Dar es Salaam-6.82002700,
39.28703400,
Sokoine Drive Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation Square Salaam Towers(Show on Map)
8.7
Very Good
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Summary of reviewsJohari Rotana in Dar Es Salaam receives high praise for its prime location and modern amenities, making it an attractive choice for both business and leisure travelers. Situated near key transport hubs and opposite the ferry terminal to Zanzibar, the hotel offers stunning city and harbor views from many of its rooms. Alongside these spectacular views, the strategically advantageous location is bolstered by the hotel's proximity to the airport and clean surroundings.
Guests frequently commend the spacious and stylishly designed rooms, which are well-furnished and immaculately maintained, offering a tranquil retreat with beautiful vistas. The hotel's commitment to cleanliness extends beyond the rooms to all facilities, creating a pleasant environment that enhances guest comfort.
The exceptional breakfast service is another standout feature, with an extensive buffet catering to diverse dietary needs and tastes, served in a charming setting on the 8th floor. While dinner offers good value with a variety of seafood dishes and a pleasant atmosphere, some guests desired more vegetarian options and were critical of pricing at times.
The hotel staff consistently shine, noted for their helpfulness and professionalism. Their warm demeanor contributes greatly to the overall positive experience, often going above and beyond to make guests feel at home.
The 8th-floor pool, though limited by sun lounger availability and early closing hours, remains popular among families for its safety measures and pleasant ambiance. While there are mixed reviews on the firmness of the beds, many guests find them comfortable.
Though the hotel provides moments of five-star hospitality and luxurious ambiance, there are areas for improvement in service consistency to fully meet five-star expectations. Overall, Johari Rotana stands out for its excellent location, modern comforts, and attentive service, making it a preferred destination in Dar Es Salaam. Show more
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Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Johari Rotana has a stated commitment to sustainability and has implemented programs aimed at reducing its carbon footprint. The hotel also supports relevant initiatives by hosting events focused on clean energy and sustainable solutions.
Hotel for Honeymoon
Johari Rotana, situated in the city center, provides luxurious accommodations and top-notch service. Its modern amenities, fine dining options, and central location make it a convenient and comfortable choice for honeymooners looking to explore the city.
Hotel with Spa
As a Rotana property, Johari Rotana likely features a well-appointed spa offering a range of treatments. The hotel's modern facilities and international standards suggest a focus on providing a premium spa experience.
Family Friendly Hotel
This hotel offers a Kids Club to keep children entertained. It has a fitness centre, twenty four hour front desk and outdoor swimming pool. The guest rooms, include family rooms, are air conditioned and come with en suite bathroom, flat screen television with satellite channels and a mini bar.
Romantic Hotel
Located in Dar es Salaam, Johari Rotana offers modern luxury and exceptional service. Its elegant rooms, rooftop pool, and diverse dining options provide a sophisticated and romantic experience. The central location makes it convenient for exploring the city.
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Johari Rotana is known for its stylish rooms and excellent service, with a pool that provides a relaxing environment. This hotel also has a spa.
Indoor Pool
Business Hotel
Features a large and modern meeting, conference, and wedding center with the latest technology. The Almasi Ballroom is the largest hotel ballroom in Tanzania, accommodating up to 950 guests, with professional event planning and catering services.
Hotel with Parking
Offering parking on-site, this hotel allows guests easy access to their vehicles, which is a key convenience for travelers exploring the area.
Accessible Hotel
This hotel offers comprehensive accessibility features, including a ramp at the entrance, spacious elevators, accessible toilets in public areas and restaurants, and wheelchair accessible areas such as the pool, spa, and meeting rooms. Accessible rooms are available and are entirely wheelchair accessible.
5-Star Hotel
Johari Rotana is a 5-star hotel that features a restaurant, bar, and pool views. It offers room service, a kids' club, and is situated close to the Zanzibar ferry. It is known for its excellent service and modern amenities.
Hotel with Indoor Pool
Johari Rotana provides a dedicated indoor pool as part of its extensive Bodyline Fitness & Wellness Club. This facility is complemented by a boxing ring, sauna, steam rooms, and massage services, offering a wide range of amenities for guests seeking both fitness and relaxation.
Luxury Hotel
Room Types
City View Room – King BedOffering free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, a bath and a hairdryer. The spacious air-conditioned double room offers a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a wardrobe, a safe deposit box, an electric kettle as well as pool views. The unit offers 1 bed.
City View Room – Twin BedOffering free toiletries and bathrobes, this twin/double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, a bath and a hairdryer. The spacious air-conditioned twin/double room offers a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a wardrobe, a safe deposit box, an electric kettle as well as city views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Suite Room - City View / Sea ViewThis spacious suite is comprised of 1 bedroom, a seating area and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a bath. The air-conditioned suite offers a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a wardrobe, a safe deposit box, an electric kettle as well as sea views. The unit offers 1 bed.
One Bedroom Suite with Lounge Access - Sea ViewThis spacious suite includes 1 bedroom, a seating area and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a bath. The air-conditioned suite offers a flat-screen TV with cable channels, executive lounge access, a dining area, a wardrobe as well as sea views. The unit has 1 bed.
