The Top Hotel Accommodations in Tonga
You go somewhere new; you stay in a hotel. Well, in Tonga, there are more stunning accommodations across its resorts. But, if your heart is set on a hotel, then you’ll find some adorable boutique hotels, as well as the odd familiar international chain, predominately in the nation’s capital, Nuku’alofa, and tourist hotspot of Vava’u, and lesser so across the island groups of ‘Eua and Ha’apai. We go through all of our favourite hotels and accommodations with hotel-like rooms and facilities, in this list of the best hotels in Tonga!
1. Tanoa International Dateline Hotel (Tongatapu)
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:
- Tanoa International Dateline Hotel on Booking.com
- Tanoa International Dateline Hotel on Trip.com
- Tanoa International Dateline Hotel on Expedia
2. Little Italy Hotel & Restaurant (Tongatapu)
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 20 Best Hotels & Resorts on Tongatapu.
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3. Humpback Lodge (Vava’u)
Although not in the name, Humpback Lodge is best described as a boutique hotel for its hotel-style rooms, included continental breakfast, on-site restaurant and wonderful Tongan hospitality. Your host in Vava’u provides complimentary airport transfers, as well as transfers into town from its peaceful inlet location between Toula and Pangai villages. Most of the seven rooms are double ensuites with a choice of oceanview upstairs or garden-view downstairs, while there’s also one family room with two queen beds. Guests are treated to a continental breakfast each morning and can help themselves to hot drinks throughout the day at the upstairs minibar/kitchen. Otherwise, downstairs is a popular restaurant with a diverse menu and kava nights once a week. Compare this with other hotels in the island group in the 10 Best Hotels in Vava’u.
4. Puataukanave Hotel (Vava’u)
The most prominent building on the waterfront of Neiafu, the Puataukanave Hotel holds a prime position in Vava’u! Also known as the “Pua Hotel”, Puataukanave features a wealth of services to make your holiday super smooth, including car rentals and boat tours – whale swimming in the season and snorkelling/island tours at other times. There are two types of rooms available, “Basic” and “Super Deluxe”, as well as three apartments. Note that the pool and restaurant were not open the last time we checked. For more about the island group, check out Where to Stay in Vava’u: The Best Accommodations.
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5. Talei’s Guesthouse (‘Eua)
When heading to the smaller island groups like ‘Eua, hotels are replaced with smaller-scale guesthouses, such as Talei’s Guesthouse. A well-presented guesthouse complex at the northern end of Angaha village, Talei’s boasts six private units, as well as a restaurant and liquor store on-site. Food is at the fore of this affordable accommodation with breakfast included and one of the only restaurants on the island. All rooms are ensuite with necessities like a desk, hot water and a fan, while layouts consist of queen, twin and triple (one queen and one single) rooms. Your hosts also offer complimentary wharf/airport transfers. For more options on the island, check out Where to Stay on ‘Eua: The Best ‘Eua Accommodations.
6. ‘Utu’one Bed & Breakfast (Tongatapu)
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 20 Best Budget Accommodations in Tonga.
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7. The Harbourview (Vava’u)
Far enough away from the hustle and bustle yet close enough for convenience, The Harbourview is well worth considering for couples, solo travellers and/or families travelling to Vava’u. The quiet location in the village of Toula provides a retreat in tropical gardens with glorious views of the Port of Refuge and access to the water with SUP and snorkelling gear available to make the most of it. The accommodation has a selection of queen and twin ensuite rooms, as well as a self-contained two-bedroom family bungalow and a bungalow with interconnecting rooms and a kitchenette. There’s free WiFi in the communal area where you can also play pool and darts or order food at their very popular restaurant. A light breakfast is included in your stay. Otherwise, there are plenty of meals to entice on the menu, as listed in the 20 Best Restaurants in Tonga.
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8. Seaview Lodge & Restaurant (Tongatapu)
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 20 Best Luxury Accommodations in Tonga.
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9. Fanga ‘o Ipu Lahi Resort (Ha’apai)
Ha’apai has exclusively resorts and the odd guesthouse, so you won’t find any hotels in this island group. A good alternative, however, is Fanga ’o Ipu Lahi Resort. Experience pure isolation on Lifuka Island at the only accommodation on the secluded eastern beaches of Ha’apai’s main island, Lifuka. Fanga ‘o Ipu Lahi provides the beach resort experience while being conveniently close to Pangai. The resort is locally owned and operated and offers experiences like an umu feast on a Sunday. Forget about sand in your fale, as the standalone units are all connected by an elevated boardwalk winding through attractive tropical gardens. Units come in the form of double ensuites and single-bed cabins with shared bathroom facilities. There aren’t many activities on offer here, as this accommodation is all about relaxation. For more options in this island group, head to Where to Stay in Ha’apai: The Best Accommodations.
