Polana Serena Hotel

Hotels
8.6 (692 reviews)
1380 Avenida Julius Nyerere , Maputo , mz

Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Health or beauty spa nearby
Offsite parking discounted rates available
Fitness facilities (surcharge)
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly and helpful staff
Beautiful building and facilities
Cons:
Pool cleanliness issues
Some rooms need maintenance

Categories

Cleanliness
7.79
Pool area needs a bit of maintenance; overall cleanliness could improve.
Service
9.26
Staff is friendly, professional, and attentive.
Location
8.8
Good location with easy access to hot spots in Maputo.
Room Quality
8.25
Some rooms require refurbishment, but well-maintained overall.
Amenities
8.78
Great facilities including a pool, spa, and bars, generally well-kept.
Value for Money
8.24
Pricing is somewhat high for the offering, as suggested by comments on overpriced breakfast.
Food and Beverage
8.79
Breakfast offered a good variety and quality, but some find the pricing high.
Overall Experience
8.86
Overall a pleasant and memorable stay despite minor inconsistencies.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-16 07:01

Property Description

Luxurious Accommodation

Polana Serena Hotel in Maputo offers elegant rooms equipped with modern amenities such as a TV, air conditioning, and a minibar. The private bathrooms are stocked with complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer, ensuring a comfortable stay for guests.

Relaxation and Recreation

Guests can unwind at the outdoor pool, rejuvenate at the spa, or stay active at the fitness centre. For those seeking entertainment, the hotel provides various activities including bowling. Whether for leisure or business, the meeting facilities cater to all needs.

Convenience and Connectivity

With free WiFi access and airport transfer services, Polana Serena Hotel ensures a seamless experience for travelers. Located just 7 km from Maputo International Airport, the hotel offers convenience and connectivity for a stress-free stay.

Book your stay at Polana Serena Hotel for a memorable experience in Maputo.

Important information:

Payment before arrival by bank transfer is required. The property will contact you after you book to provide instructions.
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: MPM

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Free public parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 3 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children from 4 years old to 12 years old stay for US$100 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    People 13 years old and over stay for US$150 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.6
Based on 692 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.79
Service: 9.26
Location: 8.8
Room Quality: 8.25
Amenities: 8.78
Value for Money: 8.24
Food and Beverage: 8.79
Overall Experience: 8.86
B
Bonginkosi solo_traveller za
8
Amazing.
Pros:

I wish breakfast had more options. Particularly by the fruits

Cons:

I think the fruits could have been more fresh.More options for diabetics for example.Some deserts.

2026-05-10 via Nuitee
H
Heinrich couple de
9
2026-05-08 via Nuitee
U
Uqueio couple mz
10
Boa
Pros:

Os funcionarios

Cons:

Os funcinarios da recepcao

2026-05-07 via Nuitee
Z
Zelda extended_group za
7
2026-05-05 via Nuitee
R
Ramazan solo_traveller tr
6
Pros:

Müşteri ilişkileri havalimani karşılama hatası olarak özür mektubu ve hediyesi gönderdi.

Cons:

İlk gece en az 5 defa yangın alarmı çaldı. Yanlis alarm dediler.Giriş işlemleri 3 defa değişti. Aldığım oda değil başka oda verdiler. Söylenerek değiştirttim. Banyoda sıcak su ayarı yapılamıyor. Su bir soğuyor bir ısınıyor. Ayarı tutmuyor.yazili teyit varken havalimaninda karşılama yapmadılar. Odayida beğenmedim.

2026-05-03 via Nuitee
A
Andrei solo_traveller ro
7
Pros:

The overall stay was decent. The staff were polite and helpful, and the food was good. The hotel itself was clean in general and the atmosphere was comfortable.

Cons:

The furniture feels quite outdated and could use a refresh. Also, while the room was generally clean, there were visible stains in the bathroom and around the room that looked like they could have been cleaned with a bit more attention. This affected the overall impression more than expected.

Overall, an okay stay, but there is definitely room for improvement.

2026-05-03 via Nuitee
A
Ana Maria family_with_children pt
8
2026-05-03 via Nuitee
T
Trevor couple za
5
Pros:

The restaurant, security, & concierge staff were excellent. The breakfasts were great, and I always looked forward to them. Enjoyed the detox drink and mimosa drink over the weekend.

Cons:

My recent stay at your hotel fell significantly below the expected standards.

