Baraa Road Moivaro, Moshono Village, Arusha 1259 Tanzania
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#2 of 234 B&Bs / Inns in Arusha
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Travellers' Choice
Since 2006, "Onsea House" has been a synonym for charming comfort in a picturesque setting, which is unique in Arusha. With more personal approach than in a hotel and more privacy than a lodge resort, we aim to be your preferred luxury Bed & Breakfast. Just next doors and yet almost worlds apart, "Machweo" offers larger and more luxurious rooms in a tranquil Boutique Hotel environment, while maintaining the same personal approach. Machweo is a refuge for those who enjoy the finer things in life since 2011. Besides the daily pursuit for culinary excellence for our resident guests, we have been catering for all types of events over the years. With "Axel Janssens Signature Catering" we bring since 2016 our experience, services and a unique blend of African and European cuisine to your place of venue or even to the most remote locations for a truly special event.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Yoga classes
Bar / lounge
Bicycle rental
Bicycles available
Children's television networks
Secured parking
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Outdoor pool
Private pool
Shallow end in pool
Yoga room
Sauna
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Complimentary welcome drink
Happy hour
Kids' meals
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Bicycle tours
Billiards
Canoeing offsite
Walking tours
Board games / puzzles
Highchairs available
Airport transportation
Car hire
Taxi service
Spa
Couples massage
Facial treatments
Foot massage
Full body massage
Hammam
Hand massage
Head massage
Manicure
Massage
Neck massage
Pedicure
Steam room
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Concierge
Gift shop
Mosquito net
Outdoor furniture
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
First aid kit
Umbrella
Clothes dryer
Laundry service
Washing machine
Ironing service
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Room features
Bathrobes
Additional bathroom
Desk
Housekeeping
Minibar
Cable / satellite TV
Extra long beds
Walk-in shower
Interconnected rooms available
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Seating area
Bottled water
Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Refrigerator
Electric kettle
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Mountain view
City view
Landmark view
Pool view
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Family
Languages Spoken
English, French, Dutch, Swahili
Location
Contact
Baraa Road Moivaro, Moshono Village, Arusha 1259 Tanzania
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416Reviews4Q+A50Room tips
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I had a wonderful stay at the Onsea House while recently visiting Arusha and the surrounding areas. The property is set on a hill overlooking the green valley of Arusha and Mount Meru. It’s set back off of the busy road so you really feel nestled into the natural environment, away from all of the buzzing horns and city life. I loved waking up to the birds singing and stepping out of my room and into such a lush natural environment. My house (#7) was very quiet, I never heard the neighbors next door and I slept better than I have in a long time! The staff were extremely accommodating and very responsive via email even before I arrived. In person, they couldn’t be warmer and sweeter. I enjoyed the many chats that I had with them. While everyone was incredibly friendly, they were also very efficient and on top of everything. Even when there was a misunderstanding on my end regarding the bill, they treated me with kindness and grace- a true reflection of the character and values of the Tanzanian people. I could write an entire review dedicated to just the food, which was superb. What I will say is that I appreciated that they went out of their way to provide food to guests that had allergies or intolerances. They made a special rosemary cassava flour bread for me since I don’t eat wheat- and I’m still dreaming about it. Just a heads up to future travelers: if you need to rely on a strong internet connection while here, I would suggest getting an international or local SIM card while you’re there so you can use the hotspot. The internet at the hotel is a little slow and spotty. Looking forward to my return at Onsea House when I'm back in town!…
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: if you need to rely on a strong internet connection while here, I would suggest getting an...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Dirk Janssens, Owner at Onsea House & Machweo Retreat
Responded 2 days ago
Dear nutellala, Many thanks for your glowing review and appreciation of the quiet room, lush environment, accommodating and responsive staff, nice food taking into account allergies and intolerances,... The issues with the slow internet has been addressed with our supplier. We look forward to welcoming you back when you are next time in Arusha!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Property's Favourite Review
Machweo was such a pleasure to retreat for a few days. It has the most friendly staff, excellent food, beautiful poolside and views. We were picked up at the airport by one of the friendliest persons we ever encountered. After arriving at Machweo we just spend the afternoon enjoying a glass of wine while overlooking beautiful surroundings. We also witnessed how the retreat is contributing to the local community by visiting the Baraa school. It is really a great place to stay with great community contribution.
