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3.8 out of 5

"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 ... " More

By a verified traveller on Tue 15 May 2018

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Hotel Description

At The Friendly Islander you'll be within just a 15-minute stroll of Ancient Tonga and St Mary's Cathedral. Highlights at this hotel include an outdoor swimming pool and in-room balconies.

The hotel's own lounge bar is a nice place to enjoy a drink. Added amenities include free WiFi in public areas and laundry facilities. There's also the convenience of an airport shuttle.

With a stay at this Nuku'alofa hotel, you'll be 1.1 km (0.7 mi) from Interisland Ferry Terminal and 3.1 km (1.9 mi) from Talamahu Market.

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

Bed Count 3 Twin Beds Maximum Occupancy 5 Max

Studio Bungalow - Front Garden (Self-Catering)

Bed Count 1 Queen Bed Maximum Occupancy 2 Max

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

Bed Count 3 Twin Beds Maximum Occupancy 5 Max

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

Bed Count 1 Queen Bed Maximum Occupancy 5 Max

Studio Bungalow - Back Garden (Self-Catering)

Bed Count 1 Queen Bed Maximum Occupancy 2 Max

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

Bed Count 1 Full Bed Maximum Occupancy 2 Max

The Friendly Islander ratings based on 4 Verified Reviews

Review Summary
3.8 out of 5 4.0 out of 5.0
Room cleanliness 4.5 out of 5.0
Service & staff 4.5 out of 5.0
Room comfort 4.0 out of 5.0
Hotel condition 4.0 out of 5.0

Guest reviews for The Friendly Islander

Everyone (4)
3 out of 5

Posted by on 10 Sep. 2018

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Comment from Hotel Management

19 Sep. 2018 by FionaF

Thanks for visiting

5 out of 5

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.

Posted by on 15 May 2018

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Comment from Hotel Management

16 May 2018 by FionaF

Lovely to met you both. Thanks Liz & Jess for choosing to stay with us.

4 out of 5

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.

Posted by on 8 Sep. 2017

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Comment from Hotel Management

31 Oct. 2017 by FionaF

We thank you for staying.

3 out of 5
Basic, aged, but comfortable and convenient. Pool was handy on a Sunday when other stuff is closed.

Posted by , from australia on 21 Apr. 2017

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Comment from Hotel Management

30 Apr. 2017 by Papilos's

Thank you for visiting Tonga & choosing to stay with us

Property Features

As a guest of The Friendly Islander, you'll find an outdoor pool, tour/ticket assistance, and barbecue grills. 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.

  • 26 guestrooms or units
  • Built in 1991
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • 1 conference room

Family Friendly Amenities

  • Number of outdoor pools - 1
  • Free WiFi
  • Laundry facilities

Internet

Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Transport

  • Property shuttles: Airport shuttle

Room Amenities

The Friendly Islander offers 26 accommodations with safes. Rooms open to balconies or patios. Bathrooms include showers and complimentary toiletries. Housekeeping is provided daily.

  • Private balcony or patio
  • Electric kettle
  • Shower
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Safe
  • Toiletries (free)
  • Ensuite bathroom

Nearby Activities

Recreational amenities at the hotel include an outdoor pool.

Hotel Policies

Check-in

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

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. 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. Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival. For more details, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation.

The Friendly Islander offers transfers from the airport (fees may apply). Please contact the property at 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.

Check-out

  • Check-out by 10 AM

Payment types

Children and extra beds

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

Pet Policy

  • No pets allowed

Policies

Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.

A cash deposit for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.

Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. No onsite parking is available. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and JCB International.

  • No rollaway/extra beds available
  • No cots (infant beds) available
  • Cash Deposit Required
  • Front desk opens daily at 8 AM
  • Front desk closes daily at 8 PM
  • Debit cards not accepted
  • Staffed front desk

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.

Hotel Names

  • 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)
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Frequently Asked Questions

*Price based on the lowest price found within past 24 hours and based upon one night stay for two adults over the next thirty days. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.