Spacious Sea View/City View Room With Lounge Access - King BedProviding free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, a bath and a hairdryer. The spacious air-conditioned double room provides a flat-screen TV with cable channels, executive lounge access, a seating area, a wardrobe as well as sea views. The unit offers 1 bed.
One Bedroom Suite with Lounge Access - City ViewThis spacious suite is comprised of 1 bedroom, a seating area and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a bath. The air-conditioned suite offers a flat-screen TV with cable channels, executive lounge access, a dining area, a wardrobe as well as pool views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Spacious One Bedroom Suite with Lounge Access This spacious suite features 1 bedroom, a seating area and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a bath. The air-conditioned suite features a flat-screen TV with cable channels, executive lounge access, a dining area, a wardrobe as well as sea views. The unit has 1 bed.
Ambassador Suite - Sea View / City ViewThis spacious suite is comprised of 1 bedroom, a seating area and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a bath. The air-conditioned suite offers a flat-screen TV with cable channels, executive lounge access, a dining area, a wardrobe as well as sea views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Sea View Royal SuiteThis spacious suite comprises a kitchen, a seating area, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a bath. The suite's kitchen, which features a refrigerator and an electric kettle, is available for cooking and storing food. The air-conditioned suite provides a flat-screen TV with cable channels, executive lounge access, a dining area, a wardrobe as well as sea views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Sea View/ City View Studio RoomProviding free toiletries and bathrobes, this studio includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, a bath and a hairdryer. Guests can make meals in the kitchen that is equipped with a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and an oven. The air-conditioned studio provides a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a washing machine, a seating area, a wardrobe as well as sea views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Sea View/ City View One Bedroom ApartmentThis spacious apartment consists of a kitchen, a seating area, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a bath. Guests can make meals in the kitchen that is equipped with a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and an oven. The air-conditioned apartment provides a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a washing machine, a dining area, a wardrobe as well as sea views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Spacious Sea View/City View Room With Lounge Access - Twin BedFeaturing free toiletries and bathrobes, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, a bath and a hairdryer. The spacious air-conditioned twin room features a flat-screen TV with cable channels, executive lounge access, a seating area, a wardrobe as well as sea views. The unit has 2 beds.
Sea View King BedOffering free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, a bath and a hairdryer. The spacious air-conditioned double room offers a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a wardrobe, a safe deposit box, an electric kettle as well as sea views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Sea View Twin BedOffering free toiletries and bathrobes, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, a bath and a hairdryer. The spacious air-conditioned twin room offers a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a wardrobe, a safe deposit box, an electric kettle as well as sea views. The unit has 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.7
Very Good
Location
Johari Rotana boasts an exceptional location in the heart of Dar Es Salaam, making it an attractive choice for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel's prime position opposite the ferry terminal to Zanzibar is frequently highlighted as a key reason for guests choosing to stay here, offering unmatched convenience for those planning trips to the island. The tall structure provides spectacular views of the city and harbor, especially from higher floors, enhancing the overall stay with its breathtaking vistas.
Guests appreciate the modern amenities this upscale property offers, including immaculate rooms and a reliable power supply, alongside speedy internet access. The proximity to key transportation hubs such as the ferry terminal and bus station adds to the hotel's appeal, making travel around the city straightforward.
Despite its central setting, the area's crowded nature is occasionally noted, yet the hotel's proximity to essential locations such as the airport, approximately 15 kilometers away, is seen as a plus. Visitors frequently commend the clean environment, friendly staff, and ocean views from the hotel, which further contribute to its allure as a five-star establishment. Overall, Johari Rotana's strategically advantageous location, combined with its contemporary comforts and cleanliness, makes it a preferred destination for travelers exploring Dar Es Salaam.
Breakfast
Nestled in the vibrant cityscape, Johari Rotana offers an impressive breakfast experience that consistently garners praise. Guests are delighted by the extensive and diverse buffet, which seems to cater to every taste and dietary need. Many describe the breakfast as rich, ranging from healthy choices to a variety of options for people with allergies. The setting is charming, with some guests highlighting its location on the 8th floor that adds to the dining pleasure.
Attention to cleanliness and the attentive staff elevates the breakfast experience further, making it memorable for guests. Many reviewers recount breakfast as fantastic, with some even declaring it the best they've experienced in decades of travel, while others appreciate the blend of excellent food and the vibrant atmosphere that compliments the morning meal.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few concerns appear regarding occasional issues like stale cereal and old fruit. However, these seem to be outliers in the broader tapestry of positive reviews. Overall, the breakfast at Johari Rotana is celebrated as a standout feature of the hotel, leaving guests eagerly looking forward to their mornings.
Dinner
Johari Rotana offers an intriguing dining experience with several highlights and a few areas for improvement. Guests often praise the rooftop restaurant on the 8th floor, known for its ambiance with poolside views and live music. This spot stands out, particularly for its seafood offerings, making it a must-visit during a stay. The lunch buffet receives high accolades for its delicious variety, suggesting it's an essential part of the culinary experience at Johari Rotana. Many guests also appreciate the good value of food and drinks available at the restaurant and bar, which seem to balance quality with affordability.
