GR City Hotel — Hotel in Ruanda

We loved our stay at GR city. We only planned to pass through mbeya very quickly to catch a flight to Dar but we were quicker than anticipated through Malawi so we had two nights instead of one and we're so glad we did. Our room was very posh and a much higher standard than we were used to. It cost 50000 tzk, about £18, which was a bit more than we were used to but for the luxury definitely worth it. Complimentary water, teas, coffees and toiletries in the room and a fridge which is always helpful. Good shower and air con. The staff were the friendliest we encountered in the whole 2 months in East Africa and were so helpful, advising us what to on our day in mbeya. We had a fab day out on the managers suggestion, who told us we should go and be adventurous. One of the receptionists took us to the local bus stop and communicated to the driver where we wanted to go - Katunya (?). Here, we searched for the landmark hotel and asked for David who took us on a fabulous tour of the regions tea plantations. The scenery is stunning and he was really informative on tea as well as Tanzanian history and culture. He also does waterfall treks and other day trips. We wish we'd had longer in mbeya to make the most of the region, which is often overlooked as a quick stop off onto the rest of Tanzania. |Both nights we ate in the restaurant of the hotel with loads of locals who obviously use it as a local hang out. The food was brilliant and the atmosphere really fun but the wait for food was torturous. Order early then wait to get hungry. The fish curry was brilliant. |All in all, a highlight of our...

The first room I had was 35,000/- and a single room. The room was tiny with too much furniture and nowhere to store anything which was just super annoying. The food is fine, pretty uninspired but the usual fare you would expect at this price range. The second room I had was much better, a double for 50,000/-. Space to move around and places to put stuff away. The whole hotel is a sea of bathroom tiles, as with all of the hotels in this price range, which is fine but just be careful if the floor is wet! Many of the staff here (I think?) are still training, so be prepared to be patient with them. They are very nice! The beds were comfy, but be aware the wifi is next to useless unless in the reception or on the first floor. It wasn't any better using my modem. I don't know if this is Mbeya-wide or specifically Soweto? Anyway, the hotel was fine and suitable for my business trip. The laundry did however wreck a couple of my tshirts so avoid the...

Located in Soweto area. Stayed here 2 nights on my way to Dar Es Salaam. Rooms from 35,000tsh (about 20$US) and up. Clean rooms, comfy bed, hot water showers, great breakfast buffet. 50,000tsh rooms have tea and coffee with hot water maker. Very nice and helpful staff. Planned on catching the Tazara train but it was delayed in Zambia so I stayed 2 nights at the GR City Hotel and caught the 6am Njendela (43,000tsh) bus from Mbeya. It was 12 hours and all my malaria symptoms kicked in the night before so the bus ride was miserable but if you are feeling good it isn't a terrible option. They provided water and soda and...