The best hotels in Francistown
Francistown has more places to stay than you'd expect for a city this size, with 8,000+ options ranging from guesthouses off Blue Jacket Street to executive suites on Haskins Street. We reviewed the standouts. these 10 made the cut.
Our Top Picks in Francistown
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
The Marang Hotel
Blue Jacket Street, Francistown
Free cancellation & Pay later
Cresta Thapama Hotel Annex
Haskins Street, Francistown
Free cancellation & Pay later
Cresta Thapama Hotel
Haskins Street, Francistown
Free cancellation & Pay later
Tati Hotel
Francistown CBD, Francistown
Free cancellation & Pay later
Grand Lodge Francistown
Donga Area, Francistown
Free cancellation & Pay later
Woodlands Stop Over Lodge
Woodlands, Francistown
Free cancellation & Pay later
Satellite Hotel
Satellite Suburb, Francistown
Free cancellation & Pay later
Marang Gardens Hotel
Blue Jacket Extension, Francistown
Free cancellation & Pay later
Cresta Thapama Executive Suites
Haskins Street, Francistown
Free cancellation & Pay later
Nkwe Boutique Lodge
Monarch, Francistown
Free cancellation & Pay later
All Hotels Compared
Side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right hotel. Prices reflect shoulder season averages.
| # | Hotel | City & Area | Price/Night | Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Marang Hotel | Blue Jacket Street, Francistown | $45–75/night | 6.8/10 | Budget Pick |
| 2 | Cresta Thapama Hotel Annex | Haskins Street, Francistown | $70–95/night | 7.1/10 | Best Value |
| 3 | Cresta Thapama Hotel | Haskins Street, Francistown | $110–155/night | 7.9/10 | Most Popular |
| 4 | Tati Hotel | Francistown CBD, Francistown | $120–160/night | 7.5/10 | Business Pick |
| 5 | Grand Lodge Francistown | Donga Area, Francistown | $135–175/night | 7.6/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 6 | Woodlands Stop Over Lodge | Woodlands, Francistown | $140–180/night | 7.4/10 | Family Friendly |
| 7 | Satellite Hotel | Satellite Suburb, Francistown | $155–200/night | 7.7/10 | Best Location |
| 8 | Marang Gardens Hotel | Blue Jacket Extension, Francistown | $175–220/night | 8/10 | Romantic Stay |
| 9 | Cresta Thapama Executive Suites | Haskins Street, Francistown | $260–320/night | 8.5/10 | Top Rated |
| 10 | Nkwe Boutique Lodge | Monarch, Francistown | $290–370/night | 8.7/10 | Luxury Pick |
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Every hotel earned its spot. Here's exactly why we picked each one.
The Marang Hotel
The Marang sits along Blue Jacket Street close to the city center and basic shopping. Rooms are plain but kept reasonably clean, with functional air conditioning and basic TV. The pool area is a genuine bonus at this price point, especially in the Botswana heat. Staff are friendly and can arrange transport to the bus rank. Do not expect anything fancy, but it does the job for a short stopover.
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Cresta Thapama Hotel Annex
The annex property offers a cheaper entry point to the Cresta brand without the full-service experience of the main hotel. Located on Haskins Street, it is a short walk from most central amenities. Rooms are compact but tidy, with decent beds and working Wi-Fi on most days. Breakfast is served at the main Cresta building a few minutes away. Good for business travelers watching costs or visitors just passing through on the way to Zimbabwe.
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Cresta Thapama Hotel
Cresta Thapama is the most established full-service hotel in Francistown and sits centrally on Haskins Street near banks and government offices. The pool and garden area are well maintained and a real relief after a long drive. Rooms are clean and reliable with consistent air conditioning and satellite TV. The restaurant produces decent meals, though the menu does not change often. This is the default choice for most business visitors coming to Francistown and it earns that reputation.
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Tati Hotel
The Tati Hotel is located within the central business district, making it convenient for meetings and quick access to the main retail areas of Francistown. Rooms are spacious for the price and come with desk space suited to working travelers. Wi-Fi can be inconsistent during peak evening hours, which is worth knowing. The bar attracts a local crowd in the evenings and has a good selection of drinks. Parking is available on site, which is a practical plus in this part of the city.
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Grand Lodge Francistown
Grand Lodge sits in the quieter Donga area, away from the main road noise that affects some central hotels. The garden rooms face a small courtyard and are noticeably calmer for sleeping. Breakfast here is one of the better ones in town, with a hot and cold spread each morning. Staff are attentive and the check-in process is smooth. It is not a landmark property but offers good comfort for the price and is often overlooked by travelers who default to the bigger names.
