The opening of the Johari Rotana in Dar es Salaam is certainly an exciting addition to the hotel and conference sector in the central business district of Tanzania’s commercial capital. This review was made at during the hotel’s soft opening phase so guests checking in thereafter can expect to enjoy even more services and experiences.
Rotana, the hotel management company stretching across the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Turkey, has opened its first East African property in Tanzania as part of its growth across the continent. The 15-floor hotel is situated on Sokoine Drive in the heart of the central business district and close to the ferry terminal that will be familiar to many travellers using the regular boat service to Zanzibar. Johari Rotana offers hotel transfer facilities from Julius Nyerere International Airport located about 13 km away. Basement parking is also available.
Upon entering the hotel you are immediately struck by the contemporary design of the expansive reception and spacious seating area. Johari Rotana immediately creates a sense of style and luxury – while also offering a check-in that was efficient and welcoming.
Beyond the opulence of the chandeliers, triple height ceilings and polished marble floors of the reception is a collection of 193 rooms (average size 50+ square metres) plus 60 fully-furnished, serviced apartments. Guests can stay in a choice of six rooms with the standard option offering 40 square metres of space between floors 17 and 22. My room was on the 20th floor and when you enter you are impressed by the spaciousness of it in addition to the beautiful ocean views. Other offer a panoramic view across the ever expanding skyline of Dar.
The ‘five-star’ feel is certainly reflected in the luxury cotton sheets and mattress of my very comfy bed (twin beds can be booked). The bathroom had a similarly luxurious feel with a wall of glass to offer the option of a view out to sea. The chez lounge was a nice feature while each standard room also has a work desk, fibre-optic connection, a multi-channel satellite TV, IP phone, mini bar and in-room safe.
In terms of facilities, the Johari Rotana’s Bodylines Fitness and Wellness Club offers a gym, boxing ring, sauna, steam room and massage services. A kids’ club is also available for junior guests. The infinity swimming pool has impressive views of the city looking out to the port and ocean beyond.
The hotel plans to offer four dining options: Noble House offering a Chinese menu, the Kibo Lobby Lounge café on the ground floor for drinks, light meals and snacks plus the main Zafarani restaurant that also serves breakfast to guests. The Hamilton’s ‘gastropub’, with indoor and outdoor seating adjacent to the pool, is ideal for sundowners.
One of the highlights of the stay was certainly the breakfast buffet served in the main restaurant from 0630 to 1000. Guests are treated to an expansive selection including a hot station with eggs to order, classic cooked breakfast choices, cold meats, salmon, baked treats, a choice of cheese, fresh fruit and more! Traditional Tanzanian breakfast treats, including vitumbua (rice flour and coconut doughnuts), boiled cassava and mandazi (East African dougnuts) were also on offer. It was a really impressive selection that offered something tempting for everyone.
The meeting and conference facilities of Johari Rotana were very impressive with a whole floor dedicated to events ranging for a wedding for 1000 guests to a boardroom meeting. Johari Rotana boasts the largest ballroom in the country which is impressive not only because of its size but also the quality of the design and decoration.
Visitors to Dar es Salaam will find the hotel conveniently located for accessing various parts of the city centre. It is a short walk from St Joseph’s Cathedral and the Old Boma run by the Dar es Salaam Architectural Trust. The historic building has permanent exhibition about the city’s history, an eatery and temporary displays. You can also take a short taxi ride to the Indian quarter’s restaurants and Hindu places of worship around Temple Street in Kisutu.
Johari Rotana is an ideal hotel for the business traveller attending a meeting or conference in Dar es Salaam because of its high standards and central location. It’s also an ideal luxury stop off for travellers on the way to Zanzibar or for those returning from any of Tanzania’s safari circuits. For local residents wanting a weekend hotel break in palatial surroundings then Johari Rotana is a great choice. Certainly this hotel offers a new level of luxury for the business district of Dar es Salaam with spacious rooms and suites together with first class facilities. Equally important you should find a warm welcome from the team of efficient and well-trained staff.
