The best hotels in Gaborone
Gaborone has 8,000+ places to stay, and most of them aren't worth your time or money. We reviewed the standouts. these 10 made the cut.
Our Top Picks in Gaborone
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Cresta Lodge
Millennium Park, Gaborone
Free cancellation & Pay later
Walmont at The Grand Palm
Grand Palm Estate, Gaborone
Free cancellation & Pay later
Phakalane Golf Estate Hotel
Phakalane Estate, Phakalane
Free cancellation & Pay later
Avani Gaborone Resort and Casino
Gaborone Dam, Gaborone
Free cancellation & Pay later
Masa Square Hotel
Masa Square, Gaborone
Free cancellation & Pay later
Tlotlo Hotel and Conference Centre
Government Enclave, Gaborone
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 | Oasis Motel | Broadhurst, Gaborone | $45–70/night | 6.8/10 | Budget Pick |
| 2 | Cresta Lodge | Millennium Park, Gaborone | $75–110/night | 7.5/10 | Best Value |
| 3 | Metcourt Inn | Game City, Gaborone | $100–145/night | 7.9/10 | Most Popular |
| 4 | Gaborone Sun Hotel | CBD, Gaborone | $130–185/night | 8/10 | Business Pick |
| 5 | Walmont at The Grand Palm | Grand Palm Estate, Gaborone | $150–210/night | 8.6/10 | Top Rated |
| 6 | Phakalane Golf Estate Hotel | Phakalane Estate, Phakalane | $160–220/night | 8.3/10 | Romantic Stay |
| 7 | Avani Gaborone Resort and Casino | Gaborone Dam, Gaborone | $175–235/night | 8.4/10 | Family Friendly |
| 8 | Mondior Hotel | Phase 2, Gaborone | $195–250/night | 8.2/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 9 | Masa Square Hotel | Masa Square, Gaborone | $260–350/night | 8.8/10 | Best Location |
| 10 | Tlotlo Hotel and Conference Centre | Government Enclave, Gaborone | $280–380/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.
Oasis Motel
A no-frills option that does the basics well enough for short stays. The motel sits in the Broadhurst industrial area, convenient for travelers with early morning business errands. Rooms are plain but clean, with air conditioning that actually works. The on-site braai area is a nice touch in the evenings. Do not expect much from the breakfast.
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Cresta Lodge
Cresta Lodge sits on Samora Machel Drive and gives solid value for the price point. The grounds are spacious and well-maintained, with a decent outdoor pool that fills up on weekends. Rooms are functional and comfortable, though some show their age a little. The restaurant serves reliable Botswana and international dishes without pretension. It is a popular base for regional travelers passing through.
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Metcourt Inn
The Metcourt Inn is attached to the Game City Mall complex on Luthuli Road, which makes it extremely convenient for shopping and dining without leaving the area. Rooms are compact but modern, with good Wi-Fi for business travelers. The hotel fills up fast on weekends when the mall draws crowds, so book ahead. Service is efficient and staff are genuinely helpful. Good value for the central-ish location.
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Gaborone Sun Hotel
The Gaborone Sun sits right in the central business district on Julius Nyerere Drive, making it a strong choice for corporate travelers. The casino on-site keeps the atmosphere lively into the late hours, which suits some guests more than others. Rooms are spacious and well-equipped with reliable air conditioning and fast internet. The pool area is a good place to decompress after long conference days. Parking is easy and secure.
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Walmont at The Grand Palm
The Walmont sits within the Grand Palm entertainment complex off Lobatse Road and is one of the better mid-range options in the city. Rooms are large and well-appointed, and the casino and entertainment venues are steps away if that appeals to you. The landscaped gardens and outdoor pool area are genuinely attractive and well-kept. Staff are professional and attentive without being over the top. Families and business travelers both do well here.
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Phakalane Golf Estate Hotel
Located about 15 kilometers north of the city center, Phakalane Golf Estate Hotel offers a quieter alternative to staying in central Gaborone. The 18-hole golf course is the main attraction and the property has real resort energy without being over-designed. Rooms overlook either the fairways or gardens and are among the most peaceful in the Greater Gaborone area. The restaurant is good enough that guests rarely feel the need to drive into town for dinner. Worth the short commute if you prefer space and greenery.
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Avani Gaborone Resort and Casino
The Avani is a large resort-style property near the Gaborone Dam, about four kilometers from the city center. The outdoor pool complex is one of the best in Gaborone and popular with families during school holidays. Rooms are modern and well-sized, and the resort has multiple dining options that cover most tastes. The casino draws a separate evening crowd that keeps the property busy throughout the week. It feels more like a destination than just a place to sleep.
