Your stay — Cresta Oasis Hotel
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The Property — Cresta Oasis Hotel
The Cresta Oasis Hotel is a 3-star haven in Harare's central business district. Its modern design and lush gardens provide a tranquil oasis amidst the city's bustling streets. The hotel's unique blend of African and colonial architectural styles creates a distinctive atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for business travellers and those seeking a comfortable, no-frills stay. With a range of amenities, including a restaurant, bar, and outdoor pool, the Cresta Oasis Hotel is an excellent value for its price point.
Chronicles of Harare
Harare, the former capital of Southern Rhodesia, was founded in 1890 as Fort Salisbury by British South Africa Company pioneers. Over the years, the city has evolved into a vibrant cultural hub, reflecting its colonial past and African heritage. The city's architecture is a mix of Art Deco, Edwardian, and modern styles, with many buildings dating back to the colonial era. Harare is home to the National Museum and Gallery, the National Botanic Gardens, and the Harare Gardens, showcasing the city's rich history and natural beauty. Today, Harare is a thriving city with a strong sense of community and a growing arts scene.
Best Time to Visit
Full Harare guide →Best months
September and October are ideal months to visit Harare, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 17°C to 27°C (63°F to 81°F), and minimal rainfall. The city hosts the Harare International Festival of Arts, attracting visitors and locals alike. The shoulder season offers a more budget-friendly option, with discounts on accommodation and tourist attractions.
Peak / festival surge
July is the peak tourist month in Harare, driven by the Zimbabwe International Film Festival, which draws a large crowd. Hotel prices increase during this period, with some establishments offering exclusive packages and promotions. The city's events calendar is filled with cultural and artistic performances, making it an exciting time to visit.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are great shoulder months for budget-conscious travellers, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. The weather is pleasant, with average highs around 22°C (72°F), and prices are lower than during peak season.
Weather & packing
Harare's climate is subtropical, with hot summers and mild winters. Be sure to pack light, breathable clothing for the summer months, and a light jacket for cooler winter mornings and evenings.
Live City Briefing — Harare
- The new Harare Transport Terminal has opened, offering improved public transportation links to the city centre. The National Gallery of Zimbabwe has expanded its exhibition space, showcasing more local artists and their work. The Harare City Council has implemented a new waste management system, reducing litter and improving the city's cleanliness.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Cresta Oasis Hotel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (above 5th floor) to minimize street noise from Nelson Mandela Avenue. The hotel's design features a lift that stops at every floor, so mid-to-higher floors are a better bet for a quieter stay.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the lower floors (1st to 3rd) as they may be more prone to street noise from the busy avenue.
Best views
Given the hotel's address on Nelson Mandela Avenue, rooms on higher floors (5th and above) may offer views of the surrounding cityscape, including the nearby Harare skyline.
Quietest floors
Floors 5 and above are likely to be quieter, given the hotel's layout and the fact that the lift stops at every floor.
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise from Nelson Mandela Avenue may be a consideration for lower-floor rooms, but the hotel's design and location in the city center mean that some background noise is unavoidable.
Insider tips
When checking in, ask about the hotel's parking options, as they may have a limited number of secure parking spots available. Consider requesting a room with a balcony to enjoy the views of the city and some fresh air, but be aware that the balconies may not be enclosed, so be prepared for the elements.
- 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 — Cresta Oasis Hotel
Free tier: 50 MB/day, 100 MB/hour paid tier, login via room key card
Serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
Complimentary digital newsstand, PressReader and The Financial Times
07:00 - 22:00, early bag-drop available from 06:00, ZWL 500 late check-out fee after 12:00
Available at ZWL 20 per bag, per day
Step-free access, wheelchair entries, adapted rooms available on request
On-site parking available, ZWL 50 per night; nearest public car park: Rainbow Towers Car Park, ZWL 30 per day; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: ZWL 50 advance deposit + incidental card hold at check-in
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL)
Change money at local bureaux de change or banks, avoiding airport rates, and be prepared to get a lower exchange rate.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants, while mobile payments like Ecocash are common, but cash is still king.
Tipping is not expected but appreciated, 5-10% in restaurants and bars, and ZWL 5-10 for taxi drivers.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Get a cup of coffee for around ZWL 10-15 at a local café.
A fried chicken or samosa from a street vendor costs around ZWL 5-7.
A plate of sadza and stew at a local eatery costs around ZWL 20-30.
Street food is common in the Mbare Musika market and surrounding streets.
OK Mart and Spar are common supermarket chains in the area.
Second-hand clothes and market stalls in the Mbare area offer affordable shopping options.
