The Slipway: Our full report

For a simple, good-value Dar es Salaam Hotel, with an ocean front location and close to several restaurants ...

... and a good crafts market, The Slipway is well worth considering.

This is a fairly new complex of restaurants, shops and galleries beside the ocean. It has a very friendly, mixed feel and is perhaps unique in attracting not only visitors to Dar, but also local Tanzanians and expatriates. It's a fun, cosmopolitan place with lots of life and a great atmosphere.

The Slipway consists of 72 rooms and suites which are split between two separate accommodation wings, with the newer wing closer to the ocean and a little more contemporary in style while the older wing is set further back. All the rooms have been similarly styled and furnished, with clean white walls accented with bright splashes of colour. They are simple in design, but perfectly clean and comfortable, and fine for an overnight stay. Each room comes with an en-suite bathroom, although these vary in size and luxury depending on the room type.

The rooms are split into the following categories:

Standard rooms these are are located in the older wing which is set back from the ocean. The rooms are simple in style and are fine for those travelling on a budget. Each room has tea and coffee making facilities and basic amenities such as a ceiling fan and electronic safe.

Executive rooms (20 sea-facing and 14 non-sea-facing), are a good size, with a small lounge area with a couple of plush armchairs, a floor to ceiling window and a small balcony.

Suites (5 sea-facing and 4 non-sea-facing), these have large en-suite bedrooms and separate, adjoining lounges and kitchenettes. Each suite also has a lovely balcony with bench seating.

The Slipway is usually booked on a Bed and Breakfast basis, and many guests choose to explore the promenade and visit one of the restaurants in this area, which include a good Italian and a tapas bar. However, there is a range of dining options to at the hotel itself. The Terrace Restaurant is the hotel’s “fine dining” option, open from 6pm, and serving a selection of international dishes. Breakfast is served in a spacious dining area close to reception.

The Slipway has a smart swimming pool located in front of the Terrace restaurant, although please be aware that there are no pool depth markings.

On the ground floor of the hotel there’s also a good crafts market, where local traders set up to sell their wares each day, a small spa, a handy ATM and a small convenience store.

Our view

This is a good-value option in a vibrant area of Dar es Salaam. The rooms are simply furnished, and not particularly luxurious, but we really like the waterside location and the range of shops and restaurants to explore. For a short overnight stay, especially if arriving on an afternoon flight, this is a good choice.

Jessica Plumb

Country manager: Tanzania

Geographics

Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Ideal length of stay: One night.
Directions: The Slipway is roughly a 45-minute drive from Dar es Salaam Airport, depending on traffic.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Bed & Breakfast
Food quality: The Slipway is normally booked on a Bed & Breakfast basis and most guests go outside the hotel to sample the local restaurants in the area.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: There are phones in the rooms and room service can be arranged on request.
Drinks included: Bottled drinking water is provided in the rooms but all other drinks are at extra cost.

Children

Attitude towards children
Property’s age restrictions: The Slipway accepts children of all ages.
Equipment: Cots and highchairs can be provided.
Generally recommended for children: The Slipway is a large international hotel and is generally fine for children.
Notes: Supervision is required, particularly around the swimming pool and on balconies.

Communications

Power supply notes: 24 hour electricity.
Communications: WiFi is available throughout the hotel. There is a good phone signal.
TV & radio: All rooms have a satellite TV.
Water supply: Mains
Water supply notes: Fully plumbed.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: Staff are first-aid-trained and there is a well stocked first aid kit onsite. The Slipway is around a 10 minutes’ drive from a large western hospital.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: The hotel has 24-hour security in place.
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in all the rooms and dotted around the communal areas.

Activities

Cultural excursion

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible
Laundry facilities: A laundry service is available at extra cost, this is usually between $1 and $3 per item.
Money: There are electronic safes in the rooms.
Accepted payment on location: All major currencies are accepted, including US dollars and Tanzanian shillings. Visa card, MasterCard and American Express are accepted without surcharges.