Hôtel SAWA

4.0 star property
Beaux Arts hotel with airport shuttle service and a fitness center

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Photo gallery for Hôtel SAWA

Experience the hotel's resort-like atmosphere with a pool area and lush surroundings.
Experience the unique architectural design of this hotel, featuring spacious balconies on each floor.
Surrounded by lush greenery and city views, this property offers a convenient parking area.
Guests are assisted at the reception desk, where luggage can be stored and checked in.
Guest rooms and facilities are accessible from this well-lit corridor.

Reviews

6.8 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Gym
  • Free airport shuttle
  • Room service

Explore the area

View in a map
488 Rue De Verdun - Bonanjo, Douala, 2345
  • Port of Douala
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Douala Grand Mall
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Douala (DLA-Douala Intl.)
    ‪7 min drive‬

Room options

Comfort Double Room, City View

  • 323 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

Double Room (Prestige)

  • 377 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Comfort Double Room, Pool View

  • 323 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

Executive Room

  • 323 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Standard Double or Twin Room

  • 344 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Large Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Douala

Located in Bonanjo, Hôtel SAWA is a leisurely stroll from sights such as Douala Maritime Museum and Port of Douala. This 4-star hotel has 288 guestrooms and offers conveniences like a restaurant, an outdoor pool, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Port of Douala - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul - 3 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Eko Market - 4 min drive - 1.7 miles
  • La Nouvelle Liberte - 5 min drive - 3.2 miles
  • Douala Grand Mall - 6 min drive - 4.1 miles

Getting around

  • Douala (DLA-Douala Intl.) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Le Boj - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪One Rooftop - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Opiom Bali - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪L'Ovalie - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪La Pizzeria - ‬3 min drive

About this property

Hôtel SAWA

Beaux Arts hotel with airport shuttle service and a fitness center
Hôtel SAWA features an outdoor pool, a children's pool, and a gym. You can take advantage of free parking, along with a free airport shuttle (available 24 hours). Multilingual staff at the front desk are standing by 24/7 to help with securing valuables, concierge services, and dry cleaning/laundry. Additional amenities include a steam room, free WiFi in public areas, and an outdoor tennis court.
Guests can expect free wired internet and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Memory foam beds sport premium bedding and bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Private yards, safes, and desks are also standard.
An outdoor pool and a children's pool are on site. Other recreational amenities include an outdoor tennis court, a steam room, and a fitness center.

Children under 12 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool without adult supervision.

Languages

English, French

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free wired internet
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour free roundtrip airport shuttle
  • Free self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/truck parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily buffet breakfast available 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: USD 25 for adults and USD 15 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant
  • A swim-up bar
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Snack bar/deli

Things to do

  • Children's pool
  • Gym
  • Outdoor pool
  • Outdoor tennis court
  • Shopping
  • Steam room
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Children's pool
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Snack bar/deli
  • Soundproofed rooms

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Hair salon
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 24-hour business center
  • Conference space
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Spa

  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Massage

Accessibility

  • 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

  • 1 building
  • 8 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Beaux Arts architecture
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Reception hall

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Memory foam mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathtub
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with satellite channels

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Desk
  • Individual furnishings
  • Laptop workspace
  • Safe
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport; to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 48 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 17 per pet, per day
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, guests can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

  • One child 12 years old or younger stays free when using existing bedding
  • Cribs/infant beds are available for USD 31.0 per day

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • A tax is imposed by the city: USD 6.96 per accommodation, per night

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: approximately USD 25 for adults and USD 15 for children
  • Pet fee: USD 17 per pet, per day
  • Crib (infant bed) fee: USD 31.0 per day

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a security system
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
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM—-midnight
  • Check-out: noon
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the free airport shuttle (available 24 hours). Driving? This property offers free self parking, along with free RV, bus, and truck parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • 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.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a security system.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

SAWA Douala
Hôtel SAWA Hotel
Hôtel SAWA Douala
Hôtel SAWA Douala
Hôtel SAWA
Hôtel SAWA Hotel Douala

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at Hôtel SAWA?

Hôtel SAWA provides free cancellation on some room rates. To learn more, review the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

What is there to do close to Hôtel SAWA?

This hotel is situated in Bonanjo within a short 12-minute walk of Port of Douala and also 8 minutes on foot from Douala Maritime Museum. You'll also find Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul and Douala Grand Mall within a short drive.

Is there parking available at Hôtel SAWA?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel. Free RV/bus/truck parking is also available for guests.

Is there a spa at Hôtel SAWA?

Spa services at the hotel include mani/pedis and massages.

Does Hôtel SAWA feature a casino at the property?

No, Hôtel SAWA doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Hôtel SAWA?

No, this hotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.

Is Hôtel SAWA a good place to stay for couples?

There are plenty of amenities for couples at this hotel, including an outdoor pool, a poolside bar, and a restaurant.

Are there hot tubs at Hôtel SAWA?

No, but this hotel does have a steam room.

Does Hôtel SAWA feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Hôtel SAWA serves buffet breakfast each morning for a surcharge from its restaurant.

Does Hôtel SAWA allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although they can't stay for free, pets are welcome at Hôtel SAWA for a fee of USD 17 per pet, per day.