Upon arrival, I was allocated a room with several issues: the bar fridge was not functioning, the air conditioning could not adequately heat the room (limited to a maximum of 20°C), and the room itself was unclean and had an unpleasant odour. I requested a room change to the opposite side of the same floor; however, I was informed by Gabriel that no rooms were available, which I find difficult to accept. Additionally, the toilet door in the room malfunctioned and could not be opened from the inside, requiring me to call for assistance. The door handle design appears to be faulty, and I believe staff may already be aware of this issue.

At check-in, I was required to make an immediate payment, despite requesting to pay at check-out. I later observed other guests being granted this flexibility. This inconsistency was concerning, particularly after an eight-hour journey, during which I had to transfer funds while standing at the reception desk. Furthermore, I was charged a higher rate than what I had originally booked through Booking.com. During my stay, I requested ice for use while out, but was asked to pay R40 as it was not for use on the premises. This was surprising, especially considering the level of service expected from a five-star establishment. By contrast, I received complimentary ice from a nearby restaurant after a meal purchase.

Despite spending over R17,000 during this visit and having previously spent over R30,000 during a family stay in 2022, along with other significant stays I did not receive service reflective of a premium hospitality experience. After raising concerns about the initial room, I was moved to another room, which lacked a desk lamp. Despite requesting one, it was never provided, nor was any follow-up communication made. Overall, the experience was disappointing and not in line with the standards I have come to expect from your hotel.

2026-04-30 via Nuitee
B
Bell solo_traveller za
10
Pros:

Amazing Hotel

Cons:

Claen honest breathtaking

2026-04-30 via Nuitee
N
Nonhlanhla couple za
8
2026-04-26 via Nuitee
extended_group us
4
2026-04-26 via Nuitee
H
Heidi solo_traveller fr
5
Overpriced, tired hotel with somewhat not very attentive staff
Pros:

Beautiful hotel and good location

Cons:

My room had paper thin walls so l could hear my loud neighbors. I had to change my room, only to find out the room they switched me was actually already taken. My room was fine except l had to wait a long time for hot water and l was never provided a key to the room (l only stayed 1 night). Also gym and spa closed at 20.00 so l didn’t have a chance to try them, it’s a little early. Last thing that really shocked me was that the shuttle from the airport to hotel (it was a 10min drive) cost 75USD for 3 people which l find to be ridiculous, more expensive than Paris or New York. I would not stay here again as it’s over priced and staff was not friendly or customer service oriented. Disappointment.

2026-04-26 via Nuitee
M
mocona Solo travel
10
This is a beautiful resort like hotel, one could never leave the place and have excellent experience.
Pros:

Gorgeous hotel, excellent service, great food, great location. Polana Hotel is the grand hotel built century ago during Portuguese colonial days. It is full of history charm, luxury and it's a beautiful; and tranquil haven from which to explore Maputo. I was impressed with everything, my enormous and beautiful room, both the vibe, food and service in the restaurant, the beautiful grounds and the staff, all helpful and friendly. Gabriel who works reception particularly stood out as going above and beyond in being helpful and friendly, staff like Gabriel are what every hotel needs.

2026-04-24 via Tripadvisor
M
Maretha extended_group za
6
Pros:

Location and surroundings

Cons:

Service at the restaurant was non existing. We had to ask for a waiter to take our order and rhe food only arrived after waiting for more than 45 min. Nobody came to check in is or offer more drinks. No lightbulbs in some light fittings in the room.

2026-04-21 via Nuitee
G
Grant extended_group za
10
2026-04-21 via Nuitee
S
Shaun solo_traveller za
10
Pros:

Spacious hotel in a great location

Cons:

Minor maintenance issues

2026-04-20 via Nuitee
M
Marina couple za
10
Pros:

I like this hotel, but it does feel a bit tired, and the air conditioning didn’t work very well.
.

2026-04-19 via Nuitee
E
Estevao extended_group pt
5
Hotel rooms need upgrading and breakfast needs improving. Spa/gym facilities good. Nice pool views.
Pros:

Location, spa/gym

Cons:

Room was dated, faced main road and windows were single glaze so a lot of traffic noise entered the room early in the morning. Additionally curtains were unhooked and did not fully close. They "repaired it with clothe pins...
Bread at breakfast was of poor quality, soft and tasteless. Not a good choice of breads, for example no sourdough or baguette. Pastries only OK. Omelettes were good and cook was friendly. Hot portions were of medium quality.
Staff were helpful and attentive.

2026-04-10 via Nuitee
C
catalin family_with_children bw
4
over-rated
Pros:

breakfast was good, also dinner, and the room nice, with a view, and the pool

Cons:

slow and poor service

2026-04-09 via Nuitee
B
Butho extended_group za
8
2026-04-07 via Nuitee