My husband and I spent one night last week at the AKL and fell in love with the resort. We didn't know quite what to expect, considering there had been so many mixed reviews, but even after one night there, I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone.
Let me start by saying that I've never had much interest in African art or culture. From an aesthetic point of view, I'm more of a WL kind of girl. But the moment we entered the lobby, it was hard not to be impressed. The floor is so dark and glossy, the thatched ceiling an absolute marvel. There is so much leather and so many different textures that everything is interesting to look at and touch. The air smells faintly of woodsmoke and spices.
We checked in at 8:30 am. The CM was polite, if not a little brusque, and spoke very, very quickly. We had requested a non-smoking king room. The room was not ready, but if we wanted to check in now, there were several queen rooms available. I asked for the room with the best view. She gave us 2nd floor Zebra trail, just to the right of Arusha Rock.
The layout of the hotel is slightly confusing--the lobby is on the 3rd floor, which means we had to take an elevator DOWN to get to our room. Once we figure this out, we realize that our room is just off the lobby, in a very convenient location. The room is beautiful and immaculately clean. The multi-color bedspreads and the dark, carved furniture look amazing in person. The black granite sink is gorgeous. For the first time, I'm starting to gather decorating ideas from the African realm. A quick peek outside our balcony. No animals just yet. We head for the AK for the day.
Let me start by saying that I've never had much interest in African art or culture. From an aesthetic point of view, I'm more of a WL kind of girl. But the moment we entered the lobby, it was hard not to be impressed. The floor is so dark and glossy, the thatched ceiling an absolute marvel. There is so much leather and so many different textures that everything is interesting to look at and touch. The air smells faintly of woodsmoke and spices.
We checked in at 8:30 am. The CM was polite, if not a little brusque, and spoke very, very quickly. We had requested a non-smoking king room. The room was not ready, but if we wanted to check in now, there were several queen rooms available. I asked for the room with the best view. She gave us 2nd floor Zebra trail, just to the right of Arusha Rock.
The layout of the hotel is slightly confusing--the lobby is on the 3rd floor, which means we had to take an elevator DOWN to get to our room. Once we figure this out, we realize that our room is just off the lobby, in a very convenient location. The room is beautiful and immaculately clean. The multi-color bedspreads and the dark, carved furniture look amazing in person. The black granite sink is gorgeous. For the first time, I'm starting to gather decorating ideas from the African realm. A quick peek outside our balcony. No animals just yet. We head for the AK for the day.
