In my quest to do absolutely bloody everything there is to do in Port Moresby I just stayed at the fairly renowned Loloata Resort for the first time to see if it was worth using for my customers.
And the result? Extremely mixed. As the cool kids might say these days, 6-7, 6-7. And here’s why….
Table of Contents
What the Loloata Resort?
Loloata Resort is a private island resort just off the coast of Port Moresby. It is about as far from the chaos of the city as you can get without actually leaving the country. Palm trees, a tiny beach, dive shops, a bar pretending to be a cocktail lounge, you know the deal.
The resort is owned by the same people behind Lamana Hotel which immediately sets expectations. Lamana is solid for expats and business types so you think Loloata should be similarly well-run. On paper it is the kind of place you would bring your mates if you wanted to feel like you were escaping the madness of PNG but still have a proper bed and a shower that works.
The wider hotel scene in Port Moresby is grim. Hilton, Airways, Crown, they are all safe and functional but are victims of a dangerous city. Loloata tries to be a proper resort. It is not quite there but at least it is aiming in the right direction.
Getting to the Loloata Resort
Getting here is a mission. They will pick you up from the airport which you really need because POM is chaos. I landed at 2 am and was told the ferry would leave at 2.30 pm. Then it got moved to 4.30 pm. By this point I was about ready to throw my laptop into the lagoon. I kicked up a stink, threatened to cancel, and suddenly a solution appeared.
That solution was a banana boat. Ten minutes later I was on the island. Perfect.
Leaving was easier. They dropped me straight to the Hilton with no drama. So getting there is messy, getting out is easy. Typical PNG.
The Facilities and food
The resort has the basics. Pool, beach, dive shop, bar and restaurant. The beach is alright by Port Moresby standards. The pool however was one of the dirtiest I have ever seen in my life. Bits floating everywhere. No thank you.
Breakfast is decent enough. Not spectacular but edible, eggs, toast, fruit. Room service is expensive, limited and bloody slow. Ninety minutes for lukewarm pasta. Diving is the main attraction and people who come for that seem happy but if you are just chilling do not expect much.
What are the rooms like at Loloata Resort
Rooms are mostly on the beach or over the water. Deluxe rooms have a balcony with killer views which is basically the only thing saving this place from being a disaster. Aircon works, TV works, bed is comfy. Do not expect cheap.
Garden rooms are around 200 US dollars per night and are basic but okay. Beachfront rooms are around 250 US dollars per night with better views and easier access to the water. Overwater bungalows are 300 US dollars plus per night, the views are amazing and this is the full resort vibe.
You are paying for location and vibe more than luxury and when things break or take forever you feel it.
Is it worth staying at the Loloata Resort?
Here is the 200 US dollar question. Positives are clear. This is a proper resort, far from Port Moresby madness, nice rooms, good vibe. Negatives are hard to ignore. Badly run, ferry chaos, slow service, pool disgusting. My bags took two hours to reach the room. Room service took ninety minutes and was not that great.
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Overall it is worth it for a night if you need a change of scenery. Longer than that and the cracks start to show. Honestly the Hilton is better value if you do not care about the beach. Initially I was considering Loloata for tours. Long story short, I am not anymore.
6-7, 6-7. Not bad but not worth the hassle.
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