preebookings, Manono, Lalomanu - all Samoa

Hi fellas,

my departure for Samoa is ticking away and after reading a guide i have a few question:

1) Generally, do i have to pre-book fale accomodation in advance? Can i just show up? I know its matter of occupancy, but i wanna decide on the spot if its not ok ill get on. Moreover i really dont desire to pay someone commission [hidden in the price] only for booking. I intend to act directly.
2) Which fales would you recommend on Lalomanu beach. I have read some reviews in a guidebook and Taufua Fales are highly written up (even at any cost). Is it really so worth?
3) With which fales (namely) all around Samoa you have bad experience, if so? Please for unbiased opinion... Ill try to catch as much as possible once in Samoa and so what to avoid?
4) How to get to Manono isl.? What place on Upolu does the ferry depart from?
5) last maybe stupid question, i am arriving in Samoa in the beginning of September. I have not prebooked the first night accomodation yet because every hotel or hostel in Apia requires a advanced deposit. Is risking of not prebooking anything in advance and finding acomodation blindly too risky? Considering the games end around that time, festival time and so... Note: I dont posses credit card....:(

thanks guys

i have to add to the previous post - i am not gonna spend waste my time in resorts in Samoa or similar so im looking to a homestay / village stay accomodation (fale is good alternative i guess????) so take this into account while you respond to my querry, please...

1. I am not sure how busy September is, when I go to Samoa it is in Jan./Feb. which is the low season so there is usually no problem with just showing up at a beach fale...
   
   2. There are 2 beach fale operations on Lalomanu beach that cater to travellers. One is Taufua and the other is Litia Sini's. Both are good although Litia's is a bit nicer, more subdued, somewhat more expensive.
   Taufua has good food and is a much more socialable place.
   
   3. I have not had a bad experience at any beach fale I stayed at.
   
   4. You take a boat to Manono island. It leaves from the west end of Upolu island. It was several years ago since I went there. I had to take the bus from Apia and it wasn't too difficult.
   
   5. That's one of the risks you take if you don't have a credit card... You are just going to have to wing it. I can't tell you if you'll get a room or not.
   
   Good luck

With regard to not pre-booking - immigration forms on entry used to require that you indicate the hotel you will be staying at, with life becoming difficult for those not filling this in.

If this is still applicable, at the very least you should have a hotel name all set to write on the card and tell anyone who asks what it is - this might save any unpleasantness!

Rob

Usually you do not need to pre-book. But this year you will possibly arrive during the time of the South Pacific Games (until Sept 8th) and the Teuila Festival right after that (until Sept 12th). Accomodation and rental cars will most probably be heavily booked during that time. But as you cannot pre-book anyway not having a credit card you will just have to take what you get when you are here.

There is a counter at the airport (right next to to arrival area exit). The Samoa Tourism Authority runs it and they can do bookings for you, at least for the first night(s). In Apia there is the Samoa Hotels Association Office in the Visitor's Fale (Tourism Authority again) right in the town centre. You will need to use them, as it is very unlikely that you will get a rental car to go around on the island, have a look and make your choice. Anyway, the Hotels Association can get you in touch with rental operators as well (it is always worth a try). Don't count on public transport to get around - check out your accomodation options through these offices by phone. The bus schedules will be down during the games as the buses are needed for the transport of athletes and officials. Same goes for most taxis.

So my only advice is: check out what you can get with the Hotels Asscociation and they will be able to give you advice as well how to get to your place to stay.

<blockquote>Quote
<hr>... immigration forms on entry used to require that you indicate the hotel you will be staying at,<hr></blockquote>

They still have that question but they never investigate your answer, at least from what I know. So just fill in "Outrigger" or "Tatiana's Motel Fugalei" there and you will be fine. You have those places in mind anyway, don't you :-)?