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Mondior Hotel
Mondior is a locally owned boutique hotel in the Phase 2 residential area that tends to fly under the radar compared to the larger chains. The rooms are individually decorated and feel genuinely considered rather than generic. It is a quieter property with a small pool and garden area that works well for guests who prefer calm over entertainment. The restaurant focuses on African-influenced cuisine and the quality is consistently high. Book directly for better rates and personal attention.
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Masa Square Hotel
Masa Square Hotel is the most central luxury option in Gaborone, positioned directly within the Masa Square retail and office complex on Khama Crescent. The rooms are polished and contemporary with genuinely good bedding and strong showers. The rooftop pool has decent city views and is far less crowded than you might expect for a hotel of this caliber. Service is the most consistent in the city and the concierge team actually knows what is happening locally. It is the obvious first choice for high-end corporate trips.
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Tlotlo Hotel and Conference Centre
Tlotlo is a premium property close to the Government Enclave and State House area, and it caters heavily to diplomatic and high-level business guests. The interiors are refined with Botswana-inspired art and finishes that feel intentional rather than decorative. Rooms are large and the bathrooms in particular are noticeably well-done. The conference facilities are the best in the city and the kitchen supports long multi-day events without dropping standards. A serious hotel for serious trips.
Check AvailabilityWhere to Stay in Gaborone
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
Gaborone for first-timers: where to actually stay
Skip the reflex to book the cheapest thing near the Main Mall. The CBD looks convenient on a map but it's noisy, the streets around Julius Nyerere Drive get chaotic, and a lot of budget listings there are seriously outdated.
Your best first-timer base is somewhere between Game City and Grand Palm Estate. You get proper infrastructure, easy taxi access, and you're 15 minutes from the CBD when you need it. without sleeping inside it. Metcourt Inn and Walmont are both solid anchors in this zone.
If you're flying in late and leaving early, book close to the airport corridor on the northern side. You'll lose nothing by staying near Game City rather than deep in the CBD. and you'll gain 20 minutes of sleep on your travel days.
Business travel in Gaborone: the honest breakdown
Most government meetings happen around the Government Enclave on Khama Crescent or the State House precinct. Tlotlo Hotel is literally across from that area. you could walk to a 9am meeting in under 5 minutes.
For private sector meetings around the CBD, Fairground Office Park, or Masa Square, the Gaborone Sun is the classic choice. It's a bit worn at the edges but the location on Nyerere Drive saves you from morning traffic on the A1.
Wi-Fi quality varies more than it should at this price point. Call ahead and confirm dedicated business internet, not just hotel-wide shared bandwidth. We've seen this mistake dozens of times. people book based on the listing and then can't run a video call.
Where to eat near your hotel in Gaborone
Riverwalk Mall has the most concentrated good eating. Sanitas Tea Garden in Riverwalk is underrated for breakfast. For something more substantial, Bull & Bush Pub on Tlokweng Road near Broadhurst is the local institution. go on a weekend evening and it's packed with the city's professionals.
Near Masa Square, the options inside the mall itself are decent but lean toward chains. Walk 5 minutes to the Avani or the surrounding Phase 2 area for more variety at lower prices.
Don't bother with hotel restaurants unless it's breakfast. Most Gaborone hotel restaurants are overpriced for what they are. The exception is Walmont at Grand Palm Estate. their dinner service is actually worth it, partly because the property itself makes the experience.
Getting around Gaborone: taxis, combis, and car hire
Combis are the city's minibus network. A ride costs about $0.50 and they run from the main terminal near the Main Mall outward. They're fine if you know where you're going. less fine if you're new and carrying luggage.
Taxis are the smarter move for hotel transfers. Expect $3-5 from the CBD to Game City, $5-8 from Game City to Phakalane. Always agree on the price before you get in. Rideshare apps like Yango have decent coverage in central Gaborone now.
Car hire makes the most sense if you're heading to Mokolodi Nature Reserve (20 km south on the A1) or doing day trips toward Mochudi on the A1 North. Book through the airport desks. rates start at $35/day for a basic sedan.
Gaborone's hotel price map: what you pay by neighborhood
Broadhurst is the budget zone. Oasis Motel at $45-70/night is about as low as we'd go while still recommending a clean, functional room. Don't expect much beyond the basics. but for a stopover, it works.