However, while some diners find the dinner menu extensive and coupled with attentive service, others express dissatisfaction with the limited choices available, particularly for vegetarians, and the perceived high prices. The dinner buffet has been noted to overwhelm staff at times, and certain meals outside of breakfast have been highlighted as problematic. Despite these mixed reviews, the restaurant overall is frequently described as excellent, indicating potential for consistent quality during many visits.
Rooms
Johari Rotana is a haven for travelers who appreciate spaciousness and modernity in their accommodations. The rooms are consistently praised for their ample size and stylish design, providing guests with a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. These modern rooms are not only sizable but also well furnished, featuring large tables that cater to business needs and impeccably maintained bathrooms equipped with both showers and bathtubs.
Cleanliness is a key characteristic, with guests frequently noting the spotless state of their accommodations. The hotel's quiet environment further enhances the tranquility for those seeking a restful stay. The views, particularly those overlooking the ocean or harbor, add a delightful element to the overall room experience.
Guests also compliment the hotel for its excellent facilities, including a lovely swimming pool and a top-notch breakfast, which is served by attentive staff. This, combined with the well-appointed and spacious rooms, makes Johari Rotana an appealing choice for both leisure and business travelers looking for a modern retreat with all the comforts of home.
Beds
Guests at Johari Rotana have expressed mixed opinions about the hotel beds. Several guests have noted that the beds are comfortable, with some describing them as good or even excellent, suggesting a satisfying sleep experience for some visitors. However, there are frequent mentions of the mattresses being too firm or hard, which has led to discomfort for other guests. Some have found the beds to be uncomfortably solid, with a few even describing the bed setup as less than ideal. Despite these concerns, the general feedback on the comfort of the beds remains varied.
Cleanliness
The guest reviews highlight Johari Rotana's impressive commitment to maintaining cleanliness throughout its premises. Frequent mentions of the hotel's immaculate and squeaky clean rooms reflect a consistently high standard of hygiene. The hotel facilities, including the pool and wellness spa, are also noted as being clean and well-maintained, contributing to a pleasant and comfortable environment for guests. The bathrooms, in particular, are praised for being clean and well designed. Visitors appreciate the attentive and courteous staff, which further enhances the overall experience. Despite isolated incidents of cleanliness issues, such as a sighted cockroach and dirty windows, the general sentiment is that Johari Rotana is a very clean hotel with a strong emphasis on guest comfort and satisfaction.
Staff
The reviews of Johari Rotana paint a bright picture of the hotel staff’s commitment to guest satisfaction. Guests repeatedly mention the helpfulness and professionalism of the staff, highlighting how their warm and welcoming demeanor made them feel at home. The front desk and breakfast room staff, in particular, stand out for their friendliness and attentiveness. Being described as super friendly and extremely helpful, the staff's eagerness to go above and beyond for guests is noted often. Throughout the hotel, from the clean pool and various bars to the restaurant, the staff consistently impress with their kindness and professionalism. While there are a few remarks about areas for improvement in service training, the overall guest experience appears to be very positive, with many guests emphasizing the staff's exceptional hospitality and the superb value for money.
Pool
Perched on the 8th floor, the pool at Johari Rotana offers a refreshing oasis with a stunning side view of the bay. Guests consistently highlight the positive atmosphere, calling attention to the great vibe that prevails in the pool area. Families particularly appreciate the kid-friendly pool, noting the ever-present lifeguard who ensures safety and peace of mind. The pool's proximity to a lovely poolside bar and restaurant enhances the experience, offering a convenient spot for relaxation and an enjoyable breakfast setup. However, a few points of improvement have been noted, such as the limited availability of sun loungers, all situated in sunny spots without shade, and the fact that the pool closes relatively early. Despite these minor drawbacks, the pool remains a favorite for many, with some guests enjoying the pleasure of having it all to themselves during their stay.
5 Star
Johari Rotana presents a mixed impression when it comes to living up to its five-star rating. While the hotel's facilities are favorably located, making it an ideal spot for travelers heading to Zanzibar, there are inconsistencies in service delivery. Dining experiences tend to be a highlight, with guests speaking favorably of meals enjoyed both through room service and at the 8th-floor venue, and the breakfast buffet is particularly noteworthy.
The hospitality offers flashes of excellence, as staff members are often cheerful and eager to enhance customer satisfaction, which sometimes reaches genuine five-star service levels. However, this is not universally consistent, as some guests have found management and service lacking, especially when overwhelmed by non-hotel guests. Instances such as missing standard bathroom amenities and issues with arranging transport detract from the high standards expected at a high price point.
Though the hotel's aesthetic and some facets cater to luxury expectations, there is room for improvement in maintaining consistent service quality to truly match the promise of a five-star experience.
Yes, Johari Rotana has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Indoor Pool.
Yes, a spa is available at Johari Rotana.
No, Johari Rotana doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Johari Rotana.