Ballantynes Lodge — Hotel in Harare

Nestled in the leafy, tranquil suburb of Ballantyne Park in north‑eastern Harare, Ballantynes Lodge emerges as a sublime retreat for discerning travellers seeking refined comfort, attentive service, and a sense of belonging—all within moments of the city's pulse. My stay at this luxury guesthouse was nothing short of exceptional, and I write this review with the utmost enthusiasm and confidence.

🌿 First Impressions & Ambience

From the moment I stepped through the gates at 4 Parham Road, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. Situated in one of Harare’s most desirable residential enclaves—just a short drive from Borrowdale Sam Levy’s Village—the lodge exudes an inviting serenity . Mature trees, manicured lawns, and a blue-tiled outdoor pool set the stage for a restorative stay. The property’s decor leans toward elegant understatement: high ceilings, plush upholstery, warm neutral tones, and thoughtful touches that feel more like a gracious host than a corporate hotel.

🛏️ Room Comfort & Amenities

My room cosy, tastefully furnished with premium fittings. Egyptian cotton bedding, blackout curtains, and individually controlled air conditioning ensured a restful night’s sleep. Coffee and tea facilities, bathrobes, and free high-speed Wi‑Fi rounded out the creature comforts . The private bathroom offered upscale amenities—each element signalling attention to detail.

Multiple positive reviews echo these sentiments. One guest wrote that “rooms are clean and modern,” while another described the “bed is huge and very comfy” . For someone accustomed to high standards, these endorsements hold true in my experience.

🍽️ Food & Dining

Beyond the accommodation, food is a standout feature. A full breakfast—served in the airy lounge area or on the terrace—offers a generous spread of local and continental favourites. Fresh fruit, eggs made to order, artisanal bread, and hot beverages kickstart the day beautifully. Dinner service is equally polished, with dishes prepared swiftly and tailored to dietary preferences—a testament to the kitchen team's professionalism .

Several guests have lauded the culinary experience: “The food is fantastic, and quickly served on request,” and “breakfast is first class with many options” . As an ICT business leader who values efficiency, I appreciated how mealtime offered both nutrition and comfort.

🤵 Staff & Hospitality

Where Ballantynes Lodge truly shines is in its people. The staff—front desk, waitstaff, housekeeping—deliver exceptional service with warmth and a genuine smile. Comments such as “Arrive as guests, leave as friends… a rare gem” resonate powerfully . This isn’t scripted hospitality; it’s heartfelt engagement. At my departure, I felt sincerely welcomed back anytime.

🏡 Facilities & Extras

The property spa—if you will—the outdoor pool, sun‑drenched terrace, and fitness centre provide plenty of leisure options. Whether you’re unwinding with a swim, browsing the garden with a book, or squeezing in a workout, Ballantynes delivers. A crackling fireplace in the reception lounge adds a touch of romance to quieter moments .

Additionally, amenities such as an airport shuttle laundry/dry cleaning services, babysitting, meeting rooms, garden, and conference space cater well to both business guests and families .

📍 Location & Convenience

Located in Ballantyne Park—one of Harare’s greenest and most tranquil suburbs—this lodge offers easy access to Harare's top attractions, including the National Botanic Gardens, Harare Sports Club, and local shopping hubs like Avondale and Sam Levy's Village . It is also just a 35‑minute ride from Harare International Airport, making it convenient for international travellers.

✅ Highlights Summary

Design & Ambience: Understated elegance in a calm, leafy setting.

Rooms: Luxuriously appointed with plush beds, blackout curtains, and premium tech comforts.

Cuisine: Consistently excellent breakfasts...

What a beautiful place to stay! It felt like home as soon as we were greeted by Zoe and Sky at the front desk. The interiors are stunning, with little touches and artwork everywhere you look. The rooms are spacious, clean and comfortable. The shower pressure was perfect after a long road trip. The staff were all helpful, polite and friendly. Breakfast was delicious, (thank you to Carrie and Francis and the kitchen staff) We ate in a dining room with the doors open to the pool deck and well-maintained garden beyond, and gentle spa-like music in the air - it felt like we were a million miles away from everywhere. The beauty of it was that we were central to everything we needed. My husband wanted to take a trip down memory lane, so we hired a car onsite and they offered their driver, Blessing, to help navigate the Zim roads. He was friendly and informative and definitely a good call vs driving ourselves. They also provided transfers to and from the airport. Shirley runs a fantastic establishment; obviously a labour of love, I highly...

I had the opportunity to stay at Ballantines Lodge on multiple occasions and it always felt like home.

First of all, the place looks wonderful. The premises are really nice and surrounded by a beautiful garden. The rooms are also beautiful. I had the chance to stay in one of the room upstairs (which included the access to a private balcony) and it was the highlight of my trip !

On top of that, the management team is the kindest. They put a lot of effort to make sure your stay is enjoyable and comfortable. That clearly does not go unnoticed and it’s particularly nice when you had a long travel from Europe ton Zimbabwe.

Last but not least, I must mention the possibility to have dinner there during your stay. I have been really impressed by each meal they propose, all of them being delicious and generous. Please praise the kitchen team for their efforts 🙏🏻.

In a few words, staying at Ballantine’s Lodge will make your stay in Harare even better, and I already look forward to coming...