Highlights
- Central location in Malawi’s capital.
- Extensive conference and meeting facilities.
- Charming restaurants and bars.
- Great hands on service.
- Fully equipped health center, pool, and tennis courts.
Background
Sunbird Capital Hotel is one of seven properties of Sunbird Tourism Limited which was established in 1988 as the only hotel chain in Malawi. The 3-star hotel is only a half-kilometer from the lively city center and 25km from the Kamuzu International Airport.
Experience
The drive from the airport was pleasant and the driver was very friendly. It wasn’t long before I got the first glimpse of the hotel. Sunbird Capital Hotel is nestled in a green area of the city. This oasis is centrally located and close to all the attractions Lilongwe has to offer.
I stayed in one of the Deluxe Suites which was spacious with lovely views over the hotel grounds and gardens. The bedroom included a desk, lounge chair, and flat screen TV. Attached is the master bathroom with a shower and bath, toilet, and sink.
Connected by a door is the lounge room which features a fully equipped desk and seating area. A half bath is accessible from the room. There is also free wireless internet in all the public spaces of the hotel as well as all the guest rooms.
The hotel’s rooms range from Deluxe Rooms and Superior Rooms on the main floors and upgraded rooms on the Executive Floor which includes Executive Suites and the four Presidential Suites. Each are fully air conditioned, with satellite TV and in-room safes.
Guests have two dining options at the hotel. The Tidye Restaurant serves international and African cuisine off an a la carte menu for a sophisticated evening meal. Ingredients are picked from the hotel’s garden for the freshest tasting dishes.
During the day, the favorite choice is the Mimosa Restaurant which has outdoor seating by the pool and garden. The restaurant features a large brick oven for creative pizzas. This establishment is particularly busy during the weekends when tourists and locals stop in for a leisurely brunch. Guests of the hotel have the advantage of getting a complimentary breakfast every morning with their stay.
If you’re looking for a drink or small bite, the Cocktail Bar sits adjacent to the Tidye Restaurant. It’s a formal bar with expert bartenders who craft unique drinks. The more casual option is the Public Bar where guests and locals can watch their favorite sports team while catching up with old friends.
The Sunbird Capital Hotel offers an array of activities. Not only is there the outdoor pool which was popular with sunbathers, but the hotel also has Tennis Courts and Squash Courts which can be reserved for any time of day. There is also a fully equipped Health Club which features a gymnasium to accommodate all workout routines.
The central location of Sunbird Capital also makes it the ideal home base for all the day excursions in and around the city. The hotel can help arrange trips to Lake Malawi, Kasungu National Park and Kamuzu Dam to see the natural beauty and wildlife of the region.
Ambrotious, a friendly and knowledgeable concierge, accompanied me to tour the city of Lilongwe.
The Sunbird Capital Hotel is probably the most popular choice for business travelers. Most diplomatic missions are based out of Lilongwe’s government headquarters which is adjacent to the hotel. There are five conference rooms as well as seminar and meeting rooms which can accommodate up to 700 delegates on the first and second floors. Air conditioning, internet access, audio visual equipment and sound proofing are standard features of every space to ensure events can proceed without interruption.
Everyone at the Sunbird Capital Hotel was hospitable and service oriented. The concierge, front desk and restaurant staff were especially pleasant and displayed the high standards expected from one of Sunbird’s premiere hotels.
With a great location, many onsite activities, professional facilities, several popular restaurant options, and an excellent team The Sunbird Capital Hotel may be the best choice in Lilongwe. I recommend this hotel to anyone staying in Lilongwe whether for work or pleasure.
Contact
Sunbird Capital Hotel
Address: Chilembwe Road, Lilongwe, Malawi
Telephone: +265 (0)1 773 388
Website: http://www.sunbirdmalawi.com/sunbird-capital/
Email: capitalres@sunbirdmalawi.com