19 Luxury & the Best Accommodation In Arusha

Located in Eastern Africa, Tanzania is best known for its safari experiences, trekking Mount Kilimanjaro, and the relaxing beaches of Zanzibar. Arusha is the most popular place to base in between these expeditions. It’s where our head office is based.

1: GRAN MELIA ARUSHA

Gran Melia Arusha (Luxury):  Wake up in a spacious room and a stunning view of the city and the mountains of Arusha. Gran Melia Arusha is by far the most popular 5-star hotel in Arusha. Featuring huge, lavish rooms and suites, this hotel is the epitome of luxury.

Like any other 5-star hotel, Gran Melia Arusha has a grand entrance, state-of-the-art fitness center, large conference centers, fantastic mountain views, numerous massive pools, private balconies, a pool bar, and a world-class restaurant serving the most palatable cuisines. The hotel is a gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. It is set near the golf course and surrounded by stunning gardens. This is my favorite pick among the best luxury hotels in Arusha. See more

2: MOUNT MERU HOTEL

Mount Meru Hotel (Fantastic location/view):  Mount Meru Hotel is a 4-star hotel in the heart of Arusha making it perfect for shopping, cultural city tours, and day trips. It offers a wide range of rooms and suites fitted with everything you need including large comfy beds and furniture depending on the room size.

Room options include standard or double, executive and family, and suites options – junior family, executive, and presidential. All rooms feature a flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, safe, coffee/tea-making facilities, and more.

Some rooms have floor-to-ceiling glass windows that give you a breathtaking full view of the garden and Mount Meru. Other amenities include an outdoor pool, a bar, a shared lounge, a tour desk, and meeting facilities. There is also a well-manicured golf course nearby which makes this one of the best places to stay for Arusha business travellers.

3: KIBO PALACE HOTEL

Kibo Palace Hotel:  (I stayed here for three nights before my Mount Kilimanjaro trek) Another contemporary luxury hotel that may suit your taste is Kibo Palace Hotel. Although it’s a little bit away from the town center and about a 45-minute drive from the airport, this 4-star hotel is perfect for families, couples, and business travelers.

It features 77 rooms including 10 suites, with in-room amenities such as TV, air-conditioning, Wi-fi, safe, and a coffee//tea maker. The Presidential suite boasts a small kitchen, dining area, sitting and work area, a clean bathroom with a bathtub and jacuzzi, and many more. Other facilities include a fitness center, conference facilities, a business center, an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and two bars.

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4: FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON ARUSHA

Four Points by Sheraton Arusha:  If you want to be in the center of the action, then stay at this iconic 4-star accommodation formerly known as Arusha Hotel. Four Points by Sheraton is a fabulous hotel boasting minimalist luxury rooms fitted with a flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, ensuite bathroom, and free Wi-Fi.

The highlight of this hotel is its convenient location because it is close to everything. Another highlight here is the cozy terrace overlooking the well-manicured garden where guests can eat their breakfast with a view. The hotel also has a modern fitness center, an outdoor pool, a bar, a restaurant, conference rooms, and a spacious lobby with lots of sitting areas. Undoubtedly, this hotel is one of the best accommodations in Arusha. See more

5: ARUSHA COFFEE LODGE

Arusha Coffee Lodge (Cozy Ambiance):  Featuring 30 plantation houses and 12 plantation suites, Arusha Coffee Lodge is one of the best 5-star hotels run by Elewana in Arusha. It is conveniently located near the airport and on the fertile grounds of a coffee plantation. Being located on the boundary of the town, you still get a rural feel to your stay.

Rooms are built with red bricks and offer a cabin-like character that provides a cozy ambiance to guests. The hotel’s in-room amenities include a spacious ensuite bathroom, Wi-Fi, comfy beds, a coffee machine, and more.

The lodge has a central fireplace, four restaurants, a bar, a spa, an outdoor pool, and an enormous garden. Guests can join in a coffee tour. If you have enough budget, I highly recommend staying at this 5-star lodge. See More

6: SHU’MATA CAMP

Shu’Mata means ‘heaven’ in the Maa language and is a very fitting name for this remarkable camp in the heart of the Maasai Steppe. Nestled at the foot of the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro, Shu’Mata Camp is an intimate refuge of luxurious Hemingway-style tents set on a craggy hill, offering sensational 360° views of the south Amboseli savannah and the highest mountain in Africa. The camp is so close to Kilimanjaro that on a clear night under the full moon, you might see details of its glaciers at the summit, which is the highest in all of Africa. This is also a great place to explore Kili itself, going on guided nature walks in the area. See more

7: LEGENDARY LODGE

Set on a fragrant working coffee farm among lush tropical gardens on the outskirts of Arusha, Legendary Lodge offers luxurious accommodation that feels like a ‘home from home’. The lodge is a tranquil retreat at which to prepare for or relax from your Tanzanian adventures.

