Where Hospitality Is Still Cheap

r PHE distance between Tafuna Airport in American Samoa and Faleolo Airport in Western Samoa is only 50 or 60 miles. But the DC-3 flight by Polynesian Airlines takes you from a hustling, pricy, de- Samoanised, all-mod-cons. world to a land where life still goes on in the pleasant, unhurried way that life on a South Sea island is supposed to do.

The hotels in Apia, Western Samoa’s capital, are by no means as modern and comfortable as the Intercontinental in Pago Pago. But for relaxed atmosphere, charm, and hospitality at a reasonable price, they would be hard to beat anywhere.

The leading hotel is Aggie Grey’s at the western end of Apia Harbour. It is a rambling, wooden place, with delightful lawns and gardens, laughing Samoan employees, hibiscus blooms everywhere, and one of the world’s most charming hostesses, Mrs. Aggie Grey. The other hotel, the Casino, at the eastern end of Apia, is run by Aggie’s sister, Mrs. Mary Croudace.

Tariffs at Aggie’s are SUSB a day for a single room with wash basin only, and $l2 for a single room with shower and toilet. Doubles are $l5 and $2O respectively. These rooms are not air-conditioned, but the tariffs include all meals—and even the most hearty trencherman is not likely to leave the table hungry. Tariffs at the Casino are slightly lower.

Additions currently being made to Aggie’s, and due for completion in November, will provide accommodation for at least 100 guests. The Casino can accommodate 36. — RL.