🇿🇼 Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Hotel St Patrick's
📍 12th Avenue, Bulawayo
Your stay — Hotel St Patrick's
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Bulawayo.
The Property — Hotel St Patrick's
Hotel St Patrick's is a no-frills 3-star hotel that exudes a warm, welcoming atmosphere, with a façade that echoes the city's colonial architecture. The interior is a mix of vintage and modern elements, with a hint of African flair. This unpretentious hotel is perfect for budget-conscious travellers who want a comfortable base to explore Bulawayo's historic centre. Its central location means you're within walking distance to the city's iconic National Museum and the bustling Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Statue.
Chronicles of Bulawayo
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second-largest city, was founded in 1897 by Cecil Rhodes, a British colonialist, and was designed as a planned city with a grid system. The city's architecture reflects its colonial past, with a mix of Edwardian and Art Deco buildings, while its cultural identity is shaped by its Ndebele and Kalanga heritage. Today, Bulawayo is known for its rich history, cultural festivals, and a lively arts scene. The city's National Museum and Natural History Museum are must-visits to understand its complex past. The city's nickname, 'City of Kings', is a testament to its rich history and cultural significance.
Best Time to Visit
Full Bulawayo guide →Best months
The best months to visit Bulawayo are September, October, and November, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 18-25°C and minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time to explore the city's historical sites and national parks.
Peak / festival surge
December is the peak tourist month in Bulawayo, driven by the festive season and the annual Bulawayo Arts Festival, which showcases local music, dance, and art. Expect higher hotel prices and larger crowds during this time.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are the best budget shoulder months in Bulawayo, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time for budget-conscious travellers. You can expect discounts on hotel prices and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Weather & packing
Bulawayo's climate is subtropical, with a dry season from May to October and a wet season from November to April. Pack light, breathable clothing and be prepared for sudden rain showers, especially during the wet season.
Live City Briefing — Bulawayo
- The Zimbabwe National Roads Administration has announced plans to upgrade the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Highway, which may affect traffic in the area; visitors are advised to check for updates before travel. The Bulawayo City Council has launched a new cycling scheme, allowing visitors to rent bicycles and explore the city's scenic routes. The National Gallery of Zimbabwe is hosting a new exhibition on Ndebele art, which is a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hotel St Patrick's, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors (above 3rd floor) to minimize the potential for street noise from 12th Avenue. As a 3-star hotel, Hotel St Patrick's likely has a decent floor-to-ceiling window design, so rooms on higher floors will have a better view of the surrounding area.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the service entrance or lift, as they may be prone to noise from deliveries and guest traffic.
Best views
Rooms on the higher floors (4th floor and above) may offer a view of the surrounding cityscape, including the nearby Bulawayo city center.
Quietest floors
The 2nd floor and above are likely to be relatively quiet, considering the hotel's address on a main road.
🔊 Noise notes
As 12th Avenue is a main road, rooms on lower floors may experience some traffic noise, especially during peak hours. However, the hotel's location in the city center suggests that the noise should be manageable.
Insider tips
Be sure to request a room with a window that faces away from the street if you're a light sleeper. If you're planning to stay for an extended period, consider requesting a room with a larger floor area or a room that has been recently renovated, as these may be available at a higher floor level.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Hotel St Patrick's
Complimentary fibre-optic internet throughout, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
serves all floors; no stairs-only historic sections
Complimentary digital newsstand via PressReader, physical papers available in the lobby
08:00-22:00, early check-in available from 06:00 with prior arrangement, late check-out until 14:00 for ZWL 200
Available 24/7 for a fee of ZWL 50 per piece per day
Step-free access, wheelchair-accessible entrance, accessible rooms available upon request
On-site parking available for ZWL 50 per night, nearest public car park is Gladys Shaw Car Park at ZWL 30 per day, EV charging available for ZWL 10 per hour
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: ZWL 100 advance deposit, ZWL 500 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Greek Orthodox Church (773 m · ~10 min walk)
- Church: Harvest House International Church (1.3 km · ~16 min walk)
- Church: Bulawayo East Seventh-Day Adventist Church (1.7 km · ~21 min walk)
- Church: Abundant Life Church (1.7 km · ~21 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Meikles — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk
Centenary Park — 972 m · ~12 min walk
The Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
Bulawayo Theatre — 1.2 km · ~16 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk
Whitchem Pharmacy — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
Eagle Liner — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →South African Rand, ZAR
Travellers can exchange money at local bureaux de change or use ATMs to withdraw ZAR. Be cautious of poor exchange rates at the airport or tourist bureaux.
Most businesses accept major credit cards, including Visa and Mastercard, but some smaller shops may not accept card payments. Contactless payments are becoming more common.
