Where to stay for family.

Hi- we are a NZ family of four (two well travelled adults) but now with a one and three year old kids. Can anyone recommend places to stay in Samoa (looking to travel in June) where its kid friendly, good pool/ beaches and not having to worry about getting in and out of taxis to avoid bitting dogs (not sure what to believe having read some reports)? Probably somewhere with a/c as one year old might struggle with heat which could rule out Fale. Any help would be appreciated from those in the know.

Hotel Kitano Samoa (Tusitala) appears to me to be the right place for you. Plenty of space within the fenced in compound, only some cats around there. Children playground and a separate shallow pool area (for the 3 yr old). A/C in the rooms, taxis come to the front entrance - no dogs around there at all. Not that there is any real danger - but you just will feel very safe.

It is certainly more expensive than backpackers or fales but there are flight/accomodation packages for the Kitano on offer from New Zealand, either with Air New Zealand or Polynesian Blue.

If you can afford the Tusitala why not check out Aggie Grey's?

Kind of agree with Pago. Although Aggie Grey's is truly lovely and the classiest act in town, it is ridiculously overpriced for what you get... The staff there definately have attitude too which many folks don't like. The Kitano Tusitala is less expensive than Aggie's, but it is worn around the edges a tad (or was on my visit there in February this year) but is still a good place and the people working there are downright lovely.

You will be wanting to go to the beach as well, right? The above 2 accommodations are in Apia.. no beach.

You may want to think about Coconut's, Sinilei Resort, Aggie's Lagoon Resort and the Samoana Resort. All are high end and may fit the bill for what you're looking for in terms of beach time. Just remember that in Samoa an unusual situation exists... The nicest and most expensive places DO NOT have the best beaches! It's the budget end beach fale that have the loveliest strands... Lalomanu beach, Samoa's finest sand, snorkelling and sun combo has no high-end accommodation but only (and still quite comfortable) beach fale.

You will definately want to rent a car and spend a day at Lalomanu... Especially when you see the dreary excuses for beaches at Coconut's, Sinilie and Aggie's Lagoon Resort.

Consult Google to find the websites for the above places.

There will be no nipping puppies at these places either... Have fun!

I agree with islandboi321. It's just that I've been staying at Aggies since 1965.
However I have spent a few nights at Tusitala many many years ago, not sure whey. Tusitala does have the worlds largest fale.....

Forget about Sinalei. They have adopted a no-child-allowed policy. The minium age to even enter the compund is 12 years. Disgusting, especially in a place like Samoa.

Coconuts and especially the new Aggie's Lagoon Resort are substantially higher priced than those two in town (Kitano and Aggie's). But agreed - they would be good alternatives too. Beaches are alright there except for the very shallow water. But with a 3yrs old I would certainly prefer shallow waters anyway. The newly refurbished Le Lagoto in Savaii would be another option, but with two quite young children I would prefer to stay nearer to shopping opportunities. And if it comes to beach - Palolo Deep has quite shallow water as well and it is in Apia - five minutes trip by taxi from the Kitano (two minutes only from Aggies - but that should not make the real difference).

I am mostly seeing it in the focus of traveling with a 1yr old and a 3 yr old child. Their comfort is the parent's comfort; when they are happy the parents have a nice holiday as well. I am speaking from experience here -:)

That is why I would prefer the Kitano overall (in this case!). Yes, the staff there is friendlier and more caring. Just the right thing when traveling with small kids. The Kitano has a lot spacier compound - Aggie's is quite cramped. Kitano is indeed a bit shabbier at the edges - but that means as well that you do not have to scream all day to your child "don't touch this, go away from that!" Kitano is a family place where you can expect/hope for other children being around, even some overseas Samoan's kids. They are very caring and friendly to other kids as well. Aggie's does not have that more leisure family style at all - in the New Wing people under 16 are not allowed, for example.

Whereas Aggie's Resort was certainly not for me - it certainly struck me as being very family/child orientated. Extra beds in rooms and at times I've seen deals where kids eat free. The staff were quite happy for kids to run wild everywhere and there was a child's club as well. Am sure kids would be more at ease there than at Coconuts, where I've also stayed. Think you'd find some good deals for Aggie's Resort outside school holidays.

Thought the beach at Aggie's Resort was rubbish, slightly better at Coconuts. Pool at Aggie's bigger and included a child's pool. Both have air conditioning (rooms that is, not the pools!).

Hi

Thank you all for your very useful feedback. Aggie Greys is all booked out in June even though its at the end of the runway and it has a disappointing beach.

Sinalei & Coconuts have a no children policy (under 12) something you guys might want to remember.

Le Lagoto looks fantastic although many of the sites I have seen suggest that it is closed following a buyout to redevelop. Can anyone confirm this?

Sinalei is not under 12 years (as I already mentioned before), Coconutsbeach not under 3 years of age (I just checked it out). But okay, this is no option by that.

Le Lagoto has reopened only recently after a major uplift (under same ownership though/fortunately!). My wife was just there yesterday with overseas guest and all of them were simply delighted. Beautiful fales and excellent food.