Escape to Paradise: East Point Hotel, Moshi, Tanzania - Your Unforgettable Getaway
Escape to Paradise: East Point Hotel - Moshi, Tanzania - Seriously, You NEED to Visit! (A Very Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a trip to East Point Hotel in Moshi, Tanzania, and I've got a whole lot to say. Forget those perfectly polished hotel reviews. This is the real deal. If you're looking for an unforgettable getaway with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, look no further. East Point Hotel is a solid choice, even if it's not perfect. Let's dive in, shall we?
Accessibility: Tick, Tick, but…
First things first: Accessibility. The hotel claims to have facilities for disabled guests. Now, I don't have any specific mobility issues myself, so I can't give a definitive rating, but I did see a few elevators and ramps. HOWEVER, I'd recommend calling ahead and getting specific details if this is a major concern. Sometimes what a hotel thinks is accessible and what actually is accessible are two very different things. Be proactive!
Cleanliness and Safety (The New Normal):
Listen, everyone's obsessed with hygiene right now, and rightfully so. East Point does a pretty good job. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. They've got hand sanitizer stations plastered everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol? Definitely. They were all masked up and seemed genuinely concerned about keeping things clean. Room sanitization between stays? Yup. They even offer a "Room sanitization opt-out" option, which is nice if you're a bit paranoid (like me!). Cashless payment service? Easy peasy. Safe dining setup? Yes, they're definitely trying. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Seemed legit. All in all, I felt pretty safe.
BUT (and there's always a but, isn't there?): One day I saw a cleaning lady dusting the same surface with the same cloth. I mean, come on! Sometimes it felt like a constant battle between the staff's genuine desire to keep things clean and the inevitable realities of running a hotel in a developing country. Still, hygiene certification? They boast it, and I’d say they are aiming for it.
The Hotel: A Mix of Grandeur and a Little Bit… Rough Around the Edges
The hotel itself is… well, it's got character. Think modern meets traditional, then add a dash of "built with a love of concrete and a practical budget." It’s generally well-maintained, but you might spot a chipped tile here or a wonky light fixture there. But that's part of the charm, honestly. It's not sterile. It’s lived in.
Rooms: Comfortably Comfy
Alright, let's talk about the rooms! I had a non-smoking room with air conditioning (essential!). It was pretty standard – a desk, a safe box, a refrigerator, and a coffee/tea maker. The bed was comfy enough. I mean, I slept like a log after hiking around the Kilimanjaro foothills all day, so that’s a win. Free bottled water? Yep, and they replenished it daily. The bathroom was clean, with a shower and toiletries. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver for those jet-lagged mornings. Wi-Fi [free]? Yes! And it actually worked most of the time (more on that later).
Internet Access (The Eternal Struggle):
Okay, be warned: The internet is…hit and miss. They offer free Wi-Fi in all rooms, and it's supposed to be fast. Sometimes it was brilliant. Other times, it was slower than a snail on a glacier. Internet access – LAN? I didn't even try it, to be honest. Internet services? I’m not sure what internet services I needed! The main problem was the inconsistency. If you absolutely need to be online 24/7, be prepared for frustration. If you can unplug a little, you'll be fine.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Feast for the Senses (and Sometimes the Stomach!)
Now, this is where things get interesting. They have a bunch of options: Restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and a poolside bar. Breakfast [buffet]? Oh, yes! They offered a large buffet in the restaurant, with a mix of Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, and local Tanzanian fare. I'm talking fresh fruit, omelets, pancakes, sausage, and a whole lot more. I even saw salads in the restaurant. The coffee shop was great. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Definitely! Happy hour? You betcha! Room service [24-hour]? A definite plus.
The International cuisine in restaurant was pretty good, although consistency was sometimes a problem. One night the steak was perfect. The next night… not so much. The bottle of water was standard. I can’t remember any desserts in restaurant. Asian cuisine in restaurant was available -- or supposedly it was. I think I had noodles once. The poolside bar was a great place to unwind with a drink after a long day. The snack bar had some pretty decent bites. The Vegetarian restaurant was excellent, as was the Western cuisine in restaurant.
The BIG Problem: The service was sometimes… slow. They were attentive, but the kitchen was often overwhelmed. Don't be in a hurry!
Things to Do and Ways to Relax (Heaven on Earth, Seriously!):
This is where East Point really shines. They've got the goods!
- Swimming pool [outdoor]? Amazing. That pool with view is incredible. Seriously, the views of Kilimanjaro from the pool are worth the price of admission alone. I spent hours just floating and staring at that mountain. It’s jaw-droppingly beautiful..
- Fitness center? I’m not a gym rat, but they had one.