The Game City and Millennium Park corridor is mid-range territory. You're looking at $75-145/night at Cresta Lodge and Metcourt Inn. These are the best-value hotels in the city. solid quality, well-maintained, and near everything you actually need.
Masa Square and the Government Enclave zone is where prices jump. Hotels here run $260-380/night. and that's not inflated. The location, service, and infrastructure at Masa Square Hotel and Tlotlo justify it for anyone who can expense it or has a specific reason to be in that corridor.
Day trips from Gaborone: what's worth it
Mokolodi Nature Reserve is 20 km south on the A1 and takes about 25 minutes to reach. You can do a morning game walk or a rhino tracking experience. book the day before because they cap group sizes. It's the best nature fix within easy striking distance of any Gaborone hotel.
Mochudi, about 35 km north on the A1, is worth 2-3 hours if you're curious about traditional Tswana architecture and the Phuthadikobo Museum. It's small but genuine. Bring cash. there are no card machines in the village.
The Gaborone Game Reserve is right inside the city, just off Lentswe Road. It's small compared to the big northern parks, but you can see giraffes and zebra in under 30 minutes. Most hotels on the southern side can arrange a morning visit for $20-30 per person.
Gaborone's best neighborhoods
The CBD and Masa Square area give you the best access to offices, the Main Mall, and government buildings. But if you're not here for work, Grand Palm Estate and the Gaborone Dam side are where the real comfort is.
CBD & Government Enclave 2 vetted hotels Power and politics, walking distance from your pillow.
Power and politics, walking distance from your pillow.
This is where Gaborone's serious business gets done. The Government Enclave on Khama Crescent, the Bank of Botswana on Khama Crescent, the High Court. all within a tight walkable radius. If your meetings are here, there's no smarter place to sleep.
Tlotlo Hotel and Conference Centre sits directly in the Government Enclave precinct. Gaborone Sun Hotel is a 5-minute drive south on Nyerere Drive toward Masa Square. Both serve the professional market and price accordingly, at $130-380/night.
Don't book here if you're a leisure traveler. The streets around the CBD go quiet after 7pm and the restaurant options within walking distance are limited. You'll end up in a taxi to Riverwalk or Masa Square every evening anyway.
Game City & Millennium Park 2 vetted hotels The city's best mid-range corridor.
The city's best mid-range corridor.
Game City Mall on the western edge of the city is one of Gaborone's main retail and entertainment anchors. The hotels here. Metcourt Inn and Cresta Lodge in nearby Millennium Park. benefit from that without being swallowed by it.
Cresta Lodge sits just off Western Bypass Road with a proper garden and pool. Metcourt Inn is inside the Game City complex itself. about 5 minutes walk from the food court and cinema. Convenient if you're traveling with family or doing multiple short trips.
Taxi to the CBD from here runs $5-7. The area stays active in the evenings, which is a real advantage over the CBD. Rates sit at $75-145/night, making this the strongest value corridor in the city.
Masa Square & Phase 2 2 vetted hotels Gaborone's most polished address.
Gaborone's most polished address.
Masa Square is the most developed mixed-use precinct in the city. The hotel, the mall, the office towers. it's all connected and it works. You're 10 minutes from the CBD, 5 minutes from Riverwalk Mall, and within walking distance of more restaurants than anywhere else in Gaborone.
Masa Square Hotel at $260-350/night is the top-rated hotel in the city for good reason. The service is consistent, the rooms are large by Gaborone standards, and the location is genuinely unbeatable. Mondior Hotel in Phase 2, about 10 minutes west, offers similar polish at $195-250/night with a quieter feel.
This is the area most international visitors gravitate toward after their first trip to Gaborone. And that's not a coincidence. it's just the most functional, pleasant part of the city to base yourself.
Grand Palm Estate & Gaborone Dam 2 vetted hotels Resort-style stays on the quieter, greener side of the city.
Resort-style stays on the quieter, greener side of the city.
The Grand Palm Estate sits near the Gaborone Dam on the southeastern fringe of the city. It's lush, spacious, and feels genuinely removed from the urban grind. without actually being far. You're about 20 minutes from the CBD on a clear day.
Walmont at The Grand Palm is our top-rated hotel in the entire guide, at 8.6. The grounds are the selling point: real gardens, multiple pools, and enough space that you never feel crowded. Avani Gaborone Resort and Casino is a 5-minute drive toward the dam and skews slightly more toward entertainment, with a casino and the largest pool complex in the city.
