We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
Contact accommodation for availability.
There are similar hotels available.
View all
Nearby Hotels
Reviews (849)
Filter reviews
849 results
Traveller rating
277
386
139
31
16
Traveller type
Time of year
LanguageAll languages
More languages
Traveller rating
277
386
139
31
16
Show reviews that mention
All reviews star hotel business trip very pleasant stay east africa breakfast buffet dar gym tanzania jahazi security safari
Selected filters
Filter
Updating list...
306 - 311 of 849 reviews
Reviewed 6 July 2016 via mobile

We were in Dar Es Salaam for a couple of nights on business and stayed at the Serena for two nights. Currently undergoing some renovations though great care and thought has been put to ensure minimum noise and dust affects the guests. I'm certain once they are done it will enhance the beauty of the place and avail a variety of services for the guests.

The hotel offers a swimming pool, gym, spa and its location at the heart of the central business district allows for easy access to banks, ATMs and retail shops. The room I stayed in was spacious with facilities for making tea/coffee, a mini bar(though stocked with sodas), fresh towels, hairdryer, wifi(for use of upto 3 devices), AC and a bath tub for bubble baths. The restaurant also has a bar with screens for catching up with sports. The food was ok for the hotel with the option of eating outside with some live music percussion band.

I felt safe during my stay at the hotel and do note there are some mandatory security screening at the main entrance manned by friendly agents. The only drawback for me was the slow service sometimes offered by the waiters who sometimes needed to be prompted for additional drinks etc. and the lady who came knocking at the door early Sunday morning asking for laundry - I could barely register her request through my sleep induced brain. Do remember to put the Do not disturb sign to avoid such. My outstanding member of staff accolade goes to one Ms. Angel at the Front desk who went out of her way to offer seamless professional services.

For the business side, meeting rooms are ok for use though limited for huge numbers due to ongoing renovations. Overall a good place to stay in.

Date of stay: July 2016
Trip type: Travelled on business
Thank 453Susan
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SerenaHotels, General Manager at Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel, responded to this reviewResponded 13 July 2016

Thank you for your review. I am glad to inform you that the renovations of the lobby are almost complete and we are confident you will enjoy the new areas we have created. We will address the slow service in our outlets and ensure improvements are made. Angel will be recognized for her service delivery. We look forward to hosting you again.

Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed 5 July 2016 via mobile

This is by far one of the best business district hotels I've stayed at around the world. The service throughout the hotel was top notch from the check-in to the restaurant service, cleaning and even security as you enter the hotel. The concierge Edward was incredibly thoughtful and kind and made sure everything was perfect. The hotel has an executive floor which is dedicated to guests on this floor and offers rarely seen amenities including breakfast and happy hour.

I had to deal with a personal matter while away and when I reached out to the hotel for assistance they sprang into action that far exceeded my expectations. In fact, the entire experience at this hotel exceeded my expectations and was akin to the service you would get at a 5 star hotel where you are a gold or platinum returning guest, but at the Serena hotel Dar Es Salaam, where I visited for the first time treated us like long time returning clients.

I would without a doubt return to this hotel and highly recommend a visit if in Dar Es Salaam.

Date of stay: July 2016
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Thank Ricardo S
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SerenaHotels, General Manager at Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel, responded to this reviewResponded 13 July 2016

Thank you for your review which is truly appreciated and will be shared with the team. We hope to host you again soon and welcome you to the newly renovated areas of the hotel.

Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed 28 June 2016

I had a great overnight experience at the Serena Hotel in Dar es Salaam. The Service was excellent and caring, the dinner and breakfast were amazing and the rooms well appointed and clean.
The hotel is spacious and the gardens beautiful

Date of stay: June 2016
  • Trip type: Travelled on business
    • Rooms
    • Cleanliness
    • Service
Thank Egmont O
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SerenaHotels, General Manager at Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel, responded to this reviewResponded 13 July 2016

Thank you for your feedback, we are delighted that you enjoyed your stay with us and look forward to hosting you again.

Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed 26 June 2016 via mobile

Serena Hotels are known for quality of service, food and decor. I often visit Kampala Serena for lunch or an evening drink at the Misty Bar. So I decided to stay at Serena Hotel Dar Es Salaam for one night expecting the same famous Serena standards but I must say I was a bit disappointed. The hotel needs quite a bit of renovation. It appears like no improvements have been effected ever since the Serena Group took over the hotel. But may be my visit coincided with the management's decision to act on this as there are renovation works going on at the launch area. I hope this will be extended to the rest of the hotel.

Something else that disappointed me is that I chose a non-smoking room but most of the time when I came into the lifts area, there was a strong smell of cigarettes. Either one of the nearby rooms is a smoking room or there was someone taking puffs at the lift area. Either way, as a non-smoker I expected better than that from Serena.

Date of stay: June 2016
Trip type: Travelled on business
Thank OsumoJ
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SerenaHotels, General Manager at Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel, responded to this reviewResponded 29 June 2016

Thank you for your comments. We are glad to inform you that our renovations are progressing well and you will be delighted with the new product on offer. We have noted your comments about the cigararettes smell and this will be sorted out.
We look forward to welcoming you to our new lobby, shortly due to be open.

Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed 22 June 2016 via mobile

Originally we were booked for 6 nights and we didn't know the hotel was undergoing MAJOR renovations. We were located on the 6th floor and throughout the days we were there (2 nights/3days) you could hear banging even in the room. The bar is one walk away from jackhammers so loud that you couldn't sit at the bar or even in the bar room for that matter and hear each other speak. Renovations aside, the food was excellent although there are only two restaurants to choose from, the buffet or gourmet seafood. The neighborhood isn't safe to walk around and security is heavy. So unless you have a driver or take a taxi somewhere you're stuck inside the compound with little to do. In the Guest directory we saw "Movies on Demand" (see pictures) and searched for that option on the TV. We called the IT department and they came up and were utterly confused and later just dropped the case altogether, presumably because there really aren't any movies on demand, just regular movie channels. After our second night we opted to switch hotels. We had other people joining us and we just couldn't have them stay there, nor could we take the noise any longer. Upon checkout we did speak with management about several of the issues, however the general manager Mr. Azad, did not see us. However, in his place a very friendly Guest Relations Manager, Mr. Dotto, handled the situation and reimbursed us some extras and knocked the price down due to the renovations and our general unhappiness. Importantly to note is that I've stayed at several Serena hotels over the years and this has been the worst in terms of everything except food and service. I took some pictures of the bathrooms to show how outdated they are. All in all it was very generous of them to refund some nights and take off the extras but they need to make an effort to notify potential guests of the renovations before they arrive. Once there, it's almost too late. Luckily we were in Dar 6 nights and had the opportunity to switch. Otherwise our trip would have ended on a bad note.

Date of stay: June 2016
Trip type: Travelled on business
1  Thank HuntCon
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SerenaHotels, General Manager at Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel, responded to this reviewResponded 29 June 2016

Thank you for taking the time to post your review. We are delighted to inform you that our renovations are progressing well. The new Lobby, Coffee Shop, Health Club and Pool bar are shortly due for completion which marks the first phase of our renovation. Sincere apologies for the noise levels which have been well controlled, however during your stay there were works to be completed at the New Coffee Shop which have since been completed. The Movies on demand service is not available and we will remove any material in the room that relates to this, however you will have noticed we have significantly increased our TV movie channels to ensure you enjoy the complimentary service on offer. I am glad we were able to assist you and Desderry was at hand to meet with you. I look forward to welcoming you back to the hotel and invite you to enjoy the lovely new spaces created.

Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
View more reviews