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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Northern Mariana Islands

Accommodation Types

Lodging Categories

  • Hostels/Budget Guesthouses

    Limited options; small, locally-owned guesthouses with basic amenities and a personal, quiet atmosphere. Cost-effective travel choice.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    Good selection of 3-star hotels, often with pools, on-site dining, and basic amenities. Balance of comfort and value, many near tourist areas.

  • Luxury Hotels/Resorts

    International brand resorts with extensive facilities, multiple pools, diverse dining, spas, and direct beach access.

  • Camping and Outdoor

    No designated public campgrounds. Camping generally not permitted on public beaches. Private permission sometimes possible.

Other Lodging Styles

  • Unique Local Guesthouses

    Some locally owned guesthouses present a more personal, basic experience. Interaction with local residents and insights into Chamorro culture.

  • Vacation Rentals and Apartments

    Available via platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. Space, kitchen facilities, and a local living experience. Suited for families, groups, or longer stays.

  • Homestay / Community-based

    Formal homestay or community-based tourism is limited. Local guesthouses or engaging with residents at markets and eateries for local interaction.

  • House Sitting

    Explore opportunities for house/pet sitting exchanges via TrustedHousesitters for unique stays.

Neighborhood Guide

Saipan's neighborhoods have distinct characters and conveniences.

Garapan

Pros
  • Central location, easy access to amenities.
  • High walkability for dining and entertainment.
  • Home to Micro Beach and American Memorial Park.
  • Bustling with hotels, restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
Cons
  • Crowded and noisy.
  • Higher accommodation and dining prices.

Susupe / Northern Saipan

Pros
  • Quieter, local feel.
  • Potential for lower guesthouse/rental prices.
  • Closer to The Grotto and Bird Island.
  • Tranquil and scenic.
Cons
  • Less direct access to tourist amenities.
  • Requires more transportation.
  • Fewer dining options immediately accessible.

Southern Saipan

Pros
  • Authentic local experience.
  • Very quiet and peaceful.
  • Residential areas and local villages.
Cons
  • More remote.
  • Car transport is necessary.
  • Tourist amenities are very limited.

Considerations for Areas

Safety:

All areas of Saipan are generally safe for tourists. Apply standard precautions against petty crime, especially at night or in crowded places.

Noise and Ambiance:

Garapan can be lively with nightlife. Susupe and Northern/Southern Saipan are generally quiet, a relaxing environment.

Booking Strategies

Advance booking secures favorable accommodation for your Saipan trip.

Advance Booking

  • High Season (December to May): Book 3-6 months ahead. Popular resorts experience high demand, with decreased availability and higher prices.
  • Shoulder/Low Season (June to November): Booking 1-2 months ahead is generally enough. Last-minute deals may appear during these periods.
  • International Platforms: Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, Hotels.com are widely used. Hostelworld for budget.
  • Vacation Rentals: Airbnb and Vrbo platforms feature vacation rentals and apartments.

Booking Methods

  • Direct Booking: Many hotels, including IHG Hotels, present discounts or special packages on their official websites. Check these alongside third-party platforms.
  • Negotiation Customs: Not common for established hotels. Smaller guesthouses might show slight flexibility, but online pre-booking typically secures better rates and availability.
  • Deposit and Cancellation: Policies vary. Review deposit requirements and cancellation terms before confirming. Many larger hotels permit free cancellation up to a certain date.
  • Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Prices are higher during the dry season and major holidays. Consider traveling during shoulder or low season for budget considerations.

Helpful Tip

Consider your travel dates:
  • Travel during the shoulder seasons (June/July or October/November) for fewer crowds.
  • This time period often features mild weather.
  • Lower prices on flights and accommodation are common.
  • Many activities are still available.
For budget-friendly stays:
  • Look for guesthouses slightly outside the main tourist areas.
  • Explore vacation rentals with kitchen facilities to save on dining.
  • Book well in advance for peak season.
  • Consider properties that Offer deals or packages.

Important Note

Availability:

During major holidays or events, popular choices sell out quickly. Early booking secures your preferred option.

Flexibility:

If your travel dates are flexible, you may find better rates outside of peak demand periods.

Online vs. Direct:

Compare prices across various platforms and direct hotel websites for the best deal.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are top picks for various travel preferences and budget levels.

Budget and Mid-Range Stays

Budget under $80 USD

Options are limited. Consider smaller local guesthouses or private rooms in vacation rentals slightly outside Garapan.

  • Kanoa Resort Saipan (older property, sometimes budget-friendly rates).
  • Search for local Airbnb listings for additional choices.
  • Hostelworld for budget stays (if available).
Mid-range $80-$200 USD

Comfortable stays with good value.

Luxury Stays

Luxury $200+ USD

Premium services and extensive facilities.

Family-Friendly Options

Properties with amenities for families.

  • Kensington Hotel Saipan: Excellent kids' club, water park, family dining.
  • Hyatt Regency Saipan: Large pools, kids' activities, spacious rooms.
  • Fiesta Resort Saipan: Direct beach access, family-friendly pool area.

Solo Traveler Recommendations

  • Fiesta Resort Saipan / Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan

    Central Garapan location. Easy access to dining and activities. Safe and comfortable environment.

  • Smaller Guesthouses near Garapan

    Present a more local feel and potentially lower costs for solo travelers.

  • Consider off-peak seasons

    Fewer crowds and better deals can enhance a solo journey.

  • Plan activities in advance

    Booking tours or group activities can introduce social opportunities.

Long-Stay and Cultural Notes

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Vacation rentals (apartments or houses) with kitchen facilities and more space. Suited for stays longer than a week, a home-away-from-home experience.

  • Properties with Cultural/Historical Significance

    No specific hotels are widely recognized for historical significance. Most major resorts are modern, focusing on comfort and amenities rather than historical architecture.

  • Check Reviews

    Consult recent reviews on Booking.com or Agoda to confirm quality and service.

  • Connectivity

    Confirm internet availability and speed, especially for remote work or consistent communication.

Booking Insight

Early Planning

For premium properties or during high season, securing your booking well in advance is recommended.

  • This prevents last-minute disappointments.
  • Often results in better rates.
  • Ensures your preferred room type.
  • Especially true for resort chains like IHG Hotels.
Consider Vacation Rentals

For longer stays or larger groups, vacation rentals through platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo may offer more flexibility and value.

  • Access to kitchen facilities.
  • More living space.
  • A local neighborhood experience.

Local Interaction

Guesthouse Charm

Smaller, locally-owned guesthouses a more personal setting and engagement with island residents.

Community Connection

Informal interactions at local markets and eateries sometimes give a window into local daily life.

Genuine Atmosphere

Opting for non-resort stays can lead to a connection with Saipan's true character.