Both hotels charge $150-235/night. That's fair value for the experience on offer. If you want the most resort-like stay in Gaborone, this is your zone.
Phakalane & Northern Outskirts 1 vetted hotel Golf, quiet, and the best escape from the city noise.
Golf, quiet, and the best escape from the city noise.
Phakalane is a gated estate about 15 km north of central Gaborone on the A1 toward Mochudi. It's a different pace entirely. No mall traffic, no combi horns, no construction noise. Just manicured grounds and golf course views.
Phakalane Golf Estate Hotel is the only property we recommend out here, and it earns its $160-220/night price tag easily. Rooms are spacious, the golf course is a proper 18-hole layout, and couples consistently rate it as their favorite stay in Botswana's capital.
Factor in 20-25 minutes to reach the CBD. It's not a problem if you rent a car or don't have city meetings. But it will cost you $8-12 each way in taxis if you're relying on that.
Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel and we'll point you to the right part of Gaborone.
Romantic
Phakalane Golf Estate is the pick. Quiet grounds, no city noise, and golf course sunsets that genuinely deliver. Walmont at Grand Palm Estate is the runner-up if you want to stay closer to town.
Culture & History
Base yourself in the CBD near the Main Mall, within 10 minutes walk of the National Museum of Botswana on Independence Avenue and the Three Dikgosi Monument. Most of Gaborone's cultural sites cluster in this central zone.
Family
Avani Gaborone Resort and Casino near the Gaborone Dam has the biggest pool complex in the city and enough space to keep kids genuinely occupied. Game City is 15 minutes away when you need a cinema or food court.
Budget
Broadhurst is your zone, specifically around the Lobatse Road corridor where Oasis Motel sits. Rooms from $45/night, combis to the CBD for $0.50, and no frills. but no nonsense either.
Beach
Gaborone is landlocked, so the closest thing is the Gaborone Dam waterfront. Hotels on the Grand Palm Estate side are 10 minutes from the dam, where you can kayak or just walk the edge in the early morning.
Foodie
Masa Square and the Riverwalk Mall strip on Riverwalk Drive give you the densest concentration of decent restaurants in the city. Stay at Masa Square Hotel and you're within walking distance of 12+ dining options without needing a taxi.
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 Gaborone
When to visit Gaborone and what to pay.
Peak Season (Dec-Jan)
December and January bring heat, rain, and the highest hotel prices of the year. Business travel drops but leisure bookings spike around Christmas week. Masa Square Hotel and Walmont sell out fast. Expect afternoon thunderstorms daily and roads around the Gaborone Dam occasionally flooded.
Shoulder Season (Feb-Apr)
Rain eases off by March and the city starts to breathe again. Hotel rates drop 15-20% from peak. April is particularly good. temperatures sit around 24°C, Mokolodi Nature Reserve reopens its full trail network, and you'll find genuine deals at Cresta Lodge and Metcourt Inn.
Dry Season (May-Aug)
This is the best time to be in Gaborone, full stop. Skies are clear, temperatures are comfortable, and hotel rates are 25-30% below peak. July nights drop to 10-12°C so bring a layer. The Gaborone Game Reserve is at its best in this window. animals congregate near water and visibility is excellent.
Late Dry / Pre-Rain (Sep-Nov)
Temperatures climb back toward 30-34°C by October and November, with humidity building before the first rains. Rates stay relatively low but comfort drops fast. September is still very pleasant. October and November are tougher, especially in rooms without strong air conditioning. Always check the AC before you book.
Booking Tips for Gaborone
Insider tips for booking hotels in Gaborone.
Book Masa Square Hotel at least 3 weeks out
It's the top-rated hotel in the city and it fills up fast during government conference season, which peaks in March-April and September. Corporate blocks get reserved months in advance. Show up less than 2 weeks out and you're paying a 20-30% premium, or settling for a lesser option.
Negotiate taxi fares before you get in
There are no meters. A CBD to Game City ride should cost $4-6. Airport to Masa Square runs $15-20. Agree the price at the window before the door closes. Yango works in central Gaborone and takes the negotiation out of it. download it before you land.
Call ahead about load shedding schedules
Power outages affect Gaborone periodically, especially in the October-November pre-rain period. Most 4-star and above hotels have backup generators. Budget properties in Broadhurst often don't, or their generators are slow to kick in. It's worth a 2-minute phone call if you're staying somewhere under $80/night.
Avoid booking Broadhurst hotels for a Saturday arrival
Broadhurst and parts of Bontleng get noisy on Friday and Saturday nights. music from nearby shebeens and social spots carries far. If you're arriving Saturday and need sleep, spend the extra $30-50 to book at Game City or Millennium Park instead.
