Waterfront Lodge
Ma'ufanga, Nuku'alofa, Tongatapu Island 1001 Tonga
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About
#1 of 13 hotels in Nuku'alofa
Location
4.3
Cleanliness
4.7
Service
4.6
Value
4.2
The Waterfront Cafe and Lodge, the best private Tonga hotel, is located opposite Queen Salote Wharf, with the Nuku’alofa waterfront unfolding right before you. Just a 20 minute stroll to downtown Nuku'alofa and you will soon find yourself immersed in the sights, shops and markets of the Kingdom of Tonga capital city. The colonial-style lodge is packed with character and boasts a beautiful sea view, excellent services, high quality accommodation and arguably the most popular restaurant in the capital. The charming property is under Italian management and believes in paying special attention to each and every guest. The Waterfront Cafe and Lodge’s atmosphere is welcoming and homely, our staff is warm and friendly and every guest is treated with special attention which makes their holiday in Tonga even more memorable and their vacation so comfortable to make them feel at home. The Waterfront Lodge is internationally renowned not only to be the perfect hotel for your stay in Tongatapu but also to be a place of art where artists from Polynesia and the South Pacific often meet to expose their masterpieces. From our reception we can also organize tours of Tongatapu and packages to some of the top island hotels and attractions to ensure your Tonga holiday will be remembered as one of the best of your lifetime. If you are looking for your personal getaway to the friendly islands of the Kingdom of Tonga, welcome to the Waterfront Cafe' and Lodge, the best private owned accommodation you can find on our shore.World Class Tourism gives us 4 stars We have the pleasure to announce that the World Class Tourism for Tonga has recently judged the Waterfront Lodge & Cafe' as a 4 Stars hotel. This is indeed a great news for us and for all our new and returning guests. The unique accommodation, the casual atmosphere, the popularity of our restaurant and the smiles of our staff make the Waterfront Lodge & Cafe' the perfect stop over if you are visiting the capital or if your holiday takes you to one of the marvellous islands of the Kingdom of Tonga. Hope to see you soon.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Wifi
Free breakfast
Airport transportation
Business Center with Internet Access
Conference facilities
Salon
Baggage storage
Secured parking
Paid wifi
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast in the room
Happy hour
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Shuttle bus service
Car hire
Meeting rooms
Concierge
Convenience store
Non-smoking hotel
Shops
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Minibar
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
Bottled water
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Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Smoking rooms available
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Quaint
Bay View
Location
43Car recommended
Grade: 43 out of 100
27Restaurantswithin 5 miles
5Attractionswithin 5 miles
Contact
Ma'ufanga, Nuku'alofa, Tongatapu Island 1001 Tonga
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This lodge is friendly, boutique (8 rooms), set in a lush garden, only 15 minutes by foot to the center of Nuku’alofa. The onsite restaurant is really convenient when you are busy or hosting guests, It is also one of the top quality restaurants of the town, boasting a menu more diverse any other place in Tongatapu. The rooms are spacious and tastefully set up with large balconies. Having stayed there for 10 weeks I was reluctant to leave my Tongan home away from home .
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Stayed in Waterfront lodge for about a month during my deployment in Tonga after the vulcano eruption and tsunami and it turned out to be my home away from home. There is a few beautiful decorated rooms ,some with seaview, and we were living as a little family with Liz and her staf taking extremely good care of us. During and after lockdown we enjoyed the best hospitality, very clean rooms, laundry service, a hearty breakfast, and eating the best food in Tonga for dinner on the veranda. Liz always going the extra mile , making sure there was something organised for us to enjoy the beauty of Tonga next to work . Totally recommended !
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
I was posted to Tonga for work right after the volcanic eruption / tsunami and during covid outbreak. I looked for suitable long-term accommodation after MIQ, and I’m so glad I found Waterfront Lodge, still in tact after the tsunami - but mostly, amazing Liz, the owner. Four of us humanitarian workers were looked after for 2.5 months at Waterfront not as guests but Liz’s own family - with so much love & joy. Liz & Waterfront made our stay so comfortable with tastefully done property, crispy clean room, linen & laundry, accommodating & supporting our busy work schedules, finding safe transport options, making it so welcoming, fancy & safe when we had to host work guests / meetings .. the list goes on. Liz made sure I’m fed well with a range of yum & healthy vegetarian dishes off the menu - the menu known to be the best food in Tonga. Liz & Waterfront made it extra special for us on Birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day .. and did farewells for each of us too. I could achieve much more than I planned during the posting, thanks to Liz & Waterfront who made my stay THE BEST among all work postings over 20 years. Malo aupito, Liz & Waterfront 🥰…
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
My wife and I just completed a fantastic week long stay at the Waterfront. Liz and the team looked after our every need that included 3 delicious meals per day. Liz even organised a special seafood buffet by the beach on Sunday when the kitchen was closed. I would highly recommend staying at Waterfront for business or pleasure when visiting Tongatapu.
