The hotel itself is stunning — gorgeous views, spacious rooms, and an overall serene atmosphere. Unfortunately, that’s where the positives end. What should have been a relaxing stay quickly turned into a frustrating ordeal, thanks to a dismissive and unprofessional staff.||||As a bit of a "warning" intro to this, I had a problem with the AC. After tech support failed to resolve it, a staff member came to assist. While he eventually got it working (and I was grateful), his attitude was anything but professional. He repeatedly told me I couldn’t change rooms if it didn’t work, and kept brushing off the situation with a casual, “hakuna matata.” Not exactly comforting when you’re paying for a premium experience.||||Later that evening, I returned from dinner early due to an issue with my contact lenses and found my friend outside on the phone, pacing in distress. Somehow, when the hotel charged us for three drinks, they input the Tanzanian shilling amount but processed it in U.S. dollars — effectively charging him $16,000 USD. Staff insisted they couldn’t reverse or cancel the charge and continued to repeat “hakuna matata” as though that somehow made it acceptable.||||The following morning, I spoke to the front desk about the situation, only to be met with laughter from the same staff member who helped with the AC. Instead of offering assistance, he said I’d be charged a large fee for misplacing a generic room tag — not a key, just a basic tag identical to every other. Again, he shrugged it off with another “hakuna matata,” as if I should be calm about the threat of extra charges.||||Our safari departure had to be delayed as we waited for their accountant. When he finally arrived, he claimed the refund would be processed immediately. We spent the next several days trying to follow up with him — he ignored my friend’s requests for documentation or confirmation. Meanwhile, his bank received no indication of any refund being issued.||||It wasn’t until we involved the CEO of our safari company, who then contacted the hotel’s CEO, that we saw any progress. The refund finally arrived — six to seven days later, the day before we flew home. And yes, they still made sure to charge for the drinks that caused the entire disaster. No apology, no goodwill gesture, not even a free soda to make up for a $16,000 mistake.||||I never imagined I could come to resent the once-lovely Swahili phrase “hakuna matata,” but Forest Hill Hotel managed to...
Read moreI recently had the privilege of staying at Forest Hill Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania and I must say, it was an absolutely exceptional experience from start to finish! From the moment I entered the grand lobby, I was greeted with warm smiles and impeccable service that set the tone for a truly memorable stay.
The accommodations were nothing short of opulence. My room was tastefully decorated, exuding a perfect blend of modern elegance and comfort. The attention to detail was evident everywhere, from the plush bedding to the state-of-the-art amenities that catered to my every need. I especially loved the breathtaking view from my room, which added a touch of serenity to my mornings and evenings.
Throughout my stay, the hotel staff demonstrated unwavering dedication to making sure my needs were met. Whether it was the housekeeping team ensuring my room was immaculate, the concierge assisting me with dinner reservations, or the friendly waitstaff at the hotel restaurant, every interaction was a testament to their commitment to excellence.
Speaking of dining, the culinary experience at Forest Hill Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania was truly a gastronomic delight. The breakfast buffet was a sumptuous spread of both local and international delicacies, and the a la carte menu for lunch and dinner left me spoilt for choice. Each dish was skillfully prepared with the freshest ingredients, and the presentation was a feast for the eyes.
Another highlight of my stay was the hotel's spa and wellness facilities. After a long day of exploring the city, I indulged in a rejuvenating massage that melted away any residual stress, leaving me feeling refreshed and invigorated.
The location of the hotel couldn't have been better. Situated in the heart of the city, it was within walking distance of many major attractions and shopping districts, making it incredibly convenient for sightseeing and leisure activities.
In conclusion, my stay at Forest Hill Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania was an unforgettable experience that exceeded all expectations. The seamless blend of luxury, comfort, and personalized service made me feel like royalty throughout my stay. If you're looking for an indulgent retreat where every detail is meticulously taken care of, I highly recommend Forest Hill Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania for an unforgettable stay. I can't wait to return and relive this enchanting...
Read moreI stayed at Forest Hill Carnival Hotel for around 3 weeks on and off between mid October - mid November 2021. First of all, I want to thank Evans and Tabitha for being the sweetest & helpful staff that made my stay enjoyable.
The food are delicious, I can't believe I ate the same breakfast for almost 3 weeks yet I didn't get tired of it. Though I wish there should be a consistency of how the beverage/meal are served. Some days the milk and tea were served in 2 different pots, some days they were mixed into one in a smaller pot. Some days I got 2 samosas, some 1. I love their beef samosa a lot!
Being in TZ for the first time, I also learned that the serving time could take a while. But I don't mind because they taste good (pasta, beef skewers, pizza, ugali).
The room is surprisingly spacious with a mini fridge and TV. I was also grateful for the balcony where I could see Mt. Meru from afar.
The wifi is good, however if you rely on the internet so much — it's always a good idea to get a sim card just in case.
Power outage happened but not to the point it's annoying. I mean, it's also smth you should expect.
The environment is beautiful, with flowers and gardens well taken care of — with gorgeous jacaranda trees.
I would love to stay at this hotel again if I come to Arusha again in the future.
Thank you The Forest Hill Carnival Hotel.
With love, Dinda K....
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