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Woodlands Stop Over Lodge
Set in the residential Woodlands area on the edge of town, this lodge has a relaxed, spacious feel compared to the city center options. The self-catering units are practical for families or longer stays, with small kitchenettes and outdoor braai facilities. The grounds are green and well kept, with enough space for children to move around safely. Proximity to the Woodlands shopping area means groceries are easy to access. It is not flashy, but families and self-drive travelers tend to rate it well for comfort and convenience.
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Satellite Hotel
The Satellite Hotel occupies a solid position in the Satellite suburb, close to the A1 road that connects Francistown north toward Kazungula and south toward Gaborone. The layout suits road travelers well, with easy parking for large vehicles including 4x4s with rooftop tents. Rooms are mid-range in quality but the beds are comfortable and bathrooms are well maintained. The on-site restaurant serves reliable grills and local dishes at fair prices. A practical base for exploring northeastern Botswana over several days.
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Marang Gardens Hotel
Marang Gardens is the more polished sibling property in the Marang group and offers a noticeably better experience than the standard Marang. The garden bungalows are set among mature trees and flowering plants, giving a sense of privacy unusual for Francistown. Rooms are well furnished with quality linen and better bathroom fittings than most competitors in this range. The restaurant menu changes seasonally and the wine list is surprisingly considered. Couples and travelers wanting a calmer, greener setting tend to leave very satisfied here.
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Cresta Thapama Executive Suites
The executive suite tier at Cresta Thapama represents the top end of what Francistown offers in a hotel setting. Suites are genuinely large with separate living areas, upgraded furnishings and reliable high-speed Wi-Fi. The rooftop access and priority restaurant seating add real value for guests paying the premium rate. Meeting facilities are the best in the city and attract government delegations and senior corporate travelers regularly. For Francistown, this is as close to a luxury business hotel as you will find, and it delivers consistently.
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Nkwe Boutique Lodge
Nkwe Boutique Lodge in the Monarch area is the most refined accommodation option in Francistown, with individually designed rooms that feel genuinely curated rather than chain-hotel standard. The property is small, with just a handful of suites, which means service is personal and attentive. The private plunge pools attached to the premium suites are a genuine luxury in this part of Botswana. Dining is done on request with set menus prepared around guest preferences. Travelers coming for extended stays in northeastern Botswana use this as a comfortable urban base before heading into the bush.
Check AvailabilityWhere to Stay in Francistown
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
First time in Francistown? Start here.
Francistown is Botswana's second city and a proper working town, not a safari staging post dressed up for tourists. The action is along Haskins Street and Blue Jacket Street, where you'll find most of the hotels, restaurants, and shops within a roughly 20-minute walking loop.
Book on Haskins Street if you want convenience. The Cresta Thapama properties are the benchmark here and they're consistent. If budget is tight, The Marang Hotel on Blue Jacket Street is an honest $45-75/night option that won't surprise you badly.
The honest guide to Francistown neighborhoods
The CBD around Blue Jacket Street and Haskins Street is the practical core. Satellite Suburb sits northeast and is quieter, more residential, and has good access to the Satellite Sports Complex without the CBD noise. Monarch, where Nkwe Boutique Lodge sits, feels a world away from the bus rank chaos.
Woodlands is a proper suburb, calm and green, about 15 minutes from the CBD by combi. The Donga Area is underrated for value. Grand Lodge sits there and it's one of the best mid-range sleeps in the city. Don't dismiss it because it's not on the main drag.
Getting around Francistown without a car
Combis are your friend. They run set routes across the city for 5-8 BWP per ride and go to Woodlands, Satellite Suburb, and Monarch regularly. Taxis are easy to flag near Haskins Street and the CBD, costing 30-60 BWP for most cross-city trips.
Walking works well within the CBD core. Haskins Street to the Supa Ngwao Museum is about 12 minutes on foot. Beyond that, the heat from October through March makes walking unpleasant past midday. Plan your on-foot exploring for early morning or after 4pm.
When to book and when to avoid
May through August is the best window. It's dry, temperatures are a comfortable 15-25°C, and hotels in the CBD often have availability without much advance notice. December through January is peak chaos: public holidays, school break travelers, heat above 35°C, and rooms in the $110-180 range selling out 2-3 weeks ahead.
The Botswana Independence Day period in late September sees a modest bump in rates and occupancy. If you're traveling for business, avoid late December entirely. The CBD slows to a crawl and half the offices you need to visit will be closed anyway.
