NOT 4-STAR ANYMORE !
The Novotel should be as good as it gets in the center of town. Unfortunately it has a reputation as being grubby, hot, dirty, in disrepair and over-priced. It is a ‘4-star’ hotel with a full shopping complex and the best swimming pool in Bujumbura. This slight high-rise offers everything from poolside drinks, to a nice restaurant, souvenir shops, money exchange/transfer and even a tour operator for excursions far and near. You can definitely see the rich and powerful of the Burundi elite including the odd General or two sitting around the pool area.
So what do you get?
24-hour reception, buffet breakfast, free Wi-Fi, a large room with a bathtub, children stay for free and there is car parking. Rooms are air-conditioned, but there are reports that it often does not work!
Business facilities: Meeting room, presentation equipment
Extras: Doctor on call, Massage services, room service, deposit box, children's play area.
Complex facilities: Restaurant, sauna, beauty salon, currency exchange, outdoor pool, Internet services, swimming pool, tennis court and private car park
** DAO’s VERDICT**
For this kind of money you should not stay here. Go for a swim in their pool, have a drink and just visit. It should tell you there are problems when you cannot see pictures or book this hotel on Novotel’s own website!