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
+1
Nestled in the Port Town of Nukualofa on the island of Tongatapu ,surrounded by coconut,papaya,and palm trees(various vegetation) I stumbled upon a hidden Gem! The Waterfront Restaurant & Lodge. I was instantly transported back in time, to Colonial style living in the Pacific. The White Paint and Pillars ascend to private room terraces overlooking Queen Salote and Faua Warf. You can see local fisherman bringing in the daily catch. You can feel and smell the Ocean breeze. The property has free range chickens and features a few parrots from Ewa island. You The rooms are spacious and features polynesian art-deco through out the room and boasts a birds eye Terrace. Each room has modern appliances like A.C,Mini fridge,T.V ,Coffee and Tea Service items etc. Polynesian Art-Deco from local artist highlights the main lodge and Restaurant. Marvelous carvings of a large wooden Octopus is featured, as carvings of Whales, Ocean Shells, and old Seaturtois Shells spotlight the walls.The Restaurant offers Breakfast,Lunch, and dinner service. Most rooms include a free Colonial Style Continental Breakfast Tea, which is amazing!Fresh Local fruits to Locally Made bread and pastries, my favorite was the Juice of the day and the banana pancakes. Locally harvested fruits, vegetables, seafood, gives the talented chefs the freshest and best quality ingredients available.You will find Eggs Benedict to FishnChips on their modern menu. For Dinner we had New Zealand Lamb Shank and Pan Seared Mahi Mahi, it was a memorable dining experience as the food was delicious,its flavors and presentation is unique, South Pacific Contemporary Cuisine at its finest. A stunning Property! The staff and Service made me feel like a VIP, they always go the extra mile to make sure you have a excellent day. We were stranded there during a corona virus lockdown and Liz, the owner took care of the residents by offering free dinner to all of us, over a weeks worth of delicious dinners. ❤ THANK YOU! Waterfront Restaurant & Lodge, Danny&Tanya Lata…
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Our host Liz is so thoughtful and very kind. Coronavirus hit while I was here. I became stranded. Liz let me stay longer on a lower rate, doing her part in aiding humanity in a worldwide pandemic. I am truly thankful, I'm sure I speak for the rest of the waterfront guests as we have all been treated with the utmost respect and care while stranded in Tonga. The location is perfect. Close to the wharf where much of the boat trips to other Tongan islands will depart from. Plenty of different styles of restaurants within walking distance. Night life. There are a few bars and clubs situated also within walking distance. So close it can get noisy at times but waterfront cannot be faulted for that. The Saturday markets is a big event traffic jams occur and all you need to do to get there is cross the road. Waterfront Lodge is nestled amongst all that yet you feel hidden in your own space. Nukualofa city is very close as well, taxis are readily available. I didn't mind the walk though. It's a scenic walk along the seaside. There are a few swimming spots along the foreshore but I was only a spectator while I'm jogging. The rooms are very cozy and always clean. Bed was comfy. View is a little obstructed by the large palm trees but you can still look out to the sea and the palms serve as added privacy to the balcony where a lot of relaxation takes place. The staff are amazing and full of smiles. Keeping the grounds spotless as well as the restaurant/bar and rooms. Staff also speak good English which is a plus in a predominantly native speaking country. Room service is prompt all your needs including a knife and plate to enjoy the local fruits you pick up at the markets. Or if you need your aircon remote sorted,it's done in a hurry, staff show that my comfort as a guest is important. Thank you so much Liz and the team for making Waterfront lodge more than a stay. It is better explained as an experience and a privilege that you've made your place my home.…
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Waterfront-Lodge, Manager at Waterfront Lodge
Responded Mar 26, 2020
Hi Sini, Thank you so much for this review. These words just got taken out of our heads for what everyone needs to hear about our Lodge situation. We cant thank you enough for your kind thoughtful words. We hope you are safe with family during this time, and after lock-down please do come around again to dine with us. We hope all goes well with you hope you are able to return back home to your family & friends soon. Malo áupito and see you around Waterfront Staff & management.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The restaurant is beautifully decorated, elegant and welcoming. Everything tastefully done. The service was excellent. Our waitress was extremely professional and attentive. The food was some of the best I have tasted during my 6 months in Nuku'alofa. Highly recommend
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Date of stay: November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Waterfront-Lodge, Manager at Waterfront Lodge
Responded Nov 25, 2019
Hi ausvo, thank you for your kind review. Really happy that you had enjoyed your dine with us. We hope you do come back for another try in future. Malo lahi for taking your time to review us on Tripadvisor. Waterfront Staff & Management
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lovely hostess and staff. Very large rooms, great attention to detail. Food was 4 star, delicious and plentiful. Breakfast was great and no matter what we chose for dinner, you could not fault it. The location is right across from the ferry stop, it is a 2minute walk to the ferry that takes you to the islands. Lovely, cant go wrong.
