Luxury Redefined: Cresta President Hotel Gaborone - Your Botswana Oasis Awaits
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Cresta President Hotel in Gaborone, Botswana. And let me tell you, calling it a "Botswana Oasis" isn't just marketing fluff. It’s… well, it's almost true. Let’s dissect this beast, shall we? And trust me, I'm going to give you the real deal, not some sterile brochure babble.
SEO-tastic Title (Because Google Loves It): Cresta President Hotel Gaborone Review: Your Botswana Escape? (The Good, The Bad, and The Really Unexpected)
Accessibility (The Starting Point – Always Important!):
Okay, so accessibility. HUGE thumbs up for having it as a major consideration. The elevator works (phew!), and the rooms have facilities for disabled guests. That's a win right out of the gate. This is a huge thing, and they seem to take it seriously, unlike some places that just slap an "Accessible!" sticker on and hope for the best.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges & Wheelchair Accessible (Crucial for inclusive travel!):
Haven't personally tested the wheelchair accessibility of the restaurant and lounge, but they advertise that it is accessible, that's a good start, but to be completely honest, it’s hard to tell, so a more practical review will be needed.
Internet Access (Because We're Glued):
Alright, let's be honest: free Wi-Fi in all rooms is a MUST in this day and age. Cresta President nails it. There's also LAN – because, you know, some of us still cling to those ancient, ethernet cables. Weird, I know. But hey, choices! And the Wi-Fi in public areas worked. Not blazing fast, but functional. You can upload that very important Instagram post, don’t you worry.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (The Pampering Zone):
Okay, this is where Cresta started to really shine. The spa. Oh, the spa. Look, I'm a simple guy, and I'm not usually a spa person. But I surrendered. And it was glorious. I went for the full monty: body scrub, body wrap, massage. And let me tell you, after a long, dusty safari trip, it was pure heaven. The sauna, the steam room… I could practically feel my stress melting away like a cheap chocolate bar in the Botswana sun. The pool with view was pretty amazing too, a definite spot to just chill. Didn't make it to the fitness center, but it was there, I swear.
Cleanliness and Safety (The Worry-Free Zone):
Okay, this is where Cresta really gets its act together. It’s so refreshing! Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, professional-grade sanitizing services, and staff trained in safety protocol. Every single thing about their safety measures, shows they are serious. This isn’t just lip service, it’s visible. And I REALLY appreciated the room sanitization opt-out – because, let's be real, sometimes we just want to be left alone to wallow in our own germs (kidding! mostly…).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Feeding Frenzy):
Alright, the dining situation. It’s… varied. Restaurants, plural! They've got the a la carte restaurant, the buffet restaurant (essential for a good hotel experience), and the poolside bar! The buffet had a great Asian breakfast selection, but honestly, the local cuisines are the real stars. The service was impeccable. Coffee shops? Coffee? Tea? Yes, yes, and yes. I had the desserts in the restaurant. They were sinful. The happy hour was a welcome sight after a long day and there were always snacks at the bar. Not gonna lie, I spend a lot of time there.
Services and Conveniences (The "I Forgot My…" Lifesavers):
This is where Cresta goes above and beyond. Cash withdrawal? Check. Concierge? Check. Daily housekeeping? Check. Dry cleaning? Check. Laundry service? Check. Gift shop? Check. The luggage storage was flawless. They even have a doctor/nurse on call, which, thank goodness, I didn’t need, but hey, peace of mind is priceless. The convenience store was a lifesaver because I'd forgotten my toothbrush and it was a major panic.
For the Kids (The Family-Friendly Factor):
Couldn't test this myself, but they’re doing a good job of catering to them. Babysitting service, kids facilities, kids meals… it’s all there. Good job, Cresta!
Rooms: The Real Deal (Where You Actually Sleep):
Okay, the rooms. Spacious. Comfortable. Air conditioning that actually works (a blessing in Gaborone!). Blackout curtains (sweet, sweet sleep!). Complimentary tea and coffee (essential!). Mini-bar (stocked!). The beds? Glorious. After a long day sightseeing or working, it's the best. The bathroom? Private, clean, well-equipped. I loved the slippers. Little things, but they make a difference.
Getting Around (Navigating the City):
Airport transfer? Yes. Car park? Yes, and free. Taxi service? Yes. The valet parking was a treat. Getting around was easy, and the staff were always willing to assist.
