Omali São Tomé

This was definitely a terrible experience that we will not repeat. On one of the days we stayed at the Omali Lodge in Sao Tome, we got to our room and there was a huge crab in the toilet bowl. We contacted reception, and a cleaning lady came and pushed it down the toilet and flushed it. We changed rooms and that was that. Later the same day, we were feeding dogs who were roaming outside the Omali restaurant, when the hotel's General Manager, Mr. José Miguel Ferreira Mendes, told us, in a very rude and annoying way, that we couldn't do that because then the dogs wouldn't leave and would come back for more. We asked to speak to him to understand the reasons for his rudeness and to better understand why street dogs are outside Omali Lodge, when they can be better tended and cared for by the hotel staff in other areas. We also discussed the event earlier that day. His response was to completely dismiss the situation and to disrespectfully make light of the situation. His rudeness and his dismissive attitude prompted us to check out of the Omali Lodge then and there and move elsewhere. Such behavior can never be condoned and must is least accepted from anyone, and even more so from the hotel's General Manager. He told us he has been here for years and years, but the staff, who treated us very very well told us that no one likes the General Manager. Since we were there for business, we understand the value and time a good clean hotel gives and Omali seemed just right till this happened. Clearly, it is obvious that Mr. José Miguel Ferreira Mendes is not fit to handle customer complaints, lend a listening ear, and resolve problems from their root, let alone manage a hotel.

Booked with Omali lodge and it was a lovely stay with them. I somehow get a family room for myself (maybe I booked it wrong) and it’s party time haha! When I stepped into the room, I love the fresh smell in the room. I arrived around 4pm and I stayed in the room most of the time after except dinner since I really like the smell . Let’s talk about dinner, indeed the waiting time is a bit long but I ordered the grill fish and it was delicious. The staff here speaks decent English and I enjoyed my time here

We transferred to Omali from a different hotel, 4km away. Omali offered a transfer at an eye-watering price of 25 euros *per person*. A five minute car journey for two people at 50 euros was a somewhat insulting and bizarre offer. There are large ants all over the hotel, including inside the rooms. The food was delicious, but more than double the price of good local restaurants. On our second day, three large crabs had made their way into the pool and these were not removed for over an hour until we had to remove them ourselves. The hotel advertises itself as having a fitness centre, but you have to request a key to use this. Also slightly strangely the general manager asked on the third day why I wanted to use the gym every day. Overall, there are certainly better value for money options on the island.

It‘s and old Lodge Style Hotel with ground and 1st flor bungalows. When I give 5 Stars it‘s because I believe it‘s the best hotel in São Tomé. Best and expansive but that‘s Africa. Good Management and staff bring the really best Food onto your table. Small desadvantage: they let enter native kids in the Pool for a fee which makes it a bit noisy on weekends. Anyway, a good idea.

We stayed here for 8 days over new year. It is rare for me to review places on TA at all nowadays, and even rarer to give such a high rating. But I really have nothing but praise for the place. Rooms were a good size, comfy bed, good shower, all the necessaries. Restaurant menu was great - not huge, but every dish was tasty. Staff were impeccable in their manners and frienndly disposition. If I have to find a criticism, the f&b servive could be a little slow at times and it is a shame you have to cross a road to get to the beachfront. But they are really minor gripes.

Came to Omali for a nice meal. This is supposed to be the nicest hotel on the island, we have had the worst experience since arriving on Sao Tome - Antonio the manager has assured that we will never return to this hotel, possibly not even the island. We waited OVER AN HOUR after ordering for drinks and food, which were sub par at best and massively overpriced. To top it all off they overcharged us by €40 and when we went back to get the money back (after having to pay for a taxi there and back), Antonio the manager did not take us seriously or apologise once, he also shouted in my face. Once we raised it the waiter and manager were smirking, and treated us like we were the ones in the wrong. It was absolutely shocking and disgusting. This is the worst service we have ever experienced and I don’t know how Antonio ever got the job as the manager. It is definitely not a reflection of the kindness and hospitality we have experienced from the lovely people of Sao Tome. Avoid Omali like the plague!!!!