How to Pick the Best Family-Friendly Accommodation in Tonga

Advice on Choosing Family-Friendly Stays in Tonga

Family-friendly accommodation in Tonga comes in many forms, from convenient holiday homes to dreamy resorts. But there’s much to consider when choosing the right family accommodation, especially in terms of location, accommodation type and budget. We go through it all in this guide to choosing the right family accommodation in Tonga for you.

5 Things You Need to Know About Staying in Family Accommodation in Tonga

Facilities at accommodations in Tonga can change with little notice, so it’s best to contact accommodations should there be any essential amenities that you need
Amenities like portacots are rarely available, so consider bringing your own if needed
Family rooms are limited – typically just one or two family rooms per accommodation – so be sure to book as far in advance as possible for stays in the high season (July to October)
There are no babysitting services or kids’ clubs in Tonga
Accommodation standards are a little lower than what you might be used to, as Tonga is a developing country.

How to Pick the Best Family-Friendly Accommodation in Tonga for You

What Types of Family Accommodation are Available in Tonga?

There’s accommodation in Tonga suitable for most families, whether it’s on a stunning island resort or in the privacy of a holiday home. Choosing the right type of accommodation ensures that you have the space and facilities that your family needs, while also sticking to your budget.

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.

Family-Friendly Resorts

For families looking for an island experience complete with entertainment, resorts are a good way to go. Many of the resorts in Tonga have family units/fales (bungalows), as well as entertainment for all, whether it’s the free use of kayaks, a beach or something else. There is also typically a restaurant on-site or a set meal plan for more remote resorts. Check out some examples in the 20 Best Family Resorts in Tonga.

There are no kids’ clubs or babysitting, however, so bear in mind that Tonga is a better destination for families who can entertain themselves.

Apartments and Holiday Homes

Providing all of the conveniences of home, apartments and holiday homes are a popular choice for families. They provide access to self-catering facilities and a little more privacy than what you might get at a resort. Check out some examples in the 10 Best Holiday Apartments in Tonga and 20 Best Holiday Homes in Tonga.

Hotels, Lodges and Guesthouses

The difference between hotels, lodges and guesthouses is mostly in their price range. Guesthouses are the cheapest option while hotels and lodges tend to be the most expensive. Where they are similar is in their private family rooms, typically a bed layout for a family of three or four in one room, often with an ensuite bathroom but sometimes with shared bathroom facilities for the cheapest guesthouses. There then may be communal facilities, such as a restaurant or kitchen, a swimming pool or gardens, a lounge or something else. Check out some examples in the following articles:

Compare the price range of all of the accommodations mentioned above in Tonga Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Tonga Cost?

Location, How to Get There and What is Nearby?

Once you know what sort of accommodation you’re looking for, you’re going to have to pick a destination in Tonga that strikes the right balance of satisfying your interests and your budget. There’s family accommodation in the four main destinations in Tonga, which are Tongatapu, ‘Eua, Ha’apai and Vava’u. Compare the destinations in the following guides:

How to Get There

Another factor to consider is the cost of getting to these destinations. Tongatapu is the main arrival island in Tonga and the cheapest (and easiest) island to get to, ‘Eua has relatively low travel costs being adjacent to Tongatapu, while getting to Ha’apai and Vava’u will certainly dig more into the family travel budget. Check out the following articles to compare the transport methods for getting to and around each island group:

What is Nearby

Finally, when choosing family accommodation, be sure to check out what is nearby. If you are staying on one of the main islands, you might want to consider staying near restaurants, supermarkets and attractions to have access to facilities, services and entertainment you might need. Alternatively, if you’re staying at one of the island resorts, make sure you’re prepared to be away from these services (so pack extra diapers!)

Check out the links below on where are accommodations are located and what’s nearby, as well as a compilation of resorts based on location:

And if that’s too specific, start from scratch using Where to Stay in Tonga and 20 Best Family Resorts & Accommodations in Tonga.

Family-Friendly Facilities

Anything to help a family holiday go smoother is a welcome addition. Make sure that you always compare the inclusions, facilities and services of Tonga’s accommodation to make sure they have everything you need.

Services and Facilities

Some, but not all, of Tonga’s family accommodation have the following services. If you need any of the following, be sure to enquire with the accommodations you have decided to compare:

Self-catering facilities
Meals (meal plan or a la carte)
Restaurant
Breakfast
Portacot
Swimming pool
Ensuite bathroom
Bar and restaurant
Car park
Hot water (usually solar-heated)
Fans and/or air conditioning
Insect-screened windows or mosquito nets
Gardens
Car rental
Bike rental
Airport transfers
Transport to town
TV
WiFi
Washing machine/laundry service
Free watersports rental
In-house tours and activities for guests
Board games
In-room electricity.

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