- Spa? Yes! A whole spa! And it was seriously, utterly, wonderfully, unbelievably relaxing.
- Massage? Got one! The best massage I've ever had. I felt like a new person! Forget the world and dive in.
- Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom? They’re there!
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath? Yes, yes, and yes!
Okay, let me tell you about the massage. I booked a deep tissue massage, and it was pure bliss. The masseuse was incredibly skilled. I felt like all my tension just melted away. I drifted in and out of consciousness, the scent of essential oils filling the air. I emerged feeling lighter, looser, and ready to conquer the world (or at least, the next day's hike). The spa itself was beautifully decorated, with soft lighting and calming music. It was the perfect antidote to all that hiking.
Services and Conveniences (Making Life Easier):
They offer a bunch of services: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
The concierge was helpful with booking tours and arranging airport transfers. The daily housekeeping was excellent, and the staff were always friendly and accommodating. Elevator? Yes! Currency exchange? Convenient. Luggage storage? No problem.
The only thing missing was… a sense of seamlessness. Things weren’t always perfect. But that's part of the charm, honestly.
For the Kids (Family-Friendly Vibes):
Family/child friendly? Yes! Babysitting service? They have it! Kids meal? Yes! Kids facilities? I'm not completely sure what that entails.
Getting Around (Easy Peasy):
Airport transfer? They offer it! Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking? All the transport options you could need.
The Verdict:
East Point Hotel is a solid choice for a Moshi getaway. It’s got a lot going for it: Stunning views, a fantastic spa, delicious food (most of the time), and generally friendly staff. It’s not perfect – the internet can be a pain, and the service can be slow at times – but the positives definitely outweigh the negatives. It’s a place where you can unwind, recharge, and truly escape. I'd go back in a heartbeat.
**Escape to Paradise: Book Your
Ski-In/Ski-Out Sauna Apartment: Mittersill Luxury Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to journey into the glorious chaos that is my potential trip to East Point Hotel in Moshi, Tanzania. This isn't your sterile, pre-packaged itinerary. This is… well, let's see where this goes.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Unknown (Moshi Shakedown)
- 10:00 AM - Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
- Okay, first things first: pray the luggage makes it. I’m already imagining my hiking boots (brand new, pristine, and ridiculously expensive) lost in some Tanzanian limbo. Seriously, if I have to spend the first day scouring Moshi for a replacement, I’m going to hurl.
- Quirk: I'm also pre-planning what I'm going to say when I finally meet the people who are going to be my guides here, I am sure it will be something incredibly ridiculous.
- 11:00 AM - Transfer to East Point Hotel.
- This is where the real adventure begins! The drive in is supposed to be stunning – lush green fields, maybe a glimpse of Kilimanjaro if the weather gods are feeling generous. I'm also low-key terrified of driving on unfamiliar roads with, um, potentially unpredictable drivers. My inner control freak is already twitching.
- 12:00 PM - Check-in to East Point, Settle in and the room.
- Okay, first impressions are everything. Is the room clean-ish? Does the Wi-Fi actually work for more than five minutes at a time? (Essential for Instagram updates, obviously.) Pray for a comfy bed, because I'm going to need it. I'm also hoping for a balcony – a tiny, sunny balcony where I can sit with a cup of black coffee and just… breathe. The reality of the room will probably be less idyllic and more "slightly dusty, with a view mostly of other buildings." I need a place to be comfortable in for the next week
- 1:00 PM - Lunch and the First Meal.
- Alright, time to sample some local Tanzanian cuisine! I'm gonna be honest, I'm a notoriously picky eater. My adventurous palate reaches about as far as “medium-rare steak.” I'm hoping for something relatively safe – maybe some grilled chicken with rice? Gotta work my way up to the more exotic stuff. Fingers crossed there are no bugs, or something.
- 2:00 PM - Moshi Town Exploration (A Messy Reconnaissance Mission).
- Okay, this is where things get interesting (and possibly terrifying). Armed with a map (and a serious lack of navigation skills), I'm going to brave the Moshi streets. I'm hoping to find a local market, wander around, and get a feel for the place. Expect picture taking! I'm thinking of bargaining for some souvenirs, it is going to be horrible since I have no skill.
- Anecdote: I also have a weird habit of striking up conversations with strangers. So, expect me to be chatting it up with the local vendors and trying to clumsily learn a few Swahili phrases. "Jambo!"… that's about as far as I've gotten.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner and a Plan.
- Time to refuel. Dinner at the hotel or maybe a local restaurant. I'll try to be brave and order something new. Then, plan for tomorrow's adventure: what's the hike like? (I'm already regretting signing up for this.)
