First Sheraton opens in Papua New Guinea

The luxurious Sheraton hotel brand has been launched in Papua New Guinea with the opening of the Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites.

The Waigani property, previously branded as The Stanley Hotel and Suites, has not only undergone a name change, but there have been renovations to guest rooms, restaurants and the lobby.

This hotel has been designed to support a wide range of travellers – from short-term business stays through to extended visits and family travel.

As well, there’s a new Sheraton Club and the opening of the hotel’s &More by Sheraton Cafe.

The Sheraton is part of Marriott International’s portfolio of more than 30 hotel brands.

For business and leisure

Jason Nuell, the regional Vice President of Marriott International in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, told Business Advantage PNG that the hotel meets the needs of business and leisure travellers.

“With close to 400 rooms, suites and apartments, this hotel has been designed to support a wide range of travellers – from short-term business stays through to extended visits and family travel,” he says.

The newly renovated Sheraton lobby with the &More cafe area. Credit: Marriott

“Its scale and capability, including the largest ballroom in the country, position it as a leading venue for conferences, business meetings and major events in PNG.”

Nuell points out that the property, located on Sir John Guise Drive in Waigani, in the heart of the commercial and government district, is connected to Vision City shopping mall and is just minutes from Jacksons International Airport.

“It is placed at the centre of activity in this city,” he says.

“We see strong opportunity in Port Moresby. Not only as a destination for international travellers, but as a critical hub for business, industry and community connection.”

Nuell says the opening reflects the brand’s long-term commitment to growing across the Pacific, and to investing in destinations that are evolving as important hubs for business, government and regional connectivity.

Renovation

Among the most noticeable changes to the hotel, the expansive renovated lobby area has been given signature Sheraton touches such as the new &More by Sheraton Cafe, which is a blend of coffee shop, market stall and laidback bar. Sheraton says it’s designed to cater for everything from a morning coffee to an evening cocktail.

In addition, the lobby has been reworked as a large open space that aims to promote social interaction. It’s anchored by Sheraton’s signature Community Table, a purpose-built workspace where guests can work, gather, eat and drink. There are also soundproof booths, offering quiet spaces with privacy.

“Locals and leisure travellers will enjoy the hotel’s premium selection of restaurants and bars,” Nuell says.

Those offerings include Silver Leaf, a fine-dining venue with sweeping city views; the buffet-style Greenhaus, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; poolside dining; and the new &More.

The hotel’s General Manager, Shin Ching, described the hotel’s opening after its “transformative renovation” as an important milestone for PNG’s hospitality sector.

“We are thrilled to welcome guests to Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites, a place where travellers from around the world and locals can connect, relax and create memories.”

Although Marriott International has taken over management of the hotel under its Sheraton brand, the property continues to be owned by Dynasty Development Limited, a subsidiary of the Rimbunan Hijau (RH) PNG Group, which also has interests in forestry and timber processing in PNG. The multinational company is headquartered in Malaysia.

Sheraton PNG at a glance

• 284 guest rooms, 15 suites, 95 apartments.
• 2500 square metres of event and meeting space.
• Four restaurants from casual cafes to the fine-dining Silver Leaf.
• Zen day spa.
• Swimming pool and fitness centre.
• Sheraton Club Lounge.
• Suitable for short-term or long-term stays.
• Aligned with the Marriott portfolio of properties.