Mid-range vs luxury: is the upgrade worth it?
Cresta Thapama Hotel at $110-155/night is the sweet spot most travelers land at, and for good reason. You get solid facilities, reliable Wi-Fi, and proximity to the commercial heart of Haskins Street without overpaying. The jump to Executive Suites at $260-320/night is mostly about space and quieter floors. worthwhile if you're staying 4+ nights.
Nkwe Boutique Lodge in Monarch at $290-370/night is a genuinely different experience. It's not just more expensive, it's more personal. Smaller, more deliberate. If you're coming for a special occasion or you simply want the best Francistown has, this is it. Don't let the Monarch address put you off. it's a 20-minute taxi from the CBD.
What first-timers always get wrong
We've seen this mistake hundreds of times: people book near the A1 highway bus rank because the price is right and then complain about noise. The bus rank starts moving before 5am. You will hear it. Spend the extra 10-15 USD and book on Haskins Street or Blue Jacket Street instead.
Second mistake: underestimating distances. Blue Jacket Extension feels close to the CBD on a map but the heat makes it a very different walk in October. Always check walking times, not distances. And if your meeting is in the Satellite Suburb area, staying in the CBD means a 20-minute combi ride each way. Factor that in.
Francistown's best neighborhoods
The CBD and Haskins Street corridor is where most business travelers end up, and honestly it makes sense. But if you want character, the Blue Jacket Extension and Monarch areas punch well above their weight.
Haskins Street & CBD 3 vetted hotels The commercial spine of Francistown. Convenient, consistent, and central.
The commercial spine of Francistown. Convenient, consistent, and central.
Haskins Street is where most business travelers base themselves, and it's not hard to see why. The Cresta Thapama properties sit here in three tiers: the Annex for value at $70-95/night, the main hotel at $110-155/night, and the Executive Suites at $260-320/night. You've got flexibility depending on the budget without leaving the street.
The CBD bleeds into Haskins naturally. Tati Hotel on the CBD side is the business pick, with boardrooms and easy access to the main commercial offices along Blue Jacket Street. It's about 8 minutes walk from Supa Ngwao Museum and 5 minutes to the main banking district.
Avoid the budget guesthouses that claim a 'Haskins Street address' but are actually tucked off side roads toward the bus rank. The noise difference between a proper Haskins Street hotel and one 3 streets back toward the A1 is significant.
Blue Jacket Street & Extension 2 vetted hotels Budget-friendly and surprisingly characterful. The Marang properties sit here.
Budget-friendly and surprisingly characterful. The Marang properties sit here.
Blue Jacket Street is one of Francistown's oldest commercial streets and it has a lived-in quality that Haskins lacks. The Marang Hotel here is the city's clearest budget pick at $45-75/night, honest and no-frills but clean. Blue Jacket Extension is quieter, greener, and where Marang Gardens Hotel sits at $175-220/night with proper garden grounds.
The Extension is about 10 minutes walk from the CBD core and 15 minutes from the main Haskins Street hotels. It's a different pace entirely. Marang Gardens suits couples and anyone wanting space over speed.
Blue Jacket Street itself can get busy midday with market traffic near the informal trading areas. If that bothers you, ask for a room toward the back of the property. It makes a real difference.
Donga Area & Woodlands 2 vetted hotels Residential and underrated. Real value in a quieter part of town.
Residential and underrated. Real value in a quieter part of town.
The Donga Area doesn't get mentioned enough. Grand Lodge Francistown sits here at $135-175/night and it's one of the better-value sleeps in the city. You're away from the CBD noise, the roads are calmer, and the lodge itself has a genuine local character rather than corporate-chain polish.
Woodlands is further out, a proper suburban neighborhood with the Woodlands Shopping Centre nearby for groceries and basics. Woodlands Stop Over Lodge at $140-180/night is the family pick: space, parking, and a non-CBD pace. It's about 15-20 minutes by combi to the Haskins Street area.
Both areas suit travelers with a vehicle or those not needing to be in the CBD daily. For transit travelers passing through on the way north to Kasane or west to Maun, these locations near the A1 actually work in your favor.
Satellite Suburb & Monarch 2 vetted hotels The premium end of Francistown. Quieter, more polished, and worth every pula.
The premium end of Francistown. Quieter, more polished, and worth every pula.
Satellite Suburb sits northeast of the CBD and has a more ordered, residential feel. The Satellite Hotel here runs $155-200/night and earns its Best Location badge. you're close to the Satellite Sports Complex and the suburb has good road access across the city. It's 20 minutes by taxi to the Haskins Street area.