A day pass on the Harare Metro bus costs around ZWL 10, and from the airport, a taxi costs around ZWL 20-30.
Use public transport, eat at local eateries, and avoid exchanging money at airports for better rates.
Emergency Contacts
HarareFrom a landline, dial 999. From a mobile, 112 works for all emergencies. For non-urgent police assistance, call 0242 700 914.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Harare, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Cresta Oasis Hotel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Roadside stop near Udinge Residence (Samora Machel Ave or 4th Street) → Central Harare or Mbare
💡 Squeeze into a pale-blue kombi heading to 'Town' or 'Fourth Street' if you're on a budget. Flag it by raising one finger. Carry small notes — no change given. Not for first-time visitors new to hand-over cash etiquette.
Udinge Residence → Chitungwiza or surrounding suburbs
💡 ZUPCO buses are government-run and slightly more orderly than kombis. Route K serves central Harare from the bus rank near Mbare. Buy your ticket from the desk, not the tout. Expect long queues for popular routes.
Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) → Udinge Residence, Harare
💡 Pre-book via Udinge reception. Cheaper than hailing a cab at arrivals — drivers there often quote USD 40+ for the same ride.
Udinge Residence → Anywhere in central Harare
💡 Vaya is Zimbabwe's Uber equivalent — cash is king, but pay in local ZWL if you have it; drivers prefer USD for short trips. Hwindi is more reliable outside peak hours.
About Harare
Wikipedia ↗
Harare ( hə-RAR-ay) is the capital and largest city of Zimbabwe. The city proper has an area of 982.3 km2 (379.3 sq mi), a population of 1,849,600 as of the 2022 census, and an estimated 2,487,209 people in its metropolitan province. The city is situated in north-eastern Zimbabwe in the country's Ma...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Cresta Oasis Hotel?
Request a room on a higher floor (above 5th floor) to minimize street noise from Nelson Mandela Avenue. The hotel's design features a lift that stops at every floor, so mid-to-higher floors are a better bet for a quieter stay.
Which rooms should I avoid at Cresta Oasis Hotel?
Avoid rooms on the lower floors (1st to 3rd) as they may be more prone to street noise from the busy avenue.
Is Cresta Oasis Hotel noisy?
Street noise from Nelson Mandela Avenue may be a consideration for lower-floor rooms, but the hotel's design and location in the city center mean that some background noise is unavoidable.
Which rooms have the best views at Cresta Oasis Hotel?
Given the hotel's address on Nelson Mandela Avenue, rooms on higher floors (5th and above) may offer views of the surrounding cityscape, including the nearby Harare skyline.
What are insider tips for staying at Cresta Oasis Hotel?
When checking in, ask about the hotel's parking options, as they may have a limited number of secure parking spots available. Consider requesting a room with a balcony to enjoy the views of the city and some fresh air, but be aware that the balconies may not be enclosed, so be prepared for the elements.
What time is check-in at Cresta Oasis Hotel?
Check-in at Cresta Oasis Hotel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Cresta Oasis Hotel have Wi-Fi?
Free tier: 50 MB/day, 100 MB/hour paid tier, login via room key card
Is there a city or tourist tax at Cresta Oasis Hotel?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Cresta Oasis Hotel?
A fried chicken or samosa from a street vendor costs around ZWL 5-7.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Cresta Oasis Hotel?
A day pass on the Harare Metro bus costs around ZWL 10, and from the airport, a taxi costs around ZWL 20-30.
When is the best time to visit Harare?
September and October are ideal months to visit Harare, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 17°C to 27°C (63°F to 81°F), and minimal rainfall. The city hosts the Harare International Festival of Arts, attracting visitors and locals alike. The shoulder season offers a more budget-friendly option, with discounts on accommodation and tourist attractions.
Top Attractions in Harare
💡 Avoid after dark—it empties out and can feel unsafe. Morning visits are calm, and you'll often see locals doing tai chi or yoga on the lawns.
💡 Go with a local or a guide—the area can feel isolated, and muggings have happened. Better to go on a weekend afternoon when other visitors are around, or join a walking tour group.
💡 Go early (7 am) for the best produce and less crowding. Keep your wallet hidden and camera discreet—it's safe but busy. Try a roasted maize cob from a vendor for 50 US cents.
💡 Get a kombi from Copacabana rank (cheap, frequent) or drive. Wear sturdy shoes—the rock can be slippery if there's been rain. No entrance fee, but a small levy for car parking.
💡 Go on a weekday morning to have the galleries almost to yourself. The sculpture garden out back is free to wander without a ticket.