Gold Crest Hotel, Arusha

The buffet dinner was very nice, and the staff were friendly and attentive. The hotel felt secure, too. Our room was clean and tidy, though we weren't keen on the layout: the bed was on a mezzanine reached by a fairly steep staircase. It was up two flights of stairs from the hotel, but staff helped carry our cases. We stayed one night at the start of our safari.

We only stayed for one night before our safari, but the warm, personable welcome from both the hotel and restaurant staff made a lovely first impression of Tanzania. My wife and I also thought the food was delicious. We'd recommend Gold Crest Hotel.

The shower was fantastic, with hot water and good pressure, and the air conditioning worked perfectly. Our beds were comfortable, and everything else worked well too. The rooms are spacious, though our bathroom was so small it was hard to move around in. We didn't use the pool, but it looked clean and inviting. Inside, the hotel is beautiful and the grounds are well kept. It's close to central Arusha and has very good security. Before letting us in, the gate guard checked all around and underneath our vehicle with a mirror on a stick.

We had two different rooms, and both were quiet despite the hotel's busy location. The rooms are large, with high ceilings, a safe, a kitchen, and a lounge area. They were very clean, though the interiors feel a little dated. The beds are firm and comfortable. Each evening, an attendant came to close the curtains, turn down the bed, and spray for mosquitoes. Breakfast is buffet style, with a chef available to make egg dishes. Dinner was usually a buffet, though one night we could order from a menu. The food was decent. The pool area has comfortable tables and chairs, and the staff were friendly and always tried to help. There are security checks at both gates, and coffee shops in the town centre are an easy walk away. The outside has been freshly painted and looks very presentable.