The best hotels in Arusha vary widely with what you are aiming for when staying in this city located in Northern Tanzania. There are countless accommodation options if you are looking for a place to stay in Arusha, from budget-friendly hotels to comfortable and intimate lodges to luxury lodges within Arusha town center and even in the outskirts of Arusha. Every day, safaris begin in Arusha, which is the pulsing core of Tanzania’s tourism economy. It offers a pleasant atmosphere and is set in the slopes of Mount Meru. It’s an excellent place to stay for a night or two before starting your Tanzanian journey after or even before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. There are many places to stay in Arusha; we’ve included some of our favorites below.
Hotels within Arusha Town
Arusha is a tourist town and is host to numerous hotels within the city center from cheap hotels to luxurious ones. Below is a selected few that are frequently used by Tranquil Kilimanjaro for clients that usually go on safari after climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or stay in these hotels before and after climbing Mount Meru. These are the best hotels that we can recommend within Arusha town.
Mount Meru Hotel
This hotel is the geographical centerpiece of the Arusha National Park, located in the slopes of Kilimanjaro’s sister peak, Mount Meru. It is surrounded by some of the country’s most famous scenery and the fauna that distinguishes East Africa, with 15 acres (6 hectares) of grounds. It also has a nine-hole golf course for anyone looking to improve their game.
Kibo Palace Hotel
Kibo Palace Hotel, located 15 minutes from Arusha city center, has a manicured garden with a huge outdoor pool, a restaurant, and spa and wellness amenities.
The hotel features a fitness facility, a sauna, a steam bath, sunbeds, and a massage parlor for guests’ pleasure. A tour desk, concierge, gift store, and meeting & conference rooms are among the other amenities.
It takes 45 minutes to travel to Kilimanjaro International Airport from Kibo palace Hotel, and airport shuttles may be arranged.
Gran Melia Hotel, Arusha
The Spanish-Peruvian restaurant of this hotel has a wow factor thanks to its top-floor views. For the sophisticated gourmet, the on-site Yellow Chilli Indian restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Three restaurants provide a variety of dining options, and the hotel’s position – at the entry to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit – ensures it caters to a thronging tourism hub.
Four Points by Sheraton, Arusha Hotel
It is one of East Africa’s oldest hotels, with a history dating back to 1894 and a traditional feel. It provides a taste of luxury with well-kept gardens, massages at the neighboring Ai Care Spa, and a 24-hour gym. On Fridays, live music and DJ performances fill the Parachichi restaurant and Hatari Bar.
The African Tulip
This hotel has a genuine Tanzanian flavor, with bright African fabrics and handcrafted local art. The themed rooms evoke the attractions of the Serengeti National Park nearby, putting guests in the mood for a safari. The Zanzibar Lounge is also a great location to unwind, have a cup of coffee, or refuel before tackling Kilimanjaro.
Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa
The abundance of spa services available at this hotel is its distinctive selling feature. Among the therapies available to guests are stress-relieving massages, reflexology, hot stone massages, and Indian head massages. Tulia has you covered as a stress-relieving hideaway, whether you’ve been on a wild safari or a day-long walk.
Arusha Palace Hotel
At a low cost, you can have Western-standard quality. You may anticipate all of the amenities that a reputable 4-Star hotel would provide. The rooms are ultra-modern, with a wide range of facilities (spa, fitness centre, good restaurant, Wifi in the rooms). It is at a good location.
The Arusha Palace hotel is suitable for those who are used to Western conveniences or who wish to stay in the heart of the city.
Read more about the best hotels near Kilimanjaro International Airport
Lodges near Arusha City
For clients that prefer seclusion, tranquility, nature, remoteness, and that extra luxury, we recommend the following lodges located near Arusha town or within the outskirts of Arusha. These are classic lodges with an extra safari touch for our clients that opt for safaris after climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru climbs.
Machweo Retreat
Onsea House’s sibling property, Machweo Retreat, is the newest addition to the Onsea House family. Machweo Retreat is directly next door to Onsea House, one of Arusha’s greatest small properties, and it replicates the same degree of excellence in service and accommodations. The cuisine is outstanding, and some of the greatest in East Africa can be found here. Our first choice lodgings in Arusha are Onsea House or Machweo Retreat; if these are both booked, we prefer Rivertrees; and if you want something a little more premium and luxurious, the Arusha Coffee Lodge.
