The Cheapest Accommodations in Nuku’alofa
You can hardly go wrong with the cheap and cheerful accommodations available in the capital of Tonga. Nuku’alofa hosts a range of backpacker accommodations, guesthouses and lodges, which provide a cheap way to stay in the Kingdom. Many of the accommodations are extremely well-located near the city centre or the waterfront, however, some are on the outskirts of town so be sure to check their locations and have transport planned. There’s a real mix of self-catering accommodations, as well as accommodations that have breakfast included, offering more ways to save money while in Nuku’alofa. So, take a look at some of our top recommendations in this list of the best budget accommodations in Nuku’alofa!
While you’re here, you might also be interested in the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Nuku’alofa and The Guide to Nuku’alofa on a Budget.
Note that Tonga is an ever-evolving country, especially when it comes to accommodation. With that in mind, some of the services accommodations provide are known to change without notice. If there is any information needing an update in the listings below, feel free to reach out!
1. Backpackers Townhouse (Kapeta Backpackers)
A homely guesthouse for backpackers and travellers on a budget, Backpackers Townhouse (signposted at “Kapeta Backpackers” on the corner of Mateialona and Vahaakolo Roads) offers a couple of two-bed dorm rooms and four private single, twin/double rooms with shared bathroom facilities between two rooms. The guesthouse is an interesting place to stay with papaya and banana trees that you can help yourself to, while it’s also the site of True Vava’u where you can learn more about how your host makes tuitui (candlenut) oil. What’s more, the guesthouse is conveniently a short walk from the city centre. Full kitchen facilities, hot showers, electric fans and laundry services are all available. See more stays for backpackers in the 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Nuku’alofa.
© TongaPocketGuide.com2. The Village Backpackers
You can hardly get more central than The Village Backpackers in Nuku’alofa, nestled in a laneway off Taufa’ahau Road near a wide array of eateries, bars and shops (we recommend Ini’s Cakes)! The backpacker hostel offers a range of ultra-affordable rooms, including 4-6-bed mixed dorms, 4-bed female dorms and 4-bed male dorms upstairs with shared facilities, while downstairs is a selection of private double and triple ensuite rooms with entrances straight onto the street. Airport transfers are available for a fee, while your hosts can also help with ferry booking and transfers. Note that there isn’t a kitchen or fridge, so this accommodation is not suitable for self-catering.
Check The Village Backpackers out:
© TongaPocketGuide.com3. NOA Guesthouse
One of the largest guesthouses in Nuku’alofa, NOA Guesthouse has something for every type of traveller on a budget. Choose from single/double rooms with shared bathroom facilities and “Family Rooms” which have one double and a single bed with an ensuite. Guests have access to a large communal kitchen and dining room, which makes self-catering a breeze. Paid services include breakfast, laundry, WiFi and airport transfers. You can also rent vehicles with the guesthouse, which works with Me Rentals, as featured in The Best Car Rentals in Tongatapu.
Check NOA Guesthouse out:
© TongaPocketGuide.com4. ‘Utu’one Bed & Breakfast
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. What’s more, the rates here are very reasonable, especially if you don’t want to go “too budget”. 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. For more hotel-style stays, check out the 20 Best Hotels in Nuku’alofa.
Check ‘Utu’one Bed & Breakfast out:
© TongaPocketGuide.com5. Winnie’s B&B
Stay a little out of town near the hospital at Winnie’s B&B, accessible via rental car or taxi. The long-established yet modernly renovated guesthouse features six units with sliding doors spilling onto a shared wraparound deck and out to an attractive garden. Choose from king or twin configurations with an ensuite. Some rooms have breakfast-making facilities, while others have full kitchenettes with continental breakfast included. What’s more, they are very well priced; offering better standards than your average guesthouse but more affordable than your average hotel. The common areas include a garden and barbecue area, while paid services include WiFi, TV and laundry. Check out more accommodation like this in the 10 Best Bed & Breakfasts in Tonga.
