Review
The new Stanley Hotel
LOCATION
Port Moresby’s newest hotel opened in July and is in central Waigani, right in the political heart of the city. It’s 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 summit rolls around in 2018.
THE PLACE
The five-star 19-storey hotel has a resort-style design and is one of the biggest hotels in the Southern Hemisphere. 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).
There are five eateries and a convenience store. Of the eateries, two are cafes, two restaurants, and one is alfresco by the swimming pool.
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.
IN THE ROOMS
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 – kingsized beds, big leather lounges, coffee tables, desks, as well as fully equipped kitchens (for apartments) with cooktops, microwaves, fridges and dishwashers.
FOOD AND DRINK
The Rainforest Cafe (6am to 6pm) serves cakes, pastries, toasted sandwiches, coffee, tea and milkshakes.
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 a la carte available.
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. – GRACE MARIBU