We arrived at around 4.30 pm and checked into the room we had reserved. The room was spacious, clean and came with a big queen size bed and mossie net that closed around the entire bed – our room had its own outside seating area (they all do) and if you are a smoker, this is where you will do your smoking from as Gately does not allow smoking in the rooms. The room was tastefully furnished with a TV and satellite, dressing mirrors and side board. All the furniture is made from natural wood which gives the room that rustic look and feel. The shower was fantastic and it was made up of a combination of stone and pebbles and when showering it gave you that feeling of being outdoors and far from the city centre. The shower itself had the biggest shower head I have seen in the country so far with really decent water pressure and steaming hot water.

After a superb shower we headed off to the restaurant to enjoy a couple of ice cold beers and a meal later on. The restaurant was really busy the night we stayed at Gately Inn, with several big groups of people all eating and drinking the fine fare that Gately is famous for. After a couple of cold beers we decided to order some food – this proved to be rather tricky as everything we had wanted to order, like Gately’s famous Steaks and Beef burgers were not available as the other patrons had beaten us to the punch. I ended up having the Chicken Burger with chips which was tasty and filling but I really wanted that Steak! My partner is a vegetarian so she ordered the Aubergine and feta cheese stack which she ate with relish. We enjoyed a bottle of Obikwa Merlot (RSA), priced at 35,000/= with our main meal - the restaurant doesn’ t have a wine list as such, just a basket of a range of wines, all good and very reasonably priced – you choose the bottle of wine you want and they open it! On the whole, the meals were good, tasty and were served fairly quickly. The service from the staff is fast and efficient and the beers are served ice cold – the red wines are served at Ugandan room temperatures (which are slightly warm in my opinion, but then again by putting them in the fridge would make them far too cold). If you are particular about the way you drink your wine, then the staff will supply an ice bucket to gently chill your red wine down to 16 degrees C. After dinner, we shared a bowl of Gately’s fine ice cream which is always a firm favourite of mine. We then ordered coffees and more wine

to round off a really enjoyable evening out. When we were about to retire for the evening Juliet (our efficient and friendly) waitress organised our wake up calls and early morning coffees. The hotel offers two services, “knock on the door and leave the coffee” or “knock on the door until you open it, then hand over the coffee” – we opted for the “wait until you know for sure we are up” option – an ingenious addition, as a shout from the bed to “leave the coffee” could easily allow me to dose back off and miss the flight.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Gately Inn Entebbe - the prices for the accommodation are reasonable at 95 USD per person per night including breakfast and one airport transfer. The meals are well priced and wines and other drinks standard. It is well worth staying at Gately Inn Entebbe, whether you are stopping overnight to catch that early morning flight or simply wanting to relax and unwind for a day or two.

While at Gately you can purchase some of the best imported arts and craft giftware from around Africa. Selections have been hand-picked by the owner herself whilst their Jinja factory employs trainee tailors being professionally educated by their resident manager in the finer details of producing quality bags and Manchester goods. Wireless broadband internet is available from the terrace to all resident guests. Gately Inn offers 24 hour security with patrolled grounds and entry. Laundry services are available to all resident guests at a nominal fee. Credit Card facilities are also in the process of opening. One free shuttle service is provided per collection or drop off from Entebbe International Airport with flight details requested on booking confirmation.

For more information, please contact:-
Gately Inn Entebbe
2 Portal Avenue, Botanical / Zoo Junction, Main
Airport Drive, Entebbe
Tel: (041) 4321313. Mobile: +256 777 555966
Email: gately@utlonline.co.ug.
Website: www.gatelyinn.com

Gately on Nile update

Gately on Nile – the original brainchild of Merryde Loosemore is due to celebrate their ten year anniversary since opening in April 2010. Renovating an original Jinja bungalow by the shores of Lake Victoria, this expansive property has now evolved to twenty spacious, well appointed and superbly decorated rooms. Spanned across a generous four acres of tropical and well established gardens that attract the most exotic of Ugandan bird species, one can only feel relaxed and inspired in such a unique environment of tranquillity and water views. Gately is renowned for their extensive but quality‘bistro-style’ continental menu that has been complimented by an authentically ‘spiced-up’ Thai addition. Dine in the cosiest of rustic but elegant candle lit ambience, spanning the outdoor terrace and garden patio under the stars of the clear African night skies.

Jacqueline – one of the many long standing staff of the very efficient and friendly team has been personally trained as the in-house masseuse ready to offer you the ultimate indulgence for your restful stay. Treat yourself to the variety of attractive arts and crafts now displayed in the ‘gift gallery’ and sourced from all corners of Africa on Merryde’s travels. The new extension of seven rooms now gives Gately the capacity to offer private retreats and a conference venue with several options of break- away meeting arenas outdoors with that private, quiet and comfortable touch. The necessities of business acquirements are covered with wireless broadband internet and full time security. Do yourself a favour and check into Gately on Nile for a weekend of ‘time-out’ and soulful rejuvenation in this special and well reputed piece of paradise.

For more information, please contact:-
Gately on Nile
34B Kisinja Road, Jinja
Tel: (043) 4122400. Mobile: +256 772 469638
Email: gately@utlonline.co.ug.
Website: www.gately-on-nile.com