Hilton Hotel - POM & Kutubu Convention Centre

[Deleted member 29185]

Recently I had a 2 night stay at H-POM. Given the hotel had only been open for two days, it was expected that there would some teething issues, so those put to the side, here is my take on POM's newest hotel and convention centre.



THE ROOMS:
I was upgraded to a King Executive Suite on the first night and due to a shower drain blockage, I was shifted to what I think was a King Deluxe Guest room, which gives me the ability to review both.

The King Executive Suite is a comfortable room however at 54m2, is reasonably small for a suite (smaller than the spa suite in CNS). It does though, have two separate rooms and a separate guest toilet. The decor is in dark chocolate and antique bronze, which gives a rich finish, tending to be verging on being too dark. Floor to ceiling windows all round does alleviate the dark feeling to a degree.



There are nice inclusions, like motorised curtains, floor level night nights and USB ports. This hotel also offers the option of Hilton's digital key to access your room, lounge and lifts (although this visit, the lifts allowed all floor access and the executive lounge was yet to commence operation).



I did like the focus on art, which was one of the highlights throughout the hotel.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

The King Deluxe Guest Room was a pretty standard Hilton guest room layout. Entry past the robe and coffee nook to the main room with the ensuite tucked in behind. At 34m2 they are a reasonable size and like all Hilton standard guest rooms, are functional. The ensuite has a large shower, no bath and decent vanity. Both rooms had a Nespresso style coffee machine. Another attraction that I do like, is the "Do Not Disturb" light on the doors. Much more convenient than the old flip tag that hangs on the handle.








THE EXECUTIVE LOUNGE:

Unfortunately, the exec lounge was not functioning so I can't comment on the range of canapes or drinks offered, but it was open and I can say that it is a very attractive and relaxing space. It was doubling up as the breakfast area for all guests (most likely due to the few guests in residence at the moment). Another highlight is an outdoor balcony which runs the length of both the exec lounge and the neighbouring "Summit", whisky bar. Despite the fact it was rainy the day I visited, Moresby is Townsville's sister city for a good reason ... both are generally dry and dusty, so rain will not usually be an issue.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

PUBLIC AREAS:

One of the pitfalls of this new Hilton is the undeniable fact that it is smack bang in the middle of a construction site ... and that won't change for a number of years, with stage two only just starting construction. As a result, the views are, shall we say, less than desirable. Right now, "Mumu" restaurant is yet to open and the convention coffee shop may only open for conventions. So we have "Summit" (15th floor whisky bar) and "Copper" (foyer coffee shop) to complement the only restaurant, "Feast". Contrary to the name Feast, the restaurant didn't yet live up to its name. The menu (from memory) had just 3 choices, 2 steak choices and one fish, along with some sides. The drinks list was OK, but a very limited selection by the glass, which for single travelers, is not good enough. The meal was nice enough, but I was not impressed in the least by "Feast", so much so that in looking back at my photos, I didn't take any of "Feast".

On the other hand, "Summit" was great. It represented a very relaxing, comfortable and salubrious place to loiter.












THE GYM & POOL

Not being a gym junkie, I have no idea what is good or otherwise, but there was one there, in prime 15th floor real estate! As for the pool, well pregnant lap pool is the reality. I was hugely disappointed with the dismal offering that does not even match many suburban back yard pools and more importantly in this tropical climate, very little shade. It's very obvious this Hilton has taken the same outlook as the previous Hilton South Wharf, that being a hotel focused predominantly on the convention market. HSW made a huge error IMHO, by not having a pool at all. I guess H-POM at least has a pool and a spa, but they seem to think that convention delegates don't also want to relax or, heaven forbid, bring their families!

 

[Deleted member 29185]

CONVENTION CENTRE:

POM now has a number of competing function centers, so I guess to make an impact, one has to go bold and bold they have certainly gone. An enormous and imposing structure, reminiscent of the traditional PNG long haus. I actually love this structure and the laminated beams are a wonder. With that in mind, I'm absolutely at a loss as to why anyone would go to such effort in getting the look right and then shove an ultra-modern, glass and aluminium rectangular box inside to act as the convention rooms. I guess everyone will have differing opinions on this, old meets new etc, but to me, they've missed the mark. One of the things I do like (found by accident) is that
they are developing a "heritage walk" which although not overly evident just yet, will hopefully end up reasonably attractive (when plants grow up etc).

