7 Stars Inn Pohnpei: What It’s Like Staying at One of the Few Hotels on the Island

Whether you’re interested in World War II history, a laid-back island life, visiting every country in the world, or wound up in Pohnpei (an island in the Federated States of Micronesia) from the famous United Island Hopper flight, you’ll quickly run into a problem. There are few options for places to spend the night.

Hotels.com shows nothing on the island of Pohnpei:

And no matter how many dates you search on AmexTravel.com, you’ll surprisingly see a lack of availability on every date:

Are there actually any hotels here? Yes, there are. The problem is finding them and then getting them to reply. I contacted 4 hotels and got a reply from just 1 property: 7 Stars Inn. Hotels have “booking inquiry” forms in Pohnpei but lack the opportunity to confirm a booking online, and you’ll need to wait for someone to email you.

That’s the same experience several friends had, looking for options and then booking the single hotel that actually said, “You can stay here.” Here’s what a night at the 7 Stars Inn was like in early September 2023.

7 Stars Inn Pohnpei: Positives

Cheaper Than Other Options

Compared to the price estimates I saw from other hotels and “on the ground” info from friends who had visited Pohnpei previously, the price I paid at 7 Stars Inn was comparatively low for the area. A standard room cost $75, totaling $78.75 after tax.

This price will give you a room with 2 twin beds. The room was rather basic, and the beds were “just OK.” The room included a small desk, chair, closet, dresser, and TV.

The bathroom had a shower-tub combo, toilet, sink, and some towels rated as “a bit too rough.”

Offers Complimentary Airport Shuttle

The 7 Stars Inn offers complimentary airport pickup. If the shuttle is elsewhere, such as picking up groceries, you may get a ride to the airport from one of the employees using their own car, such as I got on departure. To schedule the shuttle for airport pickup on arrival, email 7starsinn@mail.fm.

On-Site Restaurant

On the lower level, under the reception desk, The Riverside restaurant awaited your appetite. It served 3 meals a day, and the bar was open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. While you need stairs to access the restaurant internally, those looking to avoid steps can go out the front door and follow the ramp down to the guest parking lot behind the hotel. There’s an entrance to the restaurant here that doesn’t require steps.

The menu at the restaurant wasn’t extensive but had a mix of local dishes (mostly fish and rice as the base), spaghetti, burgers, and pizza. The breakfast options included eggs, pancakes, sausage, fruit, and more.

The food was average, if I’m being honest. Curiously, I ordered hash browns with my breakfast and was told a few minutes later that the restaurant was out of potatoes.

Complimentary Parking

Parking for guests was available in front of and behind the hotel. Parking was complimentary for guests.

Reliable Wi-Fi

The internet worked well throughout the hotel. I got download speeds of 30 Mbps in my room and the restaurant.

7 Stars Inn Pohnpei: Negatives

Airport Pickup Didn’t Arrive

Despite having an email confirming my airport pickup, the shuttle never arrived. I asked the driver from another hotel if he could call the front desk to remind them to pick me up. After 2 attempts with no answer, he gave up. Luckily, his passenger didn’t show up, so he gave me a ride to the 7 Stars Inn (which was on his way home). The hotel is not within walking distance of the airport.

When I arrived at the front desk, 2 employees said they never heard the phone ring and had no idea I’d requested the shuttle. They were friendly when I inquired, but you should re-confirm your shuttle request the day before arrival. This will help you avoid paying for a taxi or counting on other people for a ride.

No Complimentary Toiletries

I discussed what was in the bathroom above, but what it lacked was most interesting: toiletries. It had a bar of soap at the sink but no shampoo, conditioner, or body wash.

Restaurant Supply Issues

On top of not having potatoes at breakfast, the dinner waitress greeted me with 3 items I couldn’t order because they were out. These included one type of fish, the chicken burger, and pepperoni pizza (only cheese was available). Beware that not all menu options may be available during your visit.

Final Thoughts

Among the limited options for hotel stays in Pohnpei, none is perfect. And your choices are further complicated because some never respond to booking inquiries. The 7 Stars Inn communicates better than other properties on the island, provides a decent night’s sleep, and is less expensive than other hotels nearby. It’s a good option for those stopping in Pohnpei on the famous United Island Hopper.