December 1, 2010 By IdaHorner
Last Thursday 25 Nov Michael our guest blogger here and I hit the road to Masindi Western Uganda for the VILLAGES IN ACTION CONFERENCE
We checked into Uganda’s oldest hotel – MASINDI HOTEL and unbeknown to us at the time we were following in some giant and famous footsteps steps of Ernest Hemingway, as well as Catherine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart who starred in the film AFRICAN QUEEN that was filmed at nearby Masindi Port.
The hotel is simply amazing and has been restored lovingly using authentic deco. I was however disappointed to note that the owners do not capitalise on the hotel’s history and instead rely on folk reading about it on the hotel website. There is not a single piece of literature in the hotel that tells you about it’s history nor photos of what it used to look nor info on its famous guest. Its situation on the highway lets it down too but that does not detract from its charm
Below are some of the photos I took around the hotel- let me know what you think
Masindi Hotel- entry to reception
Masindi hotel- grounds
Masindi Hotel- outside my room
masindi hotel- back garden
Masindi Hotel- internal court yard
Masindi Hotel- art work
Masindi Hotel- art work
Masindi Hotel- art work
Masindi Hotel- Art work
I hope that gives you an idea of what the hotel looks like- It is a real gem but I didn’t feel that the new owners feel that way.
On my last day I had a conversation with one the breakfast waiter about working conditions and he told me life was better when the Hotel was run by the government! Having worked for the then Uganda Hotels in my early career , I am inclined to agree with him.
Nearby attractions include the Mighty Murchison Falls on the River Nile and most guests to the hotel are either on their way there or back
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