Are there connecting rooms at Hôtel SAWA?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

What is the closest airport to Hôtel SAWA?

The closest major airport to Hôtel SAWA is Douala (DLA-Douala Intl.), which is 3.9 mi away (27 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Hôtel SAWA?

Yes, some guestrooms at this hotel offer a balcony where guests can enjoy pool or city views.

Does Hôtel SAWA have a wedding venue on site?

If wedding bells are in your future, take advantage of the wedding venue at Hôtel SAWA.

Hôtel SAWA Reviews

Reviews

6.8
Rating 10 - Excellent. 6 out of 44 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 44 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 16 out of 44 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 44 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 44 reviews

6.8/10

Cleanliness

7.0/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

6.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Stephane, West Sacramento

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Jean-Jacques

Disliked: Cleanliness
Old or vetust shower tower on bath room. Room not smell fresh at all
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

John

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Romaric Belmier

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good customer service.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Christian

Disliked: Staff & service
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Adolphe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

4/10 Poor

Alexandre

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
nothing
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

George

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good location, friendly staff. The facilities need an upgrade.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022

8/10 Good

Amr

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Veey good

Very good stay, near the airport and the room was clean
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2022

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
First red flag my booking wasn't available when I there. Second the receptionist 😡
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
It is a mistake to book this property through Expedia. Expedia did not send my reservations information to the property and it caused me so much headache. I paid for breakfast on one of the days I reserved but Expedia claimed to the property that there was no breakfast included.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020

8/10 Good

Dennis A

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Hotel SAWA is a great deal for a great hotel.

Hotel SAWA is a great hotel in a good location. It is a good deal. The staff is very helpful. The on-site restaurant is clean and serves good food as well. The rooms are clean and serviced daily. The front desk staff are available and helpful. We have stayed there 3 times now. The main lobby is under construction at the moment, but they have done a good job of making the construction invisible.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019

6/10 Okay

Dave

Business traveler
Liked: Staff & service

Hotel needs updating badly

Very old hotel in a great location. Staff very friendly and helpful. Pool area great for sunset drink and snack.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

6/10 Okay

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Needs some work !

AC didn't go below 23deg, rooms are in desperate need of attention, there is a new lobby area being built. The pool and garden are a very nice place to relax and unwind, very friendly & helpful staff.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2019

6/10 Okay

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Nice but tired hotel, good for short stay only.

Old hotel in need of some renovation, the grounds were nice especially out by the pool area, the staff were extremely friendly and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Dennis A

Our choice hotel in Douala.

We have stayed at the Sawa Hotel on two different trips. We are always excited to arrive there. They have a nice restaurant attached to the hotel, with a buffet style service. The tap water always has plenty of pressure and hot which is a nice change from several hotels we have been in. The air conditioning is always working well and the linens on the bed and in the restroom are always clean. It is our choice hotel when we are in Douala.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2018

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Room comfort
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018

2/10 Terrible

Samuel, Hyattsville MD

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

No more

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2018

8/10 Good

Kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

SAWA for Business and swimming

I stay at the SAWA on business fairly regularly. It is an older property and you can have issues in the room on occasion with things such as the AC. Service is very good with some great. The outside eating area is very nice but the inside is a bit lacking. They do keep the rooms clean, pool is nice and a bit crazy on the weekends with families. WiFi is very spotty and I would recommend getting a local hotspot.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2018

8/10 Good

Stéphane, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Very pleasing staff

The staff was amazing et the rooms were very big and comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2018

4/10 Poor

Michelle, Kinshasa

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Conference hotel, moldy.

The hotel staff are friendly, but the rooms are a bit moldy and damp--constant struggle for places in douala. The restaurant takes a long time to order, and for large conferences they can't keep up with the demand, even though they do try hard. I'd rate this as a 2.5/5 hotel because I find it just under average.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2017

8/10 Good

Kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Improving!

The SAWA has been slowly sprucing back up. I have been coming here on business for a number of years and the last two years have shown improvements. The room had been freshened up, was clean (never an issue) AC worked well (improvement) and the hand held shower had a bracket (improvement). I don't do the breakfast buffet. Internet seemed more reliable this trip but it was a short stay.

6/10 Okay

Kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort

An okay spot on a business trip.

Have stayed here a number of times and they are working to spruce the place up. Fresh paint, new elevators, generally cleaner. However, it is an old property and there is still work to be done. For example on the air conditioning in the rooms, fixing shower heads (though always plenty of hot water), and providing ammenities like a water boiler for tea and coffee. The outside area is pleasant especially for breakfast (skip the breakfast buffet) or for the evening wind down.

10/10 Excellent

Javier, Honduras

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Nice hotel near to the airport

The hotel is very nice good swimming pool that you can relax and good restaurant bar beside.

4/10 Poor

James, USA

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Acceptable, several better alternatives in Douala

Travelled to Cameroon to see my fiancee, this is not my first visit to Cameroon, and I have visited many third world countries. However, for the price, this was not a great bargain. Room is pretty crummy, bedding poor. AC worked well, and restroom was adequate. Didn't try the restaurant, looked at the menu and felt it was overpriced, so went out. Stayed in the Futuris Hotel on my way out, and also looked at the Star Land, both were nicer than SAWA, and similarly priced.