Lamera Hotel.

The service was very good, and the staff were friendly. The value for money is excellent. It’s in the central commercial area, but beach access isn’t free, and the nearest beach, about a five-minute walk away, is average. This works if you’re not looking for a resort or on-site activities and already have plans to do things outside.

The front desk team, especially the women there, were incredibly kind and helpful. The hotel was spotless and well maintained, and the location made it easy to get around the city, close to everything. I had a great stay and will definitely return.

The staff’s cheerful mood was infectious. I often saw the cleaning women sitting by the stairs, laughing together, and the women at reception seemed just as happy. I couldn’t understand what they were saying, but their expressions and tone made it clear they were having a good time. In the West, capitalism has worn down workers’ spirits: they’re under constant pressure to do more, faster, and for longer, with fewer colleagues. The people here don’t seem to have that problem. There’s a slower pace, and time to build and maintain relationships at work. We could learn something from them. The hotel can arrange excursions directly through reception. I went on a safari, which was average. The ATVs had to stay in a strict line and go quite slowly for ten minutes in a circle outside camp, which seemed aimed at kids and older people. The safety manager got angry and said several times he was in charge of safety, but nobody had helmets, so I wasn’t sure what he meant. The best part was the five-minute camel ride and the jeep ride back. Safety didn’t seem to matter then: the driver raced downhill through the desert while people held on for their lives. I really enjoyed that. The hotel staff could give a bit more information about what the excursions involve and what you might get from them. The experience was good overall, though the hotel felt like three stars compared with places I’d stayed before. The people working there made a big difference. Would I go back? Perhaps.

The hotel’s location is top notch, close to everything you need. As a woman traveling solo, I felt safe and comfortable walking around, even late at night. I had an urgent, unexpected change to my booking, and the staff did their best to sort it out in a really friendly way.