An experience of a lifetime in the opulence of the Johari Rotana Hotel
Silence Charumbira recently in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania – There is something striking about Johari Rotana’s opulence and splendour.
The 5 Star hotel, perched at the edge of the Indian Ocean, a stone’s throw away from a handful of bustling Dar es Salaam ferry termini, is nothing but a piece of art.
And boy you got to love the staff. They define the essence of hospitality from the doorman to the dining and they deliver a grandeur experience with the least of effort.
Dar es Salaam thrill by Johari Rotana
I have just returned from my short trip to Tanzania. My debut trip into East Africa and I am thrilled. Tanzania delivered magnificence.
Located in the heart of Dar es Salaam, Johari Rotana Hotel is a luxurious oasis for travellers seeking comfort and relaxation. From the moment you step into the lobby, you are greeted with a sense of elegance and sophistication. The modern decor and warm lighting create a welcoming atmosphere that instantly puts you at ease.
Landing in Tanzania just before 2am on 7 March 2023, I didn’t know what to expect. I had refrained from researching online.
The reason for this was that many moons ago; a few days before Robert Mugabe was deposed in Harare, I had been so disappointed on arrival in Maseru. I had done a little research and what I got online was a false impression. Or rather, I got my hopes high, mistakenly.
Introducing the thrill in Dar es Salaam
I got off the plane into a humid environment. The thick smell of the salty sea was all over the place and it felt like someone was making a seafood stew nearby. The temperature was just under 30° Celsius. At 2am. Thirty degrees Celsius.
Well, I had diligently filled in a form handed to me on boarding the plane at OR Tambo a few hours earlier. I had hoped immigration or customs would need it. So, I confidently handed it over to the officer who had asked me, “You fiill form?”
“Yes,” I retorted.
She looked at it and pointed to a line of fellow passengers who were busy scribbling on small cards.
“Go fiill form.”
I obliged and “fiilled” in the new form/card and a few minutes later, presented it to the immigration officer who assisted me in less than a minute.
But fatigue had taken a toll on me.
A day earlier, the morning of my departure from Maseru, I had been running around in at the bank trying to process a transaction. The night before then, I hadn’t slept a wink.
On the plane from Johannesburg, I had slept for a few minutes and I was tired. So tired that after the baggage searching and scanning, I literally left one of my bags on the floor and only realised when I was about to leave for the hotel. Fortunately, I returned and security simply gave me my bag.
There is a lot of road construction happening in Dar es Salaam. The works continue overnight and the journey from the airport, while it’s just a 10-minute drive, seemed longer.
Having spent the better part of the last five years in Maseru, rugged roads were not a problem.
But that too ensured that my expectations of the hotel were measured. In 2017, I had slept in a dingy “hotel” in Maseru. So filthy was the room that I could not even eat the food I bought, neither could I get into the blankets that night.
Johari Rotana’s aggressive opulence
So, imagine my reaction on stepping into the regal foyer of Johari Rotana.
That gigantic foyer, with its wondrous depth of field; imposes itself on you immediately and impresses on you that you have stepped into a different world. The welcoming front office staff enhance the already electric ambiance that cajoles you.
But this is not the best of what the hotel has to offer.
The hotel boasts a variety of room options to suit every traveller’s needs. Whether you are looking for a cozy standard room or a spacious suite (I doubt the standard could be described as that) with a stunning view of the sea and ships – docking or departing – Johari Rotana Hotel has it all. Each room is tastefully decorated with plush furnishings and modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.
The ambience at Johari Rotana Hotel is truly one of a kind. Facilities like the pool and the gym offer serene escapes from the hustle and bustle of the city, with panoramic views that will take your breath away, as your eyes are lost on the vast coastline.
4 majestic restaurants at Johari Rotana
The dining experience is next to none. Johari Rotana Hotel’s four upscale restaurants offer a diverse menu of international cuisine, from exotic to indigenous with an unmistakable touch of summer in the form like papaya and pineapples. Whether you are in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a light lunch, or a gourmet dinner, you are sure to find something to satisfy your cravings at Johari Rotana.
The restaurants offer a wide array of sumptuous dishes that showcase a fusion of different cuisines from around the world. From Indian to Chinese, and everything in between, the menu is a culinary journey that will tantalise your taste buds. For those looking for something a little different, the menu also features dishes that blend different cuisines together.
In addition to its luxurious accommodations and top-notch amenities, Johari Rotana Hotel also prides itself on its exceptional customer service. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure that every guest has a memorable stay, providing personalised attention and assistance whenever needed.
Were it not for its imposing 31 floors, the sleek glassy look, then the “hidden gem” cliché could apply to Johari Rotana Hotel. It is a complete package luxury, comfort and convenience. Whether one is traveling for business or pleasure, the hotel is sure to exceed their expectations and leave them wanting to come back for more.
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Its proximity from the ocean, its panoramic views over the majority of Dar es Salaam’s impressive skyline and the short distance of just 15 minutes to the National Museum of Tanzania all make it one of the easiest choices for a classy stay in Tanzania.
The staff at the hotel are incredibly friendly and hospitable. The security guards greet guests with a warm smile and are always willing to assist with any questions or concerns. The waiters in the restaurant are attentive and go out of their way to ensure that guests have a pleasant dining experience. The front office staff are welcoming and efficient, making check-in and check-out a breeze. The drivers are courteous and helpful, providing transportation services with a smile. Overall, the staff at the hotel create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere for guests, making their stay truly enjoyable.
I don’t travel much to countries that are far off. Travelling is expensive. And the salary of a journalist based in Lesotho can barely feed them, travelling is a luxury. But for the extraordinary experience in the Johari Rotana Hotel, I wouldn’t mind spending the US$203 per night fee to get a taste of lavishness in the heart of Tanzania.
I am sure to pay this beauty another visit sometime soon.
