Oyster Bay Hotel

Imagine you had a super stylish friend who decamped to the coast of Africa and built a chic beach house with cottages for friends, this is it.

• The contemporary chic African interiors
• The warm, welcoming staff
• The many places to lounge**

Dar Es Salaam has few options for high-end accommodations, but the contemporary African chic, oceanfront Oyster Bay Hotel is a stunning refuge for weary nomads. While the hotel’s splendid setting beset with breezy balconies, serene gardens, covered verandahs and poolside sundecks are certainly all worthy appointments for a long-term stay, the hotel is also upfront about its goal to fill a much-needed niche for short-term guests. This is because Dar Es Salaam is Tanzania’s main hub, and many who have long layovers are in need of a luxurious place to spend the day before a long flight. To that end, Oyster Bay makes a point of accommodating all lengths of stay in its eight contemporary white-and-wood suites. It’s the best place to have an amazing meal, nap in the sun or take a refreshing dip in the 50-foot lap pool. The friendly, efficient staff operates a fleet of chauffeur-driven vehicles, which ferry guests at all hours between the hotel, port and airport. (It’s thirty minutes from domestic and international airports.)

Rates helpfully include all transfers, meals and drinks. A member who recently stayed there with her family at the tail end of her Tanzanian safari raved about the “day room” experience that her family had dining, lounging, and peacefully regrouping there: “It’s a truly amazing spot, an oasis.” **

Anyone who has a long layover in Dar Es Salaam.