Gaborone's Hidden Gem: Cresta Lodge Hotel Review & Unbeatable Deals!

Cresta Lodge Hotel Gaborone Botswana

Gaborone's Hidden Gem: Cresta Lodge Hotel Review & Unbeatable Deals!

Cresta Lodge Gaborone: My Chaotic, Wonderful, and Surprisingly Affordable Escape! (A Totally Honest Review with (Hopefully) Unbeatable Deals!)

Okay, listen up, wanderlusters and weary travelers! I've just returned from a whirlwind adventure in Gaborone, and let me tell you, finding a decent hotel that doesn’t feel like a glorified bus station is a MISSION. But! I think I've stumbled upon a real hidden gem: Cresta Lodge Gaborone. And let me tell you, it’s not perfect – nothing ever is, right? – but it's got charm, convenience, and, judging by some of the deals I've seen, a seriously tempting price tag.

Let's break this down, shall we? Prepare yourselves, because I'm about to get REAL.

First Impressions & The Whole "Accessibility" Thing:

Right, so the drive in. Honestly, the outside of the hotel is… well, it's straightforward. Nothing particularly wowing, but clean, functional. Accessibility? Yes! Wheelchair accessible, for sure, with elevators and ramps. Finding my room was, thankfully, a breeze. Now, I didn't personally need any extreme accessibility assistance, but I did see elevators and wide hallways, so, tick tock.

Internet (Or, The Great Wi-Fi Quest):

Alright, let's be honest – Wi-Fi is CRUCIAL. I'm a digital nomad at heart, and like, everything depends on it. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (big, smiley face emoji). Now, I did have a minor hiccup the first day in my room, a tad slow, but it got sorted quickly. Shout out to the front desk! Internet [LAN]? Yep, there's also a LAN option. They even have Wi-Fi in public areas (essential for those poolside cocktail snaps – more on that later…). And, let's be real, I was able to get my content posted as well, so it was a pass!

Cleanliness & Safety: The Things That Actually Matter:

Okay, this is where Cresta Lodge REALLY surprised me. Considering the current… world situation, safety is paramount. They've clearly got this down. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Double check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Absolutely. Hand sanitizer practically everywhere. Look, I'm not a germaphobe, but I appreciated feeling like they actually cared. The staff, from the front desk to the breakfast crew, seemed genuinely invested in making everything safe. Also, there was a doctor/nurse on call, just in case (thankfully, didn't need them!). They even offer room sanitization opt-out available. I would say it isn't bad.

Food, Glorious Food (And Drinks!)

Okay, food is EVERYTHING, right? Let's talk about eating experiences! Cresta Lodge has some surprising options.

• Restaurants: Not one, but TWO! There's a buffet option, and also A la carte in restaurant.
• Asian cuisine in the restaurant? YES! (I’m a sucker for noodles).
• Western cuisine in the restaurant? ALSO YES! (Because sometimes you just need a burger).
• Breakfast [buffet]? YES! The buffet was pretty decent. Asian breakfast: Yes! There was a great miso soup and sticky rice. Western breakfast: Also, Yes!
• Poolside bar: Essential for a Gaborone getaway.
• Happy hour: Crucial.
• Coffee shop?: Yes! I'm a coffee addict, and they have it.
• Snack bar? Yep, a lifesaver for those late-night cravings.
• Room service [24-hour]? Lifesaver, especially after a long day of… well, whatever you're doing in Gaborone.
• Desserts? Oh, the desserts. The chocolate cake was a crime against healthy living… but a joyous one. I may or may not have ordered it (ahem) more than once.

Things To Do (And Chill):

Look, Gaborone isn't known for its wild nightlife (more on that later). But Cresta Lodge offers a nice spot to relax!.

• Swimming pool [outdoor]? YES! The pool itself may not be massive, but it's clean, well-maintained, and has a lovely pool with a view. The view overlooks the hotel grounds, of the city. I spent a lot of time there, sipping cocktails and pretending I was on a real vacation.
• Fitness center? I peeked. It looked… functional. I skipped it. (Don’t judge me).
• Sauna: Yep, they have that.
• Spa/sauna: Yes!
• Massage: Absolutely, and let me tell you, after a long day of exploring, it was HEAVENLY. Seriously. I almost fell asleep mid-massage. The spa is small but the staff are friendly.
• Steamroom: Yup. Steamy goodness.
• I didn't use Body scrub or body wrap.

Rooms: My Private Slice of Bliss (Almost)

Okay, the rooms. They're clean, comfortable, and surprisingly well-equipped.

