Meikles Hotel

Operating since 1958, the flagship restaurant, La Fontaine Grill Room, may have a rather understated atmosphere and simple decor, but it's nevertheless a classy rendezvous for a night out in the city. Large windows overlook leafy Africa Unity Square and well-placed mirrors bounce the light from the chandeliers around the space. There's also a relaxed bistro, two bars and the Tea Lounge. The business centre is equipped for meetings, the pool deck's great for down time, and there's free wi-fi.

As in any large hotel, the rooms at Meikles range from standard and deluxe all the way to the sumptuous Presidential Suite. Many rooms in the south wing await renovation, but the north wing has undergone a facelift. Here, the new decor features bright African-inspired patterns, ceramic sculptures in the colours of the Zimbabwean flag, and mod cons such as individually controlled air-conditioning and chic finishings, especially in the larger suites and their separate lounges.

The hotel has a fully equipped gym, a swimming pool and spa with sauna. The central location makes Meikles a good starting point if you're heading north to Victoria Falls and its famous bridge for some river rafting, bungee jumps or myriad other adrenalin-filled outdoor activities. Closer to Harare is Hippo Pools, a pretty wilderness area within Umfurudzi National Park, some 135 km away. Here you'll see kudu, Impala, waterbuck, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, warthog and lots of birdlife.