10 Best Luxury Hotels and Lodges in Arusha

Before we list our top luxury hotels list for Arusha, thought we should just let you know that, Arusha, the bustling urban gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuits, is not just a point of departure but a destination in its own right, especially when it comes to luxury accommodations. Encircled by the dramatic landscapes that lead to Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha offers a unique blend of adventure and indulgence. Here, luxury isn’t merely about opulence but about experiencing Tanzania’s natural and cultural richness in comfort.

Imagine waking up to the soft light of dawn painting the peaks of Mount Meru, or the sound of exotic birds greeting the day from the lush gardens of your lodge. These hotels and lodges in Arusha are not just places to rest your head; they are sanctuaries designed to elevate your entire Tanzanian experience. Each property has been meticulously chosen for its ability to offer not just a stay but an immersion into luxury that resonates with the spirit of East Africa.

The architecture often reflects a harmonious blend of traditional African aesthetics with modern comforts, providing an ambiance where you feel connected to the land while enveloped in luxury. From sprawling estates with views of coffee plantations to intimate lodges nestled in the shadow of mountains, these establishments cater to those who seek the extraordinary.

Here, dining transcends the ordinary; it’s an exploration of flavors where local ingredients meet international culinary arts, often under the stars with the backdrop of Africa’s vast skies. Wellness is not just a concept but a practice, with spas that use indigenous treatments to rejuvenate both body and soul. For those interested in more than just relaxation, these hotels often serve as gateways to bespoke adventures, whether it’s a private safari, a trek up Kilimanjaro, or cultural immersion with local tribes.

The service in these luxury hotels and lodges goes beyond the typical; it’s personalized, often knowing your preferences before you even articulate them. It’s about creating experiences that are bespoke to each guest, ensuring that every stay in Arusha is not just memorable but transformative.

Thus, for those seeking to indulge in the finest that Arusha has to offer, these six luxury hotels and lodges stand out, each providing a unique taste of Tanzanian luxury with a commitment to excellence that defines the spirit of safari hospitality.

Gran Melia Arusha

Wake up in a room that feels like a suite in a palace, with views that stretch across the city to the majestic mountains. Gran Melia Arusha isn’t just a hotel; it’s an experience. This 5-star gem stands out with its palatial entrance, where the air is scented with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The rooms are not just spaces but sanctuaries, with high ceilings, plush furnishings, and balconies that offer a private slice of the Tanzanian sky. The fitness center rivals any city gym, with state-of-the-art equipment overlooking the gardens. But the heart of Gran Melia is its dining – a culinary journey through international cuisines, with a nod to local flavors. The gardens surrounding the property are not just for show; they’re an extension of the hotel, offering paths for a morning jog or an evening stroll. If luxury means a seamless blend of comfort, service, and location, Gran Melia Arusha is your epitome.

Mount Meru Hotel

Strategically placed in the bustling heart of Arusha, Mount Meru Hotel combines convenience with luxury. It’s the perfect starting point for cultural tours or shopping sprees. The rooms here cater to every type of traveler, from solo adventurers to families, all boasting amenities like Wi-Fi, safes, and tea-making facilities. The highlight, however, is the view. Some rooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows where Mount Meru seems almost close enough to touch. The outdoor pool is a haven of tranquility amidst the city’s buzz, and the bar is a place where you can unwind with a cocktail as the sun dips behind the mountain. For business travelers, the proximity to a well-maintained golf course and conference facilities makes this hotel a strategic choice.

Kibo Palace Hotel

The opulent, world-class Kibo Palace hotel is only five minutes from the well-known Arusha clocktower and forty-five minutes from Kilimanjaro Airport. One of the bigger and more well-known hotels in the city, it offers a variety of amenities to both business and leisure guests and has five levels of spacious rooms and suites. The Kilimanjaro Restaurant, which offers great à la carte options, is located on the ground floor, past the registration area. There is a pool in the gorgeous gardens with palm trees, lots of lounge chairs, and a poolside bar just outside the restaurant. There is a sizable spa and gym with a sauna and steam room upstairs.

My stay at Kibo Palace before tackling Kilimanjaro was nothing short of regal. Located a bit away from the city’s center, this hotel offers a peaceful retreat with modern luxury. The rooms are a testament to comfort, with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and safe deposit boxes as standard. The Presidential Suite is particularly impressive, boasting a kitchenette, a jacuzzi, and a workspace that feels like an executive office. The hotel’s amenities, including a gym, pool, and multiple dining options, cater to those who appreciate the finer things in life after a day of adventure or business.

