Vanuatu - Do I need to book accommodation in advance?

Hi Guys

I'll be in Vanuatu from 27 July until 13 August. I plan to visit Espritu Santo, Tanna and Efate and I want to spend about 5-6 days on each island. How busy is Vanuatu i July/August? Would it be necessary to book accommodation in advance?

Thanks
Magda

FWIW, I didn't book in advance anywhere and got to stay at the place of my choice everywhere.
And that was partly in Dec - certainly one of the busiest months.

I booked my first night in Santo and 9 nights after that I booked as I went or just showed up. I got to stay everywhere I wanted. And haggled for some discounted prices as well. It was May.

Hi Magda, really it depends on what level of accom your after. Ive been many times & that time of year can be quite busy with aussies & kiwis escaping the cold for a short holiday as its the dry season with no cyclones. Im sure you will find a room in a resort but the cheaper end of accom (around $55-$90/night) could be booked up in Port Vila itself. What sort of price range are you looking at ?

I'm after budget accommodation. I'd like to be able to find something for up to $60 per couple. Not sure how realistic it is in Port Villa, Tanna and Santo...

In Port Vila I stayed in Room with a View, which was about US$ 52 (4700 vatu) for one person, including a very good breakfast. Room with ensuite bathroom, fridge and cooking facilities. Stunning view from the upstairs porch.

In Tanna I stayed in Sunrise Bungalows (4600 vatu, including breakfast). They have bungalows with or without ensuite and it's situated on a cliff overlooking the (black sand) beach and ocean. Volcano tours are possible and also guided walks through the forest; Peterson is a great guide, very informative. You can eat at their restaurant (the only place to buy meals really), but there are no shops around, so bring drinking water and snacks.
Also stayed in Tanna Evergreen in a bungalow with shared facilities (4250 vatu), which was OK, but not great. The more expensive ensuite bungalows looked very nice though. There's an onsite restaurant and bar.
Close to Lenakel I stayed in Sunset Bungalows (3500 vatu, including breakfast) in a bungalow with ensuite. It's a short walk to Lenakel and the market under the banyan tree. There's even an internet cafe and some shops.

Haven't been to Santo, so can't comment on that.

Hope this helps!

ok..ive stayed at City Lodge in Vila 3 or 4 times over the past few years (about a week each time). Its ok...its about $55AUD / night so of course as you would understand, at that price things can sometimes start to get wobbly. Sometimes the hot water is out for a day or 2 which does not matter as cold is fine in vila, sometimes the drains in the shower back up,sometimes there isnt a room key & you need to be let in (always someone at the desk), beds are hard but hey, its a clean bed & a clean room in the middle of town for $55 with an ensuite . I think the place is ok for what it is although i dont stay there anymore. I just started paying more for a bit better up the road. You are going at a good time of year to avoid the humidity & rain which can give you cabin fever in a small room. It always seems to be full with younger type travellers due to its price & location, personally would pre-book it if you choose it. Straight opposite the markets also so great to pop over & sit and have a meal with the locals for a few dollars. There is a busy nakamal only 50 meters up the road at BP wharf also (very hard to find in the dark) good strong kava.

I must say that lilau’s suggestion of Room with a View looks good.

On Tanna i have stayed at Volcano Smile Bungalow. About $25AUD / night now i think for bed/meal & the boys will walk or drive you up to the top of the volcano. Its right at the very foot of the volcano so its a bit of a buzz to go to sleep watching the lava fly out from your bed & to be woken at 2am with a big explosion and listen to the ash fall on your hut. Safe as houses though, Phillip will watch over you like you are family. I cant tell you about its popularity re early booking though but it only hast about 3 huts. Its just so close to the volcano.

Edited by: teeshirt

Edited by: teeshirt

Edited by: teeshirt

Greetings,

I didn't book in advance (been there also July/August). However, I'd advice about booking if you intend to go to Tanna. Not because of running out of accommodation, but because of transfers.