Tipping is generally 5-10% in restaurants and bars, and 10-20% for good service. Tipping for taxi drivers is not expected but rounding up the fare is a nice gesture.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee can cost around 10-15 ZAR from a local coffee shop.
A plate of sadza (a staple Zimbabwean dish) from a street vendor costs around 20-30 ZAR.
A budget-friendly dinner option at a local eatery can cost around 50-70 ZAR for a main course.
Street food is readily available in the nearby Nelson Mandela Road area, offering a variety of local dishes.
Local supermarkets such as SPAR and OK Zimbabwe are common in this area.
The Mbizo Market is a good place to find affordable high-street and second-hand clothing.
A single taxi ride costs around 5-10 ZAR, and a day pass for the local bus service is available for 10 ZAR.
Bargain for prices at markets and with taxi drivers.Avoid exchanging money at the airport or tourist bureaux.Use local currency for small purchases to avoid poor exchange rates.
Emergency Contacts
BulawayoFrom a mobile, dial 112. For non-urgent police help, dial (09) 888 800. The main hospital is Mpilo Central Hospital: (09) 208 000.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Bulawayo, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Hotel St Patrick's
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk — pharmacy · Whitchem Pharmacy — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Bulawayo bus terminus (15th Avenue & Fife Street) → Burombo Hotel (near City Hall)
💡 Look for combi route 'City Centre – Famona' – tell the conductor you're alighting at the City Hall stop. Keep change; they don't give receipts.
Bulawayo city centre (any rank) → Burombo Hotel
💡 These are shared sedans (not combis). Wait until you have a full car – four passengers – for the lowest fare. You'll need to specify 'City Hall stop' clearly; the driver might drop you a block off.
Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ) → Burombo Hotel, Bulawayo city centre
💡 Pre-book with Mzilikazi Taxis or Burombo's front desk to avoid haggling. Most drivers accept US dollars cash – have small bills.
Bulawayo Railway Station (central) → Burombo Hotel (5-minute walk from station north along 8th Avenue)
💡 Only useful if you're arriving by train from Victoria Falls or Harare. The station exit is 400m from Burombo – easy walk with luggage. Don't rely on it for airport runs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Hotel St Patrick's?
Request a room on the higher floors (above 3rd floor) to minimize the potential for street noise from 12th Avenue. As a 3-star hotel, Hotel St Patrick's likely has a decent floor-to-ceiling window design, so rooms on higher floors will have a better view of the surrounding area.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hotel St Patrick's?
Avoid rooms near the service entrance or lift, as they may be prone to noise from deliveries and guest traffic.
Is Hotel St Patrick's noisy?
As 12th Avenue is a main road, rooms on lower floors may experience some traffic noise, especially during peak hours. However, the hotel's location in the city center suggests that the noise should be manageable.
Which rooms have the best views at Hotel St Patrick's?
Rooms on the higher floors (4th floor and above) may offer a view of the surrounding cityscape, including the nearby Bulawayo city center.
What are insider tips for staying at Hotel St Patrick's?
Be sure to request a room with a window that faces away from the street if you're a light sleeper. If you're planning to stay for an extended period, consider requesting a room with a larger floor area or a room that has been recently renovated, as these may be available at a higher floor level.
What time is check-in at Hotel St Patrick's?
Check-in at Hotel St Patrick's is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hotel St Patrick's have Wi-Fi?
Complimentary fibre-optic internet throughout, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hotel St Patrick's?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Hotel St Patrick's?
A plate of sadza (a staple Zimbabwean dish) from a street vendor costs around 20-30 ZAR.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hotel St Patrick's?
A single taxi ride costs around 5-10 ZAR, and a day pass for the local bus service is available for 10 ZAR.
When is the best time to visit Bulawayo?
The best months to visit Bulawayo are September, October, and November, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 18-25°C and minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time to explore the city's historical sites and national parks.
Top Attractions in Bulawayo
💡 Visit late afternoon for shade and a cooler breeze. Avoid after dark—it's not well lit. The vendors near the Josiah Tongogara statue are cheapest.
💡 Come early in the morning for the best selection of fruits and to watch the haggling. Keep valuables in a front pocket; it gets busy. Bargaining is expected—start at half the asking price.
💡 The second-floor bird gallery has a fine collection of regional species, often overlooked. Spend an hour or two here; it's air-conditioned and quiet on weekday afternoons.
💡 Ask the caretaker to open the Royal Train carriage—it's usually locked but accessible if you ask nicely. Combine with a walk along the nearby mainline tracks for photography.
💡 Bring water and a hat; there's no shade on the main terrace. Go early to avoid midday heat. The guides expect a small tip but are knowledgeable.