"During a recent business trip with my company Safari Lux Travel accompanied by photographer partner Tom, we were warmly welcomed by Opio at the historic Masindi Hotel in Uganda. To our surprise, we even caught a glimpse of the Queen Mother of Bunyoro during our stay. Opio, a passionate storyteller with a deep knowledge of the Bunyoro Kingdom’s rich history, immediately began sharing tales of King Kabalega, the British colonial era, Hemingway, and the filming of The African Queen. The Masindi Hotel has hosted great kings, queens, and adventurers—and the walls seem to echo with their stories. We specifically requested Room 8, famously known as the Hemingway Room. This was where Ernest Hemingway recuperated after surviving two plane crashes in the African bush in 1954. Bruised, burned, and mistakenly declared dead, Hemingway emerged days later—alive, battered, and reportedly celebrating with gin and champagne. He spent time here healing, reflecting, and writing. As I sat at the same reading table where he once crafted his legendary prose, I felt his presence. I was reminded of two profound truths: great stories often arise from what didn’t go as planned—and every setback, no matter how dramatic, might become part of the greater narrative we’re meant to tell. If you want to be part of a great chapter of history, I encourage you to stay at Masindi Hotel. The staff are friendly and professional, the atmosphere is rich with heritage, and the dining was a pleasant surprise—we enjoyed a Chinese dinner, and it was great to see such a diverse menu."

"I slept in this hotel twice during my stay in Masindi. The room was very clean, quite big with a balcony, equiped with tv and a fan. The comfortable beds have mosquito net. The staff was so kind and helpful. You can pay by card for your stay. There is a Petal Restaurant next to the hotel when you can eat included breakfast even early in the morning or dinner and lunch. The food was good. Possible one of the best acomodation in Masindi."

"Good location in Masindi although some rooms were noisy. A number of people in our party had water issues and inadequate mosquito nets. We had a triple room with excellent hot water and perfect nets - these rooms also have a small terrace with a table. Worth paying a few $ more for the space and facilities. Food service was slow and food generally disappointing. All the staff were lovely."

"My transit to Gulu because of the diversion of the road since I left Kampala late so I arrived at 11:45pm. The gate opened and the security guard was very polite and I realized he was the serving at the reception at night. Inside the room the bedsheet had stains and the pillows seems not changed and it was having a funny smell. The security guard guard showed us the shower water heater switch. Indeed from the long night drive I appreciated the hot water and enjoyed it but the feeling dirty pillow and stained bedsheet gave me hard time sleeping but later accepted and being tired I slept. In the morning when we can for breakfast around 8 am but we met the worse reception at the dining . The cold eggs and cold tea and milk. When we ask if she can warm the eggs not even a word she walked away. I loved Country Inn the first time I stayed there because of an event but I think the management needs to get a better way of helping the employees understand hospitality industry."