Grand Papua Hotel review

The Grand Papua is the flagship of Coral Sea Hotels, Papua New Guinea’s largest hotel group, and easily the most luxurious hotel in the country. Its 161 rooms and suites fill a hilltop tower in central Port Moresby with sweeping views over the bay.

Setting and arrival

The marble lobby and polished service signal from the outset that this is a different class of hotel, not only by local standards but by international ones.

The rooms

Our Executive Rooms on an upper floor had everything a working traveller needs: a comfortable desk, fast Wi-Fi, satellite TV, a safe, coffee and tea facilities and a minimalist bathroom with shower. The real star is the view across the city and the water.

Dining and drinks

The Grand Café is a busy lunchtime spot for sandwiches and coffee, popular with the city’s business crowd. The Grand Brasserie, on the lobby level, serves international, Asian and Pacific dishes throughout the day. The Executive Club Lounge, in sleek black and white with floor-to-ceiling windows, has an open-air terrace made for sunset champagne, and the colonial-style Grand Bar, with wooden floors and high ceilings, is a characterful place for a drink.

Spa and facilities

The Grand Spa by Spa Pua offers massages and treatments, the gym is well equipped, and the outdoor pool, with its own bar, is good for laps or sunbathing. There is also a hair salon and event space for up to 600 guests.

The verdict

The management team went well beyond the expected, arranging a tour of the city and a kayak trip from the Royal Papua Yacht Club to explore Second World War wrecks in the harbour. The Grand Papua is not just the best hotel in Port Moresby; it would hold its own in any capital.

• Rooms: 8.5
• Service: 9.5
• Dining: 8.5
• Facilities and spa: 9.0
• Location: 9.0

Grand Papua Hotel, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

David stayed as a guest of the hotel. Based on a stay in January 2017. Facilities, menus and prices may have changed since.