Long-established Port Moresby hotel offering basic but clean rooms with good security. Swimming pool, restaurant, and bar on-site. Popular with budget-conscious business travelers and NGO workers. Reasonable rates for the capital.
Lamana Hotel is one of Port Moresby's longest-running budget properties, situated on Waigani Drive in the administrative heart of the National Capital District. The hotel is within walking distance of national government offices and a short drive from Parliament House, placing it conveniently for guests whose work centres on public service, international development, or the non-governmental sector — the categories of traveller that have historically made up the bulk of its clientele. Jacksons International Airport is roughly 17 kilometres away by road.
The property has a functional, no-frills character that reflects decades of serving cost-conscious travellers on tight per diems and long project contracts. Buildings are single and two-storey, set around a compound with a small outdoor swimming pool. Rooms are compact but clean, with air conditioning, television, and private bathrooms. The Wi-Fi is serviceable across most of the property.
The on-site restaurant offers an accessible menu of PNG and international staples — rice dishes, grilled meats, and simple Western options — at prices that compare favourably with other Port Moresby establishments. The bar attracts a loyal local crowd and functions as a low-key social hub in the evenings, particularly midweek when government workers and NGO staff decompress after long days in the field or at desk.
Lamana's security perimeter, while less elaborate than the city's top-tier hotels, provides adequate protection — a key consideration for all Port Moresby accommodation. Staff are experienced at helping guests navigate the city, locate services, and arrange reliable transportation. For travellers prioritising cost containment over amenity depth, Lamana delivers consistent value in a well-positioned location.
Amenities
- pool
- restaurant
- bar
- free wifi
- security
Location
Waigani Drive, Port Moresby
-9.4597, 147.1828 View on map
Highlights
- One of Port Moresby's most affordable secured hotels, with a long track record among NGO and development-sector travellers
- Waigani Drive location close to government ministries, parliament, and international agency offices
- On-site restaurant and bar with accessible PNG and international menu at budget-friendly prices
- Small outdoor pool within the secured compound for cooling off after work
- Practical room configuration with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and Wi-Fi across the property
Tips for visiting
- Ask for a room away from Waigani Drive to avoid road noise; rear-facing rooms on the upper floor are quieter and catch better breezes.
- The restaurant closes relatively early; if returning late from off-site dinner, bring snacks from a supermarket or fuel station as in-room dining options are limited.
- Staff can recommend reliable taxi drivers for the airport run; negotiate the fare at the desk before the trip rather than on the street.
When to visit
Open year-round. Port Moresby's dry season from May to October brings reduced humidity and is generally preferred by visitors.
Accessibility
Mostly single-storey layout. Contact the hotel directly for accessibility requirements before booking.