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The Friendly Islander

2.0 star property
Suburban hotel with an outdoor pool and a bar

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View from property
Economy Studio, Kitchenette, Sea Facing (Self-Catering) | Living area
Superior Bungalow, Multiple Beds, Kitchenette, Garden View (Self-Catering) | Terrace/patio
Outdoor pool
Studio Bungalow - Front Garden (Self-Catering) | Terrace/patio

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Housekeeping
  • Pool
  • Laundry
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services

Explore the area

Map
Vuna Road, Touliki, Tongatapu Island, Nuku'alofa
  • Ancient Tonga
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Royal Palace of Tonga
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Flea Market
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Nuku'alofa (TBU-Fua'amotu Intl.)
    ‪48 min drive‬

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Room options

View all photos for Standard Bungalow, 1 Bedroom, Patio, Garden View (Self-Catering)

Standard Bungalow, 1 Bedroom, Patio, Garden View (Self-Catering) | In-room safe, bed sheets

Standard Bungalow, 1 Bedroom, Patio, Garden View (Self-Catering)

  • 807 sq ft
  • Sleeps 5
  • 3 Twin Beds and 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Economy Studio, Kitchenette, Sea Facing (Self-Catering)

Economy Studio, Kitchenette, Sea Facing (Self-Catering) | Living area

Economy Studio, Kitchenette, Sea Facing (Self-Catering)

  • 538 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Studio Bungalow - Front Garden (Self-Catering)

Studio Bungalow - Front Garden (Self-Catering) | In-room safe, bed sheets

Studio Bungalow - Front Garden (Self-Catering)

  • 538 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Studio Bungalow - Back Garden (Self-Catering)

Studio Bungalow - Back Garden (Self-Catering) | Living area

Studio Bungalow - Back Garden (Self-Catering)

  • 538 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Economy Studio, Patio, Garden View (Self-Catering)

Economy Studio, Patio, Garden View (Self-Catering) | In-room safe, bed sheets

Economy Studio, Patio, Garden View (Self-Catering)

  • 538 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Economy Quadruple Room, 1 Bedroom, Kitchenette, Sea Facing (Self-Catering)

Economy Quadruple Room, 1 Bedroom, Kitchenette, Sea Facing (Self-Catering) | Living area

Economy Quadruple Room, 1 Bedroom, Kitchenette, Sea Facing (Self-Catering)

  • 807 sq ft
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Queen Bed and 3 Twin Beds

View all photos for Economy Quadruple Room, 1 Bedroom, Patio, Poolside (Self-Catering)

Economy Quadruple Room, 1 Bedroom, Patio, Poolside (Self-Catering) | Living area

Economy Quadruple Room, 1 Bedroom, Patio, Poolside (Self-Catering)

  • 807 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Superior Bungalow, Multiple Beds, Kitchenette, Garden View (Self-Catering)

Superior Bungalow, Multiple Beds, Kitchenette, Garden View (Self-Catering) | In-room safe, bed sheets

Superior Bungalow, Multiple Beds, Kitchenette, Garden View (Self-Catering)

  • 807 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 4 Twin Beds and 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Superior Bungalow, 1 Bedroom, Kitchenette, Garden View (Self-Catering)

Superior Bungalow, 1 Bedroom, Kitchenette, Garden View (Self-Catering) | In-room safe, bed sheets

Superior Bungalow, 1 Bedroom, Kitchenette, Garden View (Self-Catering)

  • 807 sq ft
  • Sleeps 5
  • 3 Twin Beds and 1 Queen Bed

About the neighborhood

Nuku'alofa

The Friendly Islander places you within a leisurely stroll of Ancient Tonga and St Mary's Cathedral. This 26-room hotel welcomes guests with conveniences like a bar/lounge, an outdoor pool, and dry cleaning/laundry services.