Four Points by Sheraton Arusha

Once known simply as The Arusha Hotel, this establishment has embraced its new identity with grace, offering minimalist luxury in the city’s center. The rooms are designed for the modern traveler – sleek, functional, and comfortable. The highlight here is undoubtedly the terrace, where breakfast is served with a view of the manicured gardens. The fitness center keeps you in shape for your Tanzanian adventures, and the pool is a cool retreat from the equatorial sun. It’s a place where you’re close to everything yet feel miles away from the hustle.

Arusha Coffee Lodge

For those who dream of a stay that’s both rustic and luxurious, Arusha Coffee Lodge delivers. Set among coffee plantations, this lodge gives you a taste of rural life without compromising on 5-star amenities. The rooms, built with red bricks, exude a cozy, cabin-like feel. Every morning, you can participate in a coffee tour, learning about the bean from plant to cup. The central fireplace, multiple dining options, and a spa make this lodge a sanctuary. It’s not just where you stay; it’s where you experience Arusha’s agricultural heritage.

Fun Retreat Resort

This resort is a playground for the luxury-seeking adventurer. With water sports, game rooms, and a colossal outdoor pool, Fun Retreat Resort is where fun meets luxury. The rooms range from opulent suites to family-oriented spaces, and there’s even a campsite for those who want to sleep under the stars. The Salt & Pepper restaurant offers a feast for the senses, while the 360 degrees Sports Bar is a haven for sports enthusiasts. If your idea of a holiday includes both relaxation and excitement, this is your place.

African Tulip

Only a short distance from the well-known Arusha clock tower lies the unique boutique hotel African Tulip. There are a number of suites with balconies, 29 rooms, a family room, and an interconnecting room. Warm hues, large mattresses, a water dispenser, and a window seat are features of every room. There is a fantastic restaurant named “Baobab Restaurant,” a curio shop, and a pool and lounge in the garden. The location is serene and charming, and the staff is welcoming. For mid-luxury travelers that require many rooms, such as couples or groups, this is a great choice.

River Trees Country Inn

Originally an old coffee farm, the inn is a lovely country mansion that still has the rustic feel of a beloved homestead. The grounds, which cover 10 acres of lush vegetation, are a natural extension of the sloping foothills of Mount Meru and provide a haven for local species and birds.
A serene and scenic scene is created by lush lawns and birdsong, with tastefully traditional houses scattered along the river and amid dense stands of towering trees. There are countless opportunities for exploration because the location is surrounded by nature reserves, alpine forests, and a thriving village culture.

Sanna Boutique Hotel

With breathtaking city views, the Sanna Boutique Hotel is a hidden gem in the center of Arusha. This hotel, which occupies the upper floors of the Ngorongoro Tourism Center, opened in 2023 and features exquisitely large rooms that provide ample space for guests to feel like royalty. The hotel’s rooftop garden area, which features an international restaurant and 360-degree views of Arusha, is arguably its best feature. The largest and most up-to-date gym in Arusha is located downstairs, along with a welcoming co-working area for individuals looking to keep in shape or work out while on the road. Before embarking on a city tour, stop into Sanna Cafe on the first level for a coffee.

Gold Crest Hotel

Gold Crest Arusha is well located for both business and vacation guests, just a kilometer from Arusha’s downtown and 55 kilometers from Kilimanjaro International Airport along the Old Moshi road.

There are 40 suites in total, each with its own category and unique amenities. All of the suites have a separate sitting area, a private kitchen and stove, a sofa, a coffee table, a desk and chair, twin or queen beds, a private bathroom or shower with toilets, satellite TV, wireless internet access, air conditioning, a minibar, a personal safe, international direct dialing, a hair dryer, and facilities for making tea and coffee.

Additional amenities include a restaurant and bar, conference rooms, a business center, a gym, a curio/gift store, and a swimming pool.

How about Luxury Safaris

To make your stay even more exciting, why not add a luxury safari to your luxury accommodation for a classic style and memorable adventure in Tanzania. Below are the luxurious adventures in Tanznaia that compliment your glamping accommodation in Arusha.