Where to stay in Dar es Salaam
In Dar es Salaam you will find several large hotels of multinational chains and cheaper but still very good quality local hotels.
Tanzania's largest city is ideal for 1-2 nights. More days you would probably get bored here.
Top 10 hotels in Dar es Salaam
Where to stay - my hotel tips
Despite being the 5th largest city in Africa, Dar es Salaam is very easy to find your way around.
In fact, there are practically only 3 locations suitable for accommodation.
Downtown
The centre is very small with an area of about 2x2km and within it you have most of the tourist attractions, the boat port on Zanzibar and the TRC train station.
Within the centre you will find a full range of hotels from luxury to budget.
Multinational chains
If you prefer to be on the safe side, choose to stay at one of these hotels:
- Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam ***** - one of the best hotels in the city, located on the promenade between the harbour and the Ferry Fish Market.
- Four Points by Sheraton Dar es Salaam **** - great quality and location on the seafront promenade in the centre of town
- Crowne Plaza by IHG **** - located in the northern part of the centre and one of the cheapest international hotels
- Johari Rotana ***** - luxury hotel in the 4th tallest skyscraper in the city with great views - located directly opposite the Zanzibar Boat Harbour
Good local hotels
Stay in good quality 3* or 4* local hotels for lower prices.
I have tried 2 different hotels and could recommend both.
- Harbour View Suites **** - I liked this hotel better mainly because of the huge room with balcony and great view of the harbour
- Tiffany Diamond Hotels - Makunganya **** - slightly cheaper hotel right in the middle of the centre
Cheapest hotels
For prices around 60 usd you can get the cheapest accommodation within the city centre at these decently rated hotels.
Msasani Peninsula
This peninsula is one of the best addresses in Dar es Salaam and is located between Coco Beach and the boat landing on Bongoya and Mbudya islands.
Accommodation here is recommended for those who prefer tranquillity, nice surroundings and the possibility of boat trips to the islands or for snorkelling.
However, the beaches right next to the hotels are not so nice.
Beaches in the Kigombani area
Although south of the harbour there are mostly rather poorer areas, the beaches along the coast in Kigombani are the nicest in Dar es Salaam.
Most of these are earmarked for hotels, so if you prefer a quieter setting away from the centre and right by the sea, stay here.
The downside is the longer commute time to the centre - cars often travel in long queues and the journey can stretch to 1 hour.
Prices here are also up to 2x lower than in the Msasani Peninsula area. However, the quality of hotels is much worse.
The best hotels with their own private beach are:
Hotel prices and when to book
Good international hotels offer rooms ranging from 180 usd to 250 usd per night.
For good quality local 4* hotels you will pay around 150 usd per night and for cheaper 3* you will pay around 65 usd.
As Dar es Salaam is not a tourist destination, prices are very similar throughout the year.
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