Johari Rotana: Our full report

Towering above the harbor, the Johari Rotana is a striking skyscraper that cuts a dramatic figure against ...

... the Dar es Salaam skyline. Only around a 30-minute drive from the airport, this is a smart, international hotel with stylish accommodation and some of the best views in the city.

Opened in 2019, the Johari Rotana has 193 rooms and suites and 60 serviced apartments.

Standard Rooms are either city view or seaview rooms. Each is nicely furnished with a double or twin beds (triples are not possible), cosy chairs, a desk, and ample storage space. There are the normal amenities you'd expect, including satellite TV, phone, mini bar, and electronic safe. Each room has a good sized ensuite bathroom with a bath and separate shower, along with twin wash basins. Complimentary toiletries are provided.
Spacious Rooms are similar to the standard rooms, however these are 50m² and with a slightly larger lounge area, compared to the standard rooms at 40m².
Suites come in various arrangements and sizes, some with ocean views and others with city views. These vary from the ‘suite with lounge’ at 65m² which comes with a comfortable living area and kitchenette, through to the ‘Royal Suite’, which at 150m² has two bedrooms, a lounge, dining room, and fully equipped kitchen. The suites have the same contemporary design as the standard rooms.
The Johari Rotana also has a number of studio apartments which come with a small kitchenette, suitable for business travellers needing a longer stay in Dar es Salaam.

On our most recent visit we stayed in a Standard Seaview Room and thought it was excellent. While this is a business-style hotel, we thought the rooms were stylish and well designed, and the floor to ceiling windows gave fantastic views over the harbor, particularly from the higher floors. This is one of the taller buildings in Dar es Salaam and staying here you are very aware of the height, however if you suffer from vertigo you can opt for a room on the lower floors.

There are a number of dining venues at the Johari Rotana. Zafarani is the primary restaurant, offering all day dining, and this is where breakfasts and evening meals take place. Meals are normally served as a buffet with a varied mix of international cuisine, often including a number of traditional Swahili dishes. Alternatively the Kibo Lobby Lounge offers light meals and drinks, while Hamilton’s Gastropub serves British and American classics and the Noble House specialises in Chinese cuisine. Room service dining can also be arranged.

The Johari Rotana has a lovely spa and wellness center, offering a range of massages and treatments. There is also a good sized outdoor swimming pool on the eighth floor with views over the city.

Our view

The Johari Rotana is one of Dar es Salaam’s newer hotels and with a great waterside location this provides a comfortable base for night or two at the start or end of a southern Tanzania safari.

Claire Scott

Tanzania expert

Geographics

Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Directions: The Johari Rotana is only around a 30-minute drive from Dar es Salaam Airport, although this could be longer depending on traffic.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Bed & Breakfast
Food quality: The Johari Rotana has a range of different dining venues, however most meals take place at the Zafarani which is open throughout the day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with the option of either buffet or an à la carte menu. Other options include Hamilton’s Gastropub, serving British and American classics and Noble House Chinese restaurant. We found the food here to be good and we enjoyed a hearty buffet with a range of international dishes including a selection of barbecued joints.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: Room service is available on request
Drinks included: Drinks cost around $3 for a soft drink and around $5 for a beer or glass of wine.

Children

Attitude towards children: The Johari Rotana accepts children of all ages.
Property’s age restrictions: None
Special activities & services: None
Equipment: None
Notes: The Johari Rotana is fine for children of all ages, although parental supervision is recommended around the swimming pool.

Communications

TV & radio: There are satellite TV's in all rooms
Water supply: Mains

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: Staff are first aid trained and large hospitals are only a short drive away.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: There is 24 hour security in place outside the hotel.
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in all rooms and communal areas.

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: Laundry can be arranged at extra cost.
Money: There are electronic safes in the rooms. The hotel does not offer currency exchange.
Accepted payment on location: The Johari Rotana accepts all major currencies. Most cards, including Visa and Mastercard, are accepted with a small surcharge.