I tried unsuccessfully from the U.S. to book a night at Hotel Terminus in Maputo, so I was pleased when I walked in and was able to secure a reservation in person.
There were five people in hotel uniforms standing around behind the counter and in the lobby when I checked in, but just one appeared to be doing all the work. I waited in line to be helped by the harried reservationist.
He was having trouble with the Internet — and I did too my entire stay. Wi-Fi was either nonexistent or so slow I didn’t bother — and the hotel could have been entirely blameless. It’s common knowledge Wi-Fi can be slow in Maputo. I read online reviews by other guests who reported fast Internet.
My shower ran out of hot water before I’d finished — not what you’d expect from a hotel that came highly recommended by a local.
Like most of the 10 Maputo hotels I stayed at, Hotel Terminus was under construction. It was expanding to increase its conference facilities.
Business must be good, I said to the receptionist who took me on a tour of the hotel.
Seventy percent of guests at the Hotel Terminus are there on business, he told me. Japanese business people are among the most frequent guests. But there are also business guests from South Africa, U.K., U.S., India and Canada. Maybe 10 percent of guests are local Mozambicans.
“The guests say we are the best hotel,” said my guide. “Reception. Housekeeping. We treat people like family. In this space, you are king or queen.”
The Hotel Terminus was recommended by a local Maputo businessman. It is, in his opinion, the best hotel in Maputo despite having just a three-star rating, he told me. His words made me curious to find out why.
The hotel entrance had indoor and outdoor seating areas, and I saw people moving around trying to get a Wi-Fi signal.
The Hotel Terminus pool and bar were my favorite places on the property, accessibly through an elaborate and beautiful wooden entrance. The bar had a retro vibe and a really cool looking jukebox.
Although this hotel is away from the center of town, there was always a ready supply of taxi cabs outside.
The breakfast buffet was not elaborate but adequate, with eggs cooked to order.
Expert Review
I tried unsuccessfully from the U.S. to book a night at Hotel Terminus in Maputo, so I was pleased when...
I tried unsuccessfully from the U.S. to book a night at Hotel Terminus in Maputo, so I was pleased when I walked in and was able to secure a reservation in person.
There were five people in hotel uniforms standing around behind the counter and in the lobby when I checked in, but just one appeared to be doing all the work. I waited in line to be helped by the harried reservationist.
He was having trouble with the Internet — and I did too my entire stay. Wi-Fi was either nonexistent or so slow I didn’t bother — and the hotel could have been entirely blameless. It’s common knowledge Wi-Fi can be slow in Maputo. I read online reviews by other guests who reported fast Internet.
My shower ran out of hot water before I’d finished — not what you’d expect from a hotel that came highly recommended by a local.
Like most of the 10 Maputo hotels I stayed at, Hotel Terminus was under construction. It was expanding to increase its conference facilities.
Business must be good, I said to the receptionist who took me on a tour of the hotel.
Seventy percent of guests at the Hotel Terminus are there on business, he told me. Japanese business people are among the most frequent guests. But there are also business guests from South Africa, U.K., U.S., India and Canada. Maybe 10 percent of guests are local Mozambicans.
“The guests say we are the best hotel,” said my guide. “Reception. Housekeeping. We treat people like family. In this space, you are king or queen.”
The Hotel Terminus was recommended by a local Maputo businessman. It is, in his opinion, the best hotel in Maputo despite having just a three-star rating, he told me. His words made me curious to find out why.
The hotel entrance had indoor and outdoor seating areas, and I saw people moving around trying to get a Wi-Fi signal.
The Hotel Terminus pool and bar were my favorite places on the property, accessibly through an elaborate and beautiful wooden entrance. The bar had a retro vibe and a really cool looking jukebox.
Although this hotel is away from the center of town, there was always a ready supply of taxi cabs outside.
The breakfast buffet was not elaborate but adequate, with eggs cooked to order.