Escape to Paradise: Riverstone Lodge, Harare's Hidden Gem

Escape to Paradise: Riverstone Lodge - Harare's Hidden Gem? Or Just…Hidden? (My Honest, Unfiltered Take)

Okay, buckle up, because I'm about to spill the tea on Riverstone Lodge in Harare. Forget those perfectly polished hotel reviews – you're getting the raw, unfiltered version, warts and all. I'm talking the good, the bad, and the "wow, that was a choice."

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Keywords: Riverstone Lodge, Harare, Zimbabwe, Luxury Hotel, Spa, Pool, Restaurant, Accessible Hotel, Family-Friendly, Business Travel, Honeymoon, Romantic Getaway, Best Hotel Harare.
Meta Description: Uncover the honest truth about Riverstone Lodge, Harare. This review dives deep into accessibility, dining, amenities, and more. Find out if this "hidden gem" truly lives up to the hype. Get my real-world experience, for better or worse!

Getting There (and the first…hiccup):

Right, so the airport transfer. They offer airport transfer. That's the good news. The slightly less good news? My flight landed at…well, let's just say it was a very delayed flight. And after a grueling trip, I’d hoped for an easy seamless transfer, but after what felt like 3 hours of waiting, I thought I was getting pranked. But eventually, a very friendly driver finally showed up. First impressions? They need to work on that.

Accessibility: (Finally, some good stuff?)

Okay, after the initial airport hiccup, things mostly improved. Riverstone Lodge actually makes a pretty good effort with accessibility. They've at least thought about it. The website touted "Facilities for disabled guests" and that's not a lie. They had an elevator, which is gold in Harare. The rooms I saw (more on those later) were spacious and, from what I could tell, wheelchair-friendly. However, the ramps leading to the pool area? A bit…steep for my friend. Again, they were trying, but room for improvement.

My Room: A Tale of Two Floors (and a Missing Socket)

I was initially given a room on the lower floor. It was adequate, nothing to write home about but the view was breathtaking. So, I requested a room on a higher floor, which was a challenge I was willing to endure. I was upgraded to a "luxury" room. It was…larger. The bed? Comfortable. The air con? Worked! (Always a win!). It has to be said the room was clean, and not a bad view from the window! The details needed fixing though, the desk was wobbly and the plug socket next to the bed didn't work. I really was left thinking… this is a hotel and you cannot charge your phone next to your bed?

Internet: The Elusive Wi-Fi Dragon

"Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" the website screamed. Well, it was available. Sometimes. It felt like I was constantly searching for Wi-Fi which was like trying to find a unicorn. Seriously, it was a constant battle. The frustrating thing is the hotel's insistence on giving you the codes for internet, which did not function. If they can get the internent sorted, it's a win for me!

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (A bit of a mixed bag…)

The Buffet Breakfast (sighs): Okay, let's be honest. Buffet breakfasts are a gamble. Sometimes you win, sometimes you…don't. At Riverstone, it was a mixed bag. The Asian breakfast (really, guys?) was a bit of an odd choice. The buffet items felt a bit tired, as if they been sitting out since early morning. The coffee was…well, it tasted like coffee. The fresh fruit was good, though.
The A La Carte Restaurant: I had a pretty decent meal one evening - the international cuisine was good. The service, though…again, a bit hit-or-miss.
Poolside Bar: Now this was a highlight! Relaxing by the pool, sipping a cocktail, watching the sun go down…perfect. The happy hour was great and a lovely view. I will definitely need to go back to that bar!

Things to Do & Ways to Relax: (The Spa & The Gym – My Confessions)

The Spa: I had to try the spa, didn’t I? I got a body scrub. The treatment room was absolutely stunning. The problem? The service was very long and the person doing the massage was a touch…inexperienced. But hey, I was relaxed afterwards so who am I to judge?
Body wrap: I didn't see the point to this.
I gave the "Fitness Center" a miss.
The Pool: Beautiful. Absolutely stunning. The pool with a view was an absolute winner, the water was so inviting!
The Sauna/Steamroom: Didn’t try it.
The Gym: Decent equipment, and well air-conditioned. I think I could have spent more time in the gym with the lack of Wi-Fi.