Stays at Legendary Lodge are generally short and the staff generally arrange excursions to Arusha and nearby Arusha National Park and Ngurdoto Crater. Alternatively, guests can wander or cycle through the plantation and gardens, visit the recreation center and spa in the nearby members’ club to spend some time at the gym, playing tennis or squash, hitting the running track or relaxing in the steam room. See More

8: Kili Villa Kilimanjaro Luxury Retreat

Delightful property. Charming. Superb interior design.  Kili Villa Kilimanjaro Luxury Retreat offers spacious accommodation in Arusha, together with a swimming pool and garden. Guests can enjoy views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro to the north, and the Maasai Steppe to the south. Each of the rooms at The Kili Villa Kilimanjaro Luxury Retreat comes with a private balcony and four-poster bed. The villa is fully serviced by 2 attending staff and a private chef. They also have an open-plan bathroom. Breakfast and dinner are served in the dining area, by a private chef. Lunch can be provided upon request. The spacious living room provides a fireplace and various lounge areas to relax or play games. The villa is located only 30 minutes from Kilimanjaro International Airport and offers airport shuttles. Arusha National Park is a 15-minute drive away. See more

9: MACHWEO WELLNESS RETREAT

Machweo Wellness Retreat is a luxury boutique hotel situated a short distance outside Arusha, the undisputed gateway to the world-famous Northern Tanzania safari circuit. Perched on Namasi Hill in a beautiful estate’s lush gardens, Machweo is a sanctuary for tranquillity and a superb oasis before or after a safari. The alluring main building’s terrace overlooks a sun-kissed swimming pool, lush gardens, and the Maasai Steppe and Monduli Mountains in the distance. Enjoy some quiet time in the peaceful gardens, or go on a day trip to neighboring national parks like Arusha, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire. Take a walk through the bustling streets of Arusha to discover its vibrant food and art, or go on a cultural walking tour for a unique insight into local communities and their way of life. Venture further for a hike through Mount Meru’s forest, spotting a plethora of bird species, colobus monkeys, and small antelope – and end with a scrumptious lunch at the top of a beautiful waterfall with superb views of Arusha. See more

10: The African Tulip Hotel

The African Tulip Hotel is an elegant, charming boutique hotel located in the leafy suburb of Arusha, Tanzania’s safari capital! We pride ourselves on a team of friendly and hospitable staff who are there to attend you your every need. No wonder, for over 10 years now, The African Tulip has been voted as a number 1 hotel by travelers on TripAdvisor!

Tanzania’s rich cultural and wilderness resources helped shape the décor at the African Tulip, from intricately carved furniture to warm colors throughout the hotel invoking that feeling of being a home away from home! On behalf of our team, we welcome you to stay with us and truly experience the African Tulip hospitality!

11: Arusha Serena Hotel

Arusha Serena Hotel is unlike any other hotel in Tanzania with authentic, bespoke experiences that stir the traveler’s soul while showcasing the breath-taking tranquillity of our surroundings. Set among the woodland slopes of Mount Meru at the edge of Lake Duluti, there’s no better destination for soaking in the beauty and magnificence of the Tanzanian “Northern Safari Circuit.”

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12: FUN RETREAT RESORT

Fun Retreat Resort (Family-pick):  Feeling fancy and want to get that grand luxury retreat but don’t want to miss the fun, then stay at Fun Retreat Resort in Arusha. This five-star hotel does not only give you a luxury stay but also a fun and adventurous one. It boasts water sports facilities, a sun terrace, game rooms, and a massive outdoor pool.

It offers a wide range of rooms including a family suite with a balcony. There is also a campsite where guests can stay in a tent with a public bathroom and toilet.

