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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Types

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options

  • Luxury Hotels/Resorts

    Found along Tumon Bay, these properties feature extensive amenities like pools, private beach access, restaurants, and spas. They are fitting for a pampered experience.

  • Mid-Range Hotels

    Located in Tumon and Tamuning, these hotels feature comfortable rooms, good service, and basic amenities. They strike a balance between comfort and value.

  • Budget Hotels/Guesthouses

    Less common in Tumon, these are in Tamuning or other villages. They are simpler, with fewer amenities, at lower prices.

  • Unique Local Accommodation Types

    Smaller, locally-owned inns or guesthouses in southern villages offer a more authentic, less tourist-centric stay.

Alternative Stays

  • Vacation Rentals and Apartment Options

    Platforms like Vrbo or Booking.com offer condos, apartments, and houses. These provide more space and kitchen facilities.

  • Homestay and Community-Based Tourism

    Formal homestays are not widely structured. Vacation rentals in local neighborhoods can offer similar immersive experiences.

  • Camping and Outdoor Accommodation

    Permitted camping areas are limited and may require specific permits. This is not a common tourist lodging option.

  • House/Pet Sitting

    Consider TrustedHousesitters for longer stays with a different experience.

Neighborhood Guide

Each area features a distinct atmosphere and set of conveniences.

Tumon

Pros
  • Easy access to beach, dining, shopping, tour departure points.
  • Excellent for first-time visitors seeking amenities.
  • Tourist shuttles connect hotels to major shopping centers.
  • Generally very safe due to tourist presence.
Cons
  • Can be crowded, especially peak season.
  • Prices for accommodations, food, and goods are higher.
  • May feel less 'local'.
  • Can be lively in evenings with music.

Tamuning

Pros
  • Closer to the airport.
  • Good access to major shopping and local restaurants.
  • More local feel than Tumon.
  • Often a better value for lodging.
Cons
  • Less direct beach access for many properties.
  • Short drive or taxi to Tumon for nightlife.
  • Areas near major roads can have traffic noise.
  • Generally safe, standard urban precautions.

Hagåtña

Pros
  • Rich in historical and cultural sites (Plaza de España, Guam Museum).
  • Offers a different perspective away from main tourist beaches.
  • Central location for island exploration.
  • Generally quiet, especially after business hours.
Cons
  • Limited lodging, mostly business-oriented.
  • Not directly on a prime swimming beach.
  • Fewer dining and nightlife options than Tumon.
  • Can be quiet in the evenings.

Important Considerations

Safety Notes

Generally safe throughout, but common urban travel awareness applies, especially in less populated evening areas.

Transportation

A rental car facilitates full island exploration, notably outside Tumon and Tamuning. Tourist shuttles connect main zones.

Booking Strategies

Effective booking methods secure optimal lodging and rates for your Guam trip.

Advance Booking

  • Peak Season (December to June, holidays): Book several months ahead (3-6 months ideal). Popular resorts and room types fill quickly.
  • Wet Season (July to November): More flexibility. 1-2 months ahead is usually fine, potential for last-minute deals.
  • Early Booking Benefits: Early booking often secures better rates.
  • Event Travel: If traveling during specific events or school holidays, book earlier.

Booking Resources

  • Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Use major OTAs like Booking.com or Agoda to compare prices and review options.
  • Hotel Official Websites: Check official hotel sites (e.g., IHG Hotels). They sometimes feature exclusive deals.
  • Vacation Rental Platforms: For rentals, use reputable platforms like Vrbo.
  • Cancellation Policies: Always check deposit and cancellation terms. Many hotels offer free cancellation for flexibility.

