The Serena Arusha Mountain Lodge is a total surprise. From its breathtaking location, in a verdant, virtually rain-forest lush setting on the banks of Lake Duluti, to its friendly and responsive staff. Nothing I found to complain about.
Certain issues need looking into. To have no free WiFi in a hotel in this day and age is, well, self-defeating. No matter how good the hotel, given a choice, people today - especially professionals and tourists who intend to stay a week or more - will opt for the one which offers free (both hassle and cost) WiFi.
Bathroom fittings are important too. They should work, should be of high quality and preferably of a known brand. One of the most used items in any hotel room are the bathroom fittings - taps, showers, flushing systems - and these need to be top of the line.
But these are just recommendations. As a peripatetic traveller, both for business and pleasure, I recognise that not everything can be done at once. The people at the Serena Arusha Mountain Lodge were responsive to my requests, as well as the above recommendations, promising to take it up with management.
All in all, I would visit this wonderful little hotel again - probably every time I visit Arusha from now on, which will be several times a year.