Overlooking the ocean, the inviting pool area offers a classic retreat in this century-old Maputo landmark. Attentive staff provide exceptional service with a generous breakfast spread. After exploring the central neighborhood, visitors can unwind at the bar or rejuvenate in the spa.
Maputo is home to Polana Serena Hotel. FEIMA Craft Market and Shopping 24 are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Xefina Pequena and Macaneta Beach. Instituto Camões Centro Cultural Português and Centro Cultural Americano Martin Luther King Jr. are also worth visiting. Visit our Maputo travel guide
Avenida Julius Nyerere 1380, Maputo, 00100
What's nearby
Vila Algarve
12 min walk - 1.0 km
Núcleo de Arte
17 min walk - 1.4 km
Geology Museum
17 min walk - 1.4 km
Eduardo Mondlane University
2 min drive - 1.9 km
Museum of Natural History
2 min drive - 1.5 km
Getting around
Maputo (MPM-Maputo Intl.)
18 min drive
Restaurants
Mundo's
8 min walk
Quiosque Wow
3 min walk
Cafe Estoril
7 min walk
Piri Piri Restaurant
14 min walk
Bairro Bistro
10 min walk
About this property
Polana Serena Hotel
Luxury hotel
A terrace, a garden, and a hair salon are just a few of the amenities provided at Polana Serena Hotel. Indulge in a facial, aromatherapy, and Ayurvedic treatments at Serena Maisha, the onsite spa. At the 3 on-site restaurants, enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, light fare, and sushi. Fitness classes are offered at the gym; the property also has dry cleaning/laundry services, car rentals on site, and a bar. In addition to a business center and a steam room, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Additional perks include:
An indoor pool and an outdoor pool, along with sun loungers
Free self parking
A roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), babysitting (surcharge), and ATM/banking services
Laundry services, massage treatment rooms, and a gift shop
Room features
All 153 rooms have comforts such as 24-hour room service and laptop-friendly workspaces, as well as thoughtful touches like air conditioning and bathrobes.
More amenities include:
Shared bathrooms with jetted tubs and free toiletries
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Elevator
Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
More
2 buildings
3 floors
Banquet hall
Built in 1922
Mosquito nets
Smoking not allowed
Room amenities
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Blackout drapes
Bathroom
Bathrobes
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Jetted bathtub
Shared bathroom
Shower/bathtub combination
Slippers
Towels provided
Entertainment
LCD TV with satellite premium channels
Food and drink
24-hour room service
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Free bottled water
Minibar
More
Air conditioning
Desk
Desk chair
Free daily newspapers
Iron/ironing board
Laptop workspace
Phone
Safe
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: noon; Check-in end time: midnight
Late check-in subject to availability
Late check-in fee: 75-percent of room rate for check-in between midnight and 6:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
If you are planning to arrive after 10:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Access methods
Staffed front desk
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Property payment types
Important information
Optional extras
Airport shuttle fee: MZN 200 per person (one way)
Late check-in fee: 75-percent of room rate for check-in between midnight and 6:00 AM
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve high chair
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Property Registration Number 400000611
We should mention
Some facilities may have restricted access; guests can contact the property for details using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Guests under 14 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool or fitness facility
Guests under 18 years old are not allowed in the spa
Frequently asked questions
Does Polana Serena Hotel have a pool?
Yes, this property has an indoor pool and an outdoor pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Polana Serena Hotel?
As of Sept 22, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Polana Serena Hotel on Oct 4, 2026 start from CA $236, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Polana Serena Hotel pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking?
Self parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at Polana Serena Hotel?
Check-in start time: noon; Check-in end time: midnight. Late check-in is available from midnight–
6:00 AM for a fee of 75%.
What time is check-out at Polana Serena Hotel?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Does Polana Serena Hotel provide a shuttle to the airport?
Yes, there's an airport shuttle. A fee of MZN 200 per person applies.
Where is Polana Serena Hotel located?