Check Winnie’s B&B out:
© Winnie's B&B6. Toni’s Guesthouses & Apartments
Toni has a few guesthouses across Nuku’alofa, which can be very confusing to find/make sure you’re going to correct one – so we’ll make this listing a long one to make it as clear as possible. What’s more, the guesthouses are not the most central (rent a car). Nevertheless, travellers looking for an ultra-affordable stay will certainly find a place to call home at one of Toni’s Guesthouses or Apartments, starting with welcome refreshments.
The “Green House” has 2-3-bed backpacker dorm rooms with shared bathrooms and the “Yellow House” has double and twin rooms with some ensuite options. What’s known as the “Family House” is actually two self-contained units within. All of the above are located on the same estate in Tofoa. Meanwhile, “Toni’s Apartments” on Hihifo Road, Puke are two more guesthouses with four guest rooms each.
Unless otherwise stated, all houses are on a shared basis and are well equipped with a kitchen, a cool lounge and a seating area under a verandah – all kept to a clean and presentable standard. Although a little out of town, Toni and Leni offer island day tours. See more like this in the 10 Best Guesthouses in Nuku’alofa & Tongatapu.
Check Toni’s Guesthouses out:
© TongaPocketGuide.com7. Fiefia Fale
If you’re looking for an independent stay in Nuku’alofa, and can be self-sustaining with self-catering/driving into town or the airport, Fiefia Fale might just be your perfect suburban retreat. Tucked away in an attractive courtyard behind the soap shop, Koko Designs, the studio unit boasts tasteful contemporary decor complete with a kitchenette and a spacious ensuite bathroom. Your kitchen has a fridge, frypan, microwave, hot drink-making facilities (including a plunger) and utensils/crockery. Enjoy meals inside or out on the shaded courtyard deck with cute seating areas. See more stays ideal for couples in the 10 Most Romantic Honeymoon Accommodations in Nuku’alofa.
© TongaPocketGuide.com8. Lose Lodge
Enjoy a stay with true Tongan hospitality at Lose Lodge “lose” being the Tongan pronunciation of “rose”. Most guests have their own space of either single/twin or double rooms with an ensuite, although two rooms have shared bathrooms. Alternatively, “Family” rooms are available which are fully self-contained studios with one double and single bed, plus a kitchen and bathroom. Rooms surround a shared patio and a picturesque city-centre garden to enjoy. Facilities at the lodge include modems should you want to sort out your own internet, activity bookings, free lifts into town (although you are surrounded by some good eateries, which your hosts are happy to recommend) and a liquor store on-site. Find Lose Lodge on Fatafehi Road, just a short stroll from the city centre. For more stays with kitchen facilities, check out the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Nuku’alofa.
© TongaPocketGuide.com9. Dayspring Lodge
With free breakfast, free WiFi and super affordable guest rooms, you can hardly do wrong with Dayspring Lodge if you’re on a budget. Dayspring is located in Tofoa village on the southern outskirts of Nuku’alofa, which makes for a good central base for exploring Tongatapu. The basic but comfortable guesthouse offers double and single rooms (six in total), sharing three bathrooms between guests. The lodge has a beautiful garden with fruit trees galore, many of which are used to produce your breakfast each morning. Check out more lodges in the 10 Best Lodges in Tonga.
Check Dayspring Lodge out:
© Dayspring Lodge10. Paradise First Hotel
A small local family-run hotel, Paradise First Hotel boasts a homely ambience in its friendliness and decor. Although a tad more expensive than other budget accommodations in Nuku’alofa, the hotel still offers excellent value with eight very spacious ensuite rooms. 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 the city centre. A rental car is recommended. See more stays like this in the 20 Best Hotels in Nuku’alofa.
Check Paradise First Hotel out:
© TongaPocketGuide.comMore About Budget Accommodations in Nuku’alofa
That’s it for the best budget accommodations in Nuku’alofa. For more tips to have an awesome time in the capital without spending too much, take a look at the following:
- 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Nuku’alofa
- Tee Top Cheap Eats in Nuku’alofa
- 5 Best Island Day Trips from Nuku’alofa
Finally, get more budgeting advice from The Travel Guide to Tonga on a Budget and Tonga Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Tonga Cost?
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