Lake Manyara Wildlife Lodge

We stayed here while on safari, and the quiet setting and incredible views made it a wonderful stop. Our room was comfortable and clean, and the staff were lovely. I'd happily stay here again if we're back in the area.

The public areas are very nice and the location is lovely, which makes the state of the bathroom a shame. The rooms themselves are lovely, but the bathroom needs serious updating. The linoleum should be replaced, the grout and the sealant around the sink and shower need work, and the bathtub needs re-enamelling. Small details really matter. I also had a bathrobe with a clearly visible hole in it.

The staff were warm and friendly, and the location and views are stunning, but it didn't feel like good value. The lodge is very old and needs renovation. Plants often block the balcony views, the bathroom is dark, the water only lukewarm, and the food was really not good. The lodge also arranged our safaris, but the driver had neither a registered car nor a driving licence. Police stopped us, and we waited about an hour before we could continue to the crater. It cost us precious time and left us anxious.

The food was amazing, especially the desserts, and the hotel is beautiful and peaceful. If you like a chilly mountain climate, it's a great getaway. It's right in the wildlife resort, and on the drive around the Great Rift Valley viewpoint you may see herds of elephants. I couldn't give it five stars because the plumbing needs serious work. My shower leaked and the water pressure was too low. Wi-Fi is only available at reception and other public areas, not in the rooms, which I found unacceptable.