PNG hotel review

Lae’s Crossroads Hotel

WHO STAYS? It attracts a wide range of clientele, from business travellers to tourists, groups and long-stay guests.

HOW BIG? 42 double rooms, 14 fourbedroom serviced apartments and a sixbedroom house.

COST Standard rooms from PGK375 per night. CHECK IN 3pm CHECK out 10am

Highlights Surely Lae’s best-value hotel, with reliable service, a wide range of facilities and an attractive setting.

NEARBY Lae’s attractions include a botanical garden, a famous war cemetery and the Rainforest Habitat. Wi-Fi: TV: Air conditioners in room: Ceiling fan in room: Business centre: Gym: Room service: Swimming pool: Free airport transfers: Hotel arranges tours: Breakfast included in room charge:

LOCATION

About 15 minutes from the city centre, on the way to Lae’s Nadzab Airport (24 kilometres).

the place

Located in a lush and tranquil park-like setting, this privately owned (by the Hornibrook group) property offers comfortable and competitively-priced regular hotel rooms as well as larger options for groups or longer stays. The Sunset Bar, located next to the large Infinity pool, is also is a popular meeting spot. A decent restaurant that offers ‘something for everyone’ and a surprisingly spacious gym round out the facilities.

ROOMS

The standard hotel rooms (some with pool views) are functional in design with ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, fridge, Nespresso machine, flatscreen TV and Wi-Fi.

FOOD AND DRINK

The first-floor Mountain View Restaurant has plenty of standard international fare (pasta, grill) and a variety of Asian choices. Its signature dishes are Japanese, ranging from sushi/sashimi platters to rice bowls and udon noodles. Breakfast is also served here from 5am. My only quibble was the lack of an espresso machine, but plunger or Nespresso coffee is readily available. The same menu is also available at the lively poolside bar, where the pizzas are a popular choice.

WHAT GUESTS LIKE

“It is a very safe and well presented hotel with top security and friendly staff.” – TripAdvisor “We stayed at the Crossroads Hotel for a week and found all the staff to be very friendly and helpful, the room was very clean and tidy and we had a lovely view of the pool and mountain ranges to wake up to.” – TripAdvisor “Great pool. Super clean. Very friendly and helpful staff. Beautiful landscaping and scenery.” – Booking.com