The Best Western Plus Peninsula Hotel is a handy base for travellers who prefer the Msasani peninsula to the old city centre. The peninsula is the city's relaxed side, with embassies, restaurants, cafes, shops and the waterfront, and staying here puts you within a few minutes of the Slipway, Coco Beach and the pick-up points for island trips. The hotel offers a recognisable international standard at a mid-range level, which makes it a good choice for couples, families and independent travellers who want comfort and convenience without paying for a luxury address.
The peninsula setting is the key advantage. Evenings are easy, because many of the best restaurants are within a short ride, and the area is calmer and greener than the centre. A morning at the Slipway, an afternoon on a boat to Bongoyo and a sunset at Coco Beach can be done without long cross-city drives, which in Dar es Salaam is a big benefit.
Rooms are generally clean, modern and air-conditioned, with good beds and bathrooms, and some have balcony views. The hotel typically has a restaurant and bar, and breakfast is included in many rates. Check the facilities, such as a pool, a rooftop terrace or a gym, when you book, because they vary. Staff are used to guests who want help with taxis, tours and safari bookings.
The trade-off is distance from the old town and the harbour. Reaching the museums and cathedrals involves a drive of twenty to forty minutes depending on traffic, so many visitors plan a day in the old centre with a guide and return to the peninsula for the evening. The airport is usually forty minutes to over an hour away at busy times.
This is a good fit for visitors who want a beach-and-restaurant focus with some sightseeing, rather than a museum-heavy stay. Pair a few nights here with a safari or a Zanzibar trip organised separately, and book ahead for the dry months, when peninsula hotels are popular with business visitors and holidaymakers alike.
A few tips help you use the peninsula well. Walk to nearby cafes in the morning for coffee and local pastries, then use a short ride to reach the Slipway for lunch and shopping. Arrange boat trips to Bongoyo through the hotel or your tour operator, and confirm the return time. In the evening, ask the staff for restaurant recommendations that suit your budget, from casual seafood grills to more formal dining, and book ahead on weekends.
If you plan day trips to the old town, Bagamoyo or a safari, ask about pickup points and the best departure time to avoid traffic, and consider hiring a driver for a full day, which the front desk can often arrange at a fair price. Ask about parking, laundry and early breakfast if you have a morning departure.
Why stay here
- ✓Msasani peninsula location
- ✓Air-conditioned rooms
- ✓Restaurant and bar
- ✓Pool or rooftop area
- ✓Close to the Slipway
- ✓Near Coco Beach
- ✓Free or paid airport transfers on request
- ✓Tour desk assistance
Good questions
Where is the hotel?+
On the Msasani peninsula, a short ride from the Slipway, Coco Beach and many restaurants.
How far is it from the old town?+
Usually 20 to 40 minutes by car depending on traffic, so plan sightseeing days with a driver or a guide.
Is it good for island trips?+
Yes. Boats to Bongoyo leave from the Slipway area, which is close by.
