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Ruth Butaumocho
Driving around Masvingo town, it is easy to pass through its busy and bustling roads and see nothing beyond retail shops, service stations and bus termini connecting passengers to different destinations.

However, within the same settings are several lodges that offer varying services to discerning travellers and visitors to the city. One such venue which has become popular with travellers and visitors in Masvingo is Downtown Lodge.

Hidden from the rest – because of its location – Downtown Lodge is a small but modern place that caters for discerning travellers and visitors who want to relax in a serene but comfortable environment. Situated south of Masvingo town, five-minute drive from the central business district, the lodge is tucked in a corner and built on a cul-de-sac.

It boast of 15 rooms among them several executives with ensuite bathrooms, double rooms as well as single rooms to ensure that visitors are spoilt for choice. Hot water is readily available in all the rooms that have an inside bathrooms.

The lodge has an open plan living room and a dining place to allow visitors to take their meals indoor, while watching television rightly positioned in the middle of the big and well decorated room.

In its decent-sized courtyard, there is a selected corner for open-fire barbeques and a gazebo with an outdoor bench, perfect for resting on a sunny summer day.

Downtown lodge will soon extend its service to offer alcoholic beverages after the renovations of its bar and grill, situation a stone throw away from the accommodation set up. Proprietor of the place Panashe Mudota said the lodge has managed to endear itself with a loyal and consistence since it opened its doors to the public.

“From the time we started operating in 2004, we have grown a loyal patronage from visitors who come to the place for a good traditional meal and a nice place to sleep.

“Our objective is to offer quality accommodation to the middle class, something we have been able to do diligently,” he said. He said while work is in progress to add additional services to the brand, Mr Mudota said the management is seized with ensuring that its clientele gets quality service.

“We are happy that despite the economic challenges prevailing, we have been able to keep our customers happy,” he said. While lodges are often considered as “alternative accommodation,” Downtown lodge can easily grow on you because of its family setting ambiance.

Admittedly small, the lodge is quaint and charming and you grow to appreciate it services that are personalised to ensure that the varying needs of guests booked in, are catered for. The icing on the cake for Downtown lodge is its staff, which is unpretentious and has a warm personality

There are obviously more storied and venerable lodges in Masvingo and surrounding environs, but if you after a place that offers good services, clean spacious rooms and personal attention, then this is the place for you.