Returning from safari and 4 days relaxing at The Fumba Beach Lodge (also 5*) on Zanzibar, we chose the Golden Tulip for its VERY attractive rate ($104.50 - prepaid), description and photos... We were not disappointed!!! The facility is located about 4-1/2 mile from City Center in Dar es Salaam's best neighborhood on Toure Road just past the many foreign embassies that line the seaside. It rivals the Four Seasons in appearance if not the finer amenities. While the front desk was unfamiliar with the online prepayment I had made, that was sorted-out and we had a wonderful dinner of calamari and barracuda (the wine could have been better... Order a S. African instead of the local offering). Another tip: arrange transport with Mr. Tanganyika (yes, his real name) at ------------. Round trip from the airport was 70,000 TS and he didn't ask for payment until the return trip at 01:30!!!

Lesser reviews posted for the Golden Tulip must have been by those affected by malaria, sleeping sickness or some other mind-altering malady...

Stayed there for two nights-hotel was very nice and clean, so was the room (only toilet was very woblyfood was average but wouldn't come back..arrive there after several hours of travelling, tired, it was 35 degrees outside, air conditioning wasn't working well,we were not able to use swimming pool either(which by the way was supposed to be cleaned and ready to use next day but was not!) and Coco beech close by was covered in sea weed and it was quiet a lot of broken glass there too.Second night restaurant was closed without any notice so we had had to choose from a la carte from the cafe.Food was compared to its quality overpriced,there was not much to choose from (god help you if you are vegetarian like me) and our food was not even delivered hot and nice and smiley waiter cannot make up for that.Reception staff was poorly trained, couldn't speak or understand English well and was not able to help us at all with anything we asked them about (ie where restaurants are,how to get another beaches or places, taxi prices..)

I have stayed for two days in the hotel, and I find it fasinating how the view is, open sea views, and no mosquitos!!!! the rooms are bit old but they are clear and spacious, food is very good service is not excellent but it is very good and people are smiling at you all the time. Lobby is amazing and the pool is just amazing. one more amazing place is the bar overlooing the ocean, very romantic at night!!! food is good and service is prompt.

Stayed for one night. Air conditioning in room stopped working after about an hour. Ironing board supplied was ancient and had holes in it. Restaurant was closed. Hotel put on a Saturday night disco which meant loud noise in our room until late in the night. Bathroom had damaged mirror and taps. Even the cafe only had 1 menu which was torn. Pool was murky.