Advice on Choosing Accommodation in Tonga for Foodies
Some of us like to experience a new country and a new culture through its flavours. In Tonga, that’s an intriguing mix of what the ocean provides and tropical land crops from the islands. A great way to experience Tonga’s flavours is simply by choosing an accommodation that allows you to, whether it’s through a resort’s restaurant or the self-catering facilities of a holiday home located near a local market. Let us help you choose the right foodie accommodation in Tonga for you in the guide below.
5 Things You Need to Know About Staying in Accommodation for Foodies in Tonga
- Resorts in Tonga have restaurants or set meal plans for guests, which is often the only option for food in Tonga’s more remote islands
- Look for lodges, guesthouses and holiday homes for self-catering accommodation
- If you want to stay close to a variety of restaurants, stay near Nuku’alofa or Neiafu
- Accommodation standards are a little lower than what you might be used to, as Tonga is a developing country
- Accommodations in Tonga are known to change their services without updating listings on websites, brochures, etc. It’s a good idea to double-check listings and even contact the host to confirm essential amenities you may need are available.
© TongaPocketGuide.comTypes of Accommodation in Tonga for Foodies
When your stay in Tonga revolves around food, it could mean a few things: staying in an accommodation with an amazing restaurant, staying at a resort that serves a set plan of meals, or accommodation with self-catering facilities.
Resorts, Hotels and Lodges with Restaurants
The most obvious accommodations for foodies are accommodations with restaurants. Resorts across the islands, as well as hotels and lodges in Nuku’alofa, can be found with their on-site restaurants with an a la carte menu. Check out some examples of this in the 10 Best Resorts in Tonga for Foodies and The Food Guide to Tonga: Places to Eat & Food Tours.
Resorts with Meal Plans
Some of the more remote resorts with fewer facilities, such as the resorts on Uoleva Island in Ha’apai, have set meal plans for guests. This typically includes three meals a day, one being a three-course meal for dinner. Check out some of these accommodations in the 10 Best Resorts in Ha’apai and learn more about meal plans in Should You Buy a Resort Meal Plan in Tonga?
Self-Catering Accommodations
Finally, self-catering accommodations are a good option for the foodie on a budget or who wants to experiment with the local produce. Self-catering accommodation in Tonga comes in the form of apartments and holiday homes, while accommodations like guesthouses and lodges have a communal kitchen for guests. These accommodations are typically located near to where you can purchase groceries, such as Nuku’alofa, Neiafu, Pangai (Ha’apai) and ‘Eua.
Accommodation Standards in Tonga
It’s important to set a few expectations straight before checking into your accommodation in Tonga. Tonga is a developing country with a younger tourism industry and, in turn, less expertise than some of the more developed tourist hubs of the South Pacific. Some accommodations can be pretty basic, and not all of your usual facilities are provided. Tonga is more basic, so it is best to keep an open mind.
© TongaPocketGuide.comLocation, How to Get There and What is Nearby?
It’s easy to narrow down which accommodation to stay in once you have picked a destination. There are three main destinations in Tonga for foodies: Tongatapu, Ha’apai and Vava’u, while the island of ‘Eua has less in terms of restaurants but is still a worthy destination for nature and cultural immersion. Compare what each island group has to offer foodies in the following guides:
- The Food Guide to Tongatapu
- The Complete Guide to ‘Eua
- The Food Guide to Ha’apai
- The Food Guide to Vava’u
Once you’ve chosen an island group that appeals to you, you’ll need to weigh up the time and budget needed to get there. Figure out how you’re going to get around using the following articles:
- 10 Ways to Get to (& Around) Tongatapu
- 5 Ways to Get to (& Around) ‘Eua
- 5 Ways to Get to (& Around) Ha’apai
- 10 Ways to Get to (& Around) Vava’u.
Finally, be sure to compare what is nearby, especially if you choose to stay in self-catering accommodation. If you don’t have a rental car, then you’re going to want to make sure that you can buy groceries within walking distance. Alternatively, if you want to try a few different restaurants, make sure you’re in one of the few limited places to do so. Learn more about where to buy food in The Guide to Food Shopping in Tonga.
Additionally, check out the links below on where are accommodations are located and what’s nearby, as well as a compilation of self-catering accommodations based on location:
- Where to Stay on Tongatapu and 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations on Tongatapu
- Where to Stay on ‘Eua and 5 Best Self-Catering Accommodations on ‘Eua
- Where to Stay in Ha’apai and 5 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Ha’apai
- Where to Stay in Vava’u and 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Vava’u.
And if that’s too specific, start from scratch using Where to Stay in Tonga and the 20 Best Budget Accommodations in Tonga.
© TongaPocketGuide.comPrice and Inclusions
Finally, when comparing accommodations, be sure to compare the value of your stay. This doesn’t just mean comparing prices on Booking.com, but making sure your accommodation provides all the facilities that you want/need.
Some of the inclusions you might want to compare include:
- Car parking (if on an island with roads)
- Hot water (usually solar-heated)
- Fans or air-conditioning
- Insect screens on the windows or mosquito nets
- Garden
- Kitchen
- Beds with linen provided
- Towels
- Bathroom with a shower, toilet and sink
- Fully furnished lounge and dining area
- Ocean views or a lookout
- WiFi (for a fee)
- Air conditioning
- Outside deck or verandah
- Tea and coffee
- Toiletries
- Iron
- Portacot
- Washing machine
- In-house tours or cultural activities for guests
- Kayaks
- Car rental (for a fee)
- Airport transfers.
The Cost of Accommodation
The cost of accommodation varies considerably depending on what type of accommodation you choose. Some ballpark figures are:
- Guesthouse room shared bathroom/night – TOP$70-$90
- Guesthouse double room ensuite/night – TOP$100-$120
- Guesthouse triple/family ensuite/night – TOP$120-$180
- 3/4-star hotel room/night – TOP$240-$600
- 3/4-star resort fale (bungalow)/night –TOP$460-$1,200
- Holiday home/night – TOP$250-$1,020.
For more prices, such as typical food costs, check out our guide, Tonga Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Tonga.
More on How to Pick the Best Foodie Accommodation in Tonga
That’s it for how to pick a foodie accommodation in Tonga. If you need more advice, how about tips from our other accommodation selection guides?
- How to Pick the Best Luxury Accommodation in Tonga
- How to Pick the Best Resort in Tonga
- How to Pick the Best Foodie Accommodation in Tonga
- How to Pick the Best Lodge in Tonga
- How to Pick the Best Villa in Tonga for You
- How to Pick the Best Budget Accommodation in Tonga
- How to Pick the Best Guesthouse in Tonga
Now with a bit of research behind you, you can start selecting the perfect foodie accommodation for you with Where to Stay in Tonga: The Best Accommodations in Tonga.
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