Ngorongoro Lodge member of Meliá Collection - The Leading Hotels of the World

The restaurant view is stunning, and it makes meals feel special. Dinner was a highlight too: the beef was the best I’ve ever had, cooked perfectly. Compliments to the chef. Everything feels stylish, thoughtfully put together, and very comfortable, with lovely attention to detail. We were made to feel genuinely welcome from the moment we arrived. I only wish we’d stayed more than one night, since this is a place to slow down and enjoy.

The patios and rooms have breathtaking panoramic views. I spent most of my stay on my own, but the staff made me feel welcome and supported the whole time. Everyone, from the wait and bar staff to the chef and management, went out of their way to help. When a friend became ill, the chef kindly arranged special meals and made sure we were looked after. That warmth made all the difference. My stay at Ngorongoro Lodge – Meliá Collection was unforgettable, and I can’t recommend the property and its team enough. If you’re thinking of visiting, you’ll be in very good hands.

The staff were wonderful, warm and hospitable, and clearly wanted us to have a good time. Cyprian, Ally and chef Tara deserve a special mention for making delicious Indian vegan meals for my husband. Emma (GM) also dealt with our room issue right away when we raised it the next day, and moved us to a better one. We had a delightful, luxurious two-night stay at Melia Ngorongoro, with spectacular crater views and a picture-perfect location. The hotel has been renovated and is in really good condition. We were in the rim rooms, which are quite small, and our room didn’t have air conditioning, so it got warm at night. Emma sorted that out promptly.

The crater views were breathtaking from every room and public space. I kept taking pictures. Sunlight glinting on the water below, with morning mist and fog, made the scene look different every time. We stayed three nights, and I’d suggest adding an extra day so there’s time to enjoy the lodge itself. The crater wildlife is a must on the way to the Serengeti, but this place is a destination in its own right. Full board was delicious, with dishes like beef fillet, seared tuna, truffled potatoes and tiramisu. We ate in the comfortable dining room and on the terrace overlooking the crater. One night we used our generous full-board credit to dine at the alacarte Crater Grill and treat our safari guide, Humphrey Joseph, to a special meal. The rib-eye was the tastiest I’ve ever had and ended up feeding three of us. My first-day massage was so good I booked more treatments on the next two days. Flora’s technique was superb, and her gracious care for my comfort brought me back. The prices were lovely too. Guests can use the private steam room or saunas whether they book treatments or not. I usually avoid even slightly cool pools, but the infinity pool was warm enough. I had it to myself one afternoon and loved swimming its length, with another amazing crater view at the end. We’re retired and travel at least half the year. Nowhere else, even at four- and five-star resorts, have we felt so welcomed and cared for. There was a welcome drink and towel before we entered, gracious reception and meal servers, and if I paused in a hallway or public area for over three seconds, someone would ask if I needed help or directions. A special shout-out to Guest Experience Manager Emma Clarke. I was surprised someone with so much to do greeted us at our first meal. She checked on us many times, and I left hoping our paths would cross again. Sorry I can’t find my notes with the names of the other many noteworthy staff members. I hadn’t known the Melia name before choosing it for easy crater access and a pampering stay near the end of our 17 nights in safari tent camps. We also had a very nice stay in Melia Arusha, and based on those experiences I promptly switched an upcoming Bali stay to a Melia property. Melia is a respected 70-year-old Spanish hotel group with properties in 40 countries, and it’ll be my go-to from now on.