L'Oasis Lodge & Restaurant

The grounds are neat and well cared for, with lovely gardens. The bandas have a lot of character, and the rooms and swimming pool were clean. It’s a simple place to stay, but the staff are very accommodating and can arrange transport into the city if you ask. Hot water and good shower pressure were a real plus. Breakfast had lots of options, including fresh juice, and was really good. Dinner’s restaurant menu is fairly limited. The coffee was weak, which seems common here. The bar is well stocked and prices are pretty standard. It wasn’t busy, though mornings could be noisy as people headed out on safari, usually before 7.

The beds are comfortable, the food is good, and everything’s really clean. The staff make you feel at home. This is more of a place to get a taste of Africa than to expect a Hyatt experience.

It’s about a 15-minute walk to Arusha town centre. The neighbourhood looked run-down and a bit intimidating at first, but after walking around there during the day, I found it friendly. The hotel is made up of round bungalows that look like huts outside, with plastered walls inside. Beds are fairly comfortable and have mosquito nets. Each room has its own water heater, though the tanks are small, so two people need to keep their showers short. The menu is mostly Western, with several local dishes as well. They serve beer and have a small bar with other alcoholic drinks.

The included breakfast had a lot to choose from, pancakes, eggs or omelettes, sausages, bacon, baked beans, yoghurt, fresh fruit, cereal, toast, juice, and coffee or tea. We also did a good four-hour walk to Napuru Waterfall from the lodge, and they offered us a tour of Arusha and the markets. I enjoyed my five nights at L'Oasis Lodge, two before safari and three after. It’s a good spot outside the city. The food selection is wide and the meals were great, while lounge drinks were very reasonably priced. The lounge and pool were lovely places to relax. Our en-suite bungalow was a good size and clean, and the staff were very helpful. The free WiFi was good quality.