First Timer Liveaboard in Raja Ampat - Help Needed

[Cert1967]

Have you stayed at the Swiss Bel-Hotel and can compare the 2? Aston is obviously newer but has mixed reviews. Trying to decide between the 2 for before my Xmas trip.

Stayed both - no question

Aston

 

[chillyinCanada]

Stayed both - no question

Aston

I've read others say the complete opposite

And same with the food.

My guess is that on a good day, either one is going to be good or bad.

I'm careful what I eat at Swiss-Bel and I'd be equally careful what I eat at Aston.

Myself, I'd like to stay at whichever hotel will let me get to bed ASAP when I arrive at 6 a.m. Swiss-Bel has lots of comfy seating as one waits hours before being allowed to check in. I started to book a paid night for the day before of my arrival and advise of a late checkin. For example, liveaboard departing on Dec 3, I'd be on a flight out of Jakarta departing on Dec. 2 at 12:30 a.m. arriving at Sorong also on Dec 2, near 6 a.m. For this, I'd book my hotel room for Dec 1 with late check-in and Dec 3 checkout. I'd remind them by email 2 or 3 times that I'd be checking in late and explain the situation. They have always acknowledged. Thus was marginally successful a time or two and on my last trip, I just stuck it out in the lobby until they began letting people check in.

If Aston has an earlier checkin procedure that would make them the winner in my book.

 

[uncfnp]

It may come down to which hotel is available. I just booked for next March/April. Was able to get the Aston for the night before but was not available the night after the LOB so we are in the Swiss Bel that night.

They both listed the same check in times.