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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We stayed here three nights in a two-room fale. The hotel has a wide range of accommodation and a great pool. It is a long walk into town (30 mins) but there are cafes nearby. Meals were available on request. Our fale was basic but comfortable. Papiloa was very helpful and even took us on a tour of Nukualofa. More