Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the reception area opening onto the pleasant sun-filled patio. Rooms are medium-sized
and functional, with satellite TV, hot shower and a standing fan. There's an on-site res-
taurant, but the food is only so-so and service is a bit lackadaisical. Light sleepers, take
note: the Oriental is right beside a mosque, so be prepared for an early morning wake-up
call.
Imperial Hotel $$
( 520524; imperialhotelhargeisa@hotmail.com; off Independence Rd; s US$20-25, d
US$30; )
A good, quality choice, the modernish Imperial Hotel is in a calm neighbour-
hood, but within walking distance of the centre. Expect well-appointed rooms, good bed-
ding, working fans, salubrious bathrooms and a good restaurant in a courtyard at the back.
Rooms upstairs get more natural light. It's west of the town centre, near the Presidential
Palace.
HOTEL
Ambassador Hotel Hargeisa $$$
( 526666;
www.ambassadorhotelhargeisa.com
;
Airport Rd; s/d incl breakfast US$53/
95; )
With its efficient, English-speaking reception staff, prolific facilities and sur-
gical cleanliness, the Ambassador exudes an international confidence. The squeaky-clean
rooms are equipped with everything to ensure a comfortable stay, including satellite TVs,
glittering bathrooms, a gym, a business centre, a restaurant and a bar (not licensed). Staff
do an excellent job with car rental, tour guides, police escort and visa matters. Its single
drawback is its location away from the central buzz - it feels like an isolated fortress,
about 4km from the centre, near the airport. Not very Hargeisa, but it's quiet.
HOTEL
Safari Hotel $$
( 570000;
www.safarihotelhargeisa.com
; off Jijiga Yer Rd; incl breakfast s US$21, d
US$25-42; )
Drop anchor here for a night or two if you need to reassure your family at
home that you're looking after yourself. Popular with Somali businessmen, this modern
multistorey venture boasts comfortable rooms with sparkling bathrooms and a well-re-
garded restaurant at the back. Just one grumble: you'll need a taxi to get to the centre, as
it's positioned on the northwestern outskirts of Hargeisa.
HOTEL
Hadhwanaag $$
( 521820; s/d US$10/15)
As far as Hargeisa prices go, the Hadhwanaag is good value.
The low-slung building occupies a leafy compound and is a five-minute walk away from
HOTEL
