1894.
The Arusha Hotel set precedence for hotel accommodation in the new and undeveloped town of Arusha, when first built back in 1894. It was a time of horse drawn buggies and classic cars, which took a beating on the unpaved roads and tracks.

The hotel signified a pleasant resting place for those traveling from as far as the Cape or Cairo …. and all corners of Old East Africa. Its status soon became synonymous with travelers, pioneers and adventurers looking for welcoming accommodation or refreshment stop during long grueling journeys into the outback.

1927.
This year marked a cornerstone in The Arusha Hotel’s history, when American Ohio Banker and personal friend of Teddy Roosevelt, Kenyon Painter, bought and made extensive changes to the property, sealing its reputation as Arusha towns first and foremost hotel. Its grand opening in December 1927 saw the Prince of Wales as guest of honor and over the years became the chosen resting place for many a famous guest including Baron Von Blixen of ‘Out of Africa’ fame and John Wayne during the filming of ‘Hatari’.

Today

In very recent years The Arusha Hotel has welcomed many high-profile guests including President Clinton with The Clinton Foundation, pop star Shaggy, Miriam Makeba, South Africa’s singing legend also known as Mama Africa, Hollywood icons Will & Jada Smith and actress Jessica Biel.

Looking at old photographs of the hotel, which have been treasured and preserved, one can still recognize its original architecture, cleverly redesigned to suit the twentieth century. Throughout its long history from protectorate East Africa, Tanganyika, to a proud and growing Republic of Tanzania, The Arusha Hotel has maintained a status and character that optimizes continuity and values, with a touch of nostalgia, beautifully balanced with the needs of a modern world.