The "Almost Perfect" Imperfections:
Okay, now for the truth bombs. No place is perfect. The internet, while functional, could be faster. The food, while generally excellent, had a couple of off nights (nothing disastrous, just… meh). The elevator was a bit slow during peak times. So yeah, it’s not flawless, but nobody is perfect, right?
The "Stream-of-Consciousness" Anecdote:
Okay, picture this… It’s 3 AM. I’m jetlagged. Wide awake. And I really need a snack. I call room service. Not a problem! Within 20 minutes, I've got a plate of something delicious, and I’m curled up on the sofa with a movie on my satellite/cable channels. Is this life? YES, IT IS. And Cresta President made it possible. It’s the little things, right?
The Emotional Verdict:
Okay, so should you stay at Cresta President Hotel in Gaborone? Absolutely. It’s not just a hotel; it’s an experience. The service is top-notch, the rooms are comfortable, the spa is sublime, and the safety protocols make you feel secure. Yes, it has minor flaws. But the positives far outweigh the negatives. It's a solid choice, and I'd happily return.
The Offer to Seal the Deal (Because We Want You To Book!)
Tired of the Ordinary? Escape to Luxury Redefined at Cresta President Hotel Gaborone!
Here’s why this Botswana Oasis is calling your name:
- Unwind Like Never Before: Indulge in a rejuvenating spa experience – a body scrub and massage will melt away your stress, and enjoy a dip in the pool with a view.
- Safety First, Always: You can relax and enjoy your stay, they prioritize your safety.
- Comfort & Convenience at Your Fingertips: Enjoy free Wi-Fi, choose from multiple dining options (including that amazing breakfast buffet), and let their attentive staff handle the rest.
- Stress-Free Stays: The rooms are impeccable, with air conditioning, blackout curtains, and all the amenities you could dream of.
- Location, Location, Location: Easy access to Gaborone's attractions, and easy access to the airport.
Book your stay at Cresta President Hotel Gaborone today and experience the ultimate Botswana escape! Click here to escape Now
Unbelievable Nantou Escape: Ailiga Travel Villa Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is me, unfiltered, stumbling through Gaborone, Botswana, mostly in the general vicinity of the Cresta President Hotel. Let's see if I survive this… and whether I find the elusive peace I'm desperately searching for.
CRESTA PRESIDENT HOTEL GABORONE: An Existential Rollercoaster (or, "Help, My Luggage is Missing!")
Day 1: Arrival. Or rather, Mis-Arrival.
- Morning (or what felt like it after 30 hours of travel): Landed in Gaborone. Jet lag is a cruel mistress, folks. I looked like a drowned rat that had been dragged through a desert. Immigration? Smooth. Luggage carousel? A desolate, spinning void of disappointment. My bag? MIA. Vanished. Poof! Just like my optimism.
- Side Note: Seriously, how does this always happen? It's like the airline has a secret cabal of luggage-thieves who are way better at their jobs than they let on.
- Cresta President – First Impressions: Walked into the Cresta President. It's… imposing. Old school, but in a good way. Like a grand old aunt with a slightly dusty handbag. The lobby felt slightly… empty. Like a stage set waiting for the play to start. The air con was a godsend.
- Action: Filed a lost luggage report that felt about as effective as yelling at a brick wall. Then, collapsed in my room. Which, to be fair, was actually really nice. Comfy bed. Decent view. Small mercies, I guess.
- Afternoon: The Hunt for a Toothbrush (and Dignity)
- Objective: Find essentials. Toothbrush. Deodorant. Sanity. All in short supply.
- The Hotel Shop: The shop was… well, let's say "limited." They had toothpaste, but not the fancy whitening kind I prefer. And the only deodorant available smelled mysteriously of… sweat. I almost cried.
- Lunch Disaster: Ate at the hotel restaurant. The buffet looked promising. It was… not. The food was bland and the service slow. I'm pretty sure the waiter forgot about me. I ended up eating a sad plate of mashed potatoes and staring at the ceiling for an hour.
- Emotional State: Oscillating wildly between despair and resigned acceptance. Jet lag is a beast!
- Evening: Attempted Relaxation (Spoiler Alert: Failed)
- Tried: To go to the pool. Couldn't find it. Wandered around the hotel lost for 20 minutes. Found a bar. Ordered a large gin and tonic (needed that badly!). Drank it. Felt slightly better.
