Monomotapa Hotel: A Harare Icon - History, Facilities, and Recent Developments

When exploring Harare, one cannot overlook the significance of finding the ideal hotel to enhance the overall stay. With its lush gardens, rich heritage, and welcoming atmosphere, visitors can find accommodations that perfectly suit their needs. From luxurious options to budget-friendly finds, the city boasts a diverse array of Harare hotels that cater to every traveler.

A variety of Harare hotels offer unique amenities, from rooftop swimming pools with stunning city views to splendid dining options featuring local and international cuisine. For those seeking comfort and convenience, central hotels make it easy to access the city's attractions, including parks, museums, and vibrant markets.

Moreover, staying in the right hotel can provide insights into the local culture and community. Many Harare hotels collaborate with local artisans and promote traditional Zimbabwean hospitality, enriching your travel experience.

One such iconic establishment is the Monomotapa Hotel, a landmark in Harare, Zimbabwe, offering a blend of heritage and modern amenities. The name of this elegant hotel accurately reflects not only its heritage but also its status as a modern, world-class facility aimed at the business traveler as well as the leisure seeker.

The hotel's history is intertwined with the development of Harare as a hub of commerce and culture, and a gateway to unforgettable experiences.

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In a stunning revelation to lawmakers, the Zimbabwean government has confirmed that it has purchased the iconic Monomotapa Crowne Plaza Hotel in Harare. The acquisition, finalised in August 2025, is intended to provide dedicated accommodation for Members of Parliament during parliamentary sessions. Hon. Prof. “Did we ever tell the MPs that we bought them a hotel? This is for use by MPs….” According to ZimLive, the hotel was not purchased directly by the treasury.

“We will now come up with a scheme of how it can be utilised for the benefit of MPs. The decision to sell the Monomotapa Crowne Plaza Hotel had been public knowledge long before the government’s acquisition. In February 2025, African Sun Limited issued a statement confirming the iconic building had been placed on the market as part of a strategy to unlock value.

Public concerns have centred on the preservation of the hotel’s heritage and its long-standing place in Harare’s hospitality landscape. The hotel, inspired by the ancient Kingdom of Monomotapa, has long been an integral part of Harare’s skyline.

Nyashadzashe Ndoro Chief Reporter African Sun Limited has announced that its iconic Monomotapa Hotel in Harare has been placed on sale as part of its strategy to "unlock value" and invest in new opportunities.

The company, which has been operating the 50-year-old hotel since 1971, revealed that negotiations are ongoing with potential buyers. The sale, if successful, will be classified as a "Category 1" transaction, requiring shareholder approval at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).

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African Sun stated that the decision to sell the hotel is part of its plan to "evolve" and focus on new opportunities in Victoria Falls and other destinations within Zimbabwe. The company aims to use the proceeds from the sale to refurbish its remaining hotels, including the Holiday Inn hotels and Troutbeck.

The Monomotapa Hotel has reportedly attracted interest from two hotel brands, Legacy and Protea. The sale comes after African Sun canceled a US$7 million deal for two of its other hotels, Great Zimbabwe Hotel and Beitbridge Express Hotel, in October last year.

African Sun's decision to sell the hotel is seen as a strategic move to adapt to changing market conditions and capitalize on growing investor interest in Victoria Falls.

The sale of the Monomotapa Hotel is subject to shareholder approval and the outcome of ongoing negotiations.

Overlooking the city, the mix of twin rooms, king leisure rooms and luxurious suites enjoy panoramic views of Harare, right on the doorstep of the city's central park and gardens. The National Gallery of Zimbabwe is a five-minute walk away and the renowned Botanical Gardens a short 10-minute drive.

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All the rooms at the hotel are overlooking the Harare Gardens which provide that fresh air which is not characteristic of the city. Individually controlled air conditioning, a hairdryer, coffee making facilities, a minibar, smoke detectors and a sprinkler system feature as standard.

All rooms have an en suite bathroom with a shower in the bathtub, a single toilet and bathrobes. A room safe, trouser press, iron and ironing board and shaver socket outlet also come in each room.

The hotel also features satellite television and DVD player, 24-hour room service and wireless Internet connectivity. Same-day laundry service, safety deposit boxes and on-site parking services are provided and Suntrade curio shop, car hire and babysitters are available.

Facilities include two restaurants, a coffee lounge, two bars (Aquarium bar and Le Francais bar), a hair salon and full conference and banqueting facilities.

Conference and banqueting facilities are a speciality of this hotel with its large and well-trained staff ready to arrange everything from a small business meeting to a conference or reception for 250 people in one of the seven suites dedicated to this service.

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