How to Pick the Best Guesthouse in Tonga for You

Advice on Choosing a Guesthouse in Tonga

Travelling to a new country, even if you’re an experienced traveller, means figuring out the new styles of accommodations. Guesthouses are one of the most common types of accommodation in Tonga, which are a good way to stay in the main towns of the islands on a budget. While there are often many guesthouses in the same area, how do you choose the right one for your needs? We go over how to choose a guesthouse in Tonga in the guide below.

Quick Things You Need to Know About Staying in a Guesthouse in Tonga

Guesthouses are the cheapest type of accommodation in Tonga
Guesthouses have a communal kitchen, lounge and bathrooms, although there are sometimes ensuite guest rooms available
Tonga’s guesthouses are known for changing some of their services without updating listings online, in brochures, etc. With that in mind, be aware that some facilities, like air-conditioning, breakfast and WiFi, are not always available even if stated that they are
Speaking of WiFi, if a guesthouse says it has WiFi, it usually means in the communal areas only
Guesthouses in Tonga are only located in the main towns, such as Nuku’alofa, Neiafu, Pangai (Ha’apai), Pangai (‘Eua) and there’s even one in Hihifo in Niuatoputapu
Most guesthouses in Tonga only accept cash as payment.

How to Pick the Best Guest House in Tonga for You

What is a Guesthouse?

While terms like “guesthouses” are used all around the world, they typically mean something different between countries. In Tonga, a guesthouse is usually a large former family home where different guests stay in private guest rooms and share communal facilities. Guesthouses tend to have a “homely” feel, much like a bed & breakfast (but not all of them include breakfast). Most guesthouses (not all) are owned and run by locals.

Guesthouses are the cheapest type of accommodation found in Tonga, making them suitable for backpackers up to older couples on a budget.

Room types typically consist of double rooms with a queen bed. Some guesthouses have family rooms, but check if this means three beds or four. Some guesthouses also have single rooms for solo travellers, while some guesthouses in Nuku’alofa and Neiafu also have shared dorms.

While most guest rooms will have a shared bathroom, there are many options for guest rooms with an ensuite shower room.

Location, How to Get There and What is Nearby?

Tonga has guesthouses in the main towns of each island group, i.e. in:

Nuku’alofa in Tongatapu
Pangai in ‘Eua
Pangai in Ha’apai
Neiafu in Vava’u
Hihifo in the Niuas.

Towns like Nuku’alofa, Pangai (Ha’apai) and Neiafu have multiple choice of guesthouses, while Pangai (‘Eua) and Hihifo only have one guesthouse.

When choosing a guesthouse, you need to start exploring options in the island group that you intend to visit. Don’t know which island group you want to visit yet? Check out the following guides:

How to Get to There

Once you’ve established the island group (or groups) you want to visit and you’re comparing guesthouses, it’s a good idea to compare how to get to your chosen guesthouse. The easiest way is through the guesthouse’s airport transfer, which most guesthouses offer. If not, taxis are available from the airport in Tongatapu and Vava’u.

What’s Nearby?

As established, all guesthouses are in the main towns of each island group. However, if you won’t have a car while in Tonga, then it’s a good idea to check out what is within walking distance of your chosen guesthouses. Especially for Nuku’alofa, some guesthouses are quite a long walk from the city centre, which has both advantages and disadvantages.

What’s Included in Your Stay?

Inclusions at your guesthouse stay can turn a good holiday into a great one, as the little extras might just make your holiday much easier and therefore, enjoyable. When comparing guesthouses in Tonga, make sure you check what facilities are available, as well as what extra services are included.

Typical Facilities at a Guesthouse

What is the normal standard for facilities in a Tonga guesthouse? Here are some typical facilities:

Kitchen with stovetop, microwave, fridge, cooking pots, crockery and utensils, toaster and kettle
Car parking
Fans
Shared bathroom with a shower, sink and toilet
Insect screened windows or mosquito nets
Garden

Facilities and Services That Only Some Guesthouses Have

Free daily breakfast
Additional kitchen facilities, such as an oven, tea and coffee, toastie grill, rice cooker, etc.
Meals (extra fee)
WiFi (either paid or included)
Bicycle hire (either paid or included)
Car rental (extra fee)
Airport transfers (either paid or included)
Washing machine
Air conditioning
Outside deck or verandah
Hot water
Toiletries
In-house tours or cultural activities for guests.

What are the Best Guesthouses in Tonga?

Now that you know what to look for, here are some of our recommendations for guest houses across the most-visited island groups:

For our top picks, see the 10 Best Guest Houses in Tonga.

Laura 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