 

[Deleted member 29185]

THE ART:

As I said previously, one of the understated features of this complex is the many facets of art. What I really liked about HSW was their frequent art displays in the foyer. H-POM has art everywhere and it's enjoyable. Here's a sample of it ...











THE STAFF:

Finally, but certainly not least, are the Hilton staff. I failed to spot even one grumpy looking staffer. Perhaps it's because it's a new hotel, but there were smiles and warm greetings from everywhere. From the moment I arrived at the POM Dom (I was 1/2 an hour late due to inclement weather in the highlands) I was greeted by two wonderful meet and greet ladies and a polite but chatty driver (a lady, which is a little different for PNG). Upon arrival at the hotel, everyone (without exception) greeted me warmly by name. Now that is unusual, given I'd never met them before, but I guess not too many were checking in at that point.

The reception staff were efficient and friendly and the porters were chatty and informative (even showing me the room and explaining the features). One thing that did indeed impress me, was on the second day I had been down to PNG Power and was walking back to the hotel when this man came across the road and said Mr. Swanning_it, are you OK? I recognised him as one of the guys that checked me in the day before. I guess he wasn't used to a guest waltzing along the street but what amazed me, was that he remembered my name and came over on his day off to check I was OK! Well done. That gesture was very much appreciated.

I could not complain about any of the staff, except some were understandably undertaking training, but I can really congratulate Hilton on securing the services of one guy in particular ... Mark. PNG nationals often have a reserved, polite and quiet demeanor as a show of respect. These are admirable qualities indeed, but often they can be a bit too reserved for guests in a multinational hotel. Mark on the other hand, is vibrant, effervescent and far from shy. I met him whilst he was working in the whisky bar and he was entertaining, informative and uplifting. Well done to Mark and to Hilton. He will be a real asset, I'm convinced of that and hopefully Mark's enthusiasm may even influence some of the other staff. All in all, they're doing really well so far.

CONCLUSION:

Hilton will I think struggle a little until the shopping centre across the road and stage 2 finishes. Until then it will feel like you're staying in a construction site, and there is very little that can change that. I have no idea what stage 2 will encompass, but I'm told it will be a combination of hotel and residential apartments. I'm hoping that stage 2 has some Hilton residences and also a more comprehensive entertainment (pool) zone.

Someone mentioned in another thread that Hilton was rumoured to be expensive, even by POM standards and I guess that is true. As I currently see it, Hilton have placed themselves just a bit cheaper than The Stanley. I'm sure Hilton management are fully aware that comparisons will be made between The Stanley and the Hilton. Although Hilton has features I like over The Stanley, there is no getting away from The Stanley's benefits, being closer to the Waigani Gov't district, direct access to POM's largest shopping centre (Vision City) and an expansive pool deck, not to mention larger rooms than the Hilton (especially the suites). My view is that the Hilton is an obvious winner for anyone attending conferences at Kutubu Convention centre. The Stanley is the big winner for anyone wanting more leisure or the easy access to the shopping centre. Something I have not yet confirmed with Hilton, is whether they'll be offering a weekend special. This is an often unpublished rate that knocks about K200/night off The Stanley's published rates and includes breakfast. A similar deal is also offered by Laguna, which also offers a better entertainment option for couples or families. Time will tell what happens, but I'm left with no doubt that the opening of the Hilton will have a positive effect on the POM hotel industry.

 

[kermatu]

Thanks for this great rundown and all the pics. Hopefully the lounge will be running by your next visit.

I agree that staff making the effort to know your name is a big plus. I’m always impressed when staff recall my name on a return visit potentially months apart.

One question - is the airport transfer complimentary? And if so, for certain guests only?

 

[Deleted member 29185]

One question - is the airport transfer complimentary? And if so, for certain guests only?

Yes complementary for all guests. That is a POM standard with all hotels and some guest houses.

 

[kermatu]

Yes complementary for all guests. That is a POM standard with all hotels and some guest houses.

