I arrived in Mzuzu at 21:31 on Friday night. I had been on the road for nearly 5 hours (courtesy of Lilongwe Traffic for stealing an hour of my time), and I was simply exhausted. This was possibly the longest drive of my life, yet, and I was over it. My neck was aching and I just needed to get to my room to rest.
I could not remember my exact way to the hotel as I have only been to Mzuzu Hotel once when I came for the Mzuzu Fashion Week in 2018, and I was not the one who was driving. All I could manage to remember was that the turn to the hotel must have been right of the last round about, but I was not sure of how to move from there on. I kept going straight after the round about, and the roadsigns immediately said “Nkhatabay/Salima” and I knew I was on my way out of town, so I made a U-turn.
I drove back to the nearest gas station and as any traveler knows, to always ask for directions. The staff were so helpful and told me that I had just missed the turn and should have indeed turned right at the last traffic circle.
I made my way down to the previous traffic circle, and then made my way up again to the last traffic circle (by the Court House) and kept going down on that road as I was advised. I was about to start thinking I was lost again when I saw the “Sunbird Mzuzu” sign and my heart was at bay. I tried to find a parking spot closest to the entrance (because I am huge on security and having my baby where people can see her). The concierge was already at the door and one of them quickly rushed to my side to assist me with my bags.
The check in experience was flawless, and in no time – I was in my room.
In case you haven’t been paying attention, I have already stated 2 things that I love about Sunbird Mzuzu – but if you missed them – let’s have a recap.
- The Check-In Experience
The receptionist asked me why I was arriving so late, and we had a small laugh about traffic. I was handed a glass of juice as I submitted my details to the him. The network had been down for a bit (I was not aware of this fact, I had just assumed it was due to the transit) and really needed access to the internet. It was like he had read my mind, because he immediately gave me the guest Wi-Fi login details.
The concierge escorted me back to my car to carry my bags for me. The warmth I was feeling in the reception was just spectacular.
2. The Hotel Staff are so friendly!
The Sunbird staff are always warm with me whenever I travel, and Sunbird Mzuzu was no different. I had a moment of curiousity, to know if there would be a language barrier between myself and them. I realised that most, if not all, of them are fluent in English.
They were super friendly and ready to help me with everything I needed! My stay was an absolute breeze!
3. The Hotel smells lovely!
I have never felt this way about a hotel – but Sunbird Mzuzu smells really pretty! That was something I noticed as soon as I stepped into the corridors and realised it did not have the semi-stuffy smell that most closed hotels tend to have. As tired as I was, it was a really refreshing thing.
I asked one of the managers hoe they keep the Hotel smells as good, and he shared with me that they are very particular about their cleaning, and the chemicals they use.
4. The rooms!
I spent two nights at Sunbird Mzuzu, and got to check out two types of rooms that they have. I spent the first night in the “Superior”, and the second night in the “Suite”.
The Superior
This is a simple and adequate room. It has all the things you need – a bed, a TV, working desk and neat bathrooms.
You would only have an issue with this room if you like having more space and better bathroom, at which point you have to upgrade to the suite!
The Suite
I loved the suite, because it has the homely feel. You get a living room and a bedroom, and I am always a fan of such comfort.
Plus, I really like sleeping on the couch (weird I know) and the rooms at Sunbird have such huge and sleep friendly couches. Two whole couches! Yas!
Now if you have an obsession with nice bathrooms, then the Sunbird suites are for you! I could take baths and showers in there forever!
5. The 24hr Restaurant (and room) Service
Recall the fact that I arrived at the hotel quite late in the evening. I was so hungry but felt bad about going to the Restaurant because I thought it was after closing time.
You can imagine how happy I was to hear them tell me that they run a 24hr restaurant service and can deliver the food to my room. Joy!
6. The Food itself!
If I even dared to say I was underfed in Mzuzu, I would be the biggest liar you will ever meet. The chefs and waiters were on a mission to give out their best and I was thorughly impressed. I spent 90% of my time eating, and had a blast! I will keep Annie, Chef BoyD, Raphael and Charity in my foodie heart!
Also having meals by the pool is always a mood!
7. The new pool!
Speaking of the pool – Mzuzu Hotel finally has a swimming pool y’all. I am loving all the renovations by Sunbird Hotels.
8. The Gym.
I have been gaining weight lately. I am no longer sure whether it is mass or fat, and frankly – I do not care.
I eat a lot (as always) and workout at least 5 days a week. I am not obsessed with looking a certain way, but building more muscle and keeping healthy. I am consistent in weightlifting, and I am happy with my physical state.
Being that I travel almost every week, I am glad to still be able to keep fit at Sunbird gyms.
The Mzuzu Hotel Gym has to be the most well-equipped gym I have seen at Sunbird so far. I would recommend to everyone looking for a nice gym in Mzuzu!
9. The Mzuzu Views!
Mzuzu is such a beautiful city, and it’s so unfortunate that I do not get to see it more often. I fell in love with it in 2007 when I went to Secondary School here. I stepped out of the hotel into the city for a bit to appreciate the views.
10. It’s business friendly
I am business traveller, meaning I work as I travel. The Sunbird rooms are so business friendly. They have working desks, with different types of sockets all around the room.
They also have the lounges that are so great for having meetings.
Most importantly, tea! Who can work without tea? Not me!
I was at this point preparing for my meeting at Marymount Secondary School. We are trying to launch the NYKM Foundation there and I am feeling optimistic about it.
Bonus point, Mzuzu Hotel is located at the heart of the city, meaning you have access to nearly everything! I had such an amazing time, and I am feeling super refreshed.
And we are headed out, back through Lilongwe City and off to the next destination. Where do you think I will be going to next?
All my love,
Ntha x
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