The Mediterraneo’s best features are its placid setting bordering the sea, its lush gardens complete with an old-fashioned seat swing, and its sparkling swimming pool.

But because of its location – about 25km from the airport and 12km from the city center, and reached via heavily-travelled, frequently congested roads – the hotel isn’t perfect for everyone. It makes a relaxing base for those in Dar es Salaam for more than a day or two who are seeking homey surroundings and ocean vistas, and who don’t mind foregoing a full-service business center and some of the other trappings of larger hotels.

Its 20 rooms are simple but comfortable – decorated with a Mediterranean touch, with tiled floors, wrought-iron beds, pastel-tinted walls, small TV and Wi-Fi. All also have air-con – an essential in sultry Dar es Salaam – and most are light and breezy, although it is worth comparing several, as design varies slightly.

In addition to the main restaurant, there is an informal wicker-and-thatch ‘chill lounge’ overlooking the sea, with a Japanese restaurant upstairs. Nearby is a tiny fitness center overlooking the water.

Swimming is not recommended on the stretch of beach that borders the hotel, but an easy taxi ride north are the popular swimming beaches around White Sands and Kunduchi, and about 40km further on the historical town of Bagamoyo makes an intriguing day or overnight excursion.

Apart from its semi-distant location, the hotel’s main negatives – all of which are easily forgotten when you are sitting in a comfy lounge chair overlooking the blue Indian Ocean – are toilet lids in some rooms that don’t quite stay up by themselves, and sometimes poor ventilation in the small fitness center. For those seeking quiet, it is worth planning your visit to avoid the Mediterraneo’s monthly ‘full moon’ party evening.