There are many positives about the Express, that I like but those of a more subtle turn of mind may not. The rooms are very modern, clean, well appointed and, as tonight proves, keep the rain off. There is under cover underground parking, and best of all access to the Holiday Inn proper which is 70 paces away, with a good dining room and an excellent gym which has been modernised recently ( my first visit was 2000).

The Express has a kitchen and dining room of sorts of its own, where in the morning there is a basic buffet, with basic cereals , but it suits me. I haven'y looked under the hot breakfast covers and likely won't. There is a coffee machine that likely produces the world's worst coffee, the is soup served in the same area at lunch which with a roll suits me for lunch.

I have tried ordering off the menu for lunch but it isn't quick -very slow in fact, so slow that I haven't been able to wait on two occasions. But I had the soup and off I went.

I am planning to spend 10 days a month here for the next year; that should be recommendation enough.Value for money is first rate. I have stayed in most hotels in Moresby often because I have fown in, flown out for 18 years, and this place is fine.

I always stay at the Holiday Inn Suites when I'm in Port Moresby for work or a transit through. My Colleagues and I have never deviated from that because the Suites provides great service, especially the small things like a being greeted at the lobby and offered a cool drink, being welcome back ect.

We were chatting with a group who recommended the Express, which I believe to be a stitch up now

Holiday Inn express on the other hand...first and last time booking here. Arriving at 3pm and the room still isn't ready? after waiting an hour...and just lazily pointed in the direction of the lifts. Not impressed so far.

Get to the room...no towels, no toiletries etc...I'll call housekeeping for some towels. half hour later...towels turn up...brilliant, I'll order some room service, while I take a quick shower...and to my astonishment there is no room service.

Call me lazy, but after a long flight, i just want to relax in my room for a wee bit with a meal in peace in quite rather than sitting in a restaurant.

Couldn't get on the wifi for work...

one set back after another...

Only positive difference, the rooms are slightly nicer than the Holiday Inn Suites

Back to the Suites where I know I'll be looked after

This HIE is on the same compound as Holiday Inn, but I chose the Express because it is newer and rooms looked nicer on the pictures.

Check-in experience was very smooth and friendly. Room is spacious enough and modern. Carpet could be claner. Bathroom is well-lit.

Breakfast was typical HIE, but in a much nicer setting than that of the North American counterparts.

Overall, everything is very functional and a pleasant stay.