20 BEST Hotels & Resorts on Tongatapu 🌴 [2024]

The Top Resort and Hotel Accommodations Across Tongatapu

Breezy beachfront locations, rainforest retreats or boutique hotels nestled in Nuku’alofa, the resorts and hotels on Tongatapu offer the ultimate Tongan retreat. Tonga’s main island mostly consists of hotels in its bustling capital, but you can find the odd resort lining the island’s shores. Resorts and hotels on Tongatapu are two to four stars, so leave your Western standards behind and ease into Tonga time with authenticity that can be felt all the way to the restaurants with highlights of the week being cultural shows with Tongan feasts. You’ll be part of the family in no time, so take a look at this list of the best hotels and resorts on Tongatapu and start planning the ultimate island escape.

Note that Tonga is an ever-evolving country and with that, many of the accommodations change their offerings with little notice. Although we try to keep our listings up-to-date, feel free to reach out with any updates.

1. Katea Retreat

A boutique beach resort on the southern corner of Tongatapu, Katea Retreat offers a blissful stay for couples and groups of up to four – that is, until it’s Wednesday or Friday night or Sunday afternoon when its restaurant comes to life with cultural dancing and a traditional Tongan umu – see the 10 Best Cultural Shows in Tonga. But back to the accommodation, each of the five contemporary bungalows features a queen bed or two queens, a kitchenette with a gas stove, an ensuite bathroom and a balcony overlooking the breathtaking beach and reef below. The latter you’ll love to explore with its golden sands and arching rock formations – as featured in the 10 Best Beaches in Tongatapu. Free airport shuttles are available, while cultural medicine walks are also on offer.

2. Tukulolo Grounds & Treehouses

For something utterly unique, check out the lodges suspended in the trees at Tukulolo Grounds & Treehouses. This handbuilt wonderland among the forests of Tongatapu’s eastern side consists of two queen ensuite treehouses and one family treehouse, each distinctive and artistically finished. The property is a joy to explore between the communal lodge, fire pit, carved sculptures and suspended bridges leading to your fairy-light-lit abode. Watch the forest come to life at night with a fire show! While a light breakfast is included in the rate, breakfast and dinner are available to purchase should you not want to venture the 35 minutes it takes to get into Nuku’alofa. Note that there are children and dogs on the property. See more stays like (or more “unlike”) this in the 10 Most Unique Accommodations in Tonga.

Check Tukulolo Treehouses out:

Tukulolo Treehouses on Booking.com

3. Tanoa International Dateline Hotel

Tonga’s largest hotel is a safe bet for something familiar. The Tanoa International Dateline Hotel has several room types available, from the well-appointed entry-level “Superior Room” to the lavish “Ocean View Suite” with a private balcony. Layouts are versatile, making the hotel an ideal stay for couples, families and groups of friends. Facilities at the Nuku’alofa hotel include a large outdoor swimming pool and poolside cafe/bar, as well as an on-site gym, airport transfers and check-in, laundry service, WiFi, TV entertainment in each room and a buffet breakfast with hot and cold options served each morning. Check out more of your hotel options in the city in the 20 Best Hotels in Nuku’alofa.

Check Tanoa International Dateline Hotel out:

4. Little Italy Hotel & Restaurant

The Little Italy Hotel & Restaurant brings all of the charms of Italy to the shores of Nuku’alofa, even the luxurious standard of the rooms. “Standard” and “Ocean View Rooms” are available, with the options for a private balcony and interconnecting rooms. Stays include a continental buffet breakfast, while rooms have all of your expected hotel amenities including free WiFi. As for dinner, roll out of bed and go downstairs to the ever-popular Little Italy Restaurant which serves irresistible pizzas. See more like this in the 10 Most Romantic Accommodations on Tongatapu.

Check Little Italy Hotel out:

5. ‘Utu’one Bed & Breakfast

Wedged between Tui Mata Moana Market, the waterfront restaurants and St Mary’s Cathedral, ‘Utu’one Bed & Breakfast offers an alternative yet convenient location on Vuna Road in Nuku’alofa. Although labelled “B&B”, rooms are reminiscent of a hotel with king beds, an ensuite bathroom with a hair dryer, hot drink-making facilities, a fridge, air-conditioning and a ceiling fan, plus all toiletries and towels are included. In short, they have everything you need and then some with free WiFi and breakfast served in the dining room by friendly local staff. There’s a communal kitchen if needed, as well as a restaurant on-site, Mi-Chefs, while there are a couple of “Standard Rooms” with shared bathroom facilities should you be on a tighter budget. See more reasonably priced stays in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations on Tongatapu.