Monarch is where the real luxury sits. Nkwe Boutique Lodge at $290-370/night is the best hotel in Francistown, full stop. It's intimate, well-staffed, and the quality of finishes puts it in a different category from anything else in the city. The Monarch Wetlands are nearby for early morning walks.
Don't expect the same walking convenience as the CBD. You'll need a taxi or car for most errands. But if rest and quality matter more than proximity to the bus rank, this is your zone.
Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel and we'll point you to the right part of Francistown.
Romantic
Blue Jacket Extension is the spot for couples. Marang Gardens Hotel has the garden setting and the pace that makes a weekend feel like a proper escape.
Culture
Base yourself on Haskins Street or the CBD, within 12 minutes walk of the Supa Ngwao Museum and the Tati River Walk. Francistown's gold-rush history is genuinely interesting if you take the time.
Family
Woodlands is the right neighborhood for families. Woodlands Stop Over Lodge gives you space and quiet, with the Woodlands Shopping Centre under 5 minutes away for anything you need.
Budget
Blue Jacket Street is where the value is. The Marang Hotel at $45-75/night is the most honest budget pick in the city, and it's 15 minutes walk from the CBD core.
Foodie
The Haskins Street and CBD corridor has the best concentration of restaurants and local eateries, within a short walk of both the Cresta Thapama and Tati Hotel properties.
Luxury
Monarch is the answer. Nkwe Boutique Lodge at $290-370/night is Francistown's only genuine boutique luxury experience, and it's not close to anything else in the city for quality.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
When to Visit Francistown
When to visit Francistown and what to pay.
Peak Season (Nov-Jan)
December and January are the most expensive and uncomfortable months. Botswana's summer heat pushes temperatures above 35°C regularly, with afternoon thunderstorms from November onwards. Hotels in the Haskins Street corridor sell out 2-3 weeks ahead, and rates jump $30-50/night above standard pricing. Avoid unless you have no choice.
Shoulder Season (Feb-Apr)
Rain tapers off through March and April, and temperatures start to ease toward a more comfortable 22-28°C range by April. Prices drop noticeably from the December peak. February is still warm and occasionally wet, but March through April sees Francistown settle into a pleasant rhythm with better availability across all price brackets.
Best Season (May-Aug)
This is Francistown's sweet spot. Dry, clear skies, and daily temperatures sitting comfortably between 15-25°C. Nights in June and July can drop to 10°C so pack a layer, especially if you're in the Monarch or Woodlands areas away from the city center warmth. Hotel rates across all categories are 15-20% lower than peak, and you'll have no trouble booking last-minute on Haskins Street.
Late Dry Season (Sep-Oct)
September is still comfortable, sitting around 20-28°C, and Botswana's Independence Day on September 30 brings a modest spike in activity and prices in the CBD. October heats up fast, often hitting 33-35°C before the rains arrive, and the city feels dusty and dry. It's usable but May-August is simply better. Rates start climbing back toward peak levels by late October.
Booking Tips for Francistown
Insider tips for booking hotels in Francistown.
Book Haskins Street hotels directly
The Cresta Thapama properties on Haskins Street often offer direct-booking rates that undercut third-party platforms by 8-12%. Call the hotel directly or use their official site. For a 3-night stay, that's a real saving on a $110-155/night room.
Don't book near the A1 bus rank for an early night
Several budget guesthouses advertise a 'central Francistown' location but sit within earshot of the A1 highway bus rank. Combis and buses start loading before 5am. If you need sleep, the extra $15-20/night for a proper Blue Jacket Street or Haskins Street address is not optional. it's essential.
Avoid the December-January booking window
Francistown's summer peak runs mid-December through January. Hotel rates jump $30-50/night above standard, temperatures hit 35-38°C, and afternoon storms are common. If your trip is flexible, push it to May-July for better prices, better weather, and actual availability.
Use combis for cross-city travel. taxis for late nights
Combis cover routes from the CBD to Woodlands, Satellite Suburb, and Monarch for 5-8 BWP per trip. They run reliably from around 6am to 7pm. After that, taxi fares from Haskins Street to Monarch run 50-80 BWP but they're the safer and faster option after dark.
Ask for high floors at Cresta Thapama Hotel
The upper floors of Cresta Thapama Hotel on Haskins Street have noticeably better ventilation and less street noise than floors 1-2. It's the same room rate but a meaningfully different stay. Request it when you book and again at check-in. Most front desk staff will accommodate if rooms are available.
