Ngorongoro Lodge member of Meliá Collection - The Leading Hotels of the World — Hotel in Arusha

---------------------- Reply to the owner -------------------------- Dear Mr. Martinez,

Thank you for your response. However, it seems to be filled with excuses and, if not intentional, a distortion of the facts. I’d like to clarify the following points:

Proactive Approach: You only approached us after we requested to speak with management, not proactively before our discomfort.

Medical Assistance: We declined the house doctor’s help due to our imminent international flight. We only needed medication, which we had with us and began taking that night.

Medication Side Effects: The montmorillonite powder I used is intended for treating diarrhea and has not previously caused issues. It’s surprising that your doctor concluded otherwise without knowing the specifics.

Hygiene Standards: While I believe your hotel adheres to international hygiene standards, this does not rule out the possibility of issues in the kitchen. Blaming guests rather than addressing potential hygiene problems seems unjust. You mentioned we enjoyed a full breakfast, which I believe was an attempt to imply we were fine. Although we ate some, we did not finish the meal and experienced further discomfort shortly after.

Altitude Impact: The altitude of the hotel is unlikely to affect digestion. I have stayed at higher elevations without similar issues.

Dinner Seating: I only learned from your response that the outside seating is considered premium. When we arrived, we requested to be sat inside but we were told by the waiter that the outside area was not too cold. If outside seating is indeed a premium option, this should have been communicated to us. Another thing to mention is that the Chinese family you mentioned did not pay to enjoy the cold venue but to enjoy lobsters and steak.

Luggage Assistance: On the first day, there was no bellboy to assist with our luggage or to open our car door. While there may have been bellboys on other days, there were none present upon our arrival. If my recollection is incorrect, please accept my apologies.

Overall, we had hoped for a more constructive resolution to our concerns. I trust you will reflect on these points and work towards improving the experience for future guests. --------------------------------- Original Post ------------------------------------ Disappointed

We stayed at the Melia Ngorongoro for 2 nights as part of a family trip. Having previously enjoyed stays at Asilia Retreat and Four Seasons Serengeti, we were disappointed with our experience here.

There are specific issues that need to be addressed:

Food Poisoning: During our stay, four out of five people in my family suffered from food poisoning. I spent the entire next day in the restroom, and my son experienced severe discomfort through the night. When we reported this to the hotel management, their response was disappointing. They seemed to dismiss our concerns, implying that the issue was our problem rather than a potential issue with their food. The manager’s demeanor was particularly troubling; he was holding his tea throughout the conversation and offered a response that felt unusually casual and lacking in genuine concern. This was the first time I’ve experienced food poisoning in a 5-star hotel, and it was surprising to encounter such a lack of professionalism and empathy in the hospitality industry.

Racial Discrimination: We observed what appeared to be a concerning practice during dinner. Chinese guests, including our family(although some of us are Japanese) were seated outside in much colder conditions, while others were seated inside. This seemed discriminatory and was unsettling.

Service Oversights: The hotel forgot to make up our room for the second night, which was a basic expectation of service. Additionally, there was no bellboy available when we arrived to assist with our luggage; they only appeared later.

Despite these issues, the hotel does have some positives: the view is stunning, the food was enjoyable, and some staff members were friendly. We also appreciated...

Unforgettable Stay at Ngorongoro Lodge by Meliá – A Must-Visit Gem! Our stay at Ngorongoro Lodge by Meliá was nothing short of spectacular, making it an absolute must when visiting the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the lodge’s breathtaking setting and warm hospitality, which set the tone for an unforgettable experience. The highlight of our stay was undoubtedly the heated pool, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and luxury while soaking in the most stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Watching the sunset over the Ngorongoro Crater from the pool was a moment we’ll cherish forever. The lodge itself is beautifully designed, seamlessly blending modern comfort with the natural beauty of the area, creating an atmosphere of serene elegance. What truly elevated our experience was the exceptional service, led by the lodge’s manager, Martin. We have never met a kinder, more welcoming, or more genuine person. Martin’s warmth and dedication to ensuring every guest feels at home were unparalleled. He went above and beyond to make our stay special, from sharing insights about the area to ensuring every detail of our visit was perfect. His passion for hospitality is infectious, and he truly made our time at the lodge unforgettable. The rooms were spacious, impeccably clean, and thoughtfully designed, with views that left us in awe each morning. The dining experience was equally impressive, with delicious meals showcasing local flavors and fresh ingredients. Every aspect of the lodge, from the attentive staff to the well-maintained facilities, reflected a commitment to excellence. Ngorongoro Lodge by Meliá is more than just a place to stay—it’s an experience that captures the magic of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Thanks to Martin and the incredible team, we left with memories that will last a lifetime. We can’t wait to return to this...

This hotel is truly special. Perched right on the crater’s edge, it offers breathtaking panoramic views into the Ngorongoro Crater. We absolutely loved our stay at the lodge. It was an unforgettable experience, and we fully intend to return one day. The service, food, and management/staff were all exceptionally attentive and welcoming.

Helpful tips for future visitors:

Location in a conservation area: The lodge is inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which means all entries and exits are regulated. We experienced some delays entering and leaving, as well as on our day trip to the Serengeti. The process can be slow and bureaucratic, and all park gate arrangements must be coordinated by the hotel. We encountered some small administrative errors, so this is an area for improvement. To avoid issues, I recommend clearly sharing your full travel plans with the hotel in advance. For example, we arranged our own private transfer from Arusha, but because it wasn’t coordinated with the lodge, we faced some delays at the gate. If you do the same, ask the hotel to connect directly with your driver.

Road conditions: The drive is smooth until you reach the Ngorongoro gate. After that, roads become rough and bumpy, so allow extra time for any transfers or connections.

Weather: It gets surprisingly cold at the lodge, especially in the mornings and evenings. Pack a fleece or warm layers to stay comfortable.

Safari recommendations: We did two full-day safaris. one inside the crater (photos attached) and one in the Serengeti and I highly recommend this combination. The crater is densely packed with wildlife, easily done in one day but is missing some species you can find in the Serengeti. By contrast, the Serengeti is vast, with a wider range of animals. The drive from the lodge to the Serengeti gate takes about two to three hours each way, so plan...