Over the years, we've had a number of rooms on both sides of Samoa although always on the first floor which we prefer. Floor preference is such a personal thing though. In Samoa, 1st floor has a patio, 2nd floor has sliding doors with a railing only, and third floor has a balcony.
Both sides are lovely IMO. The Volcano pool side is very close to the sidewalk that runs by the pool area and so is more lively. I think most in my family prefer this side because it is so easy to walk out to the pool.
The quiet pool side seems further away from that pool to me and the pool itself is landscaped so lushly that you really don't see the pool.
I really love both sides.