Nkwe Boutique Lodge needs advance notice for late arrivals
Nkwe Boutique Lodge in Monarch operates with a smaller staff team than the larger CBD hotels. If you're arriving after 9pm, call ahead. Staff will absolutely accommodate you but they need the heads up. Taxis from the Haskins Street area to Monarch run 50-70 BWP and take about 20 minutes.
Hotels in Francistown — FAQ
Everything you need to know before booking hotels in Francistown.
What's the best area to stay in Francistown?
For most visitors, the Haskins Street corridor and the CBD are your best bets. You're within 10 minutes walk of the main business district, Supa Ngwao Museum, and the core shopping strips. Blue Jacket Extension works well if you want something quieter with a bit more greenery, and it typically runs $45-120/night cheaper than the executive options on Haskins.
How much do hotels in Francistown cost?
Budget rooms near Blue Jacket Street start around $45/night at The Marang Hotel. Mid-range on Haskins Street runs $70-155/night. Luxury in Monarch at Nkwe Boutique Lodge tops out around $370/night. Most business travelers land in the $110-180 bracket without trying too hard.
Is Francistown safe for tourists?
Central Francistown around the CBD and Haskins Street is generally fine during the day. The Donga Area and Woodlands are quiet residential zones with low hassle. Stick to well-lit streets after dark and avoid lingering near the A1 highway bus rank late at night. Standard urban common sense applies.
Which Francistown hotel is best for business travelers?
The Tati Hotel in the Francistown CBD is the go-to for business travelers, sitting right in the commercial heart of the city with meeting facilities and easy access to the main offices along Blue Jacket Street. Cresta Thapama Hotel on Haskins Street is a close second and arguably better known regionally. For full suite setups with proper work spaces, Cresta Thapama Executive Suites runs $260-320/night and is worth it if your company is covering the bill.
What's the best budget hotel in Francistown?
The Marang Hotel on Blue Jacket Street is the cleanest budget pick at $45-75/night. It's not flashy, but it's honest about what it is. Cresta Thapama Hotel Annex on Haskins Street is a step up at $70-95/night and gives you access to some of the main hotel's facilities, which is a genuinely good deal.
When is the best time to visit Francistown?
May through August is the sweet spot. Temperatures sit around 15-25°C, it's dry, and hotel prices dip 15-20% compared to the December peak season. Avoid December and January if you can: it's hot (35°C+), it rains, and rooms in the CBD can jump $30-50/night above standard rates.
How do I get around Francistown without a car?
Combis (shared minibuses) run fixed routes across the city for around 5-8 BWP per trip and cover most major areas including Woodlands, Satellite Suburb, and the CBD. Taxis from Haskins Street to the Donga Area cost roughly 30-50 BWP. Walking is viable in the CBD core, but anything beyond a 15-minute radius gets uncomfortable in summer heat.
Is Francistown a good base for exploring northern Botswana?
Yes, it's one of the best transit hubs in the country. From Francistown you're about 3.5 hours by road to Kasane and Chobe National Park. Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta, is roughly 4.5-5 hours northwest on the A3. Staying near the A1 corridor, like at Grand Lodge in the Donga Area, cuts your morning departure time.
Are there family-friendly hotels in Francistown?
Woodlands Stop Over Lodge in the Woodlands suburb is the clear family pick, with space, quieter surroundings, and a vibe that suits kids well. It's about 15 minutes from the Francistown CBD by combi. Rates run $140-180/night, which is fair for the space you get compared to similarly priced CBD options.
What's the most romantic hotel in Francistown?
Marang Gardens Hotel in Blue Jacket Extension is the standout for couples. The garden setting is genuinely lovely, and at $175-220/night it's not trying to be a luxury property but it delivers real atmosphere. Book a garden-facing room and skip the standard rooms facing the car park.
Which Francistown neighborhood should I avoid?
The area directly around the A1 highway bus rank gets chaotic and noisy, especially early mornings from 5am onwards. It's not dangerous exactly, but it's not restful either, and several budget guesthouses here oversell their 'central location.' You'd be better placed on Haskins Street or Blue Jacket Street for a similar price without the noise.
Does Francistown have luxury hotels?
Two genuinely stand out at the top end. Nkwe Boutique Lodge in Monarch at $290-370/night is the best overall luxury experience in the city, with real attention to detail and serious hospitality. Cresta Thapama Executive Suites on Haskins Street at $260-320/night suits business luxury better, with strong corporate infrastructure and a recognizable regional brand behind it.