Cliff Rainbow Hotel

The Cliff Rainbow has served Pohnpei for decades from its perch on the hillside above Kolonia, the leafy, rain-washed little capital of the Federated States of Micronesia. It is a modest, family-run operation—terraced buildings, verandas catching the harbour breeze, a restaurant known locally for its fish plates and generous breakfasts—and it remains one of the island's most dependable addresses for the business visitors, researchers and adventurous travellers who reach this far corner of the Pacific.

Rooms vary across the terraces from simple standards to larger units with views over the town's tin roofs to the mangrove harbour; all are air-conditioned and honestly kept. The appeal is position and reliability rather than polish: town, banks and government offices are minutes away, and staff arrange the excursions that justify the journey—the ruined basalt city of Nan Madol, jungle waterfalls like Kepirohi, kava (sakau) ceremonies, and boats to the world-class surf break at Palikir Pass and the reef passes divers prize.

Pohnpei is one of the wettest places on earth, lush beyond belief, and its tourism runs on island time; the Cliff Rainbow matches the setting—unhurried, friendly and enough. For the leading available stay in Kolonia, it does the job with a smile.