- The Bar Scene: The bar was dead. Empty. Like a ghost town. Sat there alone nursing my drink listening to a weird, elevator-esque soundtrack that featured a cover of "Bohemian Rhapsody" that was… questionable.
- Thoughts: God, I feel lonely. And my bag is still missing. This is going to be a long trip. Decided to skip the dinner.
Day 2: Finding My Footing (and My Sanity, Maybe…)
- Morning: Discovery (and My First Botswana Breakfast)
- The Breakfast Buffet: Okay, a slight improvement over yesterday's lunch fiasco. Omelets made to order were the star. The coffee? Strong enough to wake the dead. And there was actual fruit!
- A Walk Around the Block: Stepped outside. The air in Gaborone is clean, dry, and incredibly… still. The contrast to my bustling, concrete-jungle life back home was shocking. Saw some baboons on the street. Yes, they are actually there; no, I did not expect them to be.
- Emotional reaction: the beauty of the scenery; it felt good
- Afternoon: The Search for Connection (and Wi-Fi)
- Objective: Find some internet access and maybe talk to someone.
- The Hotel Wi-Fi: Patchy. Drops out constantly. Made me want to throw my laptop out the window.
- The Local Coffee Shop: Found a coffee shop with free Wi-Fi (hallelujah!). Ordered a cappuccino and spent an hour frantically checking emails and trying to connect with the real world. Met a local. She worked at the coffee shop. She looked tired. But we chatted.
- Emotional State: Slightly less despondent. The caffeine helped. And talking to someone other than myself for a change was a huge mood booster.
- Evening: Dinner with "The Local" (and, fingers crossed, no more mash potatoes!)
- The Dinner Plan: After some small chat, decided to take a risk and have dinner with the coffee shop girl. We'll see.
- Dinner: dinner was… unexpectedly delightful. We walked to a local restaurant. I had some real Botswana food, and it was amazing. Lots of different flavors I'd never tried before, and it was cheap!
- Emotional State: For the first time that I could feel, it felt great.
Day 3: Culture Shock (and My Luggage!?!?!)
- Morning: Get a call from airport. My luggage is in, praise the lord!
- Afternoon: Spent the morning at the National Museum. Fascinating. Learned a lot about Botswana's history and culture. The exhibits were well-curated, but I had a tough time maintaining focus; the whole experience was overwhelming.
- Afternoon: Checked into a new restaurant and took a cooking class. The instructor was patient, and actually a lot of fun.
- Evening: The Future
- Thoughts: I'm starting to understand why people love this place. It's beautiful. It's different. It's challenging.
- Emotional State: Hopeful. Maybe, just maybe, this trip will be about more than just lost luggage and bad buffet food. Maybe it will be about finding myself (or at least, my suitcase). And definitely more about not eating mash potatoes.
Ongoing: The Cresta President - Final Thoughts
- It's a hotel. It's not perfect. But it's comfortable. It's got air conditioning. And it's starting to feel a little bit like home. A very grand old home.
- Would I recommend it? Yes. Especially if you like a touch of faded grandeur. And if you're prepared to navigate the occasional hiccup.
- Botswana? Definitely. Just bring your own toothbrush. And maybe a friend. And maybe a map. And your sense of humor. You're going to need it. Trust me.
Postscript: I’m still here.
Escape to Paradise: Kularbdoi Resort's Khao Kho Oasis Awaits!
Luxury Redefined: Cresta President Hotel Gaborone - Your Botswana Oasis Awaits
Okay, spill the tea - Is this *really* luxury? Or just... expensive?
Alright, real talk. Luxury is a slippery word, right? I went in expecting something out of a James Bond movie – sleek lines, martinis magically appearing, the whole shebang. Cresta President? Well, it leans *towards* that, but with a healthy dose of Botswana charm. Think… polished wood and plush carpets that haven't *quite* seen a vacuum in a while. (Don't judge me, I'm a sucker for a good carpet.) Yeah, you *feel* fancy, especially after you've spent a small fortune on a cocktail, but the staff? Absolutely lovely. Genuine smiles, not the robotic kind. So, expensive? Yes. Luxury? Mostly. Definitely a cut above your average motel, but let's just say it's luxury with a side of "we're still ironing out the kinks, but we're trying!"