What's nearby

  • Ancient Tonga - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Interisland Ferry Terminal - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Talamahu Market - 4 min drive - 2.0 miles
  • Royal Palace of Tonga - 5 min drive - 2.7 miles
  • Flea Market - 8 min drive - 4.0 miles

Getting around

  • Nuku'alofa (TBU-Fua'amotu Intl.) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Friends Cafe - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Cafe Escape - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Reload Bar - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Billfish Bar and Restaurant - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Vietnamese Cafe - ‬4 min drive

About this property

The Friendly Islander

Suburban hotel with an outdoor pool and a bar
Guests of The Friendly Islander enjoy an outdoor pool, free WiFi in public areas, and a meeting room. Airport transportation is made easy with an airport shuttle (available on request) for USD 20 per vehicle one-way. Front-desk staff can assist with luggage storage, dry cleaning/laundry, and tours or tickets. Additional amenities include laundry facilities, a garden, and barbecue grills.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include an outdoor pool.

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available
  • Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge) from 7:00 AM to midnight on request

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge

Things to do

  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden

More

  • Built in 1991
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle

More

  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at noon
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 24 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 8 AM - 8 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 8 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Cash Breakage deposit: USD 50 per stay

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 20 per vehicle (one-way)

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards
  • Check-in: noon
  • Check-out: 10 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available during limited hours), which is offered for a fee.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit for incidental charges and a government-issued photo ID may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • No parking is available onsite.
  • This property accepts credit cards.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Friendly Islander Papiloa's Nuku'alofa
Friendly Islander Papiloa's Place Hotel
The Friendly Islander (Papiloa's Place) Nuku'alofa
The Friendly Islander (Papiloa's)
Friendly Islander Papiloa's Place Hotel Nuku'alofa
Friendly Islander Papiloa's Place Nuku'alofa
Friendly Islander Papiloa's Place
Hotel The Friendly Islander (Papiloa's Place) Nuku'alofa
Nuku'alofa The Friendly Islander (Papiloa's Place) Hotel
Hotel The Friendly Islander (Papiloa's Place)
Friendly Islander Papiloa's
The Friendly Islander Hotel
The Friendly Islander Nuku'alofa
The Friendly Islander Hotel Nuku'alofa
The Friendly Islander (Papiloa's Place)

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do around The Friendly Islander?

This hotel is located in Nuku'alofa, a short 11-minute walk from Ancient Tonga and also 14 minutes on foot from Interisland Ferry Terminal. You'll also find Talamahu Market and Basilica of St Anthony of Padua within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at The Friendly Islander?

No, there isn't parking available at the hotel.

Does The Friendly Islander have a casino at the property?

No, The Friendly Islander doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at The Friendly Islander?

No, this hotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.

Is The Friendly Islander a good place to stay for couples?

Couples staying at this hotel will appreciate amenities like a bar plus some guestrooms include kitchenettes and garden views.

Are there hot tubs at The Friendly Islander?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does The Friendly Islander feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

No, The Friendly Islander doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does The Friendly Islander allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at The Friendly Islander.

Does The Friendly Islander have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

What is the closest airport to The Friendly Islander?

The closest major airport to The Friendly Islander is Nuku'alofa (TBU-Fua'amotu Intl.), which is 15.5 mi away (48 minutes by car). Another top airport is Eua (EUA), which is around 21.4 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies at The Friendly Islander?

Yes, every guestroom at The Friendly Islander comes with a balcony with some featuring garden views.

The Friendly Islander Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 3 out of 15 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 15 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 15 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 15 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 15 reviews

7.4/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great for families

Nice to have the pool to cool down in after a day out sight seeing
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2018

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2018

8/10 Good

Loni, California

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The beds were to low and too soft and the hot hot water off and on...
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Friendly and Accomadating

