The Belagri Hotel and Convention

Before my dive trip with Sorong Dive School, I had a really good stay here. The staff were welcoming, the rooms spacious, and the beds comfortable. It was clean and peaceful, so I could rest before the adventure. The harbor is nearby, making it easy to catch a ferry or boat transfer to Raja Ampat. For divers going to Raja Ampat, whether on a liveaboard or to a resort, this is a comfortable, well-placed option.

For one night before an early flight, it was fine. The desk helped arrange a private taxi after we were disappointed to find no airport transfers. Sorong Harbor is only minutes away for boats to Raja Ampat, and the bed was comfortable with working AC, though the bathroom was a bit unpleasant. The bars and restaurants seemed deserted, and the menu choices were limited. Drinks were very expensive, too: a bottle of Jacob's Creek Siraz came to over $110 USD, with few alternatives. It seems geared toward local conventions, and there was a business convention while we were there. Had I known the restaurants were so limited, I probably would have booked elsewhere, since there don't seem to be other options close by.

The only thing going for this hotel is its location: an easy walk downhill to the shopping mall and about an hour on foot to the main market. The place itself is ghastly and in a sorry state, though it may once have been a good building. The rooms were extremely dirty and the bathrooms even worse. The sheets had dirt marks despite apparently being washed, and we wondered if they'd used detergent at all. We kept our shoes on and wore our own scuba boots in the shower. Don't go unless everywhere else is full. I wouldn't trust the positive reviews; they must be planted by locals.

The rooftop terrace has a great view over Sorong, and the air conditioning worked properly. The room had a normal toilet and toilet paper. But the bathroom was very small, and the room had an unpleasant closed-up smell. I understand there was no window, though another room smelled better, so perhaps it can be improved. Be careful ordering Cobek dishes. Even the lowest spice level on the menu is super spicy.