Port Moresby’s newest hotel, the Stanley, opened in July in central Waigani. It is Papua New Guinea’s biggest hotel and one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Grace Maribu takes a look.

The lobby in the Stanley Hotel

Right in the political heart of the city, the Stanley is perfectly placed for anyone coming to town for government or business meetings, conferences, seminars and conventions. Expect a full house when the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit rolls around in 2018.

The five-star 19-storey hotel has a resort-style design. There are 429 rooms that include 95 apartments (33 are two-bedrooms and 62 are one-bedroom), 110 executive rooms, 88 deluxe rooms, 88 standard rooms, and 
13 suites (plus the Presidential Suite on the 
top floor).

‘Both the lounge and restaurant have excellent views to Boroko, Gerehu and the Owen Stanley Range.’

There are five eateries and a convenience store. Of the eateries, two are cafes, two restaurants, and one is alfresco by the swimming pool.

Executive lounge

On the 19th floor, the Executive Lounge is attached to the Silver Leaf Restaurant, which will open for dinners only. Both the lounge and restaurant have excellent views to Boroko, Gerehu and the Owen Stanley Range.

The Stanley Hotel’s Green Haus restaurant

All rooms have flat-screen TVs with 32 channels and movies on demand, mini-bars, as well as coffee and tea-making facilities. Depending on room or apartment configuration, you’ll also find high-end room furnishings from Europe—king-sized beds, big leather lounges, coffee tables, desks, as well as fully equipped kitchens (for apartments) with cooktops, microwaves, fridges and dishwashers.

The Rainforest Cafe (6am to 6pm) serves cakes, pastries, toasted sandwiches, coffee, tea and milkshakes.

‘The Pool Deck (10am to 10pm) is for in-house guests only. Think barbecues, fish and chips, and burgers.’

The Monsoon Lounge (10am to midnight) includes a tapas-style menu. There’s comfortable, leather-lounge seating and large tables. A good place to relax with a drink.

The Green Haus Cafe (6am to 10pm) aims to serve quality basic hotel fare, including burgers, salads, sandwiches and grilled meals such as chicken breast. Buffet and à la carte available.

Pool

The pool at the Stanley

The Pool Deck (10am to 10pm) is for in-house guests only. Think barbecues, fish and chips, and burgers. Ideal for a drink outside.

The Silver Leaf Restaurant (6pm till late) is a fine-dining restaurant, opening in October. Premium, dry-aged char-grilled beef will be among the offerings.

Owen’s Market (7am to 10pm) is the convenience store. Prices are about the same as around town and there will be a good offering of smallgoods when it opens in October.

The Stanley in brief

WHO STAYS? Business travellers, with plans to expand to leisure market (a day spa is still to be built).

HOW BIG?  429 keys.

COST?  Standard rooms from PGK640 and weekend specials from PGK499 + GST.

CHECK IN & OUT
  2pm/11am

HIGHLIGHTS  Attached to Vision City Shopping Mall for safe passage to shopping, cinemas and more restaurants. Biggest conference/function room in the Southern Hemisphere, built with state-of-the-art multi-media equipment.

NEARBY  Parliament House, high commissions/embassies, National Gallery, Sir John Guise Stadium, golf course.

Wi-Fi in rooms/public areas:  Yes

Fee for Wi-Fi:  Yes

TV:  Yes

Air conditioning in room:  Yes

Ceiling fan in room:  No

Business centre:  Yes

Gym:  Yes

Room service:  Yes

Swimming pool:  Yes

Free airport transfers: Yes

Hotel arranges tours: No

This review first appeared in the September/October 2016 issue of Paradise, the in-flight magazine of Air Niugini.