The Samoan Outrigger Hotel in Apia, the capital of Samoa, is a small independently run property that has quietly built a reputation for friendly service and cleanliness despite its modest 3‑star rating on platforms like Expedia (Expedia). This article compiles verified guest ratings, pricing context, and locational details to help budget travellers decide if this 15‑room hotel in the Motootua neighbourhood is the right base for their stay.
Last checked: 2026-06-02
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Hotel name: The Samoan Outrigger Hotel ·
Location: Motootua, Apia, Upolu, Samoa (Falealili Cross Island Road) ·
Official star rating: 2 stars ·
Number of rooms: 15 ·
Unique selling point: Budget hotel with a 5‑star service goal and a reputation for cleanliness
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-06-02.
Sources reviewed: official property website, Hotels.com listing, Booking.com review summary, TripAdvisor (global and Australia), Expedia Samoa overview, KAYAK pricing data, Marriott/Sheraton listing.
We did not conduct an on‑site visit, interview staff, or independently verify current rates beyond the listed prices on booking platforms.
Snapshot of The Samoan Outrigger Hotel
Official star rating
- 3.0 out of 5 – rated by Expedia as a 3‑star property (Expedia)
Location
- Suburban area in Motootua, Apia, on the island of Upolu (Hotels.com)
Guest rooms
- 15 rooms arranged over 2 floors (Hotels.com)
Guest rating
- 8.6/10 (Excellent) on Expedia based on 287 reviews (Expedia)
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hotel name | The Samoan Outrigger Hotel |
| Location | Motootua, Apia, Upolu, Samoa (Falealili Cross Island Road) |
| Official star rating | 3.0 stars (Expedia) – also listed as a 2‑star on some platforms |
| Number of rooms | 15 (ensuite and non‑ensuite options) |
| Unique selling point | Budget accommodation that “blends city convenience with a tropical vibe” (official site) |
Where is the Samoan outrigger hotel?
The Samoan Outrigger Hotel sits on Falealili Cross Island Road in the Motootua neighbourhood of Apia, on the island of Upolu. Hotels.com describes it as a “suburban hotel” (Hotels.com), which places it a short distance from the busiest parts of the capital. The property is roughly a 15‑minute walk from Apia’s central market and government buildings, according to general estimates from guest reviews – though no exact distance is advertised by the hotel.
Neighbourhood highlights (Motootua area)
Motootua is a mixed residential‑commercial area. The national hospital is about a five‑minute walk away, and a handful of small eateries and shops are within easy reach. This makes the hotel convenient both for travellers who need to be near medical facilities and for those who want to explore Apia on foot without staying in the noisiest part of town.
What are the reviews and prices of The Samoan Outrigger Hotel?
Guest ratings and testimonials
Across multiple platforms, the hotel earns consistently positive marks. Expedia gives it an overall 8.6 out of 10, placing it in the “Excellent” range (Expedia). A highlighted review on Booking.com rates it 9.0 “Wonderful” and notes excellent value for money (Booking.com). Travellers on Hotels.com call it a “hidden gem” with “exceptionally friendly” staff. Similar language appears on TripAdvisor, where a 2026 review mentions “fantastic” accommodation and “very friendly and helpful staff” (TripAdvisor AU 2026).
“A hidden gem in Apia. Staff are exceptionally friendly and eager to help with any request.”
— Hotels.com guest review
The pattern is clear: guests repeatedly praise cleanliness, staff hospitality, and the tropical garden setting. Multiple reviewers also mention the pool, the bar, and the “delicious” breakfast included in some room rates (Booking.com).
Room rates and booking context
The Samoan Outrigger Hotel sits squarely in the budget bracket. A 2012 TripAdvisor review recorded a private room with breakfast for about AUD $35 per night (TripAdvisor user review 2012). Current rates are not published in a single authoritative source, but pricing context from KAYAK shows the average double room in Samoa is about US $169 per night, with low‑season deals as cheap as US $56 (KAYAK). The hotel’s own positioning as “budget accommodation with a touch of style” (TripAdvisor description) signals that it targets the lower end of this range.
Restaurant and dining options
The property features a bar and lounge, outdoor seating, and a shared kitchen for guest use. Breakfast is often highlighted in reviews as a highlight – Booking.com guests call it “delicious” and “carefully prepared.” The hotel does not operate a full‑service restaurant for lunch or dinner, but the central location gives easy access to Apia’s many casual eateries and markets.
Who is Outrigger owned by and who is the CEO?
Despite its name, The Samoan Outrigger Hotel is not part of the Outrigger Hotels & Resorts chain. It is independently owned and operated, with no corporate affiliation to the larger Outrigger brand that runs resorts across the Pacific. The name likely refers to the traditional Samoan outrigger canoe, not the hotel group. For clarity, the Outrigger chain (also called Outrigger Resorts) is a separate entity based in Hawaii; its President & CEO is reported to be Jeff Wagoner. This property, however, is strictly a local independent business in Apia.
Is the Samoan Outrigger Hotel a 5‑star hotel and is Samoa cheap or expensive?
Official star rating and service ambition
The hotel is officially rated 3.0 stars on Expedia (Expedia) and listed as a 2‑star on some other platforms. There is no evidence that management claims a five‑star standard; rather, the property markets itself as budget accommodation “with a touch of style.” Guest reviews consistently describe the service as warm and helpful, but no one suggests it competes with luxury resorts. The gap between the low official star rating and the high guest satisfaction scores is the real story here – it is a budget hotel that punches above its weight in service.
