Marina Mamberamo Hotel

The view faces the harbor, with dirt and commercial ships all around, and it gets very noisy at night. The Wi-Fi was poor and kept cutting out even though there were hardly any guests. Breakfast was rice, noodles, and bread, with a little mango and watermelon, some cereal with milk, and regular Indonesian coffee. The rooms were extremely dirty. One had coffee, tea, and other unknown splashes on the walls, writing on them, filthy bathroom shelves, and a bad smell. The first room smelled so awful I nearly threw up, so I asked to move. The second, on the 4th floor, still smelled bad, but was bearable. The sheets and towels were stained, though at least the towels smelled somewhat clean.

The staff were very friendly and helpful. It’s a little outside central Sorong, which might not work for everyone, though it’s only a short taxi ride from the airport. The hotel is basic and dated and could use refurbishment. Rooms have WiFi, AC, a mini fridge, and a kettle.

I only saw the reception, lounge, and dining areas, not the rooms, during a few-hour wait for a boat transfer to a resort at Raja Ampat. The hotel looked clean and well kept, and breakfast had a good range of western options like cereal and toast alongside local food such as steamed rice, noodles, meat, and vegetable dishes. Coffee is prepared local style, with grounds and hot water, so don’t expect a latte or another espresso drink.

Service was excellent. The hotel itself is average, and all the rooms are smoking rooms. For food, Tembok Jerman is just across the way, which is handy since getting around Sorong can be difficult.