• Available in all rooms - air conditioning? CHECK. That's a must in Gaborone.
• Air conditioning? You betcha.
• Bathtub? Some rooms have them; mine didn't, but the shower was perfectly adequate.
• Coffee/tea maker? Yes, because caffeine is life.
• Free bottled water? Always appreciated.
• Hair dryer? Saved me space in my luggage.
• In-room safe box? Peace of mind.
• Mini bar? Yes. But the prices were a bit… optimistic.
• Non-smoking? Yes, thankfully.
• Satellite/cable channels? Plenty of options for when you just want to zone out.
• Wi-Fi [free]? Already covered that, but it bears repeating.
• Window? Yup, with a view!

Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter

Cresta Lodge goes above and beyond in some areas.

• Concierge? Super helpful.
• Doorman? Always a friendly face.
• Daily housekeeping? My room was immaculate every day.
• Laundry service? Essential for a longer stay, especially if you're not a fan of doing laundry yourself.
• Meeting/banquet facilities? They cater to business travelers, too.
• Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site]? Huge plus! Parking stress is the worst.
• Airport transfer? Convenient and hassle-free.

Now, The Imperfect Bits (Because Honesty is Key):

• The decor: It's… modern. Not necessarily “stylish” but clean and functional. Nothing that blew me away aesthetically, but it was perfectly pleasant.
• The location: It's a little outside the city's main hub, so you'll need a taxi or car, which I actually liked as it was quiet.
• My Biggest complaint?! The pool, while nice, is maybe, just maybe, a tad small for a rush of people. But I always find a spot and it wasn't a deal-breaker for me.

The Unbeatable Deal (I Hope!) & My Emotional Plea to You

Look, I'm no travel agent, but I stumbled upon some genuinely fantastic deals when I booked my stay through their website. Seriously, check them regularly! I'm talking discounts, package deals, and even some extras thrown in.

So, here's the deal (pun intended!):

My Target Audience: YOU, the weary traveler, the budget-conscious adventurer, the person who craves a comfortable, safe, and convenient basecamp for exploring Gaborone. The person who wants a bit of luxury without breaking the bank.

Why Cresta Lodge?

• Cleanliness & Safety: They prioritize your well-being. Period.
• Comfort & Convenience: Everything you need is right there.
• Great Food & Drink: From that incredible cake to the poolside bar, it’s got you covered.
• Amazing Deals (If You're Smart): Check their website! Seriously!
• The Atmosphere: Warm, welcoming, and surprisingly lively. It's a place where you can relax, recharge, and be yourself.

My Honest Rating: I'd give Cresta Lodge a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It's not the flashiest hotel in town, but it's got heart, and it's a place I'd happily return to.

So go! Book your stay! Experience Gaborone! I know you won't regret it. And if you see me at the pool, buying a slice of that heavenly chocolate cake, say hi!

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Cresta Lodge Hotel Gaborone Botswana

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your polished, Instagram-filtered travel itinerary. This is a Cresta Lodge Gaborone, Botswana, survival guide crafted by yours truly, a human who’s probably already stained their shirt with something and lost their phone charger. Let's do this.

Day 1: Arrival & The Gaborone Shuffle (Or, "Why Am I So Tired?")

• (8:00 AM - Uh, whatever time I actually wake up after the flight): Okay, so, landing in Gaborone. The airport? Efficient, surprisingly. The baggage carousel? A stressful game of "Will My Suitcase EVER Appear?" I swear, I watched a guy in a bright orange shirt just… hover around it, giving his bags the stink eye. Honestly, I get it. My own was a rogue. Luckily, I saw my bag!
• (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Taxi to Cresta Lodge. The drive itself? A vibrant blur. The roads were surprisingly good, and the city wasn’t a concrete jungle like I expected. There were trees. Actual trees! And the driver? Sweet. He chatted about the local music scene, which I promptly forgot because my brain was still processing jet lag. Honestly, I'm pretty sure I nodded and made approving noises at everything.
• (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Check-in. Cresta Lodge looks clean, decent, maybe a little, hmm, corporate for my tastes. The welcome drink? I’m pretty sure it was just water. Cold water, though. Much needed. My room? Basic but functional. I immediately flopped on the bed. The only important thing in my life at this point was horizontal time.
• (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Lunch at the hotel restaurant. The staff were smiling and the food was edible. I think I ordered a burger, though the only thing I remember is the overwhelming desire for a nap. This jet lag is brutal. I probably ate it in silence, looking lost and slightly glazed.
• (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Nap. The Holy Grail of travel. Woke up feeling even more confused.
• (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Attempt a walk around the hotel. Nope. Felt too tired. Instead, I decided to get some tea.
• (6:00 PM Onward): Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Again. Ordered something with potatoes, because carbs are comforting. Considered ordering a bottle of wine but remembered my wallet. Bedtime.

