Southern Sun Maputo

By 09:49

I think I actually started writing about this hotel while I was staying in it for business back in June. And then…life happened. Nonetheless I decided to revive what I wrote as it was my first experience in Africa (outside of South Africa that is).


For two weeks, the Southern Sun Hotel was home in Maputo. I generally prefer staying at boutique hotels as I always feel like I receive a more authentic experience in new city. But in a city that is completely different to what I am accustomed to, I appreciate staying with a big hotel brand where you know you’ll receive a level of service that you’re used to.


I arrived in Maputo in the middle of the night, tired and ready for bed and as soon as I checked in, I hated my hotel room. For a hotel on the beach, the view from my room was that of the street. I very quickly received assistance from reception who promised to move me once sea-facing rooms were available. And boy did they live up to their promise. I cannot imagine any scenery better to wake up to than the sound of gentle waves against the shore and the sunlight peering into my room. It even contributed to my mood as I woke up happy every day.


My colleague told me that Southern Sun Maputo was undoubtedly the best hotel a few years ago. Since then many other hotels have popped up in the city and along the beachfront. Unlike the other hotels along the beachfront though, this one is right on the shore so you needn’t walk far to experience the beautiful beaches that Mozambique boasts about. The only downside is that it’s not a private beach and at times my seaside sounds were disrupted with locals holding very loud prayer sessions on the beach.


Although Maputo is not far from South Africa, it’s completely different to what I’m used to – the culture, the amenities and the language. It is so difficult to find someone who speaks English on the streets but at the hotel, I was so grateful that everyone spoke my language. The staff were so friendly and ever willing to help you learn a few Portuguese words…which comes in handy when you’re hungry in a café and all the foods have Portuguese names.

The common areas of the hotel had a pretty modern décor but the rooms were in serious need of some renovation. Some rooms had a damp smell to it whilst others just needed a fresh coat of paint applied to the cupboards and some handles on the drawers. All that didn’t matter when I opened my room window and was embraced by amazing weather, birds chirping and gentle waves…

Room service, although looked great, didn’t taste as good as sitting in and ordering at the hotel restaurant. For dinner, I’d recommend the tiger prawns – the biggest prawns I’ve ever seen. Even better was the usual English and continental breakfast with some Portuguese cuisine. The giblets and livers were delicious and there were scrumptious Portuguese custard pastries that I couldn’t get enough of.


Overall, I enjoyed my stay. Although I’d like to try out another hotel during my next visit to Mozambique, I’d gladly come back here for the mouth-watering breakfasts, the beachfront location, friendly service and stunning ocean view. 


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Blogger | Aspiring columnist | IT auditor by day | Dancer by night | Superstorm | Offensive | Hopeless romantic | Double-jointed | Having a pants-related crisis

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1 comments

  1. Sophie Rose12 March 2016 at 07:06

    Thank you for using my Guide and if it work for you that makes me happy

    Classique Grace Boutique Hotel

    ReplyDelete