Hi,

I have stayed at Botanika for about a month and I totally recommend this place. The only bad things I have to say are not under their control.

also, I would like to mention that they were flexible about the payment, which is always appreciated in a country where the banking system is not really efficient.

Overall, I would have given it 5 stars, but because of the noise issue I have to give 4 stars. The rooms may be better in some other places, but overall for me it is the best choice and you could not go wrong with Botanika (at least on weekdays).

Pros :

- Centrally located in Downtown Bujumbura. For me it is a benefit.

- Clean, confortable rooms.

- Great restaurant, extensive menu.

- Superior breakfast compared to competitors that often offer basic breakfast (croissants, coffee, fruits). Botanika offers eggs, omelettes, pankakes, unlimited fruits and croissants and a weekend brunch.

- Good Internet connection. One of the best in town. Reliable with acceptable speed.

- Extensive cable package. There is a lot of SKY sports channels, BBC, french TV channels, some movie channels and the usual international news channels. Even if I do not watch a lot of TV, it is always nice to have when you have a couple of hours to waste.

- located near a taxi stand and one of the few banks with an international ATM.

Cons:

- Hard to avoid the noise on the weekends. Friday and Saturday are REALLY loud and it is hard to sleep cause there are 2 clubs accross the street and under the first floor.

- The rooms could be bigger, and better lighted. I have seen much bigger room elsewhere for the same price, but these hotels where not as conveniently located.

- The beds are very firm. Those who like soft beds may find these very hard.

- It takes time to get hot water for the shower.

This is a beautiful hotel in central Bujumbura. The staff are very helpful and attentive, and several speak English. The excellent restaurant has a creative menu with many Euro-African blends and original dishes. Beds have mosquito netting, but you may also want to bring your own bug spray.

Botanika is fabulous. Food, service, wireless all excellent. But it has a bar/nightclub on either side, and one across the street (avoid rooms 1-3) and is incredibly noisy at night. The bar across the street closes at dawn each morning, with a whole lot of noise at that time too.The walls were vibrating so badly on Friday night that my colleague checked out at 1.30 am! I recommend it, just not on weekends...

If you are not looking for a luxury but simplicity, cleaniness, and warmness, this is the one. They have a moquito net in the rooms; that's the main thing if you are looking for a hotel in bujumbura. and as others mentioned, there is a restaurant in the backyard; and the food is nice! And value for money!