Bird of Paradise Hotel and Apartments

The restaurant food was surprisingly decent, and the location is handy, right in town and close to the airport. The free pickup is included, though the airport is only a five-minute walk away. Goroka has few places to stay, and Bird of Paradise Hotel was one of the handful bookable online. Before my visit, I sent several emails and messages and got no reply. The reception staff weren’t much help either. On checkout they gave me a bill $50 above my booking price, but lowered it as soon as I questioned it. The hotel and its facilities feel very old, perhaps from the 70s or 80s, with no sign of renovation. My room had neither air conditioning nor hot water. I travel often and stay in all sorts of places, but this was absurdly expensive for what you get.

The location is hard to beat, and everything was spotless and well looked after. I had a wonderful stay, with delicious food and plenty of choices at each meal. The manager and front desk team were especially good: professional, courteous, friendly, and ready to go out of their way to help. Their customer service was impeccable, and they made me feel welcome. Best hotel in Goroka. I’d definitely stay here again!

Dinner service was painfully slow every night, so I’d suggest ordering an hour and a half ahead. One woman in our group never got her meal because they forgot it. In the room, there was no hairdryer, and the shower door wouldn’t shut properly, leaving water all over the floor.

The laundry was quick and excellent, and the front desk ladies worked hard to keep things running and guests happy. The rooms were clean and a decent size, with good lighting and fast Wi-Fi, though it was hard to stay connected. There’s hot water, but the old bathroom fixtures leak. The rooms feel stuffy, with no air conditioning and just one ceiling fan that has to run full blast. At least they have a generator. For Garoka, this is the town’s best hotel, though it’s pretty average. The restaurant menu is the same across Coral Sea properties, and the food feels uninspired. Even the buffets lack much spark. During the Garoka show, room rates can top $500, far more than they’re worth, so book through a local operator. On Garoka Saturday, hotel guests can’t use the main restaurant because it’s reserved for a private event. Instead, they send you to a stuffy room off reception that feels like a sauna, even with the fan running. There isn’t enough seating, cutlery, crockery, or warm food, and the food can sit there for over an hour. No eggs at breakfast either. Pretty poor. Better to eat elsewhere that Saturday.