Dar Es Salaam Serena Hotel

I had such a beautiful experience at Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel. We sat in the garden area, and it was absolutely lush, so peaceful, cozy, and effortlessly romantic. It truly feels like a little escape within the city. The food was amazing! well presented and just as delicious as it looked. Everything felt thoughtfully done, from the ambiance to the service. What made the evening even more special was the rain just as we were about to leave. It added such a fresh, lively touch to the whole experience and made the moment feel even more memorable. Definitely a place I’d go back to for a calm and romantic outing.

I visited for a birthday brunch and the experience left a mixed impression. While I was filming the food and its preparation, a manager wearing glasses approached me in a confrontational manner and said photography is not allowed. This was surprising, especially in a hospitality setting where guests often capture their dining experience. The approach could have been more polite and welcoming. Earlier in the day, during a KCB event, I ordered a cappuccino. Instead of informing me that it was unavailable, I was given black coffee without explanation. That lack of communication reflects poorly on service standards. On a positive note, Anna from the spa was excellent. She was warm, professional, and persuaded me to take a full body massage after my trip from Zanzibar, which turned out to be a great decision. Overall, the staff appears capable, but the experience felt inconsistent. There is a subtle sense of bias in how local Tanzanian guests are treated, which is disappointing and should be addressed. Consistency, communication, and respect should be standard for all guests. Attached is my video of the buffet before I was rudely told to stop

I stayed here in January 2026 during a work trip. Very happy with this choice. The renovated room was clean and spacious and the location was very central. I was also very satisfied with the services provided on-site by the hotel, including a money changer, local travel agency services, a bakery from which I purchased a dessert that I was able to bring to a colleague’s house for dinner as a small offering as well as services for the installation for a local Tanzanian SIM card. Would definitely recommend for those who are coming for a work trip in Dar Es Salaam.

I have 2 guests staying in Serena. They had issued with A/c , which no one attended. Very poor behaviour and abusive by Alia at the reception while checking out. As a company we have done good bookings with Serena and were not a new client, however bank payment done couldnot be verified as accounts person not available and refusing for check clients are an embarrasment for our company. Later Reservation Manager Apologised, but damage is Done. Elia, person at the reeption Donot have attributes to be the at reception of a 5 Star Hotel.. Really Bad...