I have just started posting my trip reports but I will try and answer some questions here about our stay at AKL.
We had a wonderful time at AKL. I still can't believe that after visiting it a couple of times earlier in the week that we actually ended up getting a room there for 3 nights! (I wish now we'd stayed for at least 4 nights, but that probably wouldn't have been enough either!)
As far as the heat, yes it was very hot and humid during the day, but we found it cooled off to a more comforable temperature in the evenings and especially after the usual afternoon shower. We never did sit out on our balcony at AKL, we were bumped up from a standard view to a pool view which was very nice, but we spent so much time wandering around the beautiful hotel that I never even thought about sitting on the balcony. I think it would probably be comfortable after the heat of the day has dissipated!
The pool is beautiful and I sat at the pool bar one day for a Strawberry Dacquiri. My kids were more into the arcades this trip so the only time they went in a pool was at Typhoon Lagoon. It is a zero entry pool, so is great for small children. There is also a wading pool. I had what I thought was a very magical experience on our last night, while watching the animals, around midnight, after I had come out of one of the spas, which I will write about in my trip report.
Our room was beautiful, although not overly large. Still, it had a queen size bed and a bunk bed for the kids. (You also have the choice of 2 queens instead of the bunk bed.) There was also a good sized table and chairs. I liked the African flair in the decor. There is plenty of storage for clothing etc. as there was also a chest of drawers as well as the TV/armoire. There is also a decent sized closet where the room safe is located. The bathroom area is quite large, with a two sink vanity "room" that was great for changing in and a separate bath/toilet. My only complaint was that there could be a better light in the vanity area, for putting on make-up.
Food in the Mara Food Court was similar to the other food courts, although there is an African flair to some of the choices. DH and I went to dinner at Boma one night and thoroughly enjoyed it. The food was delicious. If we had stayed there longer I would definitely have gone again and would also like to try Jiko sometime.
I thought the best time to view the animals was early in the day, late afternoon or at night when it had cooled down. Most of them stayed back among the trees during the heat of the day and I suggest bringing a pair of binoculars, although the "Rangers" will be glad to lend you their's for better viewing during the day.
I would love to go back and stay at AKL, it was a wonderful, peaceful experience!
