The Arabic touches and European elegance of this 5-star palace are just a few meandering minutes from the city centre. Its 230 rooms offer luxury in abundance with king-size beds, much needed air-conditioning, cable TV and separate sitting areas. The hotel also has enough bars, lounges and restaurants to form a break away village, but visitors are usually too busy relaxing in the swimming pool and wellness centre to worry about such fantasies.

In the chic Slipway section of the city, the DoubleTree by Hilton is a wonderful waterfront stay that overlooks Oyster Bay. Its spacious, regal-looking rooms are styled with African art and aristocratic furnishings, and all come with complementary internet, LCD TVs, refined bathrooms and the finest Egyptian cotton sheets. With a swimming pool and three restaurants on-site, the whim of every guest should be catered for.

Providing a slice of serenity in this busy and bustling city, the 5-star oasis of The Kilimanjaro offer views over the open Indian Ocean as well as an affable, rooftop infinity pool if the beach seems a little too far away. The 180 large rooms mix African and European features and come with refreshing rain showers, king-size beds, satellite TVs and high speed internet. There are also two excellent restaurants on-site that dish up international fare and local specialties, as well as a lively lounge with an outdoor terrace. Its luxury wellness centre offers spa treatments, saunas, steam rooms and a gym.

The 45 rooms at the Atlantis Hotel are stylish, sumptuous and swanky. With modern touches of crisp white linen, satisfyingly soft mattresses and large windows, the spacious sleeping quarters also come with air-conditioning, huge plasma TVs, en-suite bathrooms and large balconies. The steaks and freshly-caught fish in the on-site restaurant are worth your time, or spruce up in the hotel's hair salon and spa.

Pitched up on the Msasani Peninsula, with views out to the dhows that skim across the Indian Ocean, the Coral Beach Hotel is a boutique retreat with all the luxurious trimmings of a 5-star sanctuary. Its 62 rooms come with Posturepedic beds, flatscreen TVs, free Wi-Fi and the finest Italian bathroom essentials, while its sea-facing swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and spa all offer guests an oasis of calm.

Right in the heart of the city, just a few streets from the waterfront, the New Africa Hotel is a modern and well equipped bolthole that offers large, comfy beds, flat screen TVs and Wi-Fi. While only some rooms afford views over the harbour, the excellent rooftop restaurant gives superb vistas for all enjoying its tasty Thai tucker. There is also an on-site casino for those that like a roll and the hotel's dimly lit bar tends to pack out on a Friday night.

Just a short walk to the ferry terminal, Hotel Nikko Tower is great for either a swift stay before heading to Zanzibar or for a longer budget break in Dar. Clean and colourful rooms have large TVs, free Wi-Fi and decent double beds and there is a simple fitness centre on the top floor. The on-site sports bar has a decent happy hour and shows live games on a large screen.

Centrally located, the Hotel Sapphire is a clean and pleasant budget option with 63 rooms to choose from. All come with either queen-size or twin beds as well as cable TV as standard. Marble floors help cool the sleeping quarters, while large bathrooms, Wi-Fi and coffee and tea making facilities ensure guests have everything they need. Best of all though are the extremely helpful staff and the rooftop bar, which gives great views across the city.

This clean and airy hotel in the centre of the city has much going for it. Spacious, air-conditioned rooms come with complementary Wi-Fi, satellite TV and great showers, while suites have more room and large Jacuzzi baths. The Shaba Lounge on the 10th floor has views of the harbour and a small, but fully-equipped gym, sauna and spa are good for unwinding.