Cleanliness & Safety: (Trying to Feel Safe)

The hotel seemed clean. They advertise this, and I felt relatively safe there considering I was a solo traveler. They had all the required Covid precautions in place. A doctor/nurse on call is also a nice touch.

Services & Conveniences: (The Good, The Bad, and The Elevator)

Laundry service? Yes. Needed it, used it, no complaints.
Daily housekeeping? Spot on.
Elevator? Essential. And a huge relief.
Cash withdrawal? Yes. Necessary.
Concierge? Helpful.
Meeting/banquet facilities? Sorry, didn't use them.
Smoking area? Yes. Always important.
What wasn't there – a convenience store. But that's a minor quibble.

For the Kids & Other Stuff:

Family/child-friendly? Seemed to be. There was a playground.
Babysitting service? Apparently, available (didn’t use it).

Overall Impression: Hidden Gem? Maybe Not Quite…

So, is Riverstone Lodge a "hidden gem"? Not really. It has potential, it tries, and it's clearly working hard. It's a solid choice if you're looking for a place to unwind. However, the occasional service issues, and the spotty Wi-Fi, are minor drawbacks. If they can iron out the kinks, it could be a truly stunning place. If I was going back to Harare, I’d still think about it, because yes, the good bits were that good. But definitely bring a good book and lower your Wi-Fi expectations.

Recommendation: 7/10 (Room for improvement, but definitely worth considering, especially if you love a good pool!)

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Riverstone Guest Lodge Harare Zimbabwe

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your meticulously-planned, Instagram-filtered safari itinerary. This is life, distilled into a few days in Harare, Zimbabwe, starting with a chaotic arrival at the Riverstone Guest Lodge. Prepare for imperfections, rambling, and a whole lotta me.

Riverstone Rumble: A Harare Hangover (and Hope for Redemption) – My Zimbabwe Diary

Day 1: Hitting Ground (and Immediately Regretting It)

6:00 AM (GMT+2) - Drip, Drip, De-flight-ed: Okay, fine. I'm supposed to be arriving at Harare International Airport. But let's just say my flight connection was… less than successful. Picture it: frantic sprinting through Johannesburg airport, a gate agent who may or may not have been mocking my frantic efforts to stay on schedule, and the sinking realization that my carefully curated vacation vibe was already in tatters. Arrived at Harare airport, I'm pretty sure I look like a zombie.
7:30 AM - Taxi Tango: Negotiating a taxi from the airport feels a lot like a hostage negotiation. "Sir, I promise, I'm not trying to get you to the black hole" to the taxi guy. I'm pretty sure I agreed to pay a hefty sum for what felt like a glorified, slightly dusty, golf cart ride to Riverstone. But hey, the driver, bless him, pointed out some interesting stuff. The jacaranda trees were in full bloom, and they painted the city a dreamy purple. Beautiful… until the dust from the road coated my already travel-weary face.
9:00 AM - Riverstone Redemption (Maybe?): Check-in at Riverstone. The website promised a "serene oasis." Reality is… well, it’s charmingly… lived-in. The staff is lovely though! The room? Okay, it’s clean. But the water pressure in the shower is testing my patience. And the AC is a cruel tease – it blows a gentle breeze that's barely enough to keep a single housefly from fainting. I might need therapy.
10:00 AM - Breakfast Blitz: Breakfast is a buffet. The usual suspects: eggs (probably poached, I think), bland cereal, and some suspiciously-looking sausage links. I contemplate eating them but quickly drop the sausage. The coffee tastes like old shoe leather. I have faith that I'll find something to enjoy.
11:00 AM - Rambling Around Riverstone: I decide to walk around the lodge, exploring the grounds and trying to shake off the flight's exhaustion. The gardens are, to be fair, quite lovely. There's a pool. I can't believe I haven't been more grateful for it. It's actually not bad. There are birds here. And the air is good.
1:00 PM - Lunch and a Lesson: Lunch at the lodge restaurant. I order the chicken. It's… alright. The real highlight? The waiter's infectious chuckle and his patient explanation of Zimbabwean culture. "Everyone is a busy-body"
3:00 PM - Nap Time (Blessed, Glorious Nap Time): I crash in my room for a glorious two hours. The AC, in its gentle way, lulls me into a peaceful, temporary escape from the chaos.
5:00 PM - Sunset Seeking (and Spontaneous Shopping): I decide to find a viewpoint for the sunset. The air is warm and full of the smell of something I can't place. I get in my Taxi and find myself buying a pretty sculpture from some folks who are trying to make a living.