Situated in Maputo, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of FEIMA Craft Market, Instituto Camões Centro Cultural Português, and Centro Cultural Americano Martin Luther King Jr.. Vila Algarve and Geology Museum are also within 1 mi (2 km).
Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?
Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Reviews
Polana Serena Hotel Reviews
8.8
Excellent
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
Get the ocean room view - magnificent! The spa was wonderful and the staff was amazing. I especially enjoyed the airport shuttle driver Masanga (spelling?) - what an amazing ambassador for Mozambique this gentleman is!
Beautifully located hotel. You even local foreigners coming in just for Sunday breakfast, so it must be popular. Some of the decor looked a little in need of some love and attention, but overall a beautiful elegant property.
Had a lovely facial at the spa. The staff there were excellent. There is also a decent gym to use.
The staff in La Veranda restaurant could do with a bit more training, but they do try hard!
One of the best hotels I’ve stayed in. Staff goes above and beyond to help and make you feel welcome and comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Bianca
Oct 5, 2025
Liked: Amenities
The staff was very professional and helpful with all of our needs. Happy people working at the hotel. Amazing breakfast. The shower needs an adjustment cause the water temperature changes all the time from cold to super hot! 😅
Excellent customer service. The staff was extremely professional and helpful!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review
8/10 Good
Anselmo
Jan 30, 2026
The hotel was great, modern and very large room, friendly staff, and beautiful pool and lobby. But it doesn't merit a five. The problem were the staff in the bar and restaurant. I had to ask two people for coffee at breakfast. Also had to ask about a sandwich at lunch at the bar. How can it take almost 30 minutes to get a sandwich?
The area is very safe, right next to the presidency. I hope they can build elevators that get you from the main building to the rooms on the 4th floor. The views from the 4th floor rooms are amazing!
Stay in central Maputo was great. Very safe area, lovely gym and pool and breakfasts at Polana. Very helpful staff for first time visitors. Meals in restaurants within walking distance. Had a few fun filled days. Thank you.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024
Verified review
8/10 Good
Sylvie
Oct 26, 2024
Liked: Amenities
No toiletries on the room unlike other Serena hotels
Expected more from this high rated hotel. As a female solo traveller, I requested airport pick up and confirmed it twice. The communication to do that took several days each time. Upon my arrival, the driver was holding the hotel name sign but he did not have my name on his list. Luckily he was still able to take me.
Room was clean and comfortable. Wifi was excellent. Pool was great.
There were many conferences/events going on in the hotel. When I went in for lunch, it was empty. I looked at all the hot dishes and started with a salad. All the attendees came in and the line for the hot food was so long, I left. While in line, the attendees also took almost all of the desserts as they waited. For cold salads, buns and a couple desserts it was 55CAD. I thought that was outrageous for what I ate.
I requested at minimum a partial refund at the front desk. She had to call the restaurant. Rep came and he had to call his superior. This superior had to call his superior. I left the hotel before this issue was resolved.
The last employee/manager did waive my dinner on my last night. I would not return to this hotel.
Good looking classic hotel with good amenities (gym, pool, bar etc.), overlooking ocean and nice history - over 100 years old.
First time I’d stayed there and only negatives: there was very little atmosphere - restaurant and bar were almost empty each night. Perhaps due to the political issues in Mozambique at the time, there were less travellers.
More annoying was breakfast though - after the first morning (which was typical breakfast buffet), they changed without warning to a table service.
I am guessing again this was because they wanted to save money with the hotel not being busy.
I would not have an issue with this, however there were no menus on the tables, so you had to awkwardly make choices as the staff stood over you with the one menu! It also took staff an age to take the order, even though there seemed plenty of staff doing little.
If you want traditional style - I would stay again. For service and food, the Southern Sun is far better.
I had an amazing stay. Beautiful and safe place. Great staff and very clean. The only thing-it was very pricey considering local prices. The food, shuttle services, and amenities cost at least 3x that of offsite options.