We dont think the other positive feedback is genuine. We expected only an average stay due to the other feedback posted before us, and were sadly disappointed. Our host (not Papiloa) was very rude and the bugs in our unclean room were unpleasant. The Hotel isnt 20 minutes walk to the township (as claimed), and is situated amongst an industrial area (big oil tanks are just down the road). We stayed because the Hotel offered a pool and this was nice. In truth, this place is a backpacker stop, and even then we wouldnt recommend backpackers stay there. It is tolerable when hosts are not friendly - however the lady host here made us feel unwelcome. They have an arrangement with a local car rental firm who seem very dodgy too! So, no integrity here and we would urge travellers not to go near the place.

The Friendly Islander is a venerable institution in Tonga, with all the old world charm of a Graeme Greene novel. Papiloa is the hostess. She knows everyone and everything that can be done in Tonga; she will make sure you meet the right people and do the right things. Certainly the stay is more rewarding when Papiloa is there as the other staff are not as knowledgeable or helpful. The establishment has been running for more than 40 years. We found the accommodation clean, affordable and comfortable. It is a welcome gesture that there is always a full bottle of boiled, clean water in the fridge.

We booked two nights accommodation on the internet, we were supposed to be picked up at the airport, they didn't arrive. Breakfast should have been included for the expensive price we paid and we didn't get any. Reception is dull, dingy, dirty and dismal, no lights on not even when it was dark, you could easily trip over the step in the foyer in the dark. Not a very friendly or welcoming place at all.
No hot water even though she knew we were in the fale, we had to walk across, wrapped in a towel to tell her there was no hot water. She came back and said she'd put the power and pump! The shower flooded.
When we sat outside in the evening with a drink and went inside for a moment, when we came back outside someone had come along and switched off the light!!
The floor was filthy I don't think it had been washed in years.
On the second day we decided to look for cleaner accommodation and found a wonderful, friendly, clean B&B in the same road, nearer to town, cheaper and included breakfast. They were such helpful people, nothing was too much trouble.

My husband & I so enjoyed our stay. Papiloa was a wonderful hostess and a great Ambassador of Tonga. The staff were very friendly and our fale was comfortable and excellent value for money. The location is terrific and surrounded by cafes, (try the lime juice at the Wharf Cafe) also a great Chinese Resturant 2 mins away. Papiloa is very helpful and goes out of her way to make your stay memorable.