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Polana Serena Hotel

4.5 of 5
Avenida Julius Nyerere 1380, Maputo 00100, Mozambique
Hotel amenities
Polana Serena Hotel
Ranked #1 of 21 hotels in Maputo
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165 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
    62
    60
    26
    10
    7
Date Rating
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
4 hotel reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 May 2013

I've stayed in this hotel several times since my youth... The last time I was there, was three weeks ago. This time I stayed, for a week, in a room on the terraces past the pool, facing Maputo bay. The room was very good, spacious, clean and very well equipped with all facilities working well, with a pleasing balcony and... More

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Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 April 2013

This is my favorite hotel among the many I have been to in Africa, but was annoyed by the fact my TV didn't work properly and I repeatedly have to call for assistance which took ages to come. Secondly, at lunch we were told we could not sit on the terrace for lunch.(this happened on two consecutive days because the... More

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Hong Kong, China
Top Contributor
89 reviews 89 reviews
36 hotel reviews
Reviews in 39 cities Reviews in 39 cities
42 helpful votes 42 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 April 2013

Flight issues meant that we only spent 9 hours at the beautiful Polana Serena Hotel in Maputo. This colonial hotel is very expensive, but all hotels in Maputo are, but the public areas are beautiful, the pool area is expansive and the rooms – we were in a newer (we assume) block at the back of the hotel below the... More

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Atlanta
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
7 hotel reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 April 2013

I first stayed at the Polana in 1989 when Mozambique was still at war and the Hotel was run down . Now it has been beautifully restored to its former glory with local handicrafts, parquet floors. There are innumerable niches and nooks with comfortable chairs for meetings or quiet reading and work. The room I had was comfortable with air... More

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Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
4 hotel reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 April 2013

Very beautiful, serene, friendly service,good food. A very nice ambiance.I would recoomend it any time. Do not forget that there is a very nice sushi restaurant plus two other very good restaurants. There is is the first 100MB free for Wifi but sometimes it is elusive. You can always buy more. I would actually like to go there again.

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Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 March 2013

Everything you required from a 5 star hotel. Great place to stay except the Internet and WIFI is terrible. Only 100 MB is allowed per day and after that you have to pay USD 30.00 extra for 1 GB. Something I was not expecting from 5 star hotel. Further, you are lucky to get good signals for WIFI anywhere in... More

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See 2 more reviews by Ahsan F for Maputo
cape town
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
5 hotel reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 March 2013

HI, their prices are very very high and service levels and quality overall s very very average..I am not talking about food and service alone its as well about the rooms & surroundings. The design and views of the hotel is very nice but it needs an upgrade in many area's. If anybody has proper recommendations for other places please... More

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See 2 more reviews by wibo70 for Maputo
Bourne End, United Kingdom
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
8 hotel reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 March 2013

Stayed at the hotel for 10 nights in March and loved everything the hotel had to offer. From the friendly service to the food to the fitness facilities, it was a very comfortable stay. The hotel is in a nice area, near most of the restaurants and bars and the western expat residential area as well as several embassies. However... More

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See 2 more reviews by oliveoil_12 for Maputo
Los Angeles, California
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 March 2013

We were at the 5 star Polana Serena Hotel in Maputo, Mozambique. Maputo, Mozambique is located in southeastern Africa just north of South Africa and faces the Indian Ocean. This magnificent hotel was built in 1922 in the Victorian style and reminded us of the Raffles Hotel in Singapore. In 2011 the hotel was refurbished and everything is new. The... More

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Johannesburg, South Africa
Senior Contributor
38 reviews 38 reviews
21 hotel reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
55 helpful votes 55 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 March 2013

We stayed in rooms underneath the swimming pool area. No elevators so be prepared to use a porter and have your tip ready. The room was a delight on arrival. Big area with lots of cupboards, writing desk, and super bathroom. Bath, separate shower, and toilet leading off the bathroom in a separate room. The toiletries were all good quality.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
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Additional Information about Polana Serena Hotel

Address: Avenida Julius Nyerere 1380, Maputo 00100, Mozambique
Region: Mozambique > Maputo Province > Maputo
Amenities:
Bar/Lounge Business Centre Fitness Centre Free Parking Restaurant Room Service Shuttle Bus service Suites Swimming Pool
Hotel Style:
Ranked #1 of 21 hotels in Maputo
Price Range: ££££
Hotel Class:4.5 star (4.5*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
The “Grand Dame” of Africa, as the Polana Serena Hotel is widely known, is a must-see historical landmark when talking about the city of Maputo. The elegance and splendour of its façade are the living memory of bygone colonial times; its luxurious interiors whisper stories of the many generations who spent nights protected by the hotel’s majestic walls, kings and queens, ambassadors and presidents, princesses and common travellers; its gardens, perfect and romantic lookouts offer a breathtaking view over the Indian Ocean.Built in 1922 in the heart of Maputo, one of the most exclusive residential areas, the Polana Serena Hotel belongs to the elite of the most famous hotels in the world. The splendor of its colonial lines blend tradition and art, making your stay an unforgettable journey through the past, looking to the future. Faithfull to the Serena Group philosophy of integrating architecture with cultural heritage, the Polana Serena Hotel offers a mix of elegance, grandeur and ethnicity, in a space equipped with the most modern solutions, luxurious facilities and excellent service. ... more   less 
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Polana Serena Hotel
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