Good to know. Veering a bit OT but is this because taxis and other transport are unreliable or unwise to use?

 

[Deleted member 29185]

No. It's a hangover of the days when POM was a dodgy town. Some will argue with me, but I personally rate POM as being a safer city than the Gold Coast.

The taxis are great. Wave your hand and there will be one parked on your toes pretty much instantly. Don't worry about the meter (or lack thereof) just negotiate a rate with the driver.

 

[ric_melb]

Excellent review and photos of the new Hilton and Convention Centre. I am sure they will be invaluable for anyone heading to Port Moresby.

 

[JessicaTam]

Thanks for the review. I guess I need to head north to check it out.

 

[puppysparkes]

The King Deluxe Guest Room was a pretty standard Hilton guest room layout. Entry past the robe and coffee nook to the main room with the ensuite tucked in behind. At 34m2 they are a reasonable size and like all Hilton standard guest rooms, are functional. The ensuite has a large shower, no bath and decent vanity. Both rooms had a Nespresso style coffee machine. Another attraction that I do like, is the "Do Not Disturb" light on the doors. Much more convenient than the old flip tag that hangs on the handle.

View attachment 142608

View attachment 142609

View attachment 142610


THE EXECUTIVE LOUNGE:

Unfortunately, the exec lounge was not functioning so I can't comment on the range of canapes or drinks offered, but it was open and I can say that it is a very attractive and relaxing space. It was doubling up as the breakfast area for all guests (most likely due to the few guests in residence at the moment). Another highlight is an outdoor balcony which runs the length of both the exec lounge and the neighbouring "Summit", whisky bar. Despite the fact it was rainy the day I visited, Moresby is Townsville's sister city for a good reason ... both are generally dry and dusty, so rain will not usually be an issue.

View attachment 142611

View attachment 142612

View attachment 142613

View attachment 142614

View attachment 142615

View attachment 142616

I love that Manus pic!!! reminds me that I need to head back soon.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Yep! I liked that too. The guest room had similar for Hela. I just went looking for a pic but I failed to take one. It was better than the Manus one.

Speaking of Manus, i wanted to visit there recently, (a perfect little island to the east of Manus I want to visit, plus the mystical mermaid lagoon and cave) but the rtn airfare only was K3400 for both of us! Bugger that, I thought and cancelled that idea. PX are taking the P*ss as they are the only ones that fly there. Shame for the loss of tourism $$'s but I'm thinking PX are successfully ripping the AU taxpayer off enough to make tourism unneeded (too bad for the poor sods who live there and actually need the service to be affordable )

 

[moa999]

No. It's a hangover of the days when POM was a dodgy town.

Interesting.

Recently had a chat with a regular PNG traveller who had just returned from POM.
They don't travel in POM or Lae without an armed driver. Says the risk of carjackings even in daylight is still high.

Mostly youth gangs who have been booted out of their village and made their way to the city.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Interesting.

Recently had a chat with a regular PNG traveller who had just returned from POM.
They don't travel in POM or Lae without an armed driver. Says the risk of carjackings even in daylight is still high.

Mostly youth gangs who have been booted out of their village and made their way to the city.

Many expats are governed by their companies/departments policies, which include "no walking", and escorts etc. I doubt their drivers are armed. The only armed drivers/guards I've seen for many years are those associated with high level dignitaries or money delivery companies to business, banks and ATM's (same as Australia, I believe ). The high level of security around the place is (IMHO) nothing more than an employment scheme that everyone tends to opt into. A classic example are the gates. Basically all businesses have gates and the vast majority are manually operated. Despite electric openers being available, most businesses opt to employ 4-6 "guards" to stand around and manually open and close the gates. Many of the guards would run a mile if any trouble started.

