Ciêla, Lusaka, a Tribute Portfolio Resort and Spa

I usually have a good time at the resort and stayed a couple of times. This time from the start, there were a few things: I had asked reception because we were going early, to have the breakfast boxes for the kids early to take at 5:30. When we got to the restaurant in the evening it took a while to be served. When we got the kids in the shower, there were no towels and when we phoned it took a while. We also phoned to ask for normal milk as my child can’t have creomora and they said they would bring but never did. Then our taxi driver let us down so I called reception to book an airport shuttle in the morning and she said she would call back but never did. Eventually after I called back, they got back to me with results. Didn’t tell me the price though. When we checked out at 5:30, they didn’t have the breakfast boxes. And told us our taxi was K400 per head! So all in all, wasn’t a great one.

As per my previous review: The most expensive place I booked during my three month trip and the most disappointing as a famous Northern English saying goes it was a bit of a case of "all fur coat and no knickers". It looked fancy, lovely looking buildings, amazing grounds, quiet location and not too far from the airport. The room service staff and food (when it was a complete order - see below) were good. The breakfast staff were also lovely and made a mean latte. However this is where the good ends, here are the long list of issues / cons first: - Only one person on reception during check in who kept answering calls during the whole process, told me nothing about the hotel / facilities / breakfast / WiFi / where to find the service directory. She was on the phone as she passed my room key card over and she barely looked up. - Breakfast hot food was cold. - The kettle handle in the first room was boiling hot and was nearly a very nasty accident. - Endless issues with WiFi and power. I had spent a lot of money on this hotel for reliable internet for work and it was atrocious - this is a capital city and I had no other problems with WiFi in Lusaka, Windhoek, Cape Town or Nairobi! - The safe in the first room was locked and closed. - The a/c was not very effective for a 4 star hotel that was this expensive. - When a neighbour checked in the room next door it was noisy so I guess the soundproofing wasn't great. - The shower in the first room had no mat and was very slippy, another near miss on the accident front. - Poor tea / coffee etc selection - The salad I ordered from room service on day 2 only had 50% of the ingredients - I had to move rooms due to the problems with the electrics and WiFi which was a total pain as I had a lot of work to do and didn't have time to pack and unpack, it took ages and endless calls and visits to get that offer and then the move wasn't quick or straightforward either. Then the lady who finally came with a key said oh you got an upgrade like they had done me a massive favour which really irritated me! - Telephone numbers for reception, room service etc on the list, phone and papers and given by reception didn't match up - Laundry lost my white vest - no big deal except for all the other issues and that I needed it to wear under my long sleeved and rather thin white shirt! All in all I don't think I'm normally a difficult , demanding or needy guest for example I never usually use housekeeping on short stays because I'm perfectly capable of making my own bed and don't need linens to be changed. I have worked and lived all over the world, travelled extensively and this hotel was absolutely not what I would expect from a 4 star city hotel and was ridiculously overpriced for what it was. I also stayed at the Taj Pamodzi on this trip to Zambia which was half the price and much better despite the slightly tired decor. Seemed to have a good range of facilities but I didn't really use any so can't comment.

Loved our stay their staff is amazing and Spa was beyond we loved it so much

Very nice and clean

taff make it memorable. I spent four days here for work recently and while the hotel is lovely-great food at Elements and the Brewery and a familiar design where Southern California meets Southern Africa-the staff are what makes this place feel special. Everyone is friendly and attentive. You will feel seen and welcome. Cleopatra greeted me (and rather impressively everyone who walked in) by name at breakfast every morning. Isaac and Innocent made sure my bags and front desk inquiries were handled with care. I cannot thank Kennedy enough-when my airport transport didn’t work out, he drove me in his personal car. Wow. Whether you’re looking for a vacation spot that feels familiar yet remote or considering locations for a work conference, you’ll be well cared for at La Ciela. Thanks again, Kennedy and the whole staff that really differentiate this location from a hotel and a destination.

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