Highlights

• Historic landmark of the city.
• Centrally located overlooking the African Unity Square.
• Lavish rooms and interiors.
• Gourmet meals and cocktails.
• Frequented by dignitaries and heads of state.

Background

This year the 5-star Meikles Hotel celebrates its centennial. Since its completion in 1915, it has stood as an iconic monument watching over the country’s capital from the colonial era to the present day. A modern award winning member of The Leading Hotels of the World, the hotel was also voted the Best City Hotel the Association of Zimbabwe Travel Agents between 1992 and 2013. The first-rate quality of service and historic significance to the city and country make this a popular establishment for presidents, royalty, and celebrities.

Experience

The Meikles Hotel is a short distance from the Harare train station with access to the outskirts of the city and the Charles Prince Airport. As I approached the city it’s apparent that the hotel is as ingrained in the Harare as the African Unity Square which has been the heart of the capital since colonial times.

I was welcomed by the friendly and professional staff as well as the twin lions standing guard over three of the hotel’s entrances. The original lions were carved in 1912 and have occupied the Meikles Hotel since its grand opening. They now sit in the cupola of the North Wing. I was immediately drawn to the beautiful mural alongside reception depicting Zimbabwe’s wildlife and environment with historic images of the city in the background.

Fresh flowers were on display when I entered my Suite. There was also a fresh fruit platter on the desk in the lounge area with satellite TV. The bedroom is cozy and features another TV, a large closet and access to the en-suite bathroom featuring a marble vanity and soaker tub. Every room is outfitted with a mini bar, air conditioning and standard hotel amenities. Suites also feature butler service who will deliver a complimentary daily newspaper with tea and coffee every morning as well as a snack platter at the end of each day.

There are 312 rooms available including Standard Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Club Rooms as well as a variety of standard and luxury suites distributed between the South and North Wings. Those with a north facing room get to enjoy sweeping views over the African Unity Square which features blooming gardens and trees.

There are four options for dining and drinks. The most widely recognizable is the La Fontaine Grill Room which fired up its kitchen in 1958. It was part of the hotel’s recent $9 million revitalization and modernization project which focused on the North Wing and public areas. The menu features grill-house dishes in the elegant dining room filled with chandeliers and white linen tablecloths. Attached to the restaurant is the exclusive Can-Can Cocktail Bar where guests can sample the specialized list of whiskeys which are older than some of today’s pop stars.

Light meals are also served in The Explorer’s Club bar-lounge which is a favorite meeting place for tourists and locals alike. But the spot that inspired the famous saying, “Meet you at Meikles” is The Tanganda Tea Lounge which serves a traditional high tea. No alcohol is served but there is a long list of specialty teas and coffees to complement the fresh pastries and scones.

Over the years there have been many additions to the Meikles Hotel including the Pool Deck and Gymnasium. The gym is full of modern equipment including cardio machines and free weights. For those who would rather relax in the sunshine, the pool sits on the 14th floor of the South Wing. Use of the pool is reserved exclusively for guests of the hotel. You could easily spend a full day in the water and the lounge chairs. Light meals and drinks are available at the poolside.

The conference facilities at Meikles Hotel are state-of-the-art with fully inclusive half-day and full-day packages with access to the 24 hour Business Center for translation and general secretarial services. There are a total of 15 conference, seminar, and board rooms which can be combined or divided to fit any public or private gathering. Included among the choices is the famous Stewart Room which hosted foreign dignitaries celebrating the official birth of the Republic of Zimbabwe when it was granted independence by Britain in 1980. Prince Charles hosted over 40 world leaders for a gala before the official ceremony.

Another highly sought after venue is the Rooftop Garden especially for weddings. There are several packages which can be tailored to every couple including a red-carpet arrival, complimentary flowers, and accommodation for the parents of the couple in Deluxe Rooms as well as the Honeymoon Suite for the happy couple themselves.

The Meikles Hotel has been setting the standard for 5-star service since it opened 100 years ago. The entire team exudes professional courtesy and experience. Many of them have been with the hotel for decades and some have even reached an astounding 40 years.

The outstanding service, remarkable facilities and fine cuisine make the Meikles Hotel the perfect place to begin the exploration of Harare and the rest of Zimbabwe. Not only is it historically significant to the country but it’s also the most luxurious hotel the capital has to offer. I would highly recommend this hotel for any visitors of the city.

Contact
Meikles Hotel
Address: Corner 3rd Street/Jason Moyo Avenue, PO Box 594, Harare, Zimbabwe
Telephone: +263-4-707721/9
Website: http://www.meikles.com/
Email: marketing@meikles.com