Damal Hotel Hargeisa

I booked the hotel per email, and got a quick reply from Amal, who handles all correspondence. She was professional and courteous, and answered all my questions quickly. Sadly, the hotel was not able to arrange invitation letters anymore, so I had to arrange an entry permit from the ministry separately. The hotel driver was promptly waiting for me when I exited the terminal building and was carrying a sign with my name on it. The drive to the hotel at noon took 25 minutes and cost 10 dollars one way, payable at reception. The return, at 9 am, also took 25 minutes. Amal checked me in at noon. Her English was very good and she was helpful in answering all the questions I had about the city and also organized a driver for me to visit the camel market. She is a true gem and I hope the hotel realises her value. There are several room categories. I booked an entry level "Deluxe" room for $43 a night, including taxes and breakfast, payable in cash in dollars at the hotel. The room was small but came with a comfortable bed, with a UK socket by the bed. There was a nightstand, a desk with a chair and a closet (with a safe that did not work). Two 0.33 L water bottles were provided. I got a room with a balcony and a nice view of the central square with the MIG fighter jet, but be sure to ask for a room with an exterior view as some rooms only open to the interior corridors. Wifi was easy to use, free, fast and reliable. A/C worked well, too. No electricity problems. While the view was great, the downside was poor noise insulation. Bring earplugs. The bathroom was okay sizewise and amenity-wise (small bars of soap, minibottles of shampoo, shower gel and body lotion as well as a dental kit) but the shower was terrible. Water pressure was nowhere near enough to take a decent shower. Even when you turned on the water heater, the water was lukewarm at best and if you wanted any kind of pressure, you needed to settle for coldish water. This was a huge letdown in dusty Hargeisa. Breakfast was included in my room rate and was served from 7 to 11 in the restaurant in the courtyard. There is no buffet, instead you order a set plate from a menu, eg. omelette, toast, jam and butter, and hot and cold drinks. It was a simple affair. There are also sweet alternatives, such as Somali pancakes. The restaurant was open all day for meals and drinks. Think pasta, pizza, burgers, steaks, fish and some local dishes. I had a huge bowl of tasty creamy chicken pasta for $9. The cakes were very good, too. While the waiters speak English, you might still encounter a language barrier when ordering. This is one of the best hotels in Hargeisa, and the location is impossible to beat, as the hotel is on the main street, overlooking the central square (MIG square). You can buy water and snacks opposite the square. The hotel advertises itself as a four-star establishment, but by Western standards, I would rather say it would get 2.5 stars, and if the shower worked well, three stars.

Exellent good service. food was amazing, and the staff were helpful. the location of the hotel was good in the heart of the city. other facilities also nearby or in the same building like money exchange and banking.

A wonderful experience! You need to come to Damal Hotel. The rooms are very good, clean. Friendly receptionist Amal and all the people in the hotel are very good. For all coming to Somaliland I wish you the best experience at Damal. This is the place to be.