Alexander’s Hotel is located in a convenient yet peaceful neighbourhood on the Msasani Peninsula in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Still full of indigenous tree varieties, these contribute to the discreet and hospitable ambience of Alexander’s Hotel.
The peninsula was once a thriving sisal estate and is now one of the premier residential areas, just a short drive from the central business district.
Privately owned, the hotel was designed and built by the owners, who also run it and are on hand as part of the team to look after their guests. This relaxing and secure property has 14 well-appointed, cool and comfortable rooms, all overlooking a central courtyard and swimming pool.
The courtyard also features an impressive old fig tree and a unique swimming pool as two of its main features.
The fig trees on site were deliberately preserved and incorporated into the design during the construction of the hotel. They attract many species of beautiful birds, both resident and visiting, that nest in the tree. These include Paradise Flycatchers, Emerald Sunbirds, Mangrove Kingfishers, Malachite Kingfishers, and various species of weavers, to name a few. There are also resident pairs of Water Thick-Knees on the roof.
Security and privacy ensure that the quiet and relaxed atmosphere is maintained. Located away from main thoroughfares, the hotel is only open to guests and others by appointment, and the famous and trusted Masai guards provide around-the-clock security. The en-suite guest rooms all front onto the garden and the saltwater pool. Each room is individually themed with local art and furniture, many of which are bespoke pieces collected over many years by the family from various African countries. The rooms all have individual air conditioning units, tea and coffee facilities, a fridge, a TV, and a safe. There are also artisanal toiletries, which are handmade, eco-friendly, and biodegradable, produced in nearby Zanzibar.
The quiet location and the ambience of the rooftop restaurant and lounge area offer the perfect environment in which to work, but also an equally ideal place to unwind away from the office or after travel. It is decorated in traditional Tanzanian and Zanzibari coastal style and is covered but open on all sides, allowing the afternoon breeze to keep the area cool.
Many of the hotel guests have been regular customers over the years, drawn back by traditional hospitality and personalised service, with attention paid to little details. Many of the team have been with the hotel since it started over 15 years ago and recognise and remember many of the returning guests, making each visit feel more like a homecoming.
Besides the comfort and cleanliness of the rooms and the availability of on-site laundry facilities, there is a willingness to go the extra mile in tailoring additional services and amenities for guests. With many years of experience in travel and hospitality in the region, the proprietor is always happy to advise or help procure additional services, whether that be cars and drivers, medical assistance, facilities or simple advice on the wealth of local shops, restaurants, and wider travel options for business or pleasure.
Ask about Alexander’s in Dar es Salaam, and those in the know will tell you about the famous rooftop bar and restaurant. Open to hotel residents as well as a limited number of non-hotel resident dinner guests by reservation, the restaurant is renowned for its selection of seafood.
The menu boasts a wide range of options to satisfy the needs of all diners. For longer-term hotel guests, the chef and the wider team are particularly adept at sourcing the very best fish and shellfish that Tanzania has to offer. The team works hard with local suppliers to secure responsibly and sustainably caught and sourced fish, such as yellowfin tuna, dorado, swordfish, giant prawns, king prawns, and other seafood, all of which is bought fresh from local fishermen. The team is also adept at catering to various dietary needs and requests.
In addition, the hotel has one of the finest wine cellars in Tanzania. Guests always enjoy viewing the cellar through the specially designed glass floor of the breakfast dining room. The wines are predominantly of South African origin, and many are award-winning.
The friendly attitude of the staff, along with the cleanliness and comfort, as well as the attention to detail and genuine efforts to welcome all hotel guests, are what have earned Alexander’s Hotel the reputation of being a relaxing oasis and a home away from home for our visitors.