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Date of stay: October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Dirk Janssens, Owner at Onsea House & Machweo Retreat
Responded 11 Nov 2022
Many thanks for your lovely review in all aspects and especiallly the appreciation of our staff - including our friendly airport transfer driver - and the community support which has been our focus since our start in 2006. Karibu tena - welcome back!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Loved staying at Machweo Retreat instead of at a Hotel. Located just 15 minutes outside of Arusha town I felt immersed in Tanzanian life from the onset as you are in fact experiencing a village aspect. Reservation was easy to make with Leonard online and pre-arranged pick up was on time at Kilimanjaro airport - driver very nice and provided air conditioned comfort plus water. Stunning views over Arusha and Mt Meru, delicious food and staff all friendly and extremely helpful. Pool area is lovely and gardens are lush. Victor the manager helped organise a driver for a day 0930-1630 to take us around Arusha at a most reasonable rate. I had done my homework and knew how much to pay. Special thanks to Emmanuel for looking after us so well in the dining area - you are a star. The set dinner menu was absolutely delicious which we had on our second evening with matching wines. The rooms are spacious and well fitted out. Extremely comfortable bed. Only small negative was that we could hear the couple in the next room to us cough and talk. On the website it says rooms have maximum privacy however our cottage (number 4) shared a terrace and common area with another cottage. This would be great if you were travelling with a family or a group but not otherwise. The staff did offer to change our room allocation but then we would have lost our magnificent view so we decided to stay with it. Just something to be aware of when booking. Purchased the absolutely stunning book "A Taste Of Tanzania" that Axel Janssens and his friend Wim have created - it was worth lugging around Tanzania and I can't wait to properly devour it for its content and recipes. I was able to have it signed as both Axel and Wim were in residence - very fortunate and a real keepsake. Would thoroughly recommend this property for ambience, location and a super start or finish to your Tanzanian Safari. …
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Dirk Janssens, Owner at Onsea House & Machweo Retreat
Responded 5 days ago
Many thanks for your wonderfull review and for giving the review readers a taste for Tanzania ;-) Much appreciated. It seems you experienced and enjoyed exactly the concept we aim to offer! Ref. the only small negative: you were allocated in one of our 2 bedroom cottages with shared terrace and common area. There is one at Onsea House and one at Machweo. You were staying at the one at Machweo. You were allocated in this particular room because of the great view. The guests staying in the room next to you also specifically requested this room next to you. We had also guests staying several nights in other rooms with exceptional views so we in fact allocated you in the best available room as we always try to do :-) Thanks for your feedback and we will indicate this next time at the time of booking. Enjoy reading and cooking "A Taste of Tanzania"!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
Tonight, we were blessed with the rich rolling green hills of Arusha, adorned by the most wonderful sunset, spiced by amazing food and, most importantly, fed by the love of Axel and his staff. A night I’ll remember for its passion. Thank you!
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Dirk Janssens, Owner at Onsea House & Machweo Retreat
Responded 5 days ago
Thanks for appreciating our "passion project" all the way from Paris! Since 2006 we aim to offer guests a wonderfull experience with the right mix of location, service, food quality and value! We look forward to welcoming many more happy guests.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed here during our daughter's graduation ceremony. The food exceeded our expectations. The chef made sure everyone got what they wanted. They offer very good breakfast. Their rooms are clean and spacious. The staff were friendly and their service above bar. A good place overall
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Dirk Janssens, Owner at Onsea House & Machweo Retreat
Responded 4 weeks ago
Dear Geoffrey, Many thanks for your wonderfull review and appreciation of Onsea House & Machweo Retreat in all aspects. It is so nice to read that even residents who travel frequently throughout the region (and can compare with standards in many other high end places in East Africa) review us above par. Karibu tena - welkcome back!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed 2 nights at Onsea House to explore Arusha and surroundings before going on a 5-day safari. Onsea House is an up-scale accommodation. Room are very spacious with beautiful views, very peaceful amid a wonderful garden, about 10kms out of town. A taxi ride into Arusha is 35 usd both ways. Rooms are quite expensive at usd 300+ a night. At least you expect then decent wifi, and the opposite was true: every 5' you had to reconnect and do a login with password, the worst ever. Dinner was offered, at a stunning rate of usd 60pp. And altough the food was decent, it was nothing spectacular to justify this price. We were told the restaurant was once run by a Belgian chef, but nowadays we only could see local staff who probably still copy what was once explained to them. Breakfast buffet was OK.…
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Date of stay: December 2022
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Dirk Janssens, Owner at Onsea House & Machweo Retreat
Responded 1 week ago
Dear reviewer, We regret that your stay was not up to expectations although service and sleep quality were all fine? You did not indicate any negative comment during your stay or at your check-out which we also very much regret as otherwise, we could have rectified the situation immediately. We would like to respond and correct several elements you have stated in your review: 1. We are located on the eastern edge of Arusha town. The center starts less than 5 km from our front door so certainly not 10 km. 2. For a taxi ride to/from Arusha we charge 20 USD only. A return transfer INCL 30 minutes waiting time costs 35 USD incl. VAT. You write 35 USD "both ways" which can be wrongly interpreted and gives no idea of the included waiting time. Our transfer prices are low in cost compared to other hotels in Arusha. 3. You write that rooms are very expensive at +300 USD per night. I would like to point out that there is a discount for stays from 2 nights and other luxury lodges in Arusha are much more expensive. 