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Kampala Serena Hotel: Traveler Reviews

5.0 of 5
P. O. Box 7814, Kintu Road, Kampala 256, Uganda
Hotel amenities
Kampala Serena Hotel
Ranked #1 of 52 hotels in Kampala
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199 reviews from our community

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Traveler rating
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Date Rating
Rishikesh, India
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
3 hotel reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
“Best Brunch!!”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 1, 2013

Lobby and pool was gorgeous but, room was not super impressive for the money that we paid. There are many different restaurant options which was nice and the brunch which was included in the rate was "to die for". The brunch in itself was like a feast. Rooms were clean with large bathrooms. Our room had a view of the building next door so, nothing too impressive.

  • Stayed April 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Bhupster about Kampala Serena Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ballston
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
26 hotel reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
“Why reinvent the wheel...?”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 23, 2013

There are many detailed reviews on the Serena, all pretty much on the mark. I echo their positive evaluation. If you must be in Kampala, this is the place to be. Room, food, drink, spa, haircuttery, pool grounds, bravo. Loved the internet.

Two quibbles. I had a terrible time getting my TV u and running, but they did get there eventually. The split pack a/c compressor is mounted on a shaded balcony, whichhacts as a reverbation chamber for its noise -- a bit annoying if you are noise-sensitive.

Oh yeh, the brekkie egg crew has it down pat!

  • Stayed February 2013, traveled on business
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Rover1313 about Kampala Serena Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
London
Senior Contributor
40 reviews 40 reviews
9 hotel reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
40 helpful votes 40 helpful votes
“superb”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 18, 2013

This is a great hotel, which stands comparison with any hotel in any city; the fact that is in the heart of a congested, flithy and poor city whose infrastructure has collapsed after decade of inept government is astonishing (though it should be said that the politicians, civil servants and middle men who have gorged on corruption are the only locals who can afford to enjoy the hotel.)

There are many pluses. It is set in rolling gardens. The architecture is elegant. The staff are polite, professional and seem, genuinely, to be pleased and proud to be working there. The pool is terrific. The gym and spa could be an expensive health club in London. The rooms are modern and totally quiet, thanks to first class safe proofing. The television has dozens of channels. Room service is fast and good value. The business centre is open 24/ 7 and has a fast and reliable Internet connection, which is unusual in Uganda.

But this sounds like an advert.

If I must criticise then I would say the food is average. The fast and cheapest restaurant, which serves the usual selection of soups, salads, burgers, meat and fish dishes and desserts, is unremarkable. The fine dining restaurant would not last long in city where there was real competition.

These are minor points.

Overall, a terrific hotel, mainly because of a professional and motivated staff.

Room Tip: You would be unlucky if you had a problem because the rooms are uniformly excellent.
See more room tips
  • Stayed February 2013, traveled on business
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask ryeats about Kampala Serena Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Pretoria, South Africa
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
11 hotel reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
“Amazing!”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 16, 2013

This hotel is amazing! there are 4+ places to eat on site plus 24/7 room service. The food is healthy and tasty. Internet is included and pretty good. there is also a 24 hour business center that is well staffed.
The hotel has a separate conference center. A really nice spa. As well the gym is definitely the best hotel gym that I have ever seen. There is a trainer onsite to assist as well, the gym has at least 2 classes per day Mon-Friday.
Rooms are kept clean and well maintained. Pool is gorgeous.
Service was beyond belief.
on the downside, excessively posh especially for a development worker, which the hotel seems to cater to largely. My colleague had an interesting incident when one of the hotel staff showed up at her room late at night to ask if she needed turn down service.
Otherwise, I would recommend this hotel for its location, customer service and great amenities.

Room Tip: Also try Pearl of Africa restaurant in the hotel on the 2nd level.
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  • Stayed January 2013, traveled on business
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask amergalinpretoria about Kampala Serena Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Cranbrook, Canada
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
11 hotel reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
“Expansive and luxurious resort property!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 13, 2013

I had a very quick stop-over in Kampala for a business event. After 5 nights at the Serena Nairobi, I was definitely impressed by Kampala. The have an incredibly large property, which allows for fantastic grounds, pools, recreation facilities, and other amenities. However, other elements which you would expect to be similar, such as rooms and service, were also a step-up from Nairobi or Mombasa Serena. The room was larger, but yet cleaner and more modern. I was also impressed by the exceptional quite in the rooms; no noise from outside, the elevators, or other rooms. A very nice place to get a good night’s sleep as a result. As I mentioned, no complaints whatsoever. I also always appreciate a hotel that has taxis available all the time, and can charge the room directly, which often makes things simpler when on a rushed trip.

  • Stayed February 2013, traveled on business
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Ask MoritzS about Kampala Serena Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Additional Information about Kampala Serena Hotel

Address: P. O. Box 7814, Kintu Road, Kampala 256, Uganda
Region: Uganda > Central Region > Kampala
Amenities:
Business Center Fitness Center Free High-Speed Internet Free Parking Restaurant Room Service Suites Swimming Pool Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
Ranked #1 of 52 hotels in Kampala
Price Range: $$$$
Hotel Class:5 star (5*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
An inspirational blend of 5-star polish and pan-African panache, this world-class hotel will showcase the cream of Ugandan culture while delivering the ultimate in personalized service, international cuisine, social style and business reliability. The hotel has free wireless internet as well as international cuisine spiced up with an African cuisine. The best business hotel in Uganda. ... more   less 
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Kampala Serena Hotel
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