Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro

The Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro is the address for travellers who want to be in the middle of the historic city. It stands on the Kivukoni waterfront, where the harbour, the ferry terminal and the old administrative district meet, and most of the central sights are within a short walk or a very short ride. It is a full-service international hotel, with the kind of facilities that business and leisure visitors expect, and its harbour setting gives many rooms and public areas a view over the water. It is also a convenient base for a first visit. The old town walking tours, the cathedrals, the fish market and the National Museum are all close, and the ferry to Kigamboni leaves from nearby. Guests who want beaches and quieter restaurants can reach the Msasani peninsula by car in around twenty to forty minutes, depending on traffic.

The central location is the main reason to choose this hotel. In Dar es Salaam, where traffic can turn a short trip into a long one, being able to walk to the harbour, the old town and some of the city's best-known buildings is a real advantage. Many visitors spend a morning on a walking tour, return to the hotel for lunch and a swim during the hottest hours, and head out again in the late afternoon.

Expect polished, international-standard service. Rooms generally offer air conditioning, modern bathrooms, work desks and good beds, and upper floors tend to have the best views of the harbour. Dining options usually include an all-day restaurant, a bar and cafe, and breakfast is generous, with fruit, pastries, hot dishes and local items. The pool and fitness facilities offer a break from the heat, and a spa is available for massages and treatments. Check the current facilities and opening hours when you book, as services can vary by season.

Business travellers will find meeting rooms and event spaces, reliable internet and staff used to handling conferences, which is useful in a city that hosts regional meetings. Leisure guests benefit from the concierge desk, which can arrange city tours, island trips to Bongoyo or Mbudya, Bagamoyo day trips and safaris to Mikumi or Nyerere. Airport transfers are normally available on request, and the airport is usually a drive of about thirty to sixty minutes depending on traffic.

Plan your arrival with traffic in mind. The roads around the harbour can be congested at the start and end of the working day, so avoid peak hours if you can, and allow extra time for airport runs. For a first stay in Dar es Salaam, a night or two here pairs well with a few nights at a beach or peninsula hotel, or with a safari trip.