Use hotel airport transfers for late-night arrivals
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport is well-lit and functional, but late-night taxi availability is hit or miss. Hotels like Metcourt Inn, Gaborone Sun, and Walmont all offer pre-arranged transfers for $15-25. Book it when you reserve the room. don't assume you'll sort it on arrival at 11pm.
Pack lunch for day trips to Mokolodi
Mokolodi Nature Reserve on the A1 South is 20 km from central Gaborone and the in-reserve café is small and sometimes unstocked. Grab something from Riverwalk Mall or a petrol station on Lobatse Road before you head out. Entry costs around $10 per person, rhino tracking is an extra $15, and it's worth every pula.
Hotels in Gaborone — FAQ
Everything you need to know before booking hotels in Gaborone.
What is the best area to stay in Gaborone?
It depends on why you're here. For business, the CBD around Government Enclave and Khama Crescent puts you 5 minutes from the main ministries and the Standard Chartered building. For comfort and nightlife, Masa Square and Grand Palm Estate are the clear winners. and both sit within 10 minutes of Riverwalk Mall.
How much do hotels in Gaborone cost per night?
Budget rooms in Broadhurst run $45-70/night. Mid-range options around Game City and Millennium Park land at $75-145/night. Expect to pay $195-380/night at the top end, covering places like Masa Square Hotel and Tlotlo near the Government Enclave.
Is it safe to stay in the CBD in Gaborone?
The CBD is generally fine during the day, especially around the Main Mall and Julius Nyerere Drive. After dark, stick to taxis rather than walking between hotels and restaurants. a cab from the CBD to Masa Square runs about $3-5.
What's the best hotel in Gaborone for business travelers?
Gaborone Sun Hotel in the CBD is the go-to for business stays. It's a 5-minute drive from the Government Enclave, has reliable conference facilities, and most corporate accounts already have rates negotiated there. Tlotlo Hotel on Khama Crescent is the upgrade option if your company is paying.
Are there good family-friendly hotels in Gaborone?
Avani Gaborone Resort and Casino near the Gaborone Dam is your best bet for families. The pool complex is genuinely large, and the grounds give kids room to move. It's about 15 minutes from Game City Mall if you need to escape for a few hours.
Which Gaborone hotels are closest to the airport?
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport sits roughly 15 km north of the city center. Metcourt Inn at Game City is the closest of our picks at about 12 minutes by car. Most hotels run airport transfers for $15-25 each way. always confirm before you land.
What's the cheapest decent hotel in Gaborone?
Oasis Motel in Broadhurst starts at $45/night and it's clean, straightforward, and honest about what it is. Don't expect a pool or a restaurant worth writing home about. But for a budget base near the Lobatse Road corridor, it does the job.
When is the best time to visit Gaborone?
May through August is the sweet spot. Temperatures sit at 15-22°C, crowds are manageable, and hotel rates dip compared to the December-January peak. Avoid February if you can. it's the height of rainy season and some outdoor attractions around the Gaborone Dam become inaccessible.
Do I need a car to get around Gaborone?
Honestly, yes. Public minibuses called combis run fixed routes for about $0.50 a ride, but schedules are loose and coverage is patchy outside the CBD. Taxis are cheap. $3-8 between most hotel zones. Car hire from the airport starts around $35/day if you want full flexibility.
Are there romantic hotels in Gaborone?
Phakalane Golf Estate Hotel north of the city is the standout for couples. It's set on a quiet estate away from the city noise, with golf course views and spacious rooms. The Walmont at Grand Palm Estate is the runner-up. the pool area on a weekend evening feels a world away from the CBD, about 20 minutes drive.
What neighborhoods should I avoid when booking in Gaborone?
Avoid hotels around Old Naledi and parts of Bontleng if you're not familiar with the city. These aren't dangerous necessarily, but infrastructure is inconsistent and you'll feel very far from the parts of Gaborone worth visiting. The extra $20-30/night to stay in Game City or Masa Square is worth it.
Is Gaborone worth visiting as a tourist rather than for business?
It's not Cape Town, but Gaborone has more going on than people give it credit for. The Gaborone Game Reserve is a 10-minute drive from the CBD and genuinely good for a morning game walk. Mokolodi Nature Reserve is 20 km south and offers rhino tracking. Pair that with the restaurant scene on the Riverwalk Mall strip and you've got a solid 3-day itinerary.