Best Hotels in Dar es Salaam

Finding the best hotels in Dar es Salaam is simple if you know which neighborhoods offer the most safety and luxury today. This city serves as the busy gateway to the famous safari parks and the beautiful Zanzibar islands. You will find world class service and great food at these top lodging spots for your next visit.

Picking the right room ensures that your business trip or holiday starts with total comfort and peace. We have listed the most trusted names to help you decide where to stay in this vibrant coastal city.

These are the Best Hotels in Dar es Salaam

The hospitality scene in this city has grown very fast over the last ten years. You can now find international brands that offer five star luxury right in the city center. Many of these properties sit near the harbor or the popular Peninsula area. They cater to business experts, diplomats, and tourists who want the very best. Here is a list of the top places to stay during your visit to the city.

1. Johari Rotana

Johari Rotana is currently the tallest building in the city and offers a very modern feel. It is located in the MNF Square building right in the heart of the business district. You can see the whole harbor and the city skyline from the high floors. The rooms are very large and have floor to ceiling windows for a great view. They have a very nice pool deck where you can sit and relax after work. This is a top choice among the best hotels in Dar es Salaam for business travelers today. You will enjoy the fast internet and the many meeting rooms available for guests. The food in their main restaurant is a mix of local and international dishes. Many people visit the lobby bar for a quiet drink in the evening. It is very close to the ferry that goes to Zanzibar island.

2. Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro

This hotel is a very famous landmark in the city and has a long history. Most locals simply call it "The Kilimanjaro" because of its original name from many years ago. It sits right on the edge of the water near the main port area. You will love the infinity pool that looks out over the busy boat traffic. The rooms are decorated with very high quality wood and soft carpets for comfort. This is often cited as the best hotel option in Dar es Salaam for luxury and class. You can visit the Level 8 rooftop bar for a great sunset view. Their Oriental restaurant serves some of the best sushi and Asian food in the country. The service is very professional and follows strict international Hyatt standards for every guest. It is a very safe place with very strong security at all times.

3. Serena Hotel Dar es Salaam

The Serena Hotel is known for its beautiful tropical gardens and very quiet atmosphere. It is located near the State House and many foreign embassies in the city. You will feel like you are in a forest even though you are downtown. The pool area is surrounded by large palm trees and colorful flowers today. Many diplomats choose this hotel because of its privacy and very high security levels. The rooms have a classic African design with very comfortable beds and furniture. You should try the seafood buffet which is a favorite for many local residents. They have a very good fitness center and a spa for relaxing massages. This is a very reliable choice for people who want a peaceful stay. The staff are very polite and they treat every guest like a king.

4. Sea Cliff Hotel

Sea Cliff Hotel is located on the tip of the Msasani Peninsula on a rocky cliff. It is one of the few hotels in Dar es Salaam that sits directly on the ocean. You can hear the waves hitting the rocks while you eat your breakfast outside. The views of the Indian Ocean are truly beautiful from the garden and the rooms. They have a very nice casino and a shopping center right next door. You can walk to many local boutiques and cafes in the Masaki area easily. The hotel has a very classic feel with lots of white walls and arches. It is a great place for a romantic dinner at their Karambezi Cafe. You will enjoy the fresh breeze that comes off the water in the afternoon. It is a bit far from the city center but it is very quiet.

5. The White Sands Resort and Conference Centre

If you want a beach holiday, White Sands is a very good choice for you. It is located in the Jangwani Beach area north of the main city center. This resort has a very long private beach with white sand and clear water. You can stay in a room or a private villa near the ocean. They have a water park which is great fun for families with young children. You can take a boat trip to the nearby Mbudya island from their jetty. The food is very fresh and they serve many types of grilled fish daily. This is a top pick for people who want to escape the city noise. The garden is very large and has many spots for a quiet walk. It is a very popular place for local weddings and big corporate events.

6. Hotel Slipway

Hotel Slipway is part of the famous Slipway complex in the Masaki neighborhood today. It is a very lively place with many shops, bars, and local art markets. You will never feel bored because there is always something happening right outside. The rooms are modern and many of them have a balcony facing the ocean. You can watch the local dhows sailing past during the beautiful golden hour sunsets. This is one of the best hotels in Dar es Salaam for social people. You can find many places to eat pizza, burgers, or local Swahili food nearby. They have a small pool that is very private and quiet for the guests. The boat to Bongoyo island leaves from the jetty right in front of the hotel. It is a very convenient spot for people who love shopping and dining out.

