Lamana Hotel

Breakfast was included, but as a vegetarian I found the choices disappointing and repetitive. Most days it was just fruit and the same bread, with no basic vegetarian alternatives. The hotel has potential, but the service problems made my stay frustrating and uncomfortable. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone wanting an easy, hassle-free visit. The Wi-Fi in my room barely worked. I called reception more than 10 times without getting a useful fix. I could only get a stable signal near the bathroom or door, which made it hard to work or even check email. The connection worked fine in reception and the dining areas, but kept dropping in the rooms. Check-in was another problem. I arrived early in the morning, 6 to 7 hours before the standard check-in time, and had deliberately booked an extra night to avoid issues. Even though I’d already paid for that extra night and hadn’t actually stayed in it, staff asked me to pay a no-show charge equal to one night. I spent over an hour explaining the booking, and they kept insisting on another charge until I clarified it several times. After a long journey, that was frustrating and unnecessary.

The grounds are fairly large, and the surroundings are pleasant and quiet. Security seems good, with a closed gate and two guards watching it. My room was spacious and had the expected amenities. The Wi-Fi only seemed to work in certain spots in the room.

The room was modern and well equipped, and the breakfast buffet was basic but okay. The location was also fine, about 10 minutes from the airport and around 15 minutes from Ela beach and the CBD. The driver recommended by the hotel concierge was reliable and reasonably priced. The hotel has a good physical setup, but communication and service fell short of international hotel standards. I booked through Qantas Hotels and tried several times to confirm my reservation and airport pickup using the email listed on the hotel website. I later learned that address was incorrect, and I got no response. On the morning of my flight, I called and was assured the shuttle would meet me. When I arrived at Port Moresby, nobody was there. It took about 20 minutes to find the hotel representative, who was on a break, then at least another 30 minutes for the shuttle to arrive. During that wait, the representative said the hotel couldn’t find my booking. At the hotel, I waited another 30 minutes while the reservations team searched, though they eventually found it. The room they gave me was much larger than the one I’d booked. Soon after I arrived, I got a call saying I had to change rooms because mine hadn’t been cleaned, although it clearly had been. I was told to wait for the concierge to take me to the new room. After an hour, I’d had enough of waiting and went to Ela beach for the afternoon. When I returned, reception staff lightly scolded me for being away after they had tried to call, even though I’d already told them I didn’t have a local number. I raised all of this with the manager, who said, “it won’t happen next time”. I wasn’t offered an apology or compensation. When I checked out, the airport shuttle was 20 minutes late, despite my confirming the pickup time twice with reception the night before.

I’ve watched the Melbourne Cup there during the day, and it was one of my first times in the main party area. 😬 I haven’t done the “Lamana till malana” thing though, haha! My parents stay there often, and conferences are held there too. It’s central and the service is great.