We have read the other reviews on this hotel and wonder which place they stayed - different hotel from us? Firstly the staff. We only speak English and had no problem whatsoever communicating with the staff -with whom we interacted on many levels. When we arrived our booking was not evident - it was booked for us less than an hour before by our insurance company. Two gentlemen sorted this out and I was shown me to our room. I was very impressed. Admittedly it did appear that we had been given a free upgrade but nonetheless it was very nice. Yes there are a lot of light switches but they are not that hard to figure out. The balcony was indeed a bonus. We had to spend a lot of time in the room as I had just come out of hospital after an unplanned operation on my ankle following an accident and we were waiting for flights home to be arranged. We stayed at the Gloria for 4 nights and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. We thought that the choice of food for breakfast was excellent. Obviously we only sampled small parts of the menu but there was an extensive choice. Maybe we have bland taste as suggested by others but we thoroughly enjoyed the Chinese food in the restaurant. We ate one night at the Italian restaurant next to the shopping centre behind the hotel. This was also nice. I was unable to access the shower in our room properly due to my injury and asked for a plastic garden chair or similar. The lovely lady on reception arranged for a chair to be sent up. I said it was not suitable as it was too grand and would be ruined if it became wet. I was told it was a "small sacrifice to make for a guest". Exceptional customer service. In the end we managed to use the chair without getting it wet by using bin liners over it but the sentiment that it did not matter if I ruined the chair was greatly appreciated. We have absolutely no negative comments to make about the staff. High praise from us. Thank you.

WOW .... In a BAD way .... we have never had such poor service in an African country for a 5 Star .... Service is Poor actually Beyond Poor and food below standard for what they are charging .... money aside .... would not recommend to anyone !!! Manager Milton tried BUT management above him obviously is not supporting same

If you seek authenticity on your African-Mozambican journey then this provides it in a different way - an example of Chinese globalization in a developing country. Nothing about the place is local except for some of the service staff (who are quite friendly and accommodating). From the ostentatious architecture that stands out in the skyline from kilometers distance away to the cavernous emptiness of the interiors (a mix of opulence and austerity) with many shades of Chinese marble and framed oriental art prints wrapped in thin plastic, you feel you are transported to China (or back in time to the grandiose style of Socialist Realism). If you think you will at least find excellent Chinese cuisine think again. The menu and the quality caters to less discerning travelers - bland and in some cases prepared in advance. Take away is available. Prices are very reasonable: hotel rooms are 30% less than other international chains and a complete luncheon for 4 including service was US$47. 12 minutes drive from the city center and train station and a short drive to the Polana district.