The Salt & Pepper Multi-cuisine restaurant offers lavish and delectable food and drinks. You’ll also find the largest sports bar in Arusha here called 360 Degrees Sports Bar serving various types of fancy drinks. If you are a coffee lover, there is a terrace coffee bar that gives you the most delicious coffee and a breathtaking view of Mt Meru.

13: Kili Seasons Hotel

Luxury Hotel.  Opened May 2023. Kili Seasons Hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a shared lounge, and a restaurant in Arusha. Featuring a bar, the property is located within 27 km of Old German Boma. You can play billiards at this 5-star hotel, and the area is popular for cycling. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service, and free WiFi throughout the property. At the hotel rooms include air conditioning, a desk, a terrace with a garden view, a private bathroom, a TV, bed linen, and towels. Kili Seasons Hotel offers some rooms with mountain views, and every room is equipped with a balcony. The rooms have a wardrobe. Buffet and à la carte breakfast options are available each morning at the accommodation. Uhuru Monument is 27 km from Kili Seasons Hotel, while Njiro Complex is 28 km from the property. The nearest airport is Arusha Airport, 33 km from the hotel. 

14: Gold Crest Hotel - Arusha

Featuring free WiFi, a restaurant, and an outdoor pool, the East African Hotel offers accommodation in Arusha. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Each room has a seating area where you can relax. A flat-screen TV is offered. You will find a 24-hour front desk at the property. The hotel also offers car hire. The nearest airport is Arusha Airport, 8 km from the property. 

15: Arusha Kahawa House

A homely lodge situated in a suburban area in northern Tanzania, Kahawa House is located in Arusha, only  6 km southwest of the center of the town. This premium accommodation provides convenient access to Arusha Domestic Airport and is an ideal rest stop for visitors traveling to and from the Arusha National Park. The property’s facilities include a swimming pool as well as a beautiful deck with a pool view where guests can enjoy lunch and dinner.

16: Njiro Legacy

Opened January 2023. Located in Arusha, 2.9 km from Njiro Complex, Njiro Legacy provides accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge, and a terrace. This 4-star hotel offers room service and a concierge service. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, a shared kitchen, and free WiFi throughout the property. At the hotel, you will find a restaurant serving African, American, and Argentinian cuisine. A halal option can also be requested. Njiro Legacy offers a children's playground. The area is popular for cycling, and bike hire and car hire are available at the accommodation. Old German Boma is 8.1 km from Njiro Legacy, while the Uhuru monument is 8.6 km away. The nearest airport is Arusha Airport, 14 km from the hotel. 

17: Onsea House

The Onsea House concept offers guests the most luxurious bed and breakfast in Arusha. We want our guests to enjoy the kind of comfort and exclusive fine dining you can’t find in any other guesthouse, with more personalized service than in a hotel and more privacy than in a lodge resort. Onsea House is small enough to make each and everyone feel special and to leave a big impression.

Onsea House offers 5 tastefully decorated and peaceful rooms. The cozy and tranquil country inn, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, consists of 2 double suites and a family suite overlooking the Meru Valley. The adjacent self-contained guest cottage, each room with private wooden balconies, can easily accommodate up to 6 people. All rooms are equipped with four poster double queen-size beds with mosquito nets and have en suite bathrooms with all modern amenities and comfort. All rooms exude that calm African-colonial feel and feature a safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, and a personal mini-bar and are livened up every day with freshly cut flowers. Feel at home, Away from home!

18: Africa Amini Life Lodge

Set in a unique and tranquil landscape, our Africa Amini Life Lodges are the perfect place to relax in nature and recharge your batteries. Use them as a base to go on excursions and safaris, to enjoy exclusive mountain tours, to go on hikes and cultural adventures. If you are interested, it is also a place where you can personally add value by getting involved in our Africa Amini Alama social projects.

19: Katambuga House

Katambuga House has fast become a favorite stayover for visitors arriving in Tanzania since its opening in 2017. A stone’s throw from the busy Arusha Airport, it is ideally positioned for a quick transfer to flights heading out to the vast plains of the Serengeti.  Katambuga’s main house has lounge and dining facilities, plus four bedrooms. Two family cottages are tucked away between blossoming tropical trees, looking out over beautiful gardens with views of Mount Meru. All six rooms are en suite. The tasteful furnishings tell a story of talented craftsmanship, with fun and colorful local prints found on upholstery throughout the buildings. Outside, there is a swimming pool for cooling off after a long trip.