A lot of the razor wire is disappearing from fences. The airport is a totally safe zone (unlike some airports where I've been). The vast majority of the Pom population are polite, friendly, inquisitive and interested. Lots of people fear going out of their comfort zones and experiencing Pom. I talk to many people in the streets, from "shady looking", to older folk, to teenagers on their way to school, to children and almost without exception, I get a positive chat back again, yet up until a few years ago, I was like many of the others. Caught in the belief that it is dangerous to interact with the PNG people. I used to, up until a few years ago, always rent a vehicle as I was always told taxi's are dangerous. I've since learnt by experimentation and now, experience of a number of years, that taxi's are not just "safe", but they are the most convenient way to get around, far cheaper than renting and without the problems of fuel, breakdowns, accident, cleaning fees etc that come with a rental.

I'm not for one minute suggesting that Pom is a crime free utopia. It isn't, but it also isn't the crime infested ghetto that many people believe it is (including some long term Pom travelers). When I'm at home on the Gold Coast, I'm faced daily with a barrage of sometimes quite horrific crime news, often perpetrated on a totally innocent victim, often resulting in death. Gold Coast and Pom have similar population numbers. Usually, any violent crime in Pom is tribal related or payback. It's very unusual for violent crime to be "random" in Pom. Petty crime in Pom can be random, but often it's because temptation is waved in front of someone with very limited means and the "opportunity" is too good. As an example, I used to carry my wallet in my back pocket (as do many men). I now carry it in a front pants pocket. That change was not because I had it stolen in Pom, it was because I actually got sick of all the (PNG National) good Samaritans coming up to me and tapping me on the shoulder to advise me not to keep my wallet in my back pocket in case it's stolen! I'm not joking. People need to start realising that although Pom still has crime, it's quite likely less proportionate to a similar population in "safe" tourist centres like the Gold Coast. BTW, I don't think the Gold Coast is unsafe either, but I do believe Pom offers less "random" risk of becoming a victim. Some kid could do a thesis on that perhaps!!

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Mostly youth gangs who have been booted out of their village and made their way to the city.

Just a quick addition, I disagree with your last line Moa999. In PNG the vast majority of youth are exceptionally respectful, quiet, reserved and hard working. It is rare to see an over weight child or teenager in PNG. Late teens often leave their villages to seek employment in the cities to send money back to the village. They are not "booted out". The problem lies in finding that work in the city. Unemployment is high (despite what rhetoric the Gov't puts on it) and an idle teen means they will likely get up to no good. It does not mean they lose their values and their respectfulness. In fact I personally know some raskol gang members and they are the most polite kids in a difficult situation and regularly, I'm asked to help them find work. They want to work. The gang simply helps them survive. Remember, in PNG there is no such thing as welfare. There are no Gov't handouts.

About a year ago, I came across a 29 YO man, who absolutely astounded me with his abilities (he taught himself to fix computers, printers, scanners etc which he did to make money to survive... he was actually running a business) and my company offered him a job. His aptitude assessment ranked him higher than anyone I had ever given this assessment to previously, both in Australia and PNG. He is now doing an apprenticeship to gain a trade qualification, yet his story is one that makes me so sad. When he was ten, both his parents died. His village blamed him and believe to this day, he is possessed by an evil spirit. He gained no support and was cast out (which is a better option than others have for kids believed to be possessed). He ended up as a street kid in Pom and he would have done many things I'd guess he is not proud of, but he would have only done them as a means of survival. He ended up being taken in by the Catholic Church who gave him his education. He married a lovely young Engan lady, but because of his situation, had no way to pay a "bride price". A bride price can be a substantial amount of money and kind and it's not unusual for perhaps 20 pigs and K10000 in cash being demanded (a pig in Enga is roughly worth K3000 - K5000). To this day, I work with this man to keep him focused on his future potential as his "in-laws" consider him to be a waste of skin and useless because he hasn't paid the bride price. His wife has left him a few times (taking his 3 kids with her), not because she doesn't love him, but because of pressure from her family. Happily, at the moment, things are on track, he is progressing well. His wife is supporting him more and less inclined to bow to family pressures. He is also a fabulous artist and I recently took him an artbook, paints, brushes, pencils etc, all of which he could not afford. He and his family have a very bright future, but the external pressures are enormous. He (and his wife) are very polite, respectful and intelligent young people. He needed so desperately for someone to simply tell him how well he was doing in difficult circumstances. Eventually, he will be able to afford the bride price and he will be a very sort after worker and he was just another street kid in Pom.