Hotel Avenida Maputo, Maputo

The Avenida is far superior to what I expected in a war-ravaged country like Mozambique. For the business traveler with a laptop, it is ideal. Each room has high-speed internet connections at no additional cost. If you do not have your own computer, the business center has four, plus a printer. The breakfast buffet, which is included in the room price, is probably the best that I have seen anywhere in the world. The location is excellent, with some rooms having a view of the Indian Ocean, while others overlook the city. Maputo has a large number of excellent restaurants, and several are within easy walking distance of the hotel. They range from Mundo's, an expat hangout with good food and cold beer, to a Brazilian-style rodizio and Micasa, which has game and excellent seafood. If you wish to eat in, the dining room is also excellent. The staff is very courteous and helpful. Laundry is out by 9, back by 5, so you can pack lighter. Fresh fruit, bottled water, and a flower show up in the room without asking, and the turndown service incluces a chocolate on your pillow. TV includes English, French, German, and Portuguese channels. My credentials for judging include four extended stays, with two being 3 weeks or longer.