Epic Sana Luanda Hotel

“Wonderful five-star in the heart of the city”

When I arrived at the hotel, I was greeted by friendly bellmen and receptionists. The receptionist checking me in spoke good English and worked efficiently. I had booked an entry level room but was upgraded to a 63 sqm premier suite for the whole duration of my five-night stay, which was much appre… more

When I arrived at the hotel, I was greeted by friendly bellmen and receptionists. The receptionist checking me in spoke good English and worked efficiently. I had booked an entry level room but was upgraded to a 63 sqm premier suite for the whole duration of my five-night stay, which was much appreciated. What a large and nice suite. Check-in was quick and I was soon on my way to my room. There was a kitchenette, complete with a stove, microwave, fridge and all utensils, plates, pots etc. The separate living room was large and came with a sofa, two armchairs and a large coffee table. There was also a dining table for four. Then there was a bedroom, separated by a door. A comfortable double bed with sockets by the bed, a desk with a chair and a safe. Overlapping curtains did a good job keeping the bedroom dark after sunrise. Closet space was ample throughout the suite. The air conditioning was efficient yet quiet enough. Wifi was free, fast, reliable, unlimited and easy to use. Two 1.5 L water bottles were provided daily. The suite was clean, fresh and stylishly designed. The bathroom came with a bathtub and shower combination, with both an overhead as well as a handheld shower. Water pressure was very good and hot water ample. Amenities included wall-mounted containers of hand soap, body lotion, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner. I don't like these wall-mounted containers as they are not tamper-proof and I have read too many stories about what kind of stuff end up in those containers. While there were no dental or shaving kits in the room, bathrobes and slippers were provided. Breakfast was not included in my room rate. It was served in the ground floor breakfast room from 6:30 to 10:30 at a cost of 32 000 kz or approx. 27 euros. I gave it a try once. It was a sumptuous buffet of some local dishes as well as good-quality international items such as cold cuts, cheeses, breads etc. There was an egg station with omelettes prepared on request and several hot dishes as well as some sweet items. The Italian restraurant on the 1st floor opened at noon and stayed open throughout the day. I had several meals here. While expensive, the quality and taste of the food was excellent and service friendly. The waiters spoke English well enough. I did not try the Portuguese restaurant on the 2nd floor where a lunch buffet was served. I did order room service a few times, and the food arrived hot, was tasty and of good quality, albeit pricey. The outdoor pool was not heated and the water felt freezing cold in July, the local winter. However, the indoor pool was heated and was pleasantly warm. There was also a hot as well as a cold plunge pool, a sauna and two steamrooms, one hotter than the other. The indoor pool and spa area were open from 8 am to 9 pm. Everything at the hotel is priced in kwanzas and you will also pay your bill in kwanzas, but the hotel accepts both euros and US dollars at good rates, so you can settle your bill in those currencies as well (or using credit cards). Reception also changes cash at the same good rate, so there is no need to visit banks. Saves time and money. The location of the hotel is excellent. It is right in the heart of the city and you can walk everywhere in Baixa. The Marginal is close by. There are supermarkets for drinks and snacks a block away. My airport transfers took 45–50 minutes, but bad rush hour traffic can apparently double that so be prepared. The new airport is ridiculously far away. I was very happy with my stay. Everything worked flawlessly, all my requests were met and I can't see an area where the hotel would not have met five star criteria just fine. I hope to come back one day!

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