Often called the “Grand Dame” of Africa, the Polana was built in the early 20th century to rank among the best hotels in the world, and it still keeps company with names like The Dorchester and the Ritz in Paris. Its palace style drew the rich and famous for decades, and during wartime it was a favourite meeting place for Allied and Axis spies. Today it is run by the Serena Group, which renovated it with local artisans in a traditional Indo-Portuguese style.
At a glance
Location: Seafront, central Maputo, Mozambique
Rooms: 142 rooms and suites
Stayed in: Room
Best for: history lovers and travellers who want classic grandeur by the sea
Reviewed: January 2015
9.0 out of 10
Setting and arrival
The hotel stands in the centre of Mozambique’s capital, on the seafront. Its grand halls and lobby retain the scale and elegance of its original design.
The rooms
The 142 rooms range from Studio and Executive Rooms to suites and the Presidential Suite. All are furnished with intricately carved pieces in mahogany and other rich woods, softened by cream fabrics, and look out over the sea or the city. Amenities include Wi-Fi, satellite TV, video on demand, a safe and tea and coffee facilities.
Pool and spa
The main pool is the showpiece, a place to linger with a drink from the bar while admiring the sea. The Serena Maisha Spa, set in the tropical gardens, offers holistic massages, detox and aromatherapy treatments alongside a gym, aerobics studio, juice bar, its own pool and a hair and beauty salon.
The verdict
History, a superb seafront pool and comprehensive facilities make the Polana Serena one of Africa’s great classic hotels.
- Rooms: 9.0
- Service: 9.0
- Dining: 9.0
- Facilities and spa: 9.5
- Location: 9.0
Polana Serena Hotel Maputo, Maputo, Mozambique.
David stayed as a guest of the hotel. Based on a stay in January 2015. Facilities, menus and prices may have changed since.
