Hotel Samoa

White Goblin Games, Arclight Games, Axel · Board game · 2010

6.8 Ludopedia 6.2 BGG 3–6 · best 4 45–60 min Weight 2.1/5

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6.8 rating Ludopedia

6.2 rating BGG

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Our Verdict

RECOMMENDED

Hotel Samoa is for fans of economic games with a dash of chaos and player interaction. The simultaneous bidding and pricing system creates hilarious moments of strategic 'betrayal,' while varied tourists and upgrades keep each game fresh. Don’t expect deep simulation—the fun here is in bluffing and quick thinking. Just don’t get too attached to your hotel, because cash is king!

Highlights

Chaotic simultaneous bidding
Unique tourist abilities
Thematic, fun upgrades
Fast and easy to teach

Keep in mind

Can frustrate planners
Tourist card randomness
Best with 4+ players

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About the game

What you do in a play session

Welcome to Samoa, where the sun shines, the beaches are paradise, and tourists always have full wallets! In Hotel Samoa, you’re a hotel owner trying to lure guests to your rooms—and, of course, squeeze every penny out of them. Each round, new tourists arrive on the island, each with unique preferences and abilities (thrifty French, big-spending Americans…), while you compete for hotel upgrades like pools or luxury suites. The twist? All decisions are simultaneous: you secretly choose room prices AND bids for upgrades, then reveal everything at once. Charge high for big profits? Or undercut rivals to fill rooms first? Expect bluffs, laughs, and tropical chaos in this fast (45-60min), flavorful economic game. Pro tip: never underestimate a karaoke bar’s power to attract tourists!