Cost of travel in Samoa – a budget perspective
Samoa is generally considered an affordable destination for backpackers and budget travellers. KAYAK data indicates that average hotel rates in the country hover around US $169 per night for a double room, with the cheapest months being May (average US $111) and June (KAYAK). For context, The Samoan Outrigger Hotel’s price point is well below that average, reinforcing its reputation as a wallet‑friendly choice. The low season (May–June) is particularly favourable for getting the best deal. For the most up-to-date pricing and guest feedback, explore Samoan Outrigger Hotel reviews.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Room types | Air‑conditioned hotel rooms, fan rooms, traditional open Samoan fales in garden (official site) |
| Bathroom options | Ensuite and shared facilities available |
| Check‑in / check‑out | Check‑in from 12:00 noon; check‑out by 10:00 AM; minimum age 18 (Hotels.com) |
| Facilities | Outdoor pool, garden, terrace, bar/lounge, laundry facilities, billiards table |
| Shuttle | 24‑hour airport shuttle for an extra fee |
| Wi‑Fi | Available in public areas; may incur a charge |
Pros and Cons of The Samoan Outrigger Hotel
Pros
- Consistently high guest ratings for cleanliness and staff friendliness across Expedia (8.6/10), Booking.com (9.0), and TripAdvisor.
- Central suburban location within walking distance of Apia city centre and the national hospital.
- Budget rates – significantly below the national average double‑room price of US $169.
- Unique accommodation mix includes traditional Samoan fales alongside standard hotel rooms.
- Outdoor pool, bar, and garden create a relaxed atmosphere despite the urban setting.
Cons
- Wi‑Fi is not free in rooms and may incur a surcharge in public areas.
- No full‑service restaurant for lunch or dinner (breakfast only, plus shared kitchen).
- Some rooms share bathrooms – not all are ensuite.
- Not a beachfront resort; guests need transport to reach Samoa’s coastline.
- Only 15 rooms, so availability can be tight during peak season.
Pricing band: budget‑friendly
Based on historical rates (AUD $35 per night in 2012) and KAYAK’s national context (average double room US $169, low‑season deals from US $56), the Samoan Outrigger Hotel sits firmly in the budget segment. Travelers can expect to pay well below the Samoa average, especially if booking in the low season (May–June). The hotel does not advertise current rates publicly, so we recommend comparing prices on platforms like Hotels.com, Booking.com, and Expedia before booking.
Location and getting there
The hotel is located at Falealili Cross Island Road, Motootua, Apia, on Upolu. Faleolo International Airport (APW) is about 35 km west of Apia. The hotel offers a 24‑hour airport shuttle for a fee (Hotels.com). Taxis from the airport to Apia are also available, typically costing around US $30–40.
Once in Apia, the hotel is within a 15‑minute walk of the central market and government buildings (based on guest estimates). The national hospital is about 5 minutes on foot. For longer trips, local buses and taxis are easily accessible from the Motootua area.
Alternatives to The Samoan Outrigger Hotel
For travellers seeking a more upscale experience in the same city, the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Hotel & Bungalows on Main Beach Road in Vaisigano offers a full‑service resort under the Marriott brand (Marriott listing). It is larger, located closer to the waterfront, and commands higher rates. For those who prefer a similar budget‑plus vibe, other small guesthouses and fale‑style accommodations dot the Apia area, though none have the same breadth of online reviews as the Samoan Outrigger.
Because the Samoan Outrigger is the most popular budget hotel in the country according to Samoa.travel (as cited in the hotel’s own marketing), it occupies a unique position: a well‑reviewed, independent alternative to both the Sheraton and to informal homestays.
Our pick: who should stay here
The Samoan Outrigger Hotel is our top recommendation for:
- Budget travelers and backpackers who prioritize clean, safe accommodation over resort amenities.
- First‑time visitors to Samoa who want a central base in Apia with easy access to transport and city attractions.
- Travelers seeking a central location within walking distance of the market, hospital, and government offices.
If you need a full‑service restaurant, free in‑room Wi‑Fi, or beachfront access, you may prefer the Sheraton or a coastal resort. But for value, warmth, and reliability, the Samoan Outrigger consistently delivers.
Related reading: Champlung Mas Hotel Legian: Reviews, Prices & Photos · Cheap Hotels Near Me: Budget Accommodation Guide
For another budget-friendly option in the same area, consider Moatoga Hotel in Apia, which also offers family-run value in Apia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities does The Samoan Outrigger Hotel offer?
The property includes an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a terrace, a bar/lounge, laundry facilities, and a billiards table. A shared kitchen is available for guest use. Airport shuttle service is offered 24 hours a day for a fee.
Does the hotel have a restaurant?
The hotel does not operate a full‑service restaurant. It provides breakfast (guests on Booking.com describe it as “delicious”) and has a bar/lounge. A shared kitchen allows guests to prepare their own meals. Many nearby eateries in Apia are a short walk away.
Is there free Wi‑Fi at The Samoan Outrigger Hotel?
Wi‑Fi is available in public areas but may incur an additional charge. Some guest reviews mention that connection can be spotty. For reliable internet, consider using mobile data (local SIM cards are inexpensive).
What is the check‑in time at the hotel?
Check‑in begins at 12:00 noon and check‑out is at 10:00 AM. The minimum check‑in age is 18.
How far is The Samoan Outrigger Hotel from Apia city centre?
The hotel is about a 15‑minute walk from central Apia, near the market and government buildings. The national hospital is roughly five minutes away on foot.
“Our stay was fantastic. The staff were very friendly and helpful, and the room was spacious and cool with air‑conditioning. We had a fridge, TV, ensuite, and a veranda.”
— TripAdvisor guest review, 2026
“Very clean and beautifully maintained. The breakfast was delicious and the garden is lovely. Excellent value for money.”
The bottom line: “Very clean and beautifully maintained. The breakfast was delicious and the garden is lovely. Excellent value for money.”— Booking.com guest review