Port Moresby - Hotel and Activity Recommendations?
Oct 30, 2018, 11:49 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: PVD, BOS
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,664
Port Moresby - Hotel and Activity Recommendations?
I'm going to be in northern Australia in January and I've booked tickets for a short trip to PNG. Purpose of the trip is solely to check PNG off the list. I'll be in Port Moresby for a short overnight stay, arriving midday Saturday from BNE and departing Sunday morning to CNS. Looking for hotel and activity suggestions that aren't crazy expensive.
1. Hotels
Ideally, I'd book a room at Loloata Dive Resort and just relax, but it's closed for redevelopment. Any other nearby places that are safe and will allow me to escape the city?
If not, that probably means I'm stuck in Port Moresby. I'd like to see some of the city and not be stuck in a hotel room or at the hotel pool the entire time. Any recommendation among Airways, Stanley, Gateway, Crowne Plaza, Grand Papua or ??? Any of these hotels is within my budget.
2. Activities
Any suggestions for a reasonably priced 3-4 hour tour guide to see the city? Due to safety concerns, I'd prefer not to take my chances roaming the city alone. I've found a couple different guides offering 4 hour city tours for around $400 US, which is insane. Easily the most expensive 4hr tour I've ever seen. Perhaps just try to get the hotel to arrange something for me?
1. Hotels
Ideally, I'd book a room at Loloata Dive Resort and just relax, but it's closed for redevelopment. Any other nearby places that are safe and will allow me to escape the city?
If not, that probably means I'm stuck in Port Moresby. I'd like to see some of the city and not be stuck in a hotel room or at the hotel pool the entire time. Any recommendation among Airways, Stanley, Gateway, Crowne Plaza, Grand Papua or ??? Any of these hotels is within my budget.
2. Activities
Any suggestions for a reasonably priced 3-4 hour tour guide to see the city? Due to safety concerns, I'd prefer not to take my chances roaming the city alone. I've found a couple different guides offering 4 hour city tours for around $400 US, which is insane. Easily the most expensive 4hr tour I've ever seen. Perhaps just try to get the hotel to arrange something for me?
Jun 1, 2019, 5:36 pm
#2
Join Date: May 2006
Location: GA
Programs: VA-PLT, QF-GLD, DL-GM, UA-ex1K, AA-exPLT, HH-DM, IHG-PLT, MR-GLD
Posts: 8,242
Hi @swingaling , did you end up going to PNG?
I have 2 nights in POM coming up in a few months, and trying to sort out what to do.
I have 2 nights in POM coming up in a few months, and trying to sort out what to do.
Jun 1, 2019, 6:58 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: PVD, BOS
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,664
Hi @swingaling , did you end up going to PNG?
I have 2 nights in POM coming up in a few months, and trying to sort out what to do.
I have 2 nights in POM coming up in a few months, and trying to sort out what to do.
Jun 1, 2019, 7:30 pm
#4
Join Date: May 2006
Location: GA
Programs: VA-PLT, QF-GLD, DL-GM, UA-ex1K, AA-exPLT, HH-DM, IHG-PLT, MR-GLD
Posts: 8,242
I went to POM in January. Didn't really do much of anything, as I had a pretty nasty sinus infection at the time. I got the distinct impression that there was more to do outside the city than in.
Bummer about the infection. Did you feel like there were day trips from the Hilton? I'm there for 2 nights, and wouldn't mind a day excursion on my one full day. Maybe the concierge at the Hilton could help? It doesn't seem like enough time to go stay those 2 nights too far from the city, and I do have Diamond status.
Jun 2, 2019, 10:24 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: PVD, BOS
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,664
Thanks. Appreciate the trip report.
Bummer about the infection. Did you feel like there were day trips from the Hilton? I'm there for 2 nights, and wouldn't mind a day excursion on my one full day. Maybe the concierge at the Hilton could help? It doesn't seem like enough time to go stay those 2 nights too far from the city, and I do have Diamond status.
Bummer about the infection. Did you feel like there were day trips from the Hilton? I'm there for 2 nights, and wouldn't mind a day excursion on my one full day. Maybe the concierge at the Hilton could help? It doesn't seem like enough time to go stay those 2 nights too far from the city, and I do have Diamond status.
Prior to arrival, I inquired with the hotel about the possibility of having them arrange a half day city tour for me. They provided a price sheet for an armed escort from a Black Swan in response. Exact response below:
Black Swan rates are as follows;
Find attached the Black Swan price structure for your reference.
Let us know if you require any further assistance.
- 0-5km - K50.00+GST
- 5-10km - K100.00+GST
- 10-15km - K150.00+GST
- Additional stops - K20.00+GST
Find attached the Black Swan price structure for your reference.
Let us know if you require any further assistance.
Jun 2, 2019, 7:31 pm
#6
Join Date: May 2006
Location: GA
Programs: VA-PLT, QF-GLD, DL-GM, UA-ex1K, AA-exPLT, HH-DM, IHG-PLT, MR-GLD
Posts: 8,242
Thanks for your help. Dang, I'm a little stuck. I don't have any reason to be in POM, but 2 nights is tight if I'm trying to fly anywhere. Loloata looks nice, but it's already mid 2019 so unsure if they'll be open in Sept.
Jun 3, 2019, 8:49 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: PVD, BOS
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,664
Day trips to Sogeri Plateau and Yule Island are possible, though the former is potentially unsafe, with young people hiding in the park to attack.