Most people who fly in to Dar es Salaam are not here for the beaches, they are here for the meetings. And that means choosing between a hotel near the harbor or one with distant views of the Indian Ocean. It means deciding between a 15 minute drive to the office or a 90 minute traffic jamed drive.
Choosing where to stay in Dar es Salaam for business can be a complicated process. Location, travel time, workspace, internet access, dining options and the length of the stay can all affect how smoothly a work trip goes. Dar es Salaam is a busy commercial city with business activity spread across the CBD, Upanga, Kariakoo and other important commercial areas. Selecting an accommodation near to where business will be conducted can save time and allow one to maximize productivity.
The right location can make getting to offices, government buildings, financial centers and conference halls easier while still providing comfort after a hard days work.
What are the Best Areas to Stay in Dar es Salaam for Business?
1. Upanga
Upanga is among the preferred options for corporate travellers searching for accredited hotels in Dar es Salaam. The region is well-connected to the Central Business District (CBD) of the city. Also, it has good links to Morogoro Road and other essential routes.
The main advantage of Upanga is that it offers a wide range of transportation options, including a combination of offices, institutes, residential houses and hotels for short-term stays. This district is appropriate for business visitors with diverse meeting agendas since it is perfectly situated and linked to other critical regions in the city.
Upanga is considered convenient for long-term assignments due to the excellent variety of hotel types and accommodations in suites.
2. Dar es Salaam CBD
The Central Business District is a good choice for professionals who have a lot of their meetings concentrated in the city centre. This way you can save time getting to and from the hotel and various places of business.
Hotels near Dar es Salaam CBD are a good option for a short business trip, in case the majority of one's meetings are concentrated in the central business district. However, one should still take into account the traffic when planning one's day, especially if one has meetings in different parts of the city.
3. Kariakoo and the Central Commercial Area
Kariakoo is one of Dar es Salaam's busiest commercial areas. It is particularly relevant for business travellers involved in wholesale trade, retail, imports and other commercial activities.
As such, it makes sense to consider hotels in this district if the primary purpose of a business trip falls under these categories. For corporate travellers whose meetings are scheduled in the main business belt or Upanga, a hotel in the central business district might be a preferable option.
4. Oyster Bay and Msasani
Oyster Bay and Msasani are among the preferred destinations for those seeking a more residential lifestyle, yet remaining close to the heart of Dar es Salaam's business district. They are good choices for senior executives, expatriates and business professionals, who want to combine business with some form of a stay.
The major consideration is the commute. Unless most meetings take place in the central business district, it would add up to the total time spent on work-related tasks if one were to live beyond the city.
What to Look for in Business Hotels in Dar es Salaam?
The best business hotels in Dar es Salaam should make the working day easier rather than add more planning to it. Before booking, consider these practical points
- Location: It is wise to look for something in close proximity to one’s place of work or have an option to navigate the nearest major roads
- Wi-Fi: A reliable wireless connection is a must in order to facilitate video conferencing, email correspondence, presentation sharing, and other business-related tasks
- Workspace: Ideally, business hotels should allow their guests to use office equipment and/or provide a suitable place to work in their rooms
- Dining: This is a significant advantage for an individual who would like to avoid the hassle of finding a place to eat right after a busy day of meetings
- 24/7 services: A business trip is never predictable which is why one may need assistance or want to conduct affairs outside regular hours
- Laundry: Another benefit that is especially beneficial for longer visits is the ability to clean one’s clothes with ease.
- Room size: More spacious accommodations are a definite must if one is going to reside there for an extended period of time
- Security: Business hotels must have safety features to ensure a worry-free stay
- Parking: Many people who visit Dar es Salaam for work will want to hire a driver and/or have a vehicle at their disposal which requires appropriate parking options.
These considerations become even more important when looking for corporate accommodation in Dar es Salaam for a longer assignment.
Where to stay for Short Business Trip or Extended Stay?
The length of your visit should influence the type of accommodation you choose. For a one or two night business trip, a standard hotel room should suffice. The main considerations include location, breakfast, Wi-Fi and proximity to meetings.
For longer assignments however, such as a week or even a month, you may need to consider a different type of housing. Having a place to live with a separate room for sleeping as well as eat and even do laundry can make all the difference. Suites offer a better working environment as they allow for a clear division between working and relaxation areas.
Aura Suites located on Morogoro Road at Lumumba Road Junction offers suite-style accommodation in Upanga. The place offers Deluxe, Club and Platinum Suites with sizes varying between 91 and 151 square metres. Each suite has a separate area for living and cooking, making them suitable for both short and long term stays.
In addition to the bedroom and living area, the suite also offers complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping, laundry service and 24-hour room service. Kinaya, the 16th floor rooftop restaurant is also available for residents and offers another fine dining option.
How to Choose the Right Business Stay in Dar es Salaam?
Begin by considering not the hotel but the meeting locations. If most of your meetings and appointments are to be held in the central business district (CBD), it makes sense to look for hotels offering easy access to the CBD. If your job involves being in many places and only staying in town temporarily, a hotel with a strategic location and excellent road connections will be a wise choice.
Then, think about how long you are going to stay in the town or city. A small room in which you will stay for a month can provide all the comfort of a suite, while its price will be much lower. Moreover, the suite is suitable for a short-term visit.
Besides, check what extra services the room rate includes. A good breakfast, free-of-charge Wi-Fi, and housekeeping can compensate for the high rent and be of great importance to a business visitor.
Final Thoughts
The best business hotel in Dar es Salaam is the one that allows you to balance your travels and have sufficient space to accommodate your work, rest, and other daily activities. Upanga, the CBD, Kariakoo and places like Oyster Bay are good for different categories of business travellers.
If you are a professional staying for a few days or weeks in Dar es Salaam, suite-style accommodation in a strategically located hotel can provide more comfort and flexibility than a traditional hotel room. However, what you should consider while looking for the best business hotel in Dar es Salaam is the place of your meetings, duration of your stay, and the comfort level that you would require during your time here.
FAQs
1. What is the best area to stay in Dar es Salaam for business?
Upanga and areas close to the CBD are practical choices for business travellers because they provide access to offices, commercial areas and major roads.
2. Are there good hotels near Dar es Salaam CBD?
Yes, there are several good hotels in and around Dar es Salaam, such as the Aura Suites in Upanga, which are a short drive away from the business district, offer a rooftop restaurant and meeting facilities.
3. Is Upanga a good area for corporate accommodation in Dar es Salaam?
Yes. Upanga is close to the CBD and has access to major roads, offices and other commercial areas, making it a practical option for corporate travellers.
4. What facilities should business travellers look for in a hotel?
Reliable Wi-Fi, a proper workspace, breakfast, dining facilities, housekeeping, laundry services, security and convenient transport connections are some of the most useful facilities.
5. Is suite accommodation better for a long business stay?
For longer stays, a suite can provide more space and facilities than a standard hotel room. Separate living areas, kitchen facilities and laundry access can make an extended assignment more comfortable.
