Because this was my first stay, if I did it all over again, I probably would have paid to guarantee the Savannah view for my first night or two (but not the whole stay). I was so stressed thinking that I'd hate a standard view.
I checked in on 01/28 & I tried to change my ressie from standard to savannah a few days before my trip. I was even willing to pay the rack rate, but was told by CRO that everything was sold out. I also checked on travelocity & expedia and it was sold out there as well......
I had an AP rate of $109 & my room requests were King bed, Non-smoking & quiet location.....I received 4th floor, zebra trail, all the way out in the last building overlooking Arusha savannah. I was in a smoking room with 2 queen beds. I also know of one other guest who was upgraded from standard to savannah who checked in a day earlier than me.
The CM checking me in was so nice. I asked her about the availability of a king bed & was told that my room had 2 queens and that no kings were available. By our conversation, I was under the impression that my room was assigned before arrival. (I could also see the CM's computer screen and saw "45xx" which were the first 2 numbers of my room). My room wasn't ready, so, of course, I was told to call to get my room assignment.
The room was very clean, but really did smell like smoke. The location was amazing (except for the really long walk to the room) with a ton of animal activity and just to let everyone know, smoking is definately allowed on the balconies of the smoking savannah rooms. There was a clean ash tray on my balcony table and it was cleaned daily.......I also saw people in non-smoking rooms smoking out on their balconies as well.
With the exception of the bus service, I absolutely loved this resort & will definately stay there again. But unless I'm there for a special occasion, when I'd absolutely HAVE to have a savannah view, I'll stick with the standard view and hope for the best.
Missing the Lodge tonight. Click on my link to enjoy a photo that I took from our balcony.
AKL seems pretty much booked the 1st week of March when I'm going and I'm just too afraid to take a chance of not getting savannah. That is the main reason we want to stay there...we're big animal enthusiasts. We just love all kind of wildlife and thought this might be a really different resort experience. Yet Tink10 said the resort was totally booked when she got there and still recieved a "free" upgrade! Is it just me or does it seem that most people that book standard seem to get upgraded free? I can't help but imagine what I could do with that extra cash in my pocket, yet I don't want to take the chance. I at least hope they put the people who actually "paid" for a savannah view in a room with a wonderful view, not just a so-so or obstructed view like a few of the posters had said they would have been disappointed if they actually had to pay for the views they got! 
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