Price Fluctuations & Local Insights

Seasonal Price Changes
  • Lodging prices are highest during dry season, specifically around Christmas, New Year, and Japanese Golden Week.
  • Expect lower prices during wet season, especially outside of major holidays.
  • Factor this into your budget and travel timing.
  • Seasonal demands shape availability.
Walk-in Rates
  • Major hotels have standard, non-negotiable walk-in rates.
  • Online booking often yields better rates.
  • Small guesthouses might offer slight negotiation for extended low-season stays.
  • Polite inquiries are sometimes possible at smaller inns.

Remember

Flexibility

Non-refundable rates usually feature a lower price but no flexibility.

Local Contact

Some local guesthouses prefer direct phone reservations for bookings.

Review Policies

Vacation rentals often have stricter cancellation policies set by individual owners.

Accommodation Recommendations

When choosing your stay, factor in budget, travel style, and location.

Budget and Travel Style

Budget-Friendly

Seek guesthouses or smaller inns in Tamuning or southern villages. Vacation rentals outside Tumon can offer greater space and value.

  • Prioritize places with public transport access or rental car plans.
  • Hostel-like options are limited; small inns serve this purpose.
  • Check Hostelworld for any options, though limited.
  • Consider accommodations with kitchenettes for cost savings.
Mid-Range

Look for hotels in Tumon not directly beachfront but with easy bay access, or properties in Tamuning. These usually include pools and comfortable rooms.

  • Good balance of comfort and amenities without premium pricing.
  • Often features on-site dining and recreational areas.
  • Central locations with accessibility to main roads.
  • Consider properties with shuttle services to areas.

Specific Traveler Needs

Family-Friendly Options

Larger resorts in Tumon often cater to families. Look for properties with kid-friendly pools, children's clubs, and spacious family rooms. Direct access to calm Tumon Bay waters.

  • Vacation rentals with multiple bedrooms and kitchens are excellent.
  • Kitchen facilities allow for meal preparation, saving costs.
  • More space for children to move around.
  • Access to laundry facilities.
Solo Traveler Recommendations

Tumon generally suits solo travelers due to amenity concentration and activity access. Seek hotels with social spaces or near active nightlife.

  • Consider properties with good security features.
  • Easy access to public transport and tours.
  • Focus on properties with 24/7 front desk service.
  • Look for hotel-organized activities or tours.

Long-Stay & Cultural Stays

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    For extended visits, vacation rentals (apartments or condos) are generally the most practical and cost-effective. They offer kitchen facilities and a home-like environment.

  • Properties with Exceptional Cultural or Historical Significance

    Smaller inns or guesthouses in Hagåtñan or southern villages may feel closer to historical sites or feature traditional local ambiance.

  • Choosing a Property

    Prioritize properties aligned with your planned activities. Beach time: beachfront hotel. Island exploration: easy access to main roads.

  • Supporting Local

Additional Notes

  • Loyalty Programs

    Check hotel official websites for exclusive deals or loyalty program benefits not available elsewhere.

  • Island Exploration

    Properties with easy access to Marine Corps Drive (Route 1) suit island exploration.

  • Event Calendars

    If your travel dates align with local events, book accommodations earlier to secure availability.

  • Urban vs. Rural

    Decide between a lively urban stay in Tumon/Tamuning or a tranquil, rural village experience.

Considerations for Comfort

Room Features

Many luxury properties offer large, comfortable rooms with ocean views, especially in Tumon.

  • Check for balconies or patios.
  • Verify internet access.
  • Inquire about in-room amenities.
  • Look for connecting room options for families.
Property Amenities

Extensive amenities like multiple pools, recreational activities, and spas often come with luxury resorts.

  • On-site dining options.
  • Fitness centers or gyms.
  • Concierge services.
  • Accessibility features.

Immersive Stays

Cultural Connection

Staying in a vacation rental in a local neighborhood can offer immersive experiences, like engagement with locals.

Authentic Glimpse

Modest, locally-owned inns can provide a glimpse into authentic island life, especially in the southern villages.

Nature Immersion

For outdoor enthusiasts, camping is usually reserved for local residents with prior arrangements; it's not a common tourist option.