A Crown jewel in the Port Moresby hotel scene

Port Moresby’s iconic Crown Hotel has been quietly undergoing a multi-million-kina rejuvenation since late 2023.

The hotel has been part of the Port Moresby landscape since 1975, opening in the Papua New Guinean capital in the same year that the nation gained independence.

It originally started as a Travelodge and then transitioned to the Park Royal and Crowne Plaza before being rebranded as the Crown Hotel in November 2018 with a local owner.

The rejuvenation to modernise the hotel has been carefully managed. “It’s a phased rollout that is being done in stages to ensure zero disruption to our guests,” says General Manager Shankar Ghosal.

“Our new design incorporates curated local PNG artwork, traditional motifs and cultural elements.”

All the hotel’s 151 rooms and suites are being refreshed as part of the continuing renovation, with new contemporary colours, floor tiles, furniture, updated bathroom fixtures and in-room smart technology.

The Crown’s modernised lobby with curated PNG artwork and cultural elements. Credit: Crown Hotel

The lobby areas are being transformed with contemporary lighting fixtures, and the GM says returning guests will immediately notice a much brighter, more open and sophisticated environment.

“Our new design incorporates curated local PNG artwork, traditional motifs and cultural elements that give the property an authentic sense of place you won’t find in cookie-cutter international chains,” Ghosal says.

Stylish breakout seating areas (perfect for casual business meetings or relaxing) have been established on the first floor of the nine-storey property, conference spaces are being modernised, dining venues are being updated, and a new poolside microbrewery bar and grill is underway, scheduled for completion next year.

“Our food and beverage outlets are receiving significant updates,” the GM says.

“While retaining the sophisticated charm of our premier fine dining Rapala restaurant and our popular bars, we are introducing refreshed decor, updated seating arrangements and modernised kitchen infrastructure to support our revamped menus.”

In addition, the hotel is in the final stages of renewing its food safety management systems to the highest global certifications and is investing heavily in staff training courses in hospitality, guest relations and banquet delivery.

An executive room at the Crown Hotel. Credit: Crown Hotel

The hotel’s 24/7 security surveillance system has been upgraded, and security access points have been enhanced.

Ghosal says the project balances the hotel’s deep historical roots in PNG with the contemporary expectations of today’s premium traveller.

He notes that business conditions in Port Moresby’s hospitality sector are highly competitive. “As PNG continues to position itself as a major regional hub for business, resource development and international forums, there is a consistent demand for high-tier corporate accommodation and secure, professional event spaces.

“The market rewards properties that proactively innovate, invest in their local workforce and maintain world-class standards – which is exactly what we are achieving here at the Crown Hotel.”

The hotel has won several awards, including PNG’s Leading Business Hotel at the World Travel Awards, International Travel Awards and Luxe Global Awards.

It’s located on a prime hilltop location in Hunter Street – close to major government offices, banking hubs and APEC Haus – and has sweeping views of Ela Beach.

Crown Hotel, rooms from PGK450 a night, see crownhotel.com.pg.

This article was first published in the August-October 2026 issue of Paradise, the in-flight magazine of Air Niugini.