Hotel Africana

The meals were delicious, and the staff have always been attentive and helpful. I also feel at ease because of the security at the entrances. After all these years, the place has held on to its classic character. Top hotel, 10/10.

There’s plenty of parking, and the surroundings are lovely. The food was delicious too.

We spent four days at Africana Hotel for a conference. The clean toilets and washrooms were a real plus, and staff were making an effort, though some were more helpful than others while a few seemed disengaged. The conference facilities were the biggest problem. The seating was dirty, and nearly all the table covers and liners I saw had holes or tears. The chairs were in poor shape too. Lunch felt cold and institutional. We were pushed into a hall that reminded me of a boarding school dining room, with no warmth or atmosphere. Even simple things were missing, like wall decorations and salt and pepper shakers on the tables. Plates were often chipped, forks were bent and heavily used, and the tea saucers often didn’t match the cups. Chipped dishes can trap bacteria that washing may not remove, so this was a hygiene concern, not just an appearance issue. The reception area is beautiful, and the in-house restaurant makes a strong first impression. But the designated conference wing felt like a neglected place altogether. Africana Hotel must once have been a lovely venue, yet the whole facility now feels outdated. Customer care is about more than staff service. Being budget-friendly doesn’t excuse poor upkeep or hygiene problems like damaged linens, dirty chairs, chipped crockery, and bent cutlery. In the end, the experience was okay, but the contrast was hard to ignore.

The rooms are roomy and comfortable, and the outdoor pool and fitness centre add to the stay. The location is right in the centre of town, so most places are easy to reach. I met people from the finance and marketing teams, front desk staff, the F&B manager, and the chefs, and everyone made a real effort to help. Staff regularly checked in to make sure I was comfortable. Hotel Africana Ltd lives up to its line, “Come as a guest, leave as a friend.” A good choice in Kampala for work or a bit of relaxation.