Day 2: Culture or Conundrums? (Or, "Why Do I Always Get Lost?")

• (8:00 AM): Breakfast. Sticking to the basics: eggs, toast, and coffee. The coffee, thankfully, was strong. I desperately needed it to combat the existential dread of being in a new place and not knowing anyone.
• (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Trip to the National Museum and Art Gallery. I actually made it here. The museum was interesting, BUT… I have a confession. I struggle with museums. I get distracted easily. I spent more time admiring the architecture of the building than the artifacts. Then, I found the gift shop. Bad decision. I bought a ridiculously overpriced giraffe-shaped pen. It was a moment of weakness.
• (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Lunch. Found a local café, took a chance and ordered something I didn’t understand. It was delicious! This made me happy.
• (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Walk around the city. Got lost. Beautifully, gloriously lost. Asked a local for directions. He laughed. Turns out, I was heading in completely the wrong direction. But, the unexpected detour led me to a colorful market with sounds, smells, and an overwhelming sense of life. A tiny victory.
• (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Back to the hotel. I was supposed to go to the mall, but I am exhausted. I will rest instead.
• (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Swim in the pool. Honestly, it wasn't the most beautiful pool, but being in water was amazing. I felt relief.
• (6:00 PM Onward): Dinner. Another burger. Am I boring? Maybe. But burgers are reliable.

Day 3: The Cresta Chronicles & The Emotional Rollercoaster (Or, "Does Anyone Else Feel Like This?")

• (8:00 AM): Breakfast, breakfast, breakfast. The buffet's starting to feel a bit…samey. Seriously considering sneaking in a box of cereal tomorrow.
• (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): This morning, I decided to get an opportunity of writing. I had a great time writing and feeling the bliss of being creative.
• (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM): I decided to go for a walk.
• (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): I had lunch, and decided to go to my room. I decided to watch some TV.
• (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): I decided to go for a walk.
• (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Swim. Again. Seriously, is there anything better than floating around, pretending you’re not slightly terrified about life? Answer: No.
• (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Thinking. I'm on a trip. I should be doing more. Exploring. Being adventurous. But the truth? I'm just content being… here. Sitting on the balcony, watching the sunset, letting the silence wash over me. It feels weird but good. Is this what self-care feels like?
• (6:00 PM Onward): Dinner at a restaurant. Great food and amazing time.

Day 4: Departure & the Great Existential Question (Or, "Is It Over Already?!")

• (8:00 AM): Last Breakfast. The buffet is now an enemy, but I ate it anyway. Sigh.
• (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Packing. The dreaded task. The suitcase? Somehow, it's heavier. The giraffe pen? Still a mistake. Goodbye, pen.
• (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Check out. Taxi to the airport. The driver, the same guy from Day 1! He remembered me. "Enjoyed your stay?" He asked. The answer? Yes. But also, no. And maybe. It was complicated. Isn’t everything?
• (12:00 PM - Departure): Airport. Waiting. Reflecting. Did I truly experience Gaborone? Or did I just exist within it? The answer, like the jet lag, is muddy. But you know what? That's okay. Life is messy. Travel is messy. And sometimes, the best moments are the unexpected ones. The ones that make you laugh, cry, or buy a giraffe pen. This trip, for all its quirks and imperfections, was mine.

So, there you have it. A real, honest, and slightly rambling account of my time at Cresta Lodge Gaborone. Remember, this isn't a blueprint. It's a suggestion. A starting point. Fill in the blanks with your own chaos, your own laughter. And for goodness sake, bring a spare phone charger. Yours truly, out!

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Cresta Lodge Hotel Gaborone Botswana

Cresta Lodge Gaborone: FAQs...And My Chaotic Thoughts!

Is Cresta Lodge Gaborone REALLY a "hidden gem?" I'm skeptical...

Okay, okay, I get it. "Hidden gem" is a loaded term, right? Sounds like something a marketing brochure would spew. But honestly? Yes! Sort of. Listen, I arrived expecting… well, *not much*. You know? Gaborone, business trip, budget hotel. The usual. And then BAM! I walked into the lobby and actually *smiled*. Like, a real, unforced smile. The staff were genuinely friendly – not that forced-smile-that-hurts-your-cheekbones kind. And the little courtyard? With the pool? Heaven. Pure, unadulterated heaven, especially after a day wrestling with spreadsheets. So, maybe not *hidden*, more like… quietly brilliant? Okay, I'm sticking with "hidden gem" for now. Let's see if it keeps its sparkle...

What's the vibe like at Cresta Lodge? Is it all business suits and boring dinners?

