Amani Beach Resort — Hotel in Dar es-Salaam

The protea hotel enjoys a privileged location on Amani beach. The huge property and quiet beachfront provides privacy and peace. Expansive views over the Indian Ocean, and the magnificent, cliff adorned bay are the perfect setting for the most demanding traveller. However........ We had booked a weekend for three, including a child. My travelling companion had been to the place before, and our expectations were high. Arriving at reception, we waited for about 20mns without anyone showing up, and in spite of ringing several times the beautiful copper bell sitting on the counter. We had to go behind the counter, and into the service area, calling for the receptionist. Once she showed up, check in was easy and speedy, and we were directed to the lounge, where fresh coconut water and flower garlands were offered. We asked for lunch and the order was taken right there and then, specifying at what time it should be served. The room was beautiful. Large, with beautiful views over the sea. The kids bed was there and ready, the decor was suitably typical, and the large bathroom offered both bathtub and shower. There were coffee making facilities, and large wardrobes. But.... No hair dryer Only two bath towels for three guests One tiny sample of shower gel And only one blanket in the cupboard...... The pool area Is not large, but amply sufficient for the 22 guests that the hotel takes at full capacity. Nice pool beds, beautiful location right on the beach. To our surprise, the beach bar, where lunch is served, does not serve expresso, nor filter coffee. A disappointment in a coffee growing country, only instant coffee is available. Diner and breakfast are served in the dining room. Nice, open area with a very inviting decor. food was good , although the lobster a bit overcooked and plain. We had ordered directly with the manager, upon reservation, a birthday cake with a candle, for one of us was celebrating. That had been totally forgotten, and the staff quickly ran around to organize some form of dessert, which was average tasting. And of course no birthday candle.....huge disappointment. Breakfast was ok, served in form of a buffet with a hot station for eggs. No brown bread, though, because there was no brown flour (they bake their own bread). The disaster happened at lunch on the second day, where we had ordered fish nuggets (two adult and one kid portion) and were served fish cakes (three adult portions). The lunch was pre ordered with a specific time. It arrived 30mns late. Our 5 year old was by then famished and tired and complained bitterly about not getting what had been ordered. We just ate because we were hungry, but remained extremely frustrated. All these little incidents spoiled totally what would've been otherwise a magic weekend. They were communicated to the staff as they were happening. Not once did the manager appeared, and no apologies were offered. The staff seemed to be left to their own devices, with no direction and no means to perform to their best. They were trying, but it was not enough. I fail to understand how, in a hotel of only 10 rooms and 22 guests, one can spend 48h without seeing the face of the one in charge. But the worse part is probably the state of disrepair of the buildings, and particularly the thatched roofs that were dried out and full of holes. Apparently this charming property had been bought by the Mariott group a year ago, but they obviously have not invested a cent either in the facilities, nor in the people. I almost forgot to mention the wifi that only works around reception or the beach bar. A professional manager, and a few repairs need to happen before I could recommend anyone...

There are few places in world that are as peaceful as the PHDeSAB. There are 10 bungalows that are separate enough to provide space from your neighbors. The facility includes two locations to eat (one for breakfast and dinner, the other for lunch by the beach. There is also a pool, lounge chairs, a tennis court, and a private beach. Emphasis on PRIVATE. You really feel as if you have a private resort to yourself. The water is a crystal clear blue. The staff is attentive and the food is excellent quality. WiFi is not available in the room, only in the location where food is being served. The rooms have a strong echo. To get to the location you must travel along an unpaved road that is best suited for a SUV or other off road vehicle. Bring bug spray because mosquitoes attack at night. There is no local grocery store nor market. You cannot walk off the property and get anything. This location requires transportation to get to and from. Uber is not reliable so plan on arranging transportation through the hotel. It is $80 round trip to the Zanzibar ferry and $55 one way to/from the airport. BRING dollars. The Tanzania shilling bills are in thousand denominations (1,000. 5,000. 10,000.). I have not seen higher than 10,000 Tshilling note. At this time 400,000 Tshillings equals almost $188 dollars (that is a lot of cash to walk around with and many businesses prefer...

The perfect taste of paradise you are looking for to take a break out of the city.

Where to start? The location makes it unique. The roads are not the best but everybody needs to deserve reaching paradise, and according to me it add charm to it.

The staff that will welcome and serve you during your stay is doing a great job. Always smiling and happy to help you. The manager is a real one - he will take time to see and talk with every guest to make sure everything is okay and is always available If needed.

The rooms that could actually be considered as apartments thanks to the superficy, all the accommodations available and the cosy decoration are charming. Furthermore, the space between each of them has been perfectly thought for you to feel alone.

During the day the swimming pool and the beach are the best place to relaxe, and at night, the silence around, the sound of the waves and the sky full of stars is exactly what I am looking for to end the day.

Finally, the food is amazing from royal breakfast to dinner you have a range of possibilities that will accommodate anybody in the best way. Special congratulations for the sauces, garlicy, chilly, creamy, pepery... all delicious:-)

In few words, thanks to the whole team for making us spend an amazing weekend. We will come back for sure and recommend that place to...