Port Moresby has a plethora of hotels, but they range from the good, bad to very ugly. The Lamana Hotel though seems to exist in that very sweet spot in the middle.
And for us it was actually an accident that we found it, with the Crown Hotel being full. This meant that we ended up using it for both our Mount Hagen and Goroka tours.
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There Port Moresby Hotel scene…
Port Moresby is one of those cities where the hotel scene is as much a part of your travel experience as the destination itself. Landing in the capital of Papua New Guinea, you’ll quickly realize that your choice of accommodation isn’t just about finding a place to sleep—it’s about security, comfort, and maybe even a touch of luxury.
While there are a lot of hotels in Port Moresby, there is a strange range of options. This means that “cheap” hotels are not all that cheap and if you book at the right time expensive hotels are not all that much higher in price,
The upscale options, like the Stanley Hotel, Airways Hotel, or the Hilton are practically fortresses. You’ll find top-notch security, luxurious rooms, and even helicopter services for guests who want to bypass the city’s notorious traffic. Think fancy lobbies, infinity pools, and views overlooking the sprawling city or the endless blue ocean.
Upscale wise I always go for there Hilton and have had many a good night there. I no longer recommend the Holiday Inn and it should not at all be viewed as high-end.
For those looking for something more budget-friendly, hotels and guesthouses offer basic amenities, but safety can be a concern.
While they may lack the polish of the higher-end options, some places exude that rugged charm you’d expect from a frontier city. Wherever you stay, Port Moresby’s hotels are an oasis—a break from the chaotic streets and unpredictable nature of this fascinating but often misunderstood city.
To read about if Port Moresby is safe click here.
Overview on the Lamana Hotel Port Moresby
The Lamana Hotel in Port Moresby is where modern comforts meet the chaotic charm of Papua New Guinea’s capital. If you’re looking for a place that offers both convenience and a touch of luxury, this is the spot. Nestled in the heart of the city, Lamana is more than just a place to crash—it’s a full-on experience.
Walk through the doors and you’re greeted by stylish decor and a lively atmosphere. The rooms are modern and comfortable, but it’s the extras that make Lamana stand out. Whether you’re chilling by the pool, grabbing a bite at one of their restaurants, or hitting the popular Gold Club nightclub, there’s always something to keep you entertained (more on that later)
Security is tight, which is a must in Port Moresby, and the hotel has shuttle services for both airport transfers and exploring the city. Business travelers will appreciate the conference facilities, while tourists will love its proximity to local attractions. It’s a one-stop shop for everything you need while navigating this wild city. Sure, it’s not the cheapest option, but the Lamana Hotel is a safe and stylish way to experience the unpredictable energy of Port Moresby.
Rooms at the Lamana Hotel
Rooms at the Lamana Hotel follow a bit of a continuum with simple rooms being just that, but there also being some great deluxe rooms, as well as self-contained apartments. In essence this hotel is a fortress and has a lot of variants to offer.
With that being said though the ways the numbers are done is a little weird, as well as the fact that there are no lifts and you may have to hike bags up and down 3 floors.
The open plan system though is nice and in all honesty the Lamana Hotel is about much more than the rooms.
The Lamana Hotel – a city within a city?
OK, so while most all hotels in Port Moresby are mini-fortresses with everything you could need inside, the Lamana takes things to another level.
This is evident when you go behind reception and are greeted to a barbers and a number of shops, and this is before you get to the entertainment area.
Here there are a plethoras of restaurants, a bar, a nightclub and even a casino. This actually also makes it one of the places to be in Port Moresby.
Food wise Spices Restaurant has a pretty decent menu, as wells a good wine list meaning at least one good steak and wine night for me and Justin Martel of Pioneer Media fame.
And the nightlife?
With the bar and club this is apparently one of the places to be and this is in no doubt because they also take security very seriously. This was to such a degree that I almost could not bring in a local friend. And while it might seem racist it is a fact in PNG that your face will get you into most places, so long as it is white.
On this front I am actually amazed how security is done at all, with most customers of course being local. How they manage to avoid the Rascals I do don’t know, but I for one felt safe here.
So, not the cheapest, nor the most expensive hotel in POM, but a great choice if you want value combined with no reason to ever have to leave your hotel.
Click the link for YPT’s PNG Tours.