Built in 1922, the magnificent Polana Serena Hotel has long been
considered one of Africa's finest hotels. A must see whilst in
Maputo the hotel offers the 'Maisha' Mind Body and Spirit Health
Club and Spa, a stunning swimming pool with tens of sun loungers
and waiters on hand ready to take your order. Around the pool are
landscaped gardens and the hotel also has an exclusive residents'
lounge, a business centre, a beauty salon and three gift shops. The
conference facilities are excellent too as is the social events
suite, which features a majestic ballroom.
Exterior: A stunning historical building, painted white and just 4
storeys tall. The building looms large over the grounds and offers
spectacular views of the sea and surrounding city.
Lobby: The entrance to the hotel is very stylish with its marble
floor and 90 year old beautiful lift. The welcoming reception desk
sits on the left, the ever helpful concierge desk to the right and
the lounge and stunning path to the huge outdoor pool straight
ahead.
Rooms
The rooms reflect the old world charm of the hotel and have lavish
furniture and artwork pointing to Mozambique's Indo-Portuguese
heritage. The rooms in this historic colonial building feature
carved furniture, luxurious fabrics in muted tones of cream and
off-white. The bed-head is composed of delicate carved spindles,
set against a silken backdrop, while the overhead canopy is framed
by an exquisitely carved mahogany frieze. The en suite bathrooms
are a generous size and all of the standard rooms are closer to the
sea and its spectacular views than the main building with its
Deluxe rooms. The standard rooms are set into the side and below
the main swimming pool and garden area. All rooms have free Wifi,
satellite TV and mini bar. Room service is also available.
Restaurant & Food
The cuisine served incorporates the spices and traditions of
Portugal, Mozambique and Africa. The Terrace Restaurant offers a
daily à la carte menu and themed buffets on Friday and
Saturday evenings with a live band. The Salão de Chá
serves homemade pastries and light meals, while two bars welcome
guests with cocktails, snacks, live entertainment and breathtaking
views of the African coastline.
Activities & Sport
Guests can enjoy a stroll in the gardens or a dip in the pool,
which comes complete with a children's paddling section, a poolside
snack bar and sun loungers and parasols, a game of chess under the
great rubber tree or an energetic work-out in the gymnasium. All
the facilities are first class. Aqua aerobics classes are held in
the pool, and aerobics is on offer in the gym. Guests can also play
tennis, relax in the Jacuzzi, play beach volleyball or treat
themselves to a massage. A programme of entertainment is organised
for guests of all ages.
Comments
The hotel dress code is smart/ casual, guests are kindly requested
not to wear shorts after 6 pm. Hotel check-in time is from 2 pm and
check-out time is by 11 am.