I would definitely recommend staying at the Impala Hotel! Mainly for the food and the African architecture and feel to the place. There were wood carvings all around that were absolutely amazing! The food was our favorite part! There is an Italian, Chinese, and Indian restaurant in the hotel. We went to all 3 and we loved everything we had! The portions were huge and the price was right. The restaurants are open to the outside so the fresh air and nice views are a huge plus! I would definitely recommend the cheese pizza! We got one every day we were there. We stayed here before and after our safari and when we climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, which we did make it to the top of! Before our hike we stayed in a room where we could see Mt. Meru out of our window which was breath taking! After our hike we were over looking the busy roads, so if you can ask for one on the Mt. Meru side.
I also felt very safe there. We went into Arusha once and as a young white couple we did not feel very safe. In the hotel we never felt like we had to put our guards up.
They have a big pool and a small pool for kids. However, only the bravest of people can go in them as they are ice cold. I think I saw 3 people in it the entire time I was there. They are not heated. HOWEVER, there is a wonderful grassy area where they have very comfy beach chairs and food and drink service. We had the best nap of our lives there! There are tons of people lounging in the sun there! So we didn't care that we couldn't go in the pool.
The internet is very slow and it is $5 an hour.
So everything about the lobby and restaurants is absolutely perfect and amazing! However, the rooms were not very good. The beds did have a mosquito net on them. However, the mattress and pillows were not comfortable, very worn, and ugly. The bathrooms were also a little gross. The entire time I was there I did feel clean and comfortable enough, but it could have been better. I definitely recommend people stay there and if I ever go back I would definitely stay there again!