Accomodation in Tongatapu

Has anyone got any comments (besides price as I have the prices) on the following places to stay in Tongatapu:

Heilala Lodge
Good Samaritan Inn

We are looking for a place outside Nuku'olofa in late August. There seems to be some good comments about Heilala but I haven't read anything about the Good Samaritan Inn and they aren't replying to our emails. We have tried Ha'atafu but fully booked. Looking at a budget of about US$30 - $40 a night per person (hopefully including bfast!). We have a few days planned over in Ha'apai already.

Also, anyone know what the weather is like there now or generally in late August? How cold does it get at night (i.e. do I need to bring a sleeping bag?). And being from NZ, is customs strict about bringing in alcohol - could I get away with half dozen bottles of wine? How expensive is it to buy NZ (or semi-decent) wine in Nuku'lofa.

Thanks!

Hi,

I highly recommend Blue Banana Beach Resort:

Blue Banana Beach Resort

About the weather... It's been unusually warm. Even in the morning, maybe around 20 degrees.

I think 2 litres per person is allowed duty-free. Wine is quite expensive.

Thanks Amaile for your help.

Unfortunately, Blue Banana is also booked out. Given that we are struggling to get some places to reply to our emails. Do you recommend going through an agent in Nuku'olofa to book accomodation - we have used Pacific Travel for our internal flights around Tonga.

Any other recommendations for accomd that is on a beach on Tongatapu?

Cheers

How about the Royal Sunset Island???

Just for your information, since last Friday (3rd Aug.), we've been having technical problems with internet connection with some overseas servers. I can send replies to this site, but I can't send reply from my usual e-mail account, nor see some URLs. The Tongan providor has been working to solve this problem, but not sure how long it will take.

amaile - what's the situation now with the Royal Sunset Island resort? I read a while back that it had gone badly downhill. Has it changed as it's one I always used to fancy trying.

We popped into the Good Samaritan about 2 yrs ago for lunch - it was nice but looked pretty run down and the beach was very rocky. We spent a weekend at Otuhaka Beach resort - I think it's on a nicer stretch of beach than the good Samaritan and the grounds/gardens are much nicer. It would be my 3rd choice after Hatafu and Blue Banana for a beach location.

How about Pangiamotu, the budget place on a small islet off the main harbour? I only saw it from the shore, but friends stayed there and liked it. Not sure if it is still operating, or rates, etc.

Given this was originally my question enquiring about accomodation, after staying 3 nights at Good Samaritan Inn, I would'nt recommend it unless you are after something really cheap. It was pretty dirty, run down and no one else was staying there so it was a bit eerie and we felt like a nuisance to the staff. The beach was ok but not anywhere as nice as the beaches on Ha'apai. The food was very average, just deep fried food.

We did stay at Heilala for two nights and that was very nice. Clean, and friendly staff. Nice food too.