10. House of Tonga Hotel (Tongatapu)
Boasting modern guest rooms with tasteful Tongan decor, House of Tonga in Nuku’alofa 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. For more about its location, check out Where to Stay in Nuku’alofa: The Best Accommodations.
Check House of Tonga Hotel out:
- House of Tonga Hotel on Booking.com
- House of Tonga Hotel on Trip.com
- House of Tonga Hotel on Expedia
11. JeZAmi Hotel (Tongatapu)
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 20 Best Family Resorts & Accommodations in Tonga.
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12. Hilltop Hotel (Vava’u)
Stay within walking distance of Neiafu town centre at the Hilltop Hotel! The open-air communal dining and lounge area boasts great views of the town and harbour, as well as a place to meet the hotel’s pet cat. Stay in one of the eight rooms available, some with a harbour view and some with a garden view. The budget hotel has electric fans (on a timer), as well as ensuite bathrooms with limited hot water. There’s a communal kitchen with gas hobs, fridge and cooking utensils. Otherwise, restaurants are a short walk away. For more cheap and cheerful stays, see the 20 Best Budget Accommodations in Tonga.
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13. Toafa Lodge (‘Eua)
The new kid on ‘Eua, Toafa Lodge offers 10 private queen ensuites along the main road in Pangai. In-room amenities include hot drink-making facilities (but you’ll need to provide your own drinks), while complimentary breakfast is served in your room. Rooms have tiled floors to keep the place cool, while the ensuite bathrooms are fully tiled. Other services include lunch and dinner if ordered ahead of time, airport/wharf transfers for a fee, and car rental for a daily fee. They can also arrange whale watching and island tours on your behalf. For more stays like this, check out the 10 Best Lodges in Tonga.
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14. Paradise First Hotel (Tongatapu)
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. For about its location, check out Where to Stay on Tongatapu: The Best Accommodations.
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15. Wolfgramm Beachfront (Vava’u)
The newest accommodation in Vava’u, Wolfgramm Beachfront boasts eight contemporary ensuite rooms on the water’s edge on ‘Utungake Island; an island that is connected to the mainland by a causeway. Stay in one of the eight fully tiled double rooms with sliding doors onto a shared deck with immediate ocean views. Guests are treated to complimentary breakfast each morning, as well as free WiFi and kayak rental – the latter you can enjoy straight from the accommodation’s private pier. Some rooms also feature a kitchenette with a stove, fridge, kettle and toaster. For more couple-friendly stays, check out the 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Tonga.
16. Simon’s Place (Tongatapu)
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.
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17. Lesina Guesthouse (Vava’u)
Directly at the wharf where many whale swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving trips depart, Lesina Guesthouse boasts a convenient location on the waterfront of Neiafu. After a dip from the jetty, relax in one of the four oceanview rooms upstairs or six downstairs rooms, all with either an ensuite or a separate private bathroom with towels provided. Guests also have access to a small communal kitchen with a microwave, fridge, toaster and kettle with hot drink supplies provided. A laundry service is also available for a fee. Note that access to the guesthouse is down a short but very steep driveway. For more guesthouses, check out the 20 Best Guesthouses in Tonga.
18. Villa Ishadora (Tongatapu)
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.
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19. Waterfront Lodge (Tongatapu)
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.
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20. Tungi Colonnade Hotel (Tongatapu)
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.
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21. Sunrise Hotel (Tongatapu)
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.
22. Kupesi Tonga Hotel (Tongatapu)
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. 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.
23. Emerald Hotel & Restaurant (Tongatapu)
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.
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24. Elim Hotel (Vava’u)
A modern hotel in Vava’u almost exclusively catering to the Chinese market, the Elim Hotel is located right in the heart of Neiafu. The hotel offers a selection of double and twin rooms, either with or without a private balcony. Rooms feature tea/coffee-making facilities, bottled water, air-conditioning, flatscreen TVs and an ensuite tiled bathroom with a walk-in shower. The on-site restaurant is open exclusively for guests serving Chinese food, while the hotel also operates its own whale tour and rental cars.
25. Jia Heng Holiday Hotel (Vava’u)
Another centrally located hotel in Neiafu, the Jia Heng Holiday Hotel is another one catering almost exclusively to Chinese tourists. Most of the 17 guest rooms feature a single or king bed and an ensuite bathroom with a shower, a flatscreen TV, tea/coffee-making facilities and more. Guests can relax in the lounge with a TV or on the balcony overlooking the streets of Neiafu. Airport transfers are included by bus.
More About Hotels in Tonga
That’s it for the best hotels in Tonga. For similar accommodations, as well as more advice on choosing the perfect place to stay, check out the following guides:
- The Top 25 Resorts in Tonga
- 20 Best Guesthouses in Tonga
- Where to Stay in Tonga: The Best Accommodations
Finally, get even more trip-planning tips in The Complete Travel Guide to Tonga and the 30 Tips for Travelling in Tonga.
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.