It is hit-and-miss at Mbarara’s Oxford Inn
The inconsistency at Oxford Inn hotel, right in the heart of Mbarara city, can leave you torn, wondering whether to give the place a second chance or write it off completely.
It is like that maddening girlfriend who annoys you endlessly but still has something irresistibly charming that keeps your heart arguing with your head. The hotel gets a lot right at first glance.
With its 21st-century décor, modern furniture, chandeliered ceilings, and impressively clean, spacious rooms, one is convinced this three-star spot is worth the Shs 100,000 per night. Well, almost.
But then the cracks begin to show. Recurring issues like low water pressure, inconsistent hot water and poor drainage in the bathrooms start to chip away at the illusion. Quite sad, because this used to be one of Mbarara’s hospitality benchmarks.
Then comes the food. One day, you are treated to a near-religious experience of perfectly brewed African tea, or a hearty chicken stew with kalo (millet bread). The next day?
You are poking at a dry, uninspired omelette or sipping on the blandest coffee with breakfast. How a kitchen can go from five stars at lunch to complete confusion by dinner is anyone’s guess.
Maybe it is a different chef each mealtime. The customer service plays a similar pattern. In the morning, you might be greeted by warm, attentive staff with a genuine smile.
But come shift change, you could be met with cold stares, clueless expressions, or staff who struggle with English and basic hospitality etiquette. Real mood swings served aplenty. Oxford Inn can charm, but it also can disappoint; all within the same 24 hours.