Let's talk about the rooms. Size, style, the all-important view… Dish the dirt!
Okay, the rooms. My room? It was… fine. Spacious enough to do a celebratory jig (which I may or may not have done – the cocktails, you know!). The style was... let's call it "classic hotel." Think neutral colours, not-so-loud artwork (mostly landscapes, bless 'em), and a bed that was *seriously* comfortable. The view? Ehh… Gaborone. It's lovely in its own way, but it's not exactly the Serengeti. My window looked out over… well, other buildings. I did catch a glorious sunset one evening, and that almost made up for the lack of giraffe sightings. Almost. I'd maybe request a high floor next time, maybe? Or a room overlooking the pool? But hey, the air conditioning worked, and that was a HUGE win. Especially after a day spent sweating in the Botswana sun.
What's the food situation like? Are we talking sad room service burgers or gourmet delights?
Ah, the food. This is where things get *interesting*. The room service burger? Yeah, it's a solid effort. Edible, comforting, and arrived at a reasonable hour. Not Michelin-star material, but it did the trick after a long day of… well, mostly relaxing by the pool. (Don’t judge my holiday choices!) The main restaurant, though? I have a confession. I might have eaten the same lamb shank two nights in a row. It was *that* good. Fall-off-the-bone delicious. Seriously, I'm not a food critic, but trust me. The breakfast buffet? Standard hotel stuff. Omelets, pastries, the works. I did find a suspicious-looking sausage one morning, but I bravely soldiered on. (It was fine. Mostly.) The cocktails, however… Those were a triumph. Expensive, yes. Worth it? Absolutely. Especially the one with the little umbrella.
The pool… Is it Instagrammable? Because let's be honest, that's important.
The pool. Okay, deep breaths. The pool *is* lovely. Rectangular. Clean. Blue. There are loungers! And umbrellas! And… the people. The people are a mixed bag, as always. Some are reading books. Some are sipping cocktails with little umbrellas (me!). Some are… well, let's just say there were moments where I questioned the definition of "swimsuit." Instagrammable? Absolutely. I got some killer shots. But let's be honest, the best part was just floating around, pretending I was ridiculously wealthy and carefree. (It worked for about an hour.) The only real downside? Sometimes it gets a little crowded. A lot of the time, actually. But hey, what's a little elbow-to-elbow luxury, right?
Okay, spill the *real* dirt: What was the ONE thing that annoyed you, or that you'd change?
Alright, here it comes… The Wi-Fi. or lack there of. Honestly? The Wi-Fi. It was… patchy. Like, dial-up in the 21st century patchy. I’m not going to lie; I had a minor meltdown trying to upload a particularly amazing photo of my lamb shank (priorities, people!). I’m sure it's better now, maybe theyve fixed it? But during my stay, it tested my patience. I actually considered going cold turkey and unplugging from the internet entirely. Then I remembered those lamb shanks… and sighed. The Wi-Fi situation was frustrating, but somehow, it forced me to actually *relax*. So maybe… it was a blessing in disguise? Probably not. But I survived.
What about the service? Are the staff helpful? Or just… there?
Oh, the staff! They were *wonderful*. Seriously. Smiling faces, always willing to help, accommodating, etc. Yes, there was the occasional slow response time to room service (again, Wi-Fi related maybe? I don't know and I didn't want to ask.), but honestly, they more than made up for it with their genuine warmth. I had a minor crisis involving a missing suitcase (long story, involving a very aggressive monkey and a taxi driver who may or may not have understood "President Hotel"), and the staff went above and beyond to help me sort it out. They were patient, kind, and even managed to find my suitcase, after a few misadventures. So, yeah, service? Top-notch. Definitely one of the best parts of the whole experience.
Is it kid-friendly? Or more of a romantic getaway kind of place?
Kid-friendly… hmmm. I didn't see a lot of kids. So take that for what you will. There's a pool, so that's a plus. The rooms are spacious. The food is… well, it's edible. I guess. Honestly, I'd say it's more of a… sophisticated, "let's-get-away-from-it-all" kind of place. I think I'd lean towards it being a romantic getaway kind of place. I mean, think cocktails by the pool at sunset. That's not exactly conducive to screaming toddlers, is it? (Unless, of course, you're *into* that sort of thing. No judgement here!)
Transportation… Is it easy to get around? Or am I going to be stranded?
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