Day 2: Culture Shock and Chicken Pox

8:00 AM - Breakfast Re-do: I am determined to find something in the breakfast buffet I enjoy. The coffee is still as awful as it was the day before. However, I found some fresh fruit instead and it's delightful .
9:00 AM - City Exploration (with a Side of Panic): I decide to venture into the city centre. Harare is a busy place, colourful and vibrant. The streets are a mix of old buildings and modern shops, with a constant bustle of people. I visit the National Gallery. It's nice, some of the art's a little too… modern for me? I don't know. I feel overwhelmed..
12:00 PM - Lunch with a Twist: I find a café for lunch. I order the local stew. It's good. And, it tastes delicious.
2:00 PM - Market Mayhem: I brave the Mbare Musika market. Oh. My. Lord. It's an assault on all my senses. The noise, the smells, the sheer energy of it all. I buy a beautifully woven basket. I may or may not have overpaid. No regrets.
4:00 PM - A Quiet Moment, Needed: Back at Riverstone. I hide in my room.
7:00 PM - Dinner and Deliberation: Tonight, I have a quiet dinner at Riverstone. I try to be "positive" as I start thinking about my experiences during the past few days.

Day 3: The Great Escape (and a Plea for More Coffee)

8:00 AM - Coffee Crusade: I'm on a mission. I'm ordering coffee from the front desk this time. Pray for me.
9:00 AM - A little more peace: I decide to visit the Chapungu Sculpture Park. The sculptures are incredible, giant works of stone art blending into the landscape. I find myself breathing deeply, letting the peace of the place wash over me. I begin to relax.
1:00 PM - Farewell Lunch: I decide to have lunch at my favourite place.
3:00 PM - Departure: I get in my taxi, and go to the airport. All in all, I thought I was a mess, but I am ready to face whatever challenge comes next.

Final Thoughts (and a Few Tears):

Okay, was everything perfect? Absolutely not. Did I lose my way (literally and figuratively) a few times? You bet. Did I sometimes want to curl up in a ball and weep? Possibly. But did I experience something real, something vibrant, something that pushed me outside my comfort zone and made me… feel? Absolutely. Zimbabwe, and this little pocket of it called Riverstone, has left its mark. It’s been a messy, imperfect, occasionally frustrating, and ultimately beautiful adventure. And I wouldn't trade it for anything. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find some decent coffee.

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Escape to Paradise: Riverstone Lodge - The Real Spill

So, Riverstone Lodge. Is it actually paradise, or just another brochure lie?

Okay, let's be real. Paradise? That's a big claim. But Riverstone... it gets pretty darn close. I mean, picture this: You're driving, Harare traffic slowly melting your brain, and then... BAM! You're suddenly engulfed by green. Like, proper green – lush, vibrant, makes-you-wanna-hug-a-tree kind of green. And the air? Glorious. Clean. You can actually *breathe* without tasting exhaust fumes. That alone is worth the price of admission. Now, is everything perfect? Nope. Life, especially in Zimbabwe, is rarely perfect. The hot water *might* decide to take a holiday sometimes (remember to ask if its been working), there might be a rogue gecko scuttling across your ceiling at 3 AM (they're harmless, mostly), and sometimes, the wi-fi is about as reliable as a politician's promise. But honestly? Those little imperfections just add to the charm. Like that time the power went out during dinner, and everyone just started laughing and swapping stories under candlelight? Pure magic. (Okay, maybe not for the cook.)

What's the vibe like? Romantic getaway? Family fun? Solo soul-searching?

