places with aircon that I know of, but I do believe that Taufua has several enclosed beach fale with ensuite, but I am thinking that they would be very hot considering Samoa's hot, humid climate and that the open, rustic fales are much more comfortable.
Virgin Cove resort has several bungalows, but as of last year, were not airconditioned either.

Do we need to book ahead?

Book your first few nights at Aggie's. You will then be in town...You can spend your first morning finding further accommodation for the remainder of your Samoa stay. If you want enclosed/more comfortable fale anywhere, you should think about booking now... They are sometimes booked months ahead. Go to the Samoa Visitor Website or get a guidebook to seach and decide where you want to stay before you decide to book.

How safe is it to arrive and look around once we get there?

It's wise to have at least your first 2 nights booked somewhere. Since you are going to be in town for a few days staying at Aggie's anyways, you can simply walk down the road to the visitor's centre, which you can't miss in the town centre on Beach Rd. They are extremely helpful here and can help you find the accommodation you require keeping in mind that the more "comfortable" beach places may already be booked.

Do the hotels and other accommodation options fill up over January?

January is low season in Samoa, but it is still busy... Esp. at the more popular beaches of Lalomanu on Upolu and Manase on Savai'i. If you want the more "comfortable" beach fale, you would be wise to get hold of the places now... If you are satisfied with the most rustic of beach fale, you should be okay with a few days advance booking.

Hope this is helpful...

(Yes, Laszlo, another cold, dreary Canadian morning with lots of time on my hands... LOL)

Edited by: islandboi321

Edited by: islandboi321

Thanks for the very quick, detailed response!!
We're actually more into the fales than the "Aggie Grey- type" hotels. We've been there before but our accommodation has always been taken care of. Stevenson's sounds like exactly what we're after for Savaii.

We were there for two weeks just 3 weeks ago. We rented a car and never made any reservation in any hotel and fale (except for the two first nights in Apia). There was plenty of fales available everywhere. So, don't worry about reserving in advance. Don't tie your hands for nothing. I agree with the previous answer to your query. Biggest resorts don't have the best beaches. And personnaly, i found Upolu prettier than Savaii

Thanks for the advice. We're gonna steer away from the really big places. Not long now and we'll be there. Can't wait.