A member of the Taj hotels group, the Taj Pamodzi is centrally located, with easy access by car to the business and government areas and about 22 km from the airport. It's a modern nine-story building, surrounded by landscaped gardens and fully refurbished in 2004. The hotel has its own secure parking.
Uniformed doormen welcome visitors into a spacious and elegant lobby. Here, the reception formalities are kept to a minimum at individual desks, where a cool drink is served.
A comfortable lounge area makes a pleasant spot for tea or a drink, with a pianist playing
in the late afternoon. Leading off to one side is the Marula Bar, where sports aficionados can catch the latest games on TV over a beer.
Those seeking informal dining gravitate to the rather inappropriately named Jacaranda Coffee Shop. This is where breakfast and lunch are served, overlooking a large terrace area. In the evening, the menu offers a fairly broad selection, including some excellent Indian dishes, reflecting the hotel's ownership. The more formal Steaks 'n' Grills restaurant is open for dinner only, with live music every night. As you would expect, steaks and grilled meats are in evidence on the menu, but for something different, the chef's Indian specialties 
are well worth considering.
The hotel has its own fitness center, with squash courts and a good gym, a spa that features a sauna and steam room, and a hair salon. Outside, a large swimming pool graces the attractive grounds, and golf or tennis can be arranged. The hotel's business center, however, is a weak point, with insufficient computer terminals and outdated hardware.
Elevators lead to all floors, where traditional decor matches the style of the hotel. Bedrooms are fairly large and well-appointed, with comfortable beds, subtle but effective lighting, fruit on the table, and a bathroom with tub and shower. Each room, accessed with a key card, has a balcony with good views from those on the higher floors. Air-conditioning, satellite TV, Internet access, international telephone, fridge/minibar and a safe complete the package. Laundry can be arranged through the hotel's reception.
The standard of service is excellent, a subtle blend of professionalism with a natural welcome that is all too rare. The Taj Pamodzi is just a stone's throw from Lusaka's InterContinental Hotel, but its service marks it as the hotel of choice.
