Hilton for POM.....

[puppysparkes]

That's the one.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Looks like the push has begun. Main building is structurally complete and glass is going in.

As an aside, I heard a little whisper that the H-POM manager will be someone well known to many AFFers who frequent CNS and DRW......

The new building across the road is said to be a new shopping centre, to rival, and larger than, Vision City.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

As has been rumoured for many months, Hilton has announced their GM for H-POM being a name many of us are very familiar with, Mr John Lucas.

 

[hydrabyss]

As has been rumoured for many months, Hilton has announced their GM for H-POM being a name many of us are very familiar with, Mr John Lucas.

The other night in the Cairns Hilton lounge I over heard mention of this between a couple of guests and one of the managers.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Pretty good tie in for them with CNS being one of the 4 AU airports servicing POM with CNS, BNE and SYD all having Hilton properties and soon to be joined by H-POM.

All they need now is a Hilton/Doubletree in TSV and they'll be laughing!

 

[Virgin Bart]

soon to be joined by H-POM.

and they'll be laughing!

I read this and thought, "there's nothing funny about being sent to Port Moresby!"

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I really enjoy POM! Admittedly, it takes a bit of time to get used to, but for a city that's often ranked high in the most unlivable stakes, I find it to be pretty bloody good. It's actually a refreshing change from AU cities that have become far too controlled and regulated yet still don't achieve a much greater level of safety (IMHO).

 

[drron]

You just have to be aware of the risks in POM.Back in 1969 when most of the Expats lived in compounds-eg koki hill for the commonwealth public servants I used to catch the local bus from koki village into town.there people would come up and shake my hand because I was the big fella who catchim bus.
I found this interesting blog re Koki market in the 1970s.just as I remember it-
KOKI

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Koki fish markets these days is great and well worth a visit ... and it's very safe (although Koki markets needs a degree of "safe work walk practices" implemented).

Often I'll have people stop reading a newspaper at smoko and say to me "you're from the Gold Coast, aren't you" and quickly followed by "why is PNG called unsafe yet we don't have any more random muggings or violence than you do". They're right too. Much of the PNG reputation for violence is deep rooted and traditional tribal warfare. The random acts (which almost entirely revolve around opportunistic crime for money) is no worse than the Gold Coast and you can almost be assured that you won't suffer some drug crazed lunatic walking up and randomly smashing you in the face in PNG. The crime is either opportunistic (which acting sensibly can minimise) or it's payback (usually tribal).

The vast majority of PNG people are generally great to be around.

 

[straitman]

I really enjoy POM! Admittedly, it takes a bit of time to get used to, but for a city that's often ranked high in the most unlivable stakes, I find it to be pretty bloody good. It's actually a refreshing change from AU cities that have become far too controlled and regulated yet still don't achieve a much greater level of safety (IMHO).

John Lucas was pretty good to deal with for AFF members when we were in Cairns. (I never got to meet him in Darwin) He will be great to get the place up and running but I really think I won't be visiting him there.

 

[puppysparkes]

You just have to be aware of the risks in POM.Back in 1969 when most of the Expats lived in compounds-eg koki hill for the commonwealth public servants I used to catch the local bus from koki village into town.there people would come up and shake my hand because I was the big fella who catchim bus.
I found this interesting blog re Koki market in the 1970s.just as I remember it-
KOKI

Great blog drron, it brought back some memories as an expat kid wandering around PNG with my mums wantoks. I've been back to POM four of five times in the last 12 months and safety hasn't been an issue, even when walking around Korobosea. Most locals think I'm a novelty and laugh when I talk pisin or mums place tok.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Work is steaming along at the moment. It is starting to look really good. Palm trees were being planted along the footpath this morning and I must say, the hotel is looking impressive. I'm looking forward to the opening.

 

[Cynicor]

Opened this expecting a set back or delay! Might actually open one day then, probably sooner than some of the PER DTs.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Well APEC is in November, so I'd be thinking they will move heaven and earth to have the accommodation available by then.

They're apparently expecting 15 000 delegates and they have to sleep somewhere!

 

[Deleted member 29185]

There is an air of certainty about this positive sign!

 

[kermatu]

APEC has certainly provided the necessary stimulus for this (and several other) badly needed developments. A mate is part of the Aus support team and has visited the Hilton and other accommodation and event facilities and says they are all looking good but problems (unrelated to running of the hotel) remain.

I have a personal connection to POM but have never visited. Will do so one day.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

A mate is part of the Aus support team and has visited the Hilton and other accommodation and event facilities and says they are all looking good but problems (unrelated to running of the hotel) remain.

They are madly trying to finish off things but you are right about some lingering problems. One being that they are worried they may run out of water! I don't think that will happen, as they have had greater than average rains and the dam is spilling (or at least it was a few weeks ago).

Apart from that, the Hilton is looking basically finished. I spied the courtesy bus at the airport yesterday and I have heard they are taking bookings from October (but I'm unsure of the date).
I know I'm certainly looking forward to it opening, but I probably won't get a chance to stay until November.

 

[kermatu]

Website says December for bookings. I assume the hotel is booked out for APEC in November anyway.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Website said Jan a few weeks ago, but in-house reservations have said October but I'm still awaiting a call as to the date. I'm hanging out for it, but they do say that all good things come to those who wait!

 

[Hux]

Can confirm they have started accepting bookings for late this month, had the soft opening last Friday night. Haven't managed to get a look inside yet but from my trips during construction it is pretty impressive.