It is a decent value for money. The place is right in the middle of town. You get what you are paying for.

The location

The room wasn't clean and the bathroom was so disgusting. There were human leftovers everywhere and no toiletpapir

Close proximity

It's filthy. I don't think the floors have been mopped this year or last. The linen smelled and the previous people's hair was all over it. There were stains I don't want to know. I didn't even get into bed, slept on top. Linen is not changed after each stay because when I was ready to leave a CHILD came to say she's cleaning the room and she definitely didn't bring a change of linen.

No AC for very high temps.

As another reviewer has said, this has been a hard time for tourism and infrastructure in Tonga, so I understand that there are difficulties beyond the control of everyone. And I also think this could be an awesome place. The positives are definitely the location. The backpackers is super central. There were heaps of food and bars and whatever nearby, plus the ATM at the bank next door. I also appreciated the friendly on-site host, who also organised a driver to pick me up from the airport. Malo, this was great! I also thought the place was clean, and the bathrooms were fine. The security was good, as the building was in a secure yard with a really friendly and helpful security guard. He was great to chat to and I had no worries about safety or anything like that.

However, there were a couple of things that were less than great. I didn't mind being the only person there, but others might find it a bit freaky! But my main problems were a) my room (the private room with double bed) was VERY hot. The window was super small and I could have definitly used a fan in there. Plus, there were a lot of mosquitos if I opened the windows. (the netting had holes). It was pretty loud, with a party going on at the club across the road. I actually found this kinda fun, but others might not! And b) My biggest problem was not having a shared space/lounge to hang out in. My room was pretty small and dark, so I wouldve liked a place to sit in the day in between heading off to do the many interesting things to see and do around town. There didn't seem to be anywhere to socialise, and when I come back to Tonga soon with family, this would be a makor issue (I would have stayed here again otherwise, as the central location is great). So, I hope that these little issues are fixed when tourism hits Tonga again . I know I came not only in the off season but also in the aftermath of covid and the eruption, so I do appreciate that everyone is doing the best they can . Malo :)

in the Center of the city

Maybe I’m unlucky, to get to my room I have to pass the bathroom. The room is not as shown in the photo, it’s very small and smells. I can hear all the talks from people next door. There’s a fan but the room gets really hot, had a hard time to sleep. There are ants even on the bed. Scheduled airport pickup but the driver didn’t show up even the hotel confirmed. No lift to the room.

the communication with staff was good. Location was also very good.Toilets and showers were also pretty ok.

The room was really small and it was hard to come in and out since fan was in front of the door but that was the only place it could be situated because of location of power plug. Hotel building was ok but floors were untidy with dead flies etc. so it was not nice to more around. Also our sheets didn't seem clean so we ended up sleeping in our own sleeping bag liners.

I can totally see why this hostel has received very good reviews in the past and hopefully will get again in the future! The location on the main road in Downtown Nuku’alofa is a very convenient starting point - lots of shops, restaurants etc in walking distance. The hostel itself has „potential“… The rooms just received new fans so it wasn‘t too hot in it. The beds are comfortable and high enough to fit your luggage underneath. There is also a lockable wooden box screwed to each bed. Several bars to dry your towels. The bathrooms are spacious - enough showers, toilets, sinks - and have shelves to keep your toiletries in reach. Showers have a little shelf and hooks to have your clothes and things on hand but dry. There is a three story concrete building across the road where you could go in case of a tsunami warning!!

I know that it has been difficult for Tonga and therefore surely for the hostel as well. Still you need to know that there are very few guests right now. I was the only guest for most of the time - to some this might not be a problem (wasn‘t for me) but others might find it weird/scary. If the rooms are fully booked it might get tight and hot since there is barely space between the beds ((no shelves either). I understand that under these circumstances it doesn’t make any sense to neither have a 24/7 reception nor daily cleaning. I didn‘t see anyone on site at all for a week! I saw the lady that checked me in (on the second day!) twice in the shop yard infront of the hostel during the week. She always asked whether I was alright, but that was it (didn’t reply to my messages via booking.com). There was a security guard in the shop yard most of the time, so no safety issues!! The shop yard is busy until late at night, but the central location isn‘t quiet anyways. Besides that you also have to consider that if the hostel is „full“ it is probably very noisy. There are only rather thin wooden walls and in addition the top meter is partly open (for air circulation, I guess). These openings also let a lot of light thru. There was no warm water in the shower which in general is not urgently necessary with the temperatures, but just so you know. There was no lounge or sitting area whatsoever (I‘m not sure whether this one room in the yard was for me to use - it was locked most of the time).

The meals are very good I could use the fridge to put my beer and vegetables in excellent wifi

the plants need more regular watering and the brown leaves need to be taken out

This hostel's mum is very kind. Breakfast&dinner is good.

Nothing. But sometime room is fulled.

The Backpackers is in the heart of Nuku'alofa. Spacious rooms, big showers and toilets. The owners are so ftiendly you really feel you are staying with relatives. I only can recommened this place!

Location was great, right in the center of town with security. Lovely and helpful stuff. Super comfortable bed. Very good shower with hot water. Large room.

Thin walls