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The Friendly Islander Hotel

Vuna Rd | PO Box 142, Nuku'alofa, Tongatapu Island, Tonga
Hotel amenities
The Friendly Islander Hotel
Ranked #6 of 14 hotels in Nuku'alofa
3.5 of 5 stars 26 Reviews
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26 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
    10
    8
    2
    2
    4
Date Rating
Auckland, New Zealand
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 March 2012

The F.I.H is probably the best hotel on the main land. We went their for our honeymoon and Papiloa opened her heart and doors to us. We were supposed to stay at another hotel but there was no communication from their end and our hotel arrangements were disarrayed. Papiloa is an amazing host, she basically told us the in/outs of... More

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Sydney, Australia
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 January 2012

The Friendly Islander Hotel is one of the best hotel in Tonga,they are so friendly and Papiloa,the owner is so cheerful courtesy and co-operation,she has a real sympathy for those in need,and quick to lend a helping hand when called upon.We found the accommodation is clean and affordable and comfortable,so I recommend this hotel to angone highly. More

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See 2 more reviews by una g for Nuku'alofa
Christchurch, New Zealand
1 review
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 December 2011
2
people found this review helpful

We dont think the other positive feedback is genuine. We expected only an average stay due to the other feedback posted before us, and were sadly disappointed. Our host (not Papiloa) was very rude and the bugs in our unclean room were unpleasant. The Hotel isnt 20 minutes walk to the township (as claimed), and is situated amongst an industrial... More

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Papiloa, Owner at The Friendly Islander Hotel, responded to this review
27 January 2012

We thank you and others for your business and valued reviews. However, it is a pity that you did not enjoy your stay with us. Noted that you were here for 2 nights before going offshore and then returned for another 2 nights. If we had known there were some issues of concern during your stay that we could have... More

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Brisbane, Australia
Reviewer
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2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 November 2011

The Friendly Islander is a venerable institution in Tonga, with all the old world charm of a Graeme Greene novel. Papiloa is the hostess. She knows everyone and everything that can be done in Tonga; she will make sure you meet the right people and do the right things. Certainly the stay is more rewarding when Papiloa is there as... More

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See 2 more reviews by Annie R for Nuku'alofa
Busselton
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 September 2011
2
people found this review helpful

We booked two nights accommodation on the internet, we were supposed to be picked up at the airport, they didn't arrive. Breakfast should have been included for the expensive price we paid and we didn't get any. Reception is dull, dingy, dirty and dismal, no lights on not even when it was dark, you could easily trip over the step... More

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Mandurah, Australia
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 August 2011

My husband & I so enjoyed our stay. Papiloa was a wonderful hostess and a great Ambassador of Tonga. The staff were very friendly and our fale was comfortable and excellent value for money. The location is terrific and surrounded by cafes, (try the lime juice at the Wharf Cafe) also a great Chinese Resturant 2 mins away. Papiloa is... More

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Auckland, New Zealand
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 July 2011
5
people found this review helpful

To be fair the fabled Papailoa was offsite for the duration of our visit. But "friendly"? Hardly! The doors of the reception were often closed and always poorly lit - not a great introduction. The acting manager - Papailoa's daughter? insisted on being paid up front and on us taking a 2-room unit when we asked for a bed to... More

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2 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 July 2011

We stayed in a unit, humble but comfortable accommodation, for luxury stay in one of the beautiful fales. We enjoyed the value for money! Papiloa made sure we were comfortable, and made recommendations that were very helpful and allowed us to save money. She has a great understanding of what's interesting to tourists. The hotel has a pool, nice gardens,... More

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Auckland, New Zealand
1 review
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 July 2011
1
person found this review helpful

My Fiance and I decided on Tonga as a romantic getaway due to the weather, unspoiled 'Island feel', the friendly culture, and an opportunity to swim with the Whales. Upon arrival we lost our bags, and struck a 'dud' resort...Things were looking a tad bleak, until we - by chance came across Papiloa and her fantastic Hotel. The premises is... More

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san diego, California, USA
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 June 2011

I stayed here with my wife and our six years old son at the Friendly Islander hotel for two days. Our stay here was a pleasant one. The room was spacious and spotlessly clean with basic furniture. We had a comfortable accommodation. The food was fine, but you have to place order for it in advance. There is a nice... More

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Additional Information about The Friendly Islander Hotel

  • Friendly Islander Hotel
Address: Vuna Rd | PO Box 142, Nuku'alofa, Tongatapu Island, Tonga
Price range (per night):* RM126 - 173

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