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The Friendly Islander

2.0 star property
Suburban hotel in Nuku'alofa with outdoor pool and bar/lounge

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your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for The Friendly Islander

View from property
View from property
Studio Bungalow - Front Garden (Self-Catering) | View from room
View from property
Outdoor pool

Reviews

7.6 out of 10

Good

Popular amenities

  • Airport transfer
  • Bar
  • Non-smoking
  • Laundry facilities
  • Pool
  • Free WiFi
Main amenities
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Near the beach
  • Outdoor pool
  • Bar/lounge
  • Airport shuttle
  • Garden
  • Laundry service
  • Self-serve laundry
  • Meeting room
  • Barbecue grills
  • Luggage storage
  • Limited hour front desk
Feel at home
  • Private bathroom
  • Garden
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Laundry facilities
  • BBQ(s)
  • Outdoor swimming pools

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 9 of 9 rooms

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

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

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

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Separate bedroom
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Microwave
Electric kettle
  • 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)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Kitchenette
Fridge
Portable fan
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Oven
  • 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)

Studio Bungalow - Front Garden (Self-Catering)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Fridge
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Microwave
Electric kettle
Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • 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)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Fridge
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
In-room safe
Daily housekeeping
  • 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)

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

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Fridge
Portable fan
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Cookware/dishes/utensils
In-room safe
Daily housekeeping
  • 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)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Kitchenette
Fridge
Portable fan
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • 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)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Fridge
Portable fan
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Cookware/dishes/utensils
In-room safe
  • 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)

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

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Flat-screen TV
Washing machine
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
  • 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)

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

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Flat-screen TV
Washing machine
Separate bedroom
Ceiling fan
  • 75 sq m
  • Sleeps 5
  • 3 Single Beds and 1 Queen Bed

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About the area

Map
Vuna Road, Touliki, Tongatapu Island, Nuku'alofa

What's nearby

  • Ancient Tonga - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Interisland Ferry Terminal - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Talamahu Market - 4 min drive - 3.7 km
  • Royal Palace of Tonga - 4 min drive - 4.0 km
  • Flea Market - 8 min drive - 6.7 km

Getting around

  • Nuku'alofa (TBU-Fua'amotu Intl.) - 46 min drive
  • Eua (EUA) - 21.4 miles/34.5 km
  • Airport shuttle (surcharge)

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

Situated by the ocean, The Friendly Islander is a great choice for a stay in Nuku'alofa. After splashing around at the outdoor pool, you can unwind with a drink at the bar/lounge.

Languages

English

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 26 rooms
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in time starts at noon
    • Minimum check-in age – 18
    • Check-out time is 10 AM
DONE

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
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE

Children

    • No cots (infant beds)
DONE

Pets

    • Pets not allowed
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • No on-site parking
DONE

Transfers

    • Airport shuttle from 7 AM to midnight*
DONE

Other information

    • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Bar/lounge
  • Barbecue grills

What to do

  • Beach nearby

Working away

  • Meeting room

Services

  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Dry cleaning/laundry services
  • Luggage storage

Facilities

  • Built in 1991
  • Garden
  • An outdoor pool

Room amenities

Home comfort

  • Electric kettle

Sleep well

  • Bed sheets provided

What to enjoy

  • Balcony or patio

Freshen up

  • Private bathroom
  • Shower only
  • Free toiletries
  • Towels

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • In-room safe

Fees & policies

Refundable deposits

  • Cash Breakage deposit: USD 50 per stay

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of USD 20 per vehicle (one-way)

Policies

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
This property accepts credit cards.

Also known as

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

Frequently asked questions

Is there a pool at The Friendly Islander?
Yes, there's an outdoor pool.
Are pets allowed at The Friendly Islander?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at The Friendly Islander?
Sorry, there's no on-site parking at The Friendly Islander.
Is an airport shuttle service offered by The Friendly Islander?
Yes, an airport shuttle is available from 7 AM to midnight on request. The charge is USD 20 per vehicle one-way.
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Friendly Islander?
You can check in starting at noon. Check-out time is 10 AM.
What is there to do at The Friendly Islander and nearby?
The Friendly Islander has an outdoor pool and a garden.
Does The Friendly Islander have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a balcony or patio.
What's the area around The Friendly Islander like?
The Friendly Islander is a short 11-minute walk from Ancient Tonga and 14 minutes' walk from Interisland Ferry Terminal.

The Friendly Islander Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

7.4/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

8/10 Very good

1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

Great for families
Nice to have the pool to cool down in after a day out sight seeing
6-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

6/10 Good

6-night trip
Verified Wotif guest review

8/10 Very good

The beds were to low and too soft and the hot hot water off and on...
Loni, 4-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
2-night trip
Verified Wotif guest review

2/10 Poor

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.
2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

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.
1-night trip
Verified Wotif guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Vaha, 6-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

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.
Patrick, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
dianne, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

6/10 Good

Basic, aged, but comfortable and convenient. Pool was handy on a Sunday when other stuff is closed.
Verified Wotif guest review

8/10 Very good

Very Tongan experience
This is our first trip to Tonga and we wanted to stay in a Tongan hotel not a multinational.
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

とｎとんとんｇトンガ
3-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

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
Verified Hotels.com guest review

6/10 Good

Schöne kleine Bungalows
Leider etwas außerhalb der Stadt, dafür ein Meerwasserpool in der Nähe. Nur über die Straße.
Andrea , 5-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review