4. As you can also read on TripAdvisor, all of Arusha is currently plagued with power cuts. We have back-up facilities for this with 2 generators and inverter (something that certainly not every lodge has) so you will not notice much of this. These power cuts cause sometimes unstable internet reception. We work with the most reliable Internet Service Provider in Arusha. We immediately checked the internet after your review and the situation with our Wi-Fi is back to normal. We could have done this immediately if you would have told us during your stay. 5. For dinner, you mention 60 USD. The price for the full dinner incl. appetizers, soup, choice between 2 starters, choice between 2 main dishes, dessert, coffee or tea amounts to 55 USD. For guests who find this menu is too much, we have a lighter version at USD 45 for a 3 course menu with coffee. A wine pairing costs USD 15 incl. mineral water during the entire meal and should work lower in cost than ordering a bottle. Both the price of the meals and the wine pairing are usually not considered extremely expensive at all. 6. Our lodge and restaurant are led and continue to be led by Axel Janssens (as director and executive chef). Not only have we been appreciated for years as one of the best places to eat in Tanzania, but we are also a renowned training center for young chefs. Axel was absent when you were there. Usually the sous chef and kitchen team do their best to give everyone a nice evening. Your terms mentioned are really inappropriate! Apart from the incorrect and misleading information in your review, we find it strange that the few comments and the 4 on 5 ratings of Service and Sleep Quality lead to this poor final score. I can re-assure that we have taken measures not to have this happen again as we strive for 100% client satisfaction.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Onsea house offers the decidedly best views, quietest nights and above all, the nicest staff to be found in Arusha. Not to mention the excellent food! It’s well worth the short trip in and out of town. Hi
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Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Dirk Janssens, Owner at Onsea House & Machweo Retreat
Responded 17 Oct 2022
Dear PaWeGe, on behalf of all our staff, I would like to thank you for your booking, your appreciation and lovely review. We look forward to welcoming you back and hope your review will inspire many guests looking for the best accommodation in Arusha!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Krysti N wrote a review Oct 2022
We spent the first week of our three-week safari adventure at Onsea House. We had a beautiful view of Arusha and Mt. Meru from our bedroom patio. We felt very pampered with the exceptionally friendly service we received from all the staff. and the delicious entrees we were served at every meal. This was a wonderful place to begin our safari as we were able to visit the Cultural Museum, Mt. Kilimanjaro, and Arusha NP. which are all within reasonable driving distance. We had a couple of days of simply relaxing and enjoyed some spa time. The massage was wonderful, but the spa area is a bit sparse, and soothing music would be nice addition. The 7 for 4 nights was an excellent deal, which included full board. We even got to meet Chef Axel and enjoyed a nice chat with him one evening. This was also a great way to ease into the local culture and learn a few words of Swahili from the lovely young people who work at Onsea House. …
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: It is cool in the mornings and evenings so bring a jacket and long pants.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Dirk Janssens, Owner at Onsea House & Machweo Retreat
Responded 9 Oct 2022
Many thanks for your lovely review, highlighting the possibility to staying 7 nights with us in Arusha while taking advantage of our exceptional offer and to ease into the local culture with several daytrips before leaving on a mulitple day safari. We hope to welcoming many more lovely American guests like you, who we can help to realize the ultimate dream safari in Tanzania!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We just spend a couple of hours at Onsea House, but we absolutely loved it. The pool with view of the mountains was a delightful refreshment after a long journey. The restaurant was super, the food they service was excellent, we loved our diner there.
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Date of stay: August 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Dirk Janssens, Owner at Onsea House & Machweo Retreat
Responded 5 Sep 2022
Many thanks Laure V for your lovely review although you were just a couple of hours with us. Karibu tena - welcome back!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Like many, we were looking for a place to stay before our safari and this was a good choice. The rooms were clean and nice, the food great, and the service excellent. It is about 45 minutes from the Kilimanjaro airport.
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Date of stay: July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
PRICE RANGE
US$216 - US$290 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
onsea house country inn & guest cottage hotel arusha, onsea house country inn and guest cottage, country inn arusha, arusha country inn
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Onsea House & Machweo Retreat
LOCATION
TanzaniaArusha RegionArusha
NUMBER OF ROOMS
14
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Frequently Asked Questions about Onsea House & Machweo Retreat
Which popular attractions are close to Onsea House & Machweo Retreat?
Nearby attractions include The Tanzanite Experience (5.7 km), The School of St Jude (1.2 km), and Mount Meru (4.9 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Onsea House & Machweo Retreat?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at Onsea House & Machweo Retreat?
Top room amenities include a minibar, a refrigerator, and an additional bathroom.
What food & drink options are available at Onsea House & Machweo Retreat?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and a free welcome drink during their stay.
Is parking available at Onsea House & Machweo Retreat?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Onsea House & Machweo Retreat?
Conveniently located restaurants include Chinese Whispers, Five Chutneys, and Georges Tavern.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Onsea House & Machweo Retreat?
Yes, guests have access to a pool, a sauna, and yoga classes during their stay.
Does Onsea House & Machweo Retreat have airport transportation?
Yes, Onsea House & Machweo Retreat offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at Onsea House & Machweo Retreat?
Yes, laundry service and a clothes dryer are offered to guests.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Onsea House & Machweo Retreat?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, French, Dutch, and Swahili.
Does Onsea House & Machweo Retreat have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the city view available here.