Plenty of custom for new Moresby hotel

PORT MORESBY’S newly-opened Gateway Hotel at Jacksons Airport is already proving so popular that plans to build a new wing with additional accommodation will probably be put into effect before long.

There are also plans to build a swimming pool.

At present, the hotel has 34 twin rooms, one single suite and one de-luxe double suite, The hotel took its first guests on July 1.

At the end of August, all the rooms were booked out, and there were heavy bookings for several weeks ahead.

Tariffs for the twin rooms, including breakfast, are: $l4 a day, single occupancy; $2O a day, double. There is a smorgasbord luncheon each day at $2.50 per head; dinner is a la carte.

The hotel is air-conditioned throughout. All rooms have telephones, radio, three music channels, shower recess, wash basin, and toilet.

Besides being popular with visitors, the hotel’s four public bars— the Owen Stanley, Flight Deck, Club, and International Jet Bar—are attracting plenty of local custom. The Flight Deck Bar commands a view of the comings and goings at the airport.

The Gateway is owned by Tourist Development Pty. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Papuan Airlines Pty. Ltd. The manager of Tourist Development is Mr. P. W. Chandler, who is also commercial manager of Papuan Airlines.

The hotel manager is Mr. Duncan Ferrie, whose mother and father own the Pine Lodge Hotel at Bulolo.

The total European staff of 28 have been brought from Australia.

There are also 40 New Guinean employees.