7. Southern Sun Dar es Salaam

Southern Sun is located right next to the Botanical Gardens in a very green area. It is a very popular choice for business people who want a central location. The hotel has a very cozy and warm feel with very friendly local staff. You will find the rooms are very clean and have everything you need. Their bar and grill restaurant is famous for serving great steaks and cold beer. It is very close to the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre for meetings. You can walk to the National Museum of Tanzania from the hotel in minutes. The pool area is a nice place to sit and work on your laptop. This is a very honest and reliable hotel that offers great value today. Many guests return here because the service is very consistent and good.

8. Onomo Hotel Dar es Salaam

Onomo Hotel is a newer property that focuses on modern design and fast technology. It is located in the city center near the main banks and offices. The style is very fresh with lots of open spaces and local art pieces. You will like the smart features in the rooms like many USB ports. They have a very nice outdoor pool and a terrace for evening drinks. This is a great choice for young professionals and modern travelers visiting the city. The food is simple but very tasty and uses many fresh local ingredients. You will find the staff are very energetic and very helpful with your needs. It is a very safe building with a modern security system for all guests. The price is usually very competitive for a city center hotel today.

9. Protea Hotel by Marriott Dar es Salaam Courtyard

This hotel is located on Ocean Road near the main hospital and the beach. It has a very charming colonial style with a central courtyard and a pool. The atmosphere is very relaxed and feels like a small village in the city. You will find the rooms are very quiet and have a very traditional feel. This is a good choice among hotels in Dar es Salaam for long stays. The staff are very attentive and they remember your name after one day. You can enjoy a quiet breakfast in the garden under the big trees. It is very close to the city center but stays away from the noise. Many people like the gym and the small spa for their daily exercise. It offers a very comfortable and safe experience for every visitor today.

10. Ramada Resort by Wyndham Dar es Salaam

Ramada Resort is located on Mbezi Beach and offers a very modern beach stay. The building has a very unique design with many glass walls and balconies. You can walk directly from the pool area onto the sandy beach today. The rooms are very bright and have very modern bathrooms with hot showers. You will enjoy the various restaurants that serve food from all over the world. This is a top pick for the best hotels in Dar es Salaam for a weekend break. They have very good facilities for children including a small play area and pool. The service is very friendly and they organize many activities for the guests. You can see the sunrise over the ocean right from your bed every morning. It is a very peaceful place to stay if you love the water.

Other Good Hotels in Dar es Salaam

1. Holiday Inn: This is a very reliable brand located in the city center today. It offers very clean rooms and a great breakfast for every guest. Business people love this hotel because it is near the main office buildings. You will find the staff are very quick with the check in process. It is one of the best hotels in Dar es Salaam for a short visit.

2. Harbour View Suites: This hotel is located in a high building near the main railway station. You get a lot of space because the rooms are like small apartments. It is a great choice for families who want to cook their own food. The view of the harbor is very active and fun to watch today. You will enjoy the rooftop pool during the hot afternoon hours in the city.

3. Best Western Plus Peninsula Hotel: This hotel sits in the Masaki area near many good restaurants. It offers a very quiet and professional environment for every single guest today. The rooms are well maintained and have very comfortable chairs for working. You can walk to the nearby supermarkets and shops in just a few minutes. It is a very safe and convenient place for international travelers.

4. Colosseum Hotel: This hotel has a very unique Roman style with many tall white columns. It is located in the Oysterbay area which is very green and quiet today. They have one of the best fitness centers and swimming pools in the city. You will find that many local people visit the gym and the spa here. It is a very good choice for a healthy and active stay in Dar es Salaam.

5. Blackwood Boutique Hotel: This is a smaller and very stylish hotel located in the Tegeta area. It offers a very personal service and very beautiful room decorations for guests today. You will feel very special because the staff pay a lot of attention to you. The food is very tasty and features many local flavors and fresh spices. It is a great place for someone who wants to avoid big and busy hotels.

6. The Amariah Hotel: This is a very good budget option located in the Mikocheni neighborhood today. It provides very clean rooms and a very friendly service at a low price. You will find that the area is very safe and has many local shops nearby. It is a great choice for people who are traveling for work and want to save money. The internet is reliable and the breakfast is very filling for a long day.

Conclusion

Finding the best hotels in Dar es Salaam is the first step to a great trip. You can choose a luxury spot like Hyatt or a quiet beach resort like White Sands. Every hotel on this list provides a safe and clean room for your stay today. Most people find that staying near the ocean makes the city heat much easier. Make sure to book your room early to get the best view of the water. Staying in a hotel in Dar es Salaam property will make your visit very happy and comfortable.