My adult daughter and I made a great decision in picking The Friendly Islander for our accommodation on Tongatapu. From the very start Papiloa’s team aimed to make your stay the very best possible. When we arrived over two hours early for check-in it was not a problem. When we wanted a really late check-out was not a problem. When we couldn’t get on tours, due to very short notice, it was not a problem – Papiloa took us on private tours to see tourist sights, many other places of interest and even the back streets, all while informatively answering our questions. All front-of-house staff are fluent in English and able to guide you in your selection of activities. Our up-graded accommodation was clean, air-conditioned, and comfortable. We felt safe thanks to the solid mosquito screening, on all windows and doors, plus the on-site security. Like everywhere, that is not home, a few things had us a bit out of our comfort zone, in particular trying different foods and wearing clothing that covered from upper-arms to below-knees when in public places, away from the resort. Honestly though, even if this made us a bit hotter it was appropriate to respect the people of Tonga. Also, as The Friendly Islander is self-catering accommodation, and there is a small supermarket just down the road, you don’t have to be too adventurous with food useless you want to be. Plus, you can always get a free ride to places you want to go to in the town.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2018

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

I would never go back to this dump!

I spoke to a woman maybe the manager...she comes across as rude blunt zero people skills and poor customer service. I didnt like her manner.She also made a point of telling me i was upgraded. (she didnt tell me it was to squalor) on the surface our fale looked ok...old and run down i can deal with to a point. I couldn't afford to check out and pay for another place and shouldn't have had to. Our verandah had a bee hive swarming with bees ( unless they were wasps) we couldn't use it. Take a few minutes to check the place out...it was bloody filthy. I wasnt told that hot water only happens sometimes as i never would have booked. Im a a very very easy give or take traveller but this place (our fale) doesnt leave much to be positive about. I took many pics but hard tp upload from airport. I was on holiday love Tonga and wasnt there to complain or cause issues so i sucked it up...even after paying extra for an upgrade that i made prior. Anyway my bad. I chose to stay to be nice. Im an idiot. the microwave was 100 yrs old it turned but didnt heat. The sheets were stained and worn the mattress was disgustingly filthy old and extremely uncomfortable ( my partner kept sleeping on the floor or at his mums) not acceptable! Fly screens were old worn and filthy. Fridge covered in a4 paper didnt close. Much more to write but run out space. The lady who serviced the room was lovely and the iron worked. I checked out a day early due to being bitten by ants and bugs in my bed all night.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2017

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Comfortable and affordable

Friendly staff with airport pickup. Accomodation was average but suited to the price. Would stay there again. One of the perks is cheaper car rental.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2017

10/10 Excellent

Vaha, Sydney

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Close to town

Thank you Papiloa and staff for your hospitality. Home away from home. Close to town but still a quiet and private place.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2017

8/10 Good

Patrick

Liked: Staff & service

Happy Tongan hospitality.

The staff were friendly, smiling and very ready to please. The owner, herself, Papiloa, saw me walking off and she was going to town, stopped and gave me a lift and good Tongan philosophy. Asked for an extra blanket when they asked if there was anything that I needed, and it was supplied immediately. Good Tongan family values extended to their guests. Happy and thankful.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

dianne, Aotearoa NZ

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Close to the waterfront in a leafy green garden

I always stay with locally owned business and this place is a perfect example of why that's a great idea. The staff are lovely and the owner takes time to share her culture and knowledge with you. Papiloa's is a little walk from town but they always offer to drop me off (its really a pleasant walk and no big deal to walk it) you can also get a taxi back for a few Tongan dollars. Lovely quiet serene setting.
Stayed 1 night in May 2017

6/10 Okay

anonymous, australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Basic, aged, but comfortable and convenient. Pool was handy on a Sunday when other stuff is closed.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service

Very Tongan experience

This is our first trip to Tonga and we wanted to stay in a Tongan hotel not a multinational.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
とｎとんとんｇトンガ
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2018

8/10 Good

Mi Kyung

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
바로 앞 바다가 보이는 발코니 방을 사용했습니다 전용 욕실과 주방이 완비되어있어서 너무 좋았습니다 직원 도 친절했고 특히 주인인 파빌로아 덕분에 편하게 시내투어및 공항까지 적은 비용으로 여행을 했습니다 다음에 다시 가고 싶은 곳입니다

6/10 Okay

Andrea , Nürnberg

Liked: Room comfort

Schöne kleine Bungalows

Leider etwas außerhalb der Stadt, dafür ein Meerwasserpool in der Nähe. Nur über die Straße.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2017