Best hotels in Blantyre

A business hotel that's just as suited to a little bit of pleasure on a Blantyre stopover, the Protea Hotel by Marriott Blantyre Ryalls lies in the heart of Blantyre's business district. Combining functionality with modern luxury –all 117 suites feature complimentary WiFi and satellite TV - the hotel is simple, yet elegant, and the distinctive Malawian influences are fun and quirky. With refreshing dips in the sparkling pool, trips to the spa, and read-athons in the hotel's beautiful garden, it's the perfect spot to recharge and get inspired before a safari - and it's only 30 minutes from the international airport.

Blantyre is one of the largest urban areas in Malawi, but despite it being the commercial trade centre, it still retains a peaceful, laid-back feeling, helped by the lush, green environs. Set in two acres of beautiful tropical gardens in the quiet suburb of Namiwawa, Villa 33 is a simple B&B without frills and fuss, and well worth the price. Take your time to find the hidden little nooks in the gardens and kick back, cool drink in hand, to watch the troupes of monkeys frolicking in the trees. A peaceful way to start or end any safari in Malawi.

Named after the birthplace of David Livingstone, busy Blantyre is an appealing city that's one of the oldest in East Africa. If you're looking for a place to stay here, book your space at Leslie Lodge, a charming home-from-home base in the leafy suburb of Mount Pleasant, near the city centre. A really good option for people travelling through the city for work or holidays, Leslie Lodge has developed a reputation as a very comfortable, clean guesthouse. The power is reliable, the water is hot, the beer is cold, the grounds are immaculate, and the owners and staff are caring.

Mijn Kitchen Coffee Shop and B&B is a charming establishment nestled in the heart of Blantyre, Malawi. This small family-owned business boasts a cosy coffee shop, unique in its range of artisanal foods and freshly brewed coffee, as well as a fully furnished bed and breakfast. Mijn Kitchen Bed and Breakfast has five fully furnished en-suite bedrooms that provide a mix of luxury and comfort, allowing guests to feel right at home during their stay in Blantyre. Four of these rooms are fitted with double beds and one has a duo of single beds. It is very centrally located with the business district, supermarkets and restaurants all in close proximity.

Located in Blantyre, the commercial capital of Malawi, Sunbird Mount Soche Hotel is strategically positioned in the city centre. The Hotel is set among lush tropical gardens overlooking the city in the north and the Historical Ndirande mountain in the south. Rooms are en suite, air-conditioned, have digital satellite television, international direct dialling, WI-FI internet, e-mail facilities, internet ports and 220 volts power points (British standard). Taxi services are available at the hotel’s own taxi rank. Blantyre’s International Airport at Chileka is a comfortable 10km, 15 minutes, away. The hotel runs an airport shuttle service at a nominal bus fee.