The Planetarium Hotel is a clean, no-frills budget hotel in Arusha's city centre, popular with Tanzanian business travellers and international backpackers. Rooms are basic but adequate with en-suite bathrooms; the canteen-style restaurant serves filling local meals at very reasonable prices.
Planetarium Hotel is located on Goliondoi Road in Arusha's city centre, within easy walking distance of the clock tower, market, and main transport links, making it a convenient overnight stop for travellers moving between bus connections or preparing for an early safari departure. The building is a plain, functional block typical of Arusha's budget hotel stock, with no architectural distinction, and it draws a mix of Tanzanian business travellers and international backpackers looking for low-cost, no-frills accommodation. Rooms are basic but adequate, en-suite with fans or simple air conditioning and reliable Wi-Fi, furnished sparingly but kept reasonably clean. The ground-floor restaurant operates in a canteen style, serving filling Tanzanian staples such as ugali, rice, and stews at very reasonable prices, catering more to substance and value than atmosphere. There is no pool, spa, or fitness facility, and amenities are limited to the essentials: safe parking, air conditioning, and en-suite bathrooms. Service is minimal and practical rather than attentive, in keeping with the hotel's budget positioning, and it suits price-conscious travellers who need a clean, central bed for the night rather than an experience-driven stay.
Amenities
- Restaurant
- Wi-Fi
- Air conditioning
- En-suite bathrooms
- Safe parking
Location
Goliondoi Road, Arusha City Centre
-3.3675, 36.6850 View on map
Highlights
- Central Goliondoi Road location near the clock tower and bus connections
- Canteen-style restaurant serving filling Tanzanian meals at low prices
- En-suite rooms with fans or air conditioning at budget rates
- Safe on-site parking for guests arriving by car
Tips for visiting
- Confirm whether a room has air conditioning or only a fan, as options vary
- Try the canteen-style restaurant for an inexpensive, filling Tanzanian meal
- Keep expectations modest, as this is a strictly no-frills budget option
- Use the central location to walk to the clock tower and bus stands rather than taking a taxi