Honestly? It's chameleon-like. It morphs to fit whatever mood you're in. I went with my partner, and it was *super* romantic. Like, sunset drinks by the pool, whispered secrets under the stars, the whole shebang. But I also saw families having a blast, kids splashing in the pool, running around with glee. And I can totally picture going solo, just chilling in a hammock with a book, completely disconnected from the world. The staff is super accommodating. They're not intrusive, but they're there if you need anything. They'll chat if you want to chat, leave you alone if you want to be left alone. It’s… well, it's relaxing. Which, let's be honest, is exactly what you need when you need an escape.

The food... what's the deal with the food?!

Okay, the food. Listen, I'm a foodie. Like, I'm judging you internally if you serve me bland gravy. Riverstone? They *delivered*. Seriously, the chef deserves a medal. And a raise. The breakfast was amazing. The *sausage*! Proper, meaty, delicious sausages. And the eggs? Cooked to perfection. And the lunch and dinner? Always something interesting, always fresh, always… (clears throat) *damn* good. I once had the most incredible grilled chicken. It was so perfectly seasoned, so juicy, I swear I could taste the sunshine and the good vibes. My partner, a proper meat-lover, was raving about the steak. And the desserts? Forget about it. Pure temptation. I think I gained five pounds just thinking about them. Worth it. Every single bite.

Tell me about the rooms. Are they actually nice?

Yes! Okay, not the most important aspect but still, yes. The rooms are well-appointed, clean, and comfy. It's not the Ritz – there are no gold taps or anything – but they’re comfortable. Big comfy beds. Nice bathrooms, the whole shebang, It's designed to maximize that "escapism" factor, with loads of windows or outside access. I remember the first time I walked in, I actually sighed with relief. It had been rough leading up to that trip, so I really needed to unwind. And I did. Instantly. The biggest selling point here is the space. You're not cramped, you're not squished. You actually have *room* to breathe. Which, when you're on holiday, is a luxury in itself. Oh and one of them – the one with the balcony – has a view that'll take your breath away. Seriously.

What's there to do at Riverstone? Besides, you know, existing?

Okay, so this is where it gets even better. You can literally do *nothing* all day. And that's perfectly acceptable. Lounging by the pool, sipping a cocktail, reading a book… pure bliss. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, there’s a whole bunch of stuff. There's a swimming pool, of course (the water is sparkling!), and there are walking trails through the surrounding bush, which, honestly, are worth that alone. The wildlife! Oh, the wildlife! I saw monkeys swinging through the trees, and loads of beautiful birds. It’s pretty amazing. There's a small gym for the fitness freaks too. It’s not a theme park, by any stretch. And that’s the beauty of it. It's a place where you can reconnect with nature, with yourself, or with whoever you're with.

Okay, so the real dirt, what's the worst thing? (Be honest!)

Alright, here's the deal: The worst thing... Well, it's not a *bad* thing, it's just... be prepared to say goodbye. Goodbye to the daily grind. Goodbye to stress. Goodbye to actually *wanting* to leave. Jokes aside, like I mentioned, the internet isn't always stellar. I did have a bit of issue checking a few urgent emails, the connection was spotty. And, depending on your room, you might hear the occasional bit of nature. Like, REALLY hear nature. The crickets at night sometimes were a tad loud. But honestly? That's it. That's the worst of it. And in the grand scheme of things, those are like, microscopic complaints. It's like, you know, going to the beach and complaining that there's sand. It's part of the deal.

Is it worth the price?

Okay, this is subjective, right? It's not exactly cheap. But... yes. Absolutely, unequivocally, yes. Think about what you're *really* paying for. You're not just paying for a room and some food. You're paying for sanity. You're paying for an escape. You're paying for the chance to breathe, to unwind, to reconnect with yourself (or your partner, your family, whatever). In today's world, that's priceless. Look, I'm not rolling in dough. I saved up to go. But I'd do it again in a heartbeat. It's an investment in your well-being. Go. Just go. You won’t regret it.

Okay, last question: Will I actually enjoy it? Spill the tea!

Look, I can't *guarantee* anything. Everyone's different. But... I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say: YES!! Neonowy Giżycko: Poland's Hidden Gem? (You HAVE to See This!)

Riverstone Guest Lodge Harare Zimbabwe

Escape to Paradise: Riverstone Lodge, Harare's Hidden Gem