Alright, look, there *are* business suits. It's Gaborone. But it's not oppressively business-y, thank goodness. The overall vibe? Relaxed. Comfortable. Think…smart casual, with a hint of laid-back safari. I spent a whole evening just chilling by the pool, nursing a lukewarm beer (they were out of my preferred brand – the only minor complaint, honestly!), watching the sun set. No, there weren't any boisterous singalongs or conga lines. But the atmosphere was… pleasant. Actually, I met a couple of fascinating people there, surprisingly. A wildlife photographer who’d lost his favorite lens to a baboon (true story!), and a geologist who could tell you the age of the earth by looking at a rock. Pretty cool, eh? Far from boring dinners.

Let's talk about the rooms! What are they like? Clean? Comfortable? Tiny?

The rooms? Clean, YES. Comfortable, absolutely. Tiny? No! They're actually… spacious. I was expecting a shoebox, honestly. But nope! Nice big bed, a proper desk to work at (crucial for those late-night email sessions), and a decent-sized bathroom. The air conditioning worked a treat, which is a HUGE plus considering the Gaborone heat. My ONLY real gripe? The lighting. A little…dim. I may or may not have tripped over my suitcase in the middle of the night on more than one occasion. (Hey, it happens!) But minor inconvenience aside, absolutely no complaints. Solid room, great value for money.

What about the food? I’m a picky eater. Can I survive?

Food. Ah, the eternal question. I'm like you, you know. I'm *that* guy. I can be a bit…particular. But honestly? I was pleasantly surprised. The breakfast buffet? AMAZING. Seriously. Everything you could want – eggs, bacon, cereal, fresh fruit, the works. The coffee was strong (essential), and the staff kept the juice glasses topped up. They even had some local specialties that I cautiously, and then ravenously, devoured. The dinner menu offered a good selection. Nothing earth-shatteringly revolutionary, but well-prepared, tasty, and reasonably priced. One night, I had the steak. Perfectly cooked. I swear, I almost licked the plate! (Almost.)

Are there "unbeatable deals" as advertised? Spill the tea! (Or the Chibuku...)

Okay, the deals. This is where it gets interesting. I'm not going to lie, I'm a bargain hunter. I scoured the internet for weeks before booking. And yes, Cresta Lodge often has some seriously tempting offers. Look out for package deals that might include breakfast, airport transfers, or even a free night. Read the fine print! Sometimes, the "unbeatable deals" come with restrictions (like specific dates or room types). But if you're flexible? You can definitely snag a bargain. I felt like I got a steal. And that feeling? Makes everything taste better. Trust me. Especially after a long flight and a disastrous taxi ride.

Is there a pool? Because, you know, Gaborone is HOT.

YES! There's a pool! Thank the heavens, truly. And a lovely one it is. It's not Olympic-sized (which is fine by me, I'm more of a "float around and pretend to be a water lily" kind of swimmer). It's clean, well-maintained, and surrounded by comfy loungers. I spent hours by that pool. Seriously. I got so comfortable, I almost forgot I was supposed to be working. One particular afternoon, I had the most epic nap by that pool. The sun was warm, the breeze was gentle, and my to-do list was a distant, blurry memory. I woke up feeling… fantastic. Refreshed. Like a brand new human being. Almost. And that, my friends, is a win.

Where is it located? Is it easy to get around?

Location, location, location! Cresta Lodge is conveniently located. Not in the *absolute* heart of the city, which is a good thing, in my opinion – less noise and chaos. But it's close enough to everything you need. Plenty of taxis around, and the hotel staff can help you arrange transportation. You can also walk to some nearby restaurants and shops. I even braved the walk to the local shopping mall once. (Okay, twice. I needed more biltong.) It's a safe area, generally speaking, and the walk itself was quite pleasant. But, be warned, the sun can be brutal. Sunscreen, people! SERIOUSLY.

Okay, let’s get real. What was the WORST thing about Cresta Lodge? Dish the dirt!

Alright, alright. You want the dirt? Honestly, the only real negative… was the WIFI. It wasn’t consistently reliable. It was a bit…spotty. Sometimes, I’d be able to stream movies with no problem. Other times, I was struggling to send a simple email. This is crucial in today’s day and age, am I right? Okay, maybe it wasn’t *awful*, but it could be improved. I mean, I spent a good hour pacing around the courtyard, trying to find a strong enough signal to download a presentation. Frustrating. And I'm a fairly patient person, but even *I* was almost driven to screaming. The other minor annoyance? The road noise. Some of the rooms, depending on where they are located, can pick up a fair amount of traffic sounds. But honestly? That’s about it. Everything else was pretty darn good.

Would you go back? SeriouslyEasy Hotel Hunt

Cresta Lodge Hotel Gaborone Botswana

Cresta Lodge Hotel Gaborone Botswana

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