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The Friendly Islander

2.0 star property

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January 2025

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Economy Studio, Kitchenette, Sea Facing (Self-Catering) | Living area
Economy Quadruple Room, 1 Bedroom, Patio, Poolside (Self-Catering) | Living area
Standard Bungalow, 1 Bedroom, Patio, Garden View (Self-Catering) | Living area

Reviews

7.6 out of 10

Good

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Vuna Road, Touliki, Tongatapu Island, Nuku'alofa
  • Ancient Tonga
    11 min walk
  • St Mary's Cathedral
    12 min walk
  • Interisland Ferry Terminal
    14 min walk
  • Nuku'alofa (TBU-Fua'amotu Intl.)
    47 min drive

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)

  • 75 sq m
  • Sleeps 5
  • 3 Single 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)

  • 50 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single 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)

  • 50 sq m
  • 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)

  • 50 sq m
  • 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)

  • 50 sq m
  • 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)

  • 75 sq m
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Queen Bed and 3 Single 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)

  • 75.0 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Single 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)

  • 75 sq m
  • Sleeps 6
  • 4 Single 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)

  • 75 sq m
  • Sleeps 5
  • 3 Single Beds and 1 Queen Bed

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Room

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4.1 out of 5, Very good, (164)
The price is CHF 184
for 1 night
includes taxes & fees
12 Dec - 13 Dec
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About this property

The Friendly Islander

Suburban hotel with outdoor pool and bar/lounge
An outdoor pool, a bar/lounge and a meeting room are available at this smoke-free hotel. WiFi in public areas is free. Other amenities include dry cleaning, laundry facilities and tour/ticket assistance.
The Friendly Islander offers 26 accommodations with a safe. Rooms open to balconies or patios. Bathrooms include a shower and complimentary toiletries. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include an outdoor pool.
During your stay at The Friendly Islander, you'll be within walking distance of Ancient Tonga. Free WiFi in public areas, an outdoor pool and a bar are available.
  • Free Wi-Fi in some public areas
  • Enjoy drinks at the bar/lounge
  • Take a swim in the outdoor pool
  • Services include dry cleaning/laundry, tour or ticket assistance and luggage storage
  • Within a 15-minute walk of Ancient Tonga and St Mary's Cathedral
  • Airport shuttle service available for a fee
As a guest of The Friendly Islander, you'll find an outdoor pool, barbecue grills, and tour/ticket assistance. Public spaces have free WiFi. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. An airport shuttle (available on request) is available for a fee. The Friendly Islander also features a garden, laundry facilities, and dry cleaning/laundry services.

This Nuku'alofa hotel is smoke free.

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • No on-site parking available
  • Return airport shuttle (surcharge) from 7 AM to midnight on request

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge

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 more details, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types at the property

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Cash Breakage deposit: USD 50 per stay

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

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

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

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
The Friendly Islander offers transfers from the airport (fees may apply). Please contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation 24 hours prior to arrival with your arrival details. The front desk at this property is open daily from 8 AM - 8 PM.
To arrange for check-in, guests must contact the property in advance of arrival using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests arriving after 8 PM must make advance arrangements by contacting the property using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in information. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival. For more details, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation.

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)

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 traveller

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

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 traveller

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 traveller

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 traveller

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 traveller

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 traveller

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 traveller

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