Reviews of Bulawayo Club
(80%) From 5 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Retro experience at Bulawayo Club
Relies heavily in its history and character. Ideally situated for a short visit to Bulawayo.
Our transfer/courtesy driver looked after us extremely well throughout the stay which enabled us to visit St Johns Cathedral, the Railway Museum (a must for children of all ages) and the very well presented Natural History Museum.
We were recommended not to take any street photographs which was a shame.
Another time, another place
It was an amazing experience, staying in this old colonial club, now sitting at the heart of a new, emerging Zimbabwe. Well done to the Amalinda Group for saving it from extinction.
We rated the overall facilities good rather than excellent but that is not to underestimate the work that the management have done in upgrading them. The rooms are clean and comfortable, the food is fine. The service can be slow but the staff were lovely.
The Club has the longest bar we've seen and is now letting women in every night (at last!). The snooker room was deserted (until we played a very amateurish game there) and the dusty side rooms echoed with history. The clientele, however, reflected modern Zimbabwe and an interesting mix of tourists.
We were accompanied by Paul Hubbard, our guide from Camp Amalinda, and he took us to the Railway Museum which was a fantastic experience, seeing Cecil Rhodes private coach, alongside the Garratt engines. He also took us on a pub crawl and architectural walk around the city centre. The next day we drove out to the Khami Ruins, a World Heritage Site second only to Great Zimbabwe. A great way to finish our trip before flying from out from Bulawayo Airport (quite an experience!) and home via Jo'burg.
Bulawayo Club review
Wonderful old building and nice staff. The room was a bit noisy at night so ask for one that faces away from the streets.
Good food, and we enjoyed a couple of special cultural events in Bulawayo. Nice town!
A lot done. A lot more to do.
Wonderful historic place. Great photos. It will take a long time and a lot of investment to make it into what it could be. First room had a noisy fan and a dirty duvet. Second room was bright and airy but again an unclean duvet which had to be replaced. Both bathrooms did not have a shower curtain!
Paul Murray in the Bradt Guide says that it has recently been restored inside and out. Really? Must have been bad before. Well the stairs could do with a good cleaning and the removal of tattered and frayed carpet for a start!
Again Murry says "excellent food served in truly elegant dining room". Diningroom is interesting without being elegant. And as for food. Breakfast was again mainly full English with a few other bits. Dinner was set menu and not very appealing with the result we found other places to dine for the two nights we were there.
Could be great with the right investment and management.
Bulawayo Club
An amazing time capsule of 1930s colonial Africa - all the atmosphere preserved yet modern comfort ensured. Lovely atmospheric rooms, in our case with an adjoining sitting room. Lots of pictures, memorabilia etc. to explore around the building which has a central open air atrium, a front porch overlooking the street and a old-style bar. On the quiet side.
Took a really good walking tour of the city and its variety of architecture with Paul Hubbard (an affiliate guide who is an expert on local history and archaeology). The owners, Sharon and Phillip, were very friendly and helpful. The food is fine but the menu doesn't vary much so you may well want to eat out too.
Overall really enjoyed our 2 night stay. Convenient of course if you're flying out of Bulawayo airport.
We have always believed that acting responsibly is the only way to approach tourism and we're one of
the few companies to hold AITO's original coveted 5-star status for responsible tourism. It's a lead
that others are now following.
