Panaroma Park Hotel

I was here in September for a conference. The rustic, relaxed feel may suit you if that’s what you enjoy, and the views are beautiful, including a lovely look at Lake Naivasha. The rooms and amenities, though, need an upgrade to make the stay more comfortable.

The treehouse restaurant was the one bright spot, with its scenic view of Naivasha. A few staff members were kind, but most were rude or just stared at us. The staff overall were hostile, and the reservations manager insulted us and spoke rudely. They gave us incorrect bills, were rude to our faces, and wouldn’t cooperate. There wasn’t much to do, either, and the hotel was largely under construction during the Christmas holiday, so I wouldn’t bring kids here. When staff cleaned our room, someone opened the bedside drawers, and I can’t imagine what for. The elevator wasn’t working, and the lights went out more than twice a day. Food was disappointing, with a limited menu and a mediocre buffet. I’ve stayed in plenty of bad hotels, but this one was the worst. I’d tell people to spend their money somewhere else.

Everything seemed run-down and nothing worked. By the tree hotel, the smell of urine and sewage was awful. The reception was dark and sooty, and the children’s area felt dangerous, with broken swings, a dirty pool, and carpets that were completely worn out. The staff seemed to be barely getting by and had no enthusiasm. It was hard not to think they weren’t being paid, or were underpaid. Don’t waste your time or money here. There are better hotels nearby.

The people were great and very hospitable, but I wasn’t keen on the rooms. It’s an okay place to stop if you’re out of options, though I wouldn’t call it the best choice.