Check ‘Utu’one Bed & Breakfast out:

‘Utu’one Bed & Breakfast on Expedia

6. Seaview Lodge & Restaurant

One of the more upscale boutique hotels in Nuku’alofa, Seaview Lodge boasts an idyllic spot right on the waterfront. The lodge offers a small range of well-appointed rooms, as well as a fabulous restaurant. Stay in colonial-inspired guest rooms with various grades of room, from the luxurious “King Suite” to either a sea or garden view room, with or without a balcony. In a separate house from the main lodge is the “Family Suite” which is a fully self-contained two-bedroom apartment. A continental breakfast and WiFi are included in the stay, while airport transfers are available for a fee. See more accommodations like this in the 5 Best Luxury Accommodations on Tongatapu.

Check Seaview Lodge out:

7. House of Tonga Hotel

Boasting modern guest rooms with tasteful Tongan decor, House of Tonga strikes a nice balance. Stay in one of the boutique hotel’s double rooms with a queen bed, air-conditioning, free WiFi, an ensuite shower and access to an outside deck. Children under 11 years can also squeeze into the rooms thanks to the sofa beds. Breakfast is available to purchase and there’s also an on-site cafe, Maleitaha Cafe which specialises in Tongan cuisine. Other conveniences include on-site parking, airport transfers, luggage storage, hot drink-making facilities and a personal refrigerator.

Check House of Tonga Hotel out:

8. JeZAmi Hotel

Less than a 10-minute walk from the city centre, the JeZAmi Hotel provides another excellent boutique hotel in Nuku’alofa. The locally-owned hotel offers modern rooms with tasteful Tongan touches. All have a twin double bed set-up, ideal for families, couples, friends and corporate travellers. Rooms include a TV, free WiFi and air-conditioning. What’s more, the hotel includes complimentary breakfast! The hotel owners also run a whale swimming tour, Tuna Moana. Check out more stays ideal for groups and families in the 10 Best Family Accommodations on Tongatapu.

Check JeZAmi Hotel out:

9. Paradise First Hotel

A small local family-run hotel, Paradise First Hotel boasts a homely ambience in its friendliness and decor. Each of the eight very spacious rooms is unique but all feature ensuites. Better yet, the four rooms on the top floor walk out onto a balcony. Your hosts also provide a complimentary breakfast from the kitchen, which is also available for guests should you want to do some self-catering. Other features include on-site secure parking and free WiFi. Find this hotel in the Bay of Manumataongo, five minutes’ drive from Nuku’alofa city centre.

Check Paradise First Hotel out:

Paradise First Hotel on Expedia

10. Simon’s Place

Set out like a Western-style motel, Simon’s Place provides 12 spacious rooms with ensuites suitable for solo travellers, couples and corporate travellers, while an extra bed can be added to the room for small families. Each room has a queen bed, a modern bathroom, a patio, air-conditioning and a writing desk with hot drink-making facilities. A continental breakfast is included, while those wishing to stick around for lunch can do so at the on-site Hakau Horse Cafe, which features vibrant Tongan artwork and tropical plants to set the vibe. What’s more, you’re just a short stroll away from Nuku’alofa city centre.

Check Simon’s Place out:

Simon’s Place on Expedia

11. Villa Ishadora

A three-star yet very well-presented guesthouse-style accommodation in Nuku’alofa, Villa Ishadora is a popular choice for couples, families and groups of friends. Your hosts offer a superb complimentary breakfast each morning, while there is a bar/kitchen with drink facilities to help yourself to. Half of the rooms have ocean views, while you can also enjoy views with your breakfast from the upstairs terrace. Rooms come as king ensuites, queen rooms with separate private bathrooms, and twin queen ensuite rooms, some of which can be interconnected. Guests have access to free WiFi, as well as complimentary kayak hire – the only one available in Nuku’alofa! Check out more accommodation like this in the 10 Best Bed & Breakfasts in Tonga.

Check Villa Ishadora out:

12. Waterfront Lodge

Another tidy lodge on the waterfront of Nuku’alofa, Waterfront Lodge is a colonial-style lodge above a reputable restaurant. The lodge is located directly opposite Taufa’ahau Tupou IV Domestic Wharf where many boat tours and the interisland ferries depart. Choose between a sea view or a garden view room, each with a king bed, Fijian mahogany furniture an ensuite and other amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Breakfast is also included in your stay.

Check Waterfront Lodge out:

13. Winnie’s B&B

Stay a little out of Nuku’alofa near the hospital at Winnie’s B&B, accessible via rental car or taxi. The long-established yet modernly renovated guesthouse features six units with sliding doors spilling onto a shared wraparound deck and out to an attractive garden. Choose from king or twin configurations with an ensuite. Some rooms have breakfast-making facilities, while others have full kitchenettes with continental breakfast included. What’s more, they are very well priced; offering better standards than your average guesthouse but more affordable than your average hotel. The common areas include a garden and barbecue area, while paid services include WiFi, TV and laundry.

Check Winnie’s B&B out:

Winnie’s B&B on Expedia

14. NOA Guesthouse

One of the larger guesthouses in town and a viable option if looking for a hotel in Nuku’alofa, NOA Guesthouse has something for every type of traveller on a budget. Choose from single/double rooms with shared bathroom facilities and “Family Rooms” which have one double and a single bed with an ensuite. Guests have access to a large communal kitchen and dining room, which makes self-catering a breeze. Paid services include breakfast, laundry, WiFi and airport transfers. You can also rent vehicles with the guesthouse, which works with Me Rentals, as featured in The Best Car Rentals in Tongatapu.

