The Bay Leaf Hotel, Arusha
The Bay Leaf is a wonderfully refreshing boutique hotel that does not try to emulate
African décor, but provides refined luxury, and has been compared with the Marriot
San Jose in Costa Rica, the Jungfrau in Interlaken, Soho Hotel in New York, St Martins
Lane Hotel in London and the Shangri-La in Kowloon. The needs of guests are given
complete attention, and you are made to feel like you are the only guest. The hotel
is located on a quiet leafy road and has been converted from a large private residence
with secluded, gated grounds, with a family of monkeys in residence. Polite, charming
and helpful staff whose attention to detail is memorable maintain a security presence
at all times.
The only complaint is that tips can only be accepted as cash, which is a common experience
in Tanzania.
Rooms at The Bay Leaf
Each of the five rooms has different themes, and the generously-proportioned suites
have luxurious spa-like facilities with large baths and roomy showers, which are
a delight to return to at the end of a safari or climb as they are fully-stocked
with a wide range of designer toiletries. The comfortable beds have generous linens,
and the rooms have air-conditioning or rugged screens on the windows. The outdoor
terraces are comfortable and private, and room service each morning is a welcome
treat.
The Bay Leaf Restaurant
The covered seating area for the restaurant provides a good counterpoint for the
delicious food. Guests have described the breakfasts as ‘delectable’ and the dinner
menu as ‘first-class’.
Facilities at The Bay Leaf Hotel
Rapid laundry services, message services, consistent hot water, electricity and Wi-Fi;
the hotel offers the facilities of a large hotel with the customized service and
friendliness only found with a small establishment. The hotel doesn’t have a pool,
but the construction of one is planned in the near future. Its secluded location
means that there a very few noises to disturb your rest.
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The African Tulip >>>
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