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Date of stay: November 2019Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Waterfront-Lodge, Manager at Waterfront Lodge
Responded Nov 6, 2019
Hi Vixyk, Thank you for your kind words, it was lovely to have you here. Please do come back again for another visit would love to have you here again. Hope you are safely back home and again, hope to see you again. Malo lahi, Waterfront Lodge & Restaurant.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Recently paid my first visit to Tonga. Chose the Waterfron Lodge due to reviews on this site. There were a little mix ups on my arrival in Tonga, getting from the airport but in the end, I opted for a loval taxi that the hotel paid for. Full markss. The staff were also very helpful in moving me from the room to another when the aircon in the first room was not working. Once these matters were resolved then the stay went very smoothly. The rooms were spacious and I took the option of of a sea view room with balcony. I enjoyed sitting on the balcony late evenings watching the locals pass by and the traffic making it's awayto and from the town. The breakfasts were fine and orderly. Not exactly to my taste but I think fine for many. Remember there are only 8 rooms so not a large number of guests. Lunch and evening meals were wonderful. It seemed that there were a number of diners from outside the hotel who chose to eat there, thus enhancing it's reputation for quality. Evenings I met a number of very interesting people who popped in for an evening drink. The Lodge also arranged a couple of trips in and around Tonga'tapu for me and for a very early taxi to the airport at 3am. All in all, an excellent stay in a hotel I'd reccommend to any traveller.…
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Date of stay: October 2019
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Sea View room but the view not the best (Port?Docks)
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Waterfront-Lodge, Manager at Waterfront Lodge
Responded Nov 6, 2019
Hi Nancledra53, Glad to hear you are back and well at your destination. We again want to apologize about the little mix up and situation on your first days here in Tonga! We also want to thank you, for your kind words. It was so lovely to have met you, our staff always did talk about how bubbly you were and sad that you had left us If you do come back to Tonga, please do let us know. Thank you again for taking your time to review us on this and have a blessed future ahead. Malo lahi. Waterfront Staff & Management.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Booked for three nights stayed for one. If you are a light sleeper or even a reasonably good sleeper and need a good night's rest do not stay here. Located near two nightclubs or bars and the music was very loud and plays until midnight every night. The staff were helpful and friendly. I would go back for the restaurant and staff.
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Date of stay: September 2019Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Waterfront-Lodge, Manager at Waterfront Lodge
Responded Nov 6, 2019
Hi Katthom76, yes, unfortunately this is our weakest area for us but we are doing our best to reduce the noise situation which is coming about. We sincerely apologize from our end that you had to skip the next 2 days with us. Hope to have you here at our restaurant sometime soon again. Malo lahi, Waterfront Staff & Management.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PRICE RANGE
$115 - $190 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
waterfront hotel nuku alofa
LOCATION
TongaTongatapu IslandNuku'alofa
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
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Claim Your ListingWATERFRONT LODGE - Prices & Hotel Reviews (Tonga/Tongatapu Island)
Frequently Asked Questions about Waterfront Lodge
Which popular attractions are close to Waterfront Lodge?
Nearby attractions include Free Church of Tonga (1.2 miles), Royal Tombs (1.2 miles), and Tonga National Museum (1.3 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Waterfront Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
Which room amenities are available at Waterfront Lodge?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Waterfront Lodge?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Waterfront Lodge?
Yes, free parking, secured parking, and street parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Waterfront Lodge?
Conveniently located restaurants include Friends Cafe, Cafe Escape, and the TOP Restaurant & Lounge.
Does Waterfront Lodge have an airport shuttle?
Yes, Waterfront Lodge offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Waterfront Lodge have airport transportation?
Yes, Waterfront Lodge offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Waterfront Lodge offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers a business center, meeting rooms, and conference facilities.
Are there any historical sites close to Waterfront Lodge?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Captain Cook's Landing Place (4.8 miles).
Does Waterfront Lodge have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the harbor view available here.