Mara Serena Safari Lodge

The accommodation boasts a stunning cliff-side location for wildlife viewing, comfortable rooms with African-themed decor, and a great gym. Guests praise the friendly staff, delicious breakfast, and cleanliness.

Mara Serena was a last minute change by our agent and already had mixed feelings after reading some of the reviews. Let me divide my review into the positive and should/could improve sections 1. This resort is on a cliff overlooking the vast plains of the Mara triangle. It's close to the Mara triangle gate but almost a 2 hr drive from the Sekanani gate which is closer to the Marriot etc. and I think one of the main entrance gates while approaching from Nairobi or other parks. 2. Views from the resorts rooms and common areas including the pool were stunning. We even heard the lions roar one morning and witnessed a huge heard of elephants , Topi, Buffalo's etc from the rooms balcony window. 3. Staff were courteous,  some very nice and some a bit cold or lukewarm, unlike all the other resorts where everyone was smiling and chirpy. 4. The therapy that we had in the spa was great and therapist Ann was just too good. 5. Food was good with good options and a mix of local and international cuisine.  6. Had a Masai market spread at the resort one day and thought it was a great idea to let them come display their wares. 7. Common area decoration and ambiance ,very creative and nice. Now for the SHOULD and could improve list 1. Rooms an absolute mess . We had two rooms and one had some of  the amenities as mentioned which the other did not. Eg..hair dryer, mini fridge etc. Everything was got instantly upon request though. A bit shoddy on that count. 2. The bathroom door would not shut and remained open at all times. We had to wedge a towel btw to close it. Also the lock from the inside was a bit wobbly. 3. A strange stench emanated from the toilet at all times. The door had louvers and gaps were so big , that this adfed to the stench woes. Hot water does not flow until 5.30 am or after. Tiles and toilet in a pathetic state.  Water pressure was bad and taps would not close properly. 4. All furniture are tired and badly in need of renovation.  Pillows were a bit lumpy. 5. Rooms are pretty cramped and very badly ventilated. By this I mean the air flow. The balcony windows were stuck in both rooms and had no insect netting. So we could not open the doors. This resulted in the room  being a bit stuffy as well. Just a critical review so they could set things right and am sure the experience would be great. Would conclude that it's ok for one night but I would surely not recommend for more than a night. Hope the management takes note of the above and rectifies/ renovates the rooms. Until such time it's a definite no no. Also nit sure if only the two rooms given to us had these issues.

Hotel is not 5 star, its falling to bits, staff are only interested in getting you to spend money, rooms are so dated and small. Views are amazing, it's these views that keep the hotel busy. Sitting by the pool and watching the game go past in the distance was fantastic but the cracked concrete, missing tiles, stained, frayed and faded towels was not good. Food was okay but not out of this world. Had to pay for water. No fridge in room I get that we were in the middle of nowhere but if you are selling 5 star, it should be 5 star. Hotel was more interested in ensuring WiFi was available rather than ensuring basic facilities met even 3 star requirements