- Emotional Reaction: Fear. And excitement. Okay, mostly fear. Hiking Kilimanjaro is going to be hard, to say the least. (It might be easier than the hike to the bathroom in the middle of the night.) But the views… the bragging rights… the potential for a truly epic story? That's what I'm holding onto. That and the hope I don't die.
Day 2: Kilimanjaro Prep and Altitude Acclimatization (The "I'm Not Sure I Can Do This" Day)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast at the Hotel.
- Fuel up! This is the most important meal of the day – or at least, that’s what I keep telling myself. Gotta get those carbs in!
- 9:00 AM - Meet the Mountain Guides.
- This is the moment of truth. Meeting the people who are going to be responsible for my survival. I need them to be confident, reassuring, and preferably, not laugh at my fitness level. I'm going to try and act like I'm in good shape.
- 10:00 AM - Gear Check and Briefing.
- Okay, gear check. This is where I discover I've forgotten something crucial, like a warm hat or enough sunscreen. The briefing is going to be a blur of warnings and advice… most of which I probably won’t remember.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch.
- Lunch, always good for a re-charge, then the next adventure.
- 1:00 PM - A Gentle hike.
- A short, gentle hike to build up some tolerance and acclimatize with the atmosphere.
- 4:00 PM - Back to the Hotel and relaxation.
- Chill time! More Instagram updates, writing in my journal (if I have the energy), and maybe a pre-hike meditation session (I'm skeptical of anything I can't eat, but I'll try).
- 6:00 PM - Final Meal, Early Night.
- Eat like a king (or queen) because tomorrow is going to be a slog. Early to bed, because sleep is going to be critical.
Day 3 to 7: The Kilimanjaro Climb (Expect the Unexpected - and Pain)
- Okay, I can’t write a detailed day-by-day itinerary for the climb itself. It's going to be a blur of walking, huffing, puffing, and trying not to throw up. Here's the gist:
- Wake up early, eat, hike, eat, hike. Rinse and repeat.
- Altitude sickness: I'm mentally preparing myself for headaches, feeling lightheaded at almost every movement, and any other unpleasant ailment.
- The views will be incredible, the oxygen will be thin, and the nights will be cold.
- The toughest part: The final push to the summit. It's going to be brutal. I'm going to hate every agonizing step. But I'll get there. Or, you know, at least make it as close to the top as I can stand.
- Quirky Observation: I'm pretty sure I'll be hallucinating at some point. I wonder what hallucinations I'll get.
- Emotional Reaction: There will be moments of pure joy, moments of crippling self-doubt, moments of sheer terror. There will be tears. Probably a lot of tears. I'll also have a camera, so expect plenty of pictures.
- The descending days: Getting up on the mountain is tiring, and the way down is going to make it just as tough. The views from the mountain are something to be remembered, but the end goal of being back on ground level is all I can think about.
Day 8: Victory Celebrations and Moshi Relaxation
- 8:00 AM - Wake Up!
- Hopefully, it is going to be a beautiful day!
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast.
- I deserve pancakes! The real kind, not the weird dehydrated ones.
- 10:00 AM - Relax and Enjoy.
- Time to soak in the fact that I actually made it. Maybe swim in the East Point Hotel?
- Messy Structure: I am going to have to take a long shower. I'm betting my skin will be gross after the days on the mountain.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch at the hotel.
- More food! I am definitely going to be hungry.
- 2:00 PM - Coffee/Tea/Drinks.
- More relaxation. I've earned it.
- 6:00 PM - Farewell Dinner.
- Time to celebrate the accomplishment! Tell the world how horrible it was and how great it was!
Day 9: Departure
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast.
- The last breakfast.
- 9:00 AM - Packing and Last Minute Souvenir Shopping.
- Okay, time to cram everything back into my bag. Hopefully, everything fits. Last-minute souvenir shopping.
- Anecdote: I'll probably end up buying something completely useless, like a carved wooden giraffe that won't fit in my suitcase.
- 10:00 AM - Check out.
- Check out of the hotel.
- 11:00 AM - Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
So, East Point Hotel? Is it *actually* Paradise? Don't lie to me.
What's the food like? Because I have *opinions* about hotel food.
The view of Kilimanjaro... is it really as magical as the photos? Also, how often can I expect to actually see it?
Are there any downsides? Be honest. I need the real dirt.
Tell me about the pool. Is it actually swimmable?
What's the vibe of the hotel? Is it chill? Loud? A party scene?
Is it a good base for trekking? Any tips for getting ready for a climb?
Let's talk about the rooms. Are they clean? Comfortable? What can I expect?
