Gran Melia Arusha

OVERVIEW:

Gran Melia is certainly the best of the big hotels in the region around Arusha, and while we generally prefer to recommend places without conference suites, we love the fantastic facilities and beautiful views of Mount Meru! This is 5-star opulence, with spas and pools, foyers, and lots of straight lines – so it does slightly feel like you could be anywhere in the world. Most people stay in Arusha for just a night or two to acclimatize after a long flight before heading into the wild for their main safari action. If you’ve had a particularly long journey to Tanzania and feel like you need the comforts of some international pampering, this property certainly delivers that with aplomb. But we would always first recommend smaller, more boutique-style luxury at one of the many lovely, old coffee plantation lodges. Gran Melia may be just what some people are looking for, and it’s a great hotel – it could be the perfect choice if you’ve just done a tough Kili climb! But if you’re looking for an authentic African experience, we’d suggest more intimate lodges with a little more charm.

ACCESS & LOCATION: 

Gran Melia is in Central Arusha and has a great location, both for the many activities that are possible here and for its stunning views of the dormant volcano Mount Meru, which provides a stunning backdrop. The hotel is a short drive from either Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport. Of these two, the closer airport is Arusha, just 9 kilometres away.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT GRAN MELIA ARUSHA: 

There are VIP services and a host of different room types – too many to name! But all rooms offer state-of-the-art comfort, with a coffee machine, mini-bar, safety deposit box, flat-screen TV, terrace, and private bathroom with shower. If you want to include Melia as part of your trip, please chat with one of our specialists about which room type will best suit the needs of your group. For families there are interconnecting rooms, and there are also some amazing suites for honeymooners.

The main parts of the hotel are vast and super-modern in design. One of the highlights of Melia Arusha is the number of different dining options! There are multiple restaurants serving African, Indian, and even Peruvian cuisine. This gastronomic journey from South Africa to Tanzania (via South America!) is presided over by the hotel’s amazing head chef, Alankale Mayaven. The wellness center is beautifully arranged, and there are numerous treatments available from highly skilled staff to help you unwind after a long flight. Alternatively you can hit the gym, which is open 24 hours, just in case. The outdoor swimming pool is excellent, as you would expect from a high-class 5-star hotel, and boasts stunning views of Mount Meru.

ACTIVITIES AT KARANGOMA:

People don’t often spend very long in Arusha. With some of the best safari on the planet located a short drive or flight away, your time is generally best spent heading out to the bush at the earliest opportunity! That said, there is a lot to do and discover in and around Arusha, should time allow. Staff at Gran Melia will be able to arrange most activities for you locally while you’re there.

• City centre

  – There’s plenty to see and do in Central Arusha. We’d recommend the famous clock tower, the Bishop’s Cathedral, the National Natural History Museum, and a smaller museum with information about the Arusha Declaration. The Maasai Market is certainly worth a visit, offering lots of curios and harking back to the city’s origins as a major center of trade. For more handicrafts and souvenirs, you can check out the Cultural Heritage Centre, which has an art gallery attached. You can also rent bikes, which is a pleasant way to get around!

• Restaurants and bars

  – There are some excellent cafés and restaurants, offering both local and international cuisine. Arusha specialities include nyama ndizi (a meat-and-banana soup) and ugali (a stiff maize) mixed with beans, greens, and a hearty meat sauce. They also love a barbecue in Arusha, and fried potatoes with egg is a popular option too. If you’re after a little nightlife then the residential district of Sekei in the north-west of the city is the place to go!

• Arusha National Park

  – There isn’t much game here, but it’s a beautiful spot with some great birdlife. Half-day trips can be arranged if you fancy some walking, or you can go canoeing on nearby Lake Duluti. This can be a little pricey because you need to hire a vehicle and guide for your time in the park.

• Coffee tours

  – As the region is home to many active coffee plantations, you can make an excursion to see how they operate and meet those who run them. This is a very interesting way to spend an afternoon!