Arusha Coffee Lodge
There are a few luxury establishments in and around Arusha, the nicest of which is the Arusha Coffee Lodge. Elewana owns and operates this facility, which maintains high standards of quality and service. The fact that you are staying on a working coffee farm gives your stay a unique feel and atmosphere. A visit to Arusha is usually limited to one or two nights. If you’re looking for something a little less expensive, we recommend Onsea House or Machweo Retreat, and if they’re both booked, Rivertrees is the next best alternative.
Onsea House
Without a question, Onsea House is the greatest value property in Arusha. There are more thumbs up for the cuisine here than everywhere else in the country. The location, accommodations, and service are all superb, making this the best place to stay in Arusha for one or two nights. Onsea is a family-run business, and you’ll feel right at home thanks to the warm lodge style. There are other places to stay in Arusha, but none have consistently garnered positive comments. If you prefer the luxury of a high-end resort, the Arusha Coffee Lodge is an excellent option, but this is a tremendous money saver.
Lake Duluti lodge
In Arusha, there are several lodging alternatives that cater to a wide range of standards, quality, and, of course, pricing. Lake Duluti is a high-end destination that is a great place to stop before or after a luxury safari. It offers fantastic accommodations, is in a fantastic location, and provides excellent service. These two facilities, together with the Arusha Coffee Lodge, are our top picks for high-end Arusha lodging.
Moivaro Coffee Estate and Lodge
With so many lodges and small hotels to select from in and around Arusha these days, this lodge stands out as a good option. The lodge is properly run, with excellent service and clean, airy rooms. It features a large pool for individuals who have climbed Kilimanjaro, but it is also great for a brief soak in the afternoon after coming from somewhere. For those searching for a peaceful and quaint stoop over a point on their journey through, this is a nice alternative. Excellent for families, but search elsewhere if you want a tiny, personal setting.
Rivertrees Lodge
This is one of the greatest tiny properties in Arusha. It is remote and serene, and it provides good service and beautiful accommodations. The restaurant here is a local favorite, and the beautiful background of Mt Meru creates a very relaxing atmosphere. Onsea House is the closest equivalent, while the Arusha Coffee Lodge is a better option if you want something more affluent and trendy. Although Rivertrees is the furthest away from the Arusha airport, it is an excellent alternative for a relaxing night following your foreign flights.
Hotels near Mount Meru
Arusha is a prominent tourist destination in Tanzania’s northwestern region. It is a famous trekking base town because it is located immediately below Mount Meru and 1.5-2 hours southwest of Kilimanjaro.
Arusha is located in northern Tanzania, at the foot of the volcanic Mount Meru. It serves as a base for safari trips and hikes up Africa’s tallest summit, Kilimanjaro, which is around 100 kilometers (60 miles) away. It’s also a good starting point for exploring the Serengeti National Park, where yearly wildebeest migrations attract visitors each year.
Momella Wildlife Lodge
Momella Wildlife Lodge is located in Arusha, 31 kilometers from the Museum and Masái Cultural Town of Olpopongi, and features a restaurant and mountain views.
There is a patio at the lodge and a garden is also available.
The Momella Wildlife Lodge is 42 kilometers from the historic German Boma.
Hatari Lodge
Hatari!, a 1960s blockbuster starring John Wayne and filmed in the area and was the inspiration for the naming of this lodge. Every area of the lodge is filled with a unique piece of art or a piece of handcrafted furniture.
Hatari Lodge was thoughtfully planned and furnished to high quality, making it an excellent place to begin or conclude a safari in northern Tanzania. It’s a wonderful location for exploring Arusha National Park, which is tiny but lovely and ideal for walking and canoeing in a relaxing setting but lacks the density of large animals found in other northern parks.
Best Hotels for Kilimanjaro and Safaris
The town is also close to Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park, Olduvai Gorge, Tarangire National Park, and Arusha National Park.
The city has a population of around 420,000 people and is rather cosmopolitan in comparison to other East African cities!
We’ve given you a quick rundown of the top hotels in Arusha in this post.
For any budget, there is a hotel or guest room here.