The Stanley Hotel & Suites

The Stanley announced a new scale for Papua New Guinea when it opened in 2016: a gleaming high-rise in Waigani, the capital's government and diplomatic district, its silhouette visible across the city. Named for the Owen Stanley Range on the horizon, the hotel pairs conference-grade facilities with a suite-heavy room mix that makes it the preferred base for long-stay executives and official delegations.

Rooms and suites are contemporary and generously glazed, with kitchenettes in the executive categories and views that stretch over the city to the hills. A skybridge connects directly to Vision City Mega Mall—Port Moresby's largest—putting shops, cinemas and restaurants within secure indoor reach, a genuine quality-of-life advantage in this city.

The pool terrace, gym and spa hold up the leisure end, while a steakhouse, all-day dining and lounge bars cover most moods; the executive lounge on the upper floors earns its keep at sunset. Parliament, the National Museum and Port Moresby Nature Park are all close by car. Alongside the Airways, the Stanley gives the capital a credible modern five-star, with the best skyline views in the country.