Palace Hotel
The construction of this plush new hotel was completed in February 2012. Its central
Arusha location means that it has views overlooking the town and Mount Meru. It
is luxurious, if a little soulless.
Rooms
Each bed has a sprung mattress and cotton sheets. The rooms are supplied with numerous
power points, hair-dryers, tea & coffee making facilities, a mini-bar and fridge,
and an electronic safe. Mosquito nets are not required, as there are nets on the
windows. The bathrooms of the suites have bathtubs, the rest of the rooms have good
showers. Each bathroom is supplied with toiletries, towels, copious hot water, and
shaver points.
Restaurant
The menu has Indian, European, and African cuisine. Meals for late arrivals are
possible if arranged in advance.
The restaurant and bar are on the second floor and are surrounded by a verandah,
with views over the local government offices and university.
Facilities
At present they have cabled internet services to each of the rooms, provided free
of charge, but a roll-out of wifi across the hotel is expected soon. There is no
pool, but they do have a gym with steam rooms and saunas at the top floor of the
hotel, with unparalleled views. The communal areas are cool and clean, and their
generator can supply ample power.
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