Check NOA Guesthouse out:

NOA Guesthouse on Trip.com

15. Sunrise Hotel

Aptly named for its waterfront location, Sunrise Hotel is located along Vuna Road approximately a 30-minute walk from Nuku’alofa city centre. The Chinese-owned hotel has 16 rooms with family rooms, single rooms with a double bed, queen rooms and king rooms, the latter featuring a balcony. All have similar layouts and facilities, except the beds get bigger (and more expensive). The hotel is popular with corporate travellers and features free WiFi and a computer for guest use. Breakfast is also included and served in the downstairs restaurant overlooking the tranquil pond, while room service is also an option. Learn more about their conference services in the 5 Best Hotels for Conferences in Tonga.

16. Tungi Colonnade Hotel

Located in downtown Nuku’alofa, Tungi Colonnade Hotel is a convenient choice for travellers. The boutique hotel has 14 well-appointed rooms with a small kitchenette and an ensuite bathroom, as well as tiled floors and air-conditioning keeping your stay cool and comfortable. Queen and family rooms are available, some with their own balcony to enjoy watching the city life. Breakfast is included and served in a small conference-style room, while airport transfers are available for a fee.

Check Tungi Colonnade Hotel out:

17. Kupesi Tonga Hotel

Being the closest accommodation to the airport is the main selling point of this locally run hotel, just a five-minute drive from Fua’amotu International Airport. If Kupesi Tonga Hotel is your first accommodation in Tonga, at least it gets you prepared with how basic some accommodations can be with the likes of no hot water, no toiletries, a kettle but no hot drink supplies, perhaps having to ask reception for toilet paper – that sort of thing. The only difference is that this hotel costs more… Forget lounging by the pool; the glory days of these facilities have long gone, but the included cooked a la carte breakfast will at least fuel you for a speedy exit.

20 BEST Hotels & Resorts on Tongatapu 🌴 [2023]

18. Emerald Hotel & Restaurant

A well-established hotel that has been taking in guests for more than 25 years, the Emerald Hotel is a popular choice on the Nuku’alofa waterfront with a primarily Chinese clientele. The hotel has a choice of twin and king rooms with a garden or ocean view – some with oversized balconies with sea views. Each room has all the amenities expected in an international-style hotel, from cable TV to air conditioning to tea/coffee-making facilities. On top of that, the Emerald Hotel boasts a popular Chinese restaurant. Note that cleanliness is not a priority of this hotel.

Check Emerald Hotel out:

19. Tonga Holiday Villa, Tonga Cottage, Siale Tonga & Paea’s Guesthouse

A guesthouse ensemble in Nuku’alofa, all within the same estate in Popua on the eastern side of town, Tonga Cottages offers a variety of private rooms with shared facilities across three colonial-style houses (or you can rent out entire villas).

Tonga Cottage is your hotel-style double/triple suite with simplistically modern decor and basic ensuite bathrooms (at least with hot water). Also in the same building is Siale Tonga, a private suite with an in-room sofa. Next up is the fabulous colonial villa with a striking red roof and manicured gardens, Tonga Holiday Villa. Choose from double/twin rooms with shared bathrooms and a double ensuite, while small families can squeeze into the “Family Room” with a double and single bed.

Finally, Paea’s Guesthouse is your most basic but homely room, set in the house of your hosts with a private entrance. All guests have access to shared kitchens. Prepay WiFi and airport/wharf transfers are available. What’s more, they offer two island tours – as listed in The Best Guided Tours of Tongatapu.

Check Tonga Cottage & Holiday Villa out:

20. Backpackers Townhouse (Kapeta Backpackers)

A homely guesthouse for backpackers and travellers on a budget, Backpackers Townhouse (signposted at “Kapeta Backpackers” on the corner of Mateialona and Vahaakolo Roads) offers a couple of two-bed dorm rooms and four private single, twin/double rooms with shared bathroom facilities between two rooms. The guesthouse is an interesting place to stay with papaya and banana trees that you can help yourself to, while it’s also the site of True Vava’u where you can learn more about how your host makes tuitui (candlenut) oil. What’s more, the guesthouse is conveniently a short walk from the city centre. Full kitchen facilities, hot showers, electric fans and laundry services are all available. For more backpacker-style stays, check out 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Nuku’alofa & Tongatapu.

More About Hotels and Resorts on Tongatapu

That’s it for our list of the best hotels and resorts on Tongatapu. For more guides toward trip-planning success, check out these related articles:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in the 25 Best Hotels in Tonga and The Complete Travel Guide to Tongatapu.

Author

Laura (Lola) S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Tonga Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Tonga. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Tonga’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

Contact Laura via our contact page