Tucked in the picturesque landscapes of northern Tanzania, Arusha beckons with its natural beauty, coupled with warmth from its most historic hotels.
As the safari capital of East Africa, this enchanting city is not only a gateway to world-renowned national parks but also boasts an exceptional allure for hotels and accommodations. Its unique blend of breathtaking surroundings, diverse attractions, and an ever-growing tourism industry creates an ideal setting for unforgettable hotel experiences.
Whether for the adventurous traveller or the seeker of tranquillity, Arusha’s charm and allure set the stage for exceptional stays. Here are the three most iconic hotels you should check out this year.
Four Points by Sheraton Arusha
The Arusha Hotel. Photo/Arusha Hotel
If you are looking to stay in a first-class hotel that also has a history of this tourist hub, look no further than Four Points by Sheraton Arusha, the New Arusha Hotel. Established in 1894, the Four Points by Sheraton Arusha is one of the oldest hotels in the entire East Africa region. Walking down the streets that lead to the magnificent hotel is actually walking down history lane.
The hotel harbours with such splendour the history of a bygone era. With modern décor and amenities of first-class service, the traditional ambience is effortlessly combined with exceptional style and service. This hotel features 114 stylish rooms, free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour gym, a full-service restaurant called Parachichi, and the famous Hatari Bar. The Parachichi Restaurant is named after the Swahili word for ‘avocado’ a healthy and nutritious fruit found fresh and in plenty all across the city.
The restaurant overlooks a beautiful garden and is the perfect place for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Across the green meadow, you walk up to the outdoor swimming pool where you can relax after a workout in the fully equipped gym that the hotel offers. More than leisure, the Four Points by Sheraton is also a business venue. It is fully equipped with multiple meeting and conference venues, and a team of professional caterers to assist in your event planning for up to 150 delegates.
With the sprawling gardens and a romantic ambiance it is no wonder that this historic hotel is also the perfect wedding venue with a backdrop of lush gardens to create lifelong memories.
The Kilimanjaro Lake Forest Lodge
The Kilimanjaro Lake Forest Lodge. Photo/Trip Advisor
The lodge is located on Simeon Road right at the center of Arusha town and only 45km from Kilimanjaro International Airport. The Kilimanjaro Lake Forest Lodge is one of the few lodges/restaurants that offer authentic Chinese Cuisine in Arusha. The lodge offers some 20 rooms including twin, double and single rooms, with your choice of smoking or non-smoking rooms available.
It has free parking, free High-Speed Internet (WiFi) and offers the best bed and breakfast package for backpackers complete with airport transportation. However, the most fun and unique aspect of this hotel is not its rooms but its restaurant; it is your one-stop Chinese cuisine stop in Arusha.
At the Kilimanjaro Lake Forest Lodge, you can enjoy any of the famous eight Chinese cuisines. You can savour the tasty Shandong cuisine that offers one of the main food traditions of China. This cuisine is a platter of nutritious and tasty seafood along with proteins such as pork, poultry, and tofu. You will also enjoy the traditional dumplings, noodles, and wheat gluten are Shadong cuisine is your chance to enjoy Chinese deep frying at very high temperatures to create a delicate and crispy exterior without making the dish oily.
You can also enjoy Sichuan Cuisine which is famously known for its fiery and complex flavours. In fact, did you know Sichuan originates from the capital Chengdu which was awarded the status of ‘city of gastronomy’ by UNESCO in 2011 for its array of culinary delicacies? Sichuan Cuisine is known for its bold flavours that come from what can only be described as ‘the liberal use of chilli, garlic, fermented bean paste, and Sichuan peppercorns.’ This cuisine is a must-try for all spicy lovers, the flare of its spices is the perfect mood-lifter.
Arusha Backpackers Hotel
Arusha Backpackers Hotel. Photo/Booking.com
Located right at the heart of the city, Arusha Backpackers Hotel offers the most affordable budget accommodation in Arusha. It has landed on our history lineup because it is located just in Arusha, a walk away from the legendary Uhuru monument. The hotel comes complete with a restaurant, free private parking and a bar. It is most famous for its clean and classy budget rooms perfect for backpackers.
The rooms are comfortable and you can choose from different types of room e.g. a triple, twin, double, single or a dormitory option. Each guestroom features amenities such as a desk, and free toiletries. Arusha Backpackers Hotel also offers you an excellent view of the city and Mt. Meru. From here, you have access to all the city’s attractions just minutes away from the Masai market for souvenirs to Italian restaurants for Pizza and Gelato, to tropical restaurants that offer local dishes. Arusha Backpackers is an easygoing, very relaxing set-up that offers you the most affordable budget stay in Arusha
