Andrea Scuzzarella is the Italian-born owner of Quiet Corner, a 14-unit guest house whose name is perhaps more wishful thinking than actual fact in a residential neighborhood where people live and dogs bark.

The day I checked in, Andrea was busy with two IT guys in his office. Wi-Fi was excellent in my room for the duration of my stay.

Quiet Corner is located in the Coop, an area of villas, embassies and U.N. agencies. Andrea and his Mozambican wife, a lawyer, started the guest house eight years ago with four rooms, and it grew. Guests are mostly business or government professionals. They include people working for the Italian oil company, Eni. When I was there, Maputo was full of election observers from around Africa in town for the upcoming elections. Guests at the guest house are often from the U.S., Europe, Japan, Australia, and Africa.

With the discovery of resources in the north, Mozambique is moving from an assistance-based economy to one of the fastest-developing countries in Africa. Aid is decreasing, business is increasing and that means more lodgings are needed for more guests, Andrea told me.

With occupancy at Quiet Corner already at 85-to-95 percent, “we’re expecting more,” he said.

Converted from a three-story house, all rooms at Quiet Corner have queen or double beds, desks and unlimited Wi-Fi. Not all the rooms have en suite bathrooms — some share — so be sure to ask. One room has a kitchen.

Breakfast is on a help-yourself basis, although staff will gladly prepare eggs for you if you ask. There is fruit, bread, rolls and eggs. The fridge is stocked with beer and drinks that can be bought on the honor system. Some guests expect more for their money.

One guest commented online that considering the room rate (I was quoted 2500 metical — $75 US — for a standard room, single occupancy) it’s not good value for the money. Other guests said online it’s pretty good value for the money in a city that seems to have vastly overpriced room rates. Andrea is charming, helpful, and will defend his rates.

“We are not professionals at serving breakfast,” he told me. “We are not trained. There’s no formal dining.’

Andrea promotes Quiet Corner as quiet, clean, and within walking distance of restaurants and a supermarket. He provides transportation service for guests that is reasonably priced. There are two security guards on the premises 24/7. Andrea made great suggestions for where to go and eat.

The staff was pleasant, greeted me in hallways and on the stairs with “bom dia” and took over when I attempted to take my luggage down the stairs myself.

The common area in the garden is conducive to interaction with other guests.

The facilities were basic. Dogs barked at night, but not enough to spoil my sleep. There was instant American coffee but Andrea served me delicious Italian espresso in beautiful cups.