An Honest In-Depth Review of 2Friends Beach Hotel, Entebbe

Have you ever visited a hotel and felt like you belonged instantly? That’s how I’ve felt at 2Friends every time I’ve stayed there. The staff and vibe of the hotel definitely match the name. Entebbe is the gateway to Uganda because it has the country’s largest airport. When you’re dealing with that familiar mixture of travel exhaustion and excitement, you know that the first choice you make—where to drop your bags—can set the entire tone for your time in Uganda.

While many people skip the city and head out on safari, I do suggest spending some time there. 2Friends Beach Hotel is a quaint escape, located near the airport for convenience, but near the lake, so you don’t hear the bustle of the city.

This review will give you an in-depth look at the hotel, from check-in to food to the water pressure. Whether you are looking for a peaceful sanctuary to recover from a long-haul flight or a poolside basecamp before heading out on safari, this boutique gem has become my reliable go-to.

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Where is 2Friends located?

The hotel is conveniently located about ten minutes from the Entebbe airport and on the shores of Lake Victoria.

Check in

I have either arrived very late (around midnight) or very early (like 5 am) to 2Friends, and there has always been a staff member there to greet me. Check-in is in the first seating area that also has a small bar with beer, soda, and water. You’ll need to give your passport for them to make a copy, and they’ll give you a physical key. If you leave the hotel during the day, be sure to give them your key when you leave.

Sunrise at 2Friends Beach Hotel, Entebbe, Uganda
Sunrise during my check in at 2 Friends Hotel. Photo by The Directionally Challenged Traveler.

The porter will bring your bags and show you to your room. They’ll also give you a quick walk-through of the room (air conditioning, using the shower, and more). Be sure to tip for the bags, or use the communal tip box at reception.

A single room at 2 Friends Beach Hotel, Entebbe
One of my rooms at 2Friends Beach Hotel. Photo by The Directionally Challenged Traveler.

Restaurants

There are two places to eat at 2Friends – inside in the main room where breakfast is served, or across the street at Henricks with views of Lake Victoria.

In complete honesty, I only had breakfast inside the hotel – all my other meals were lakefront (can you blame me? Breakfast is served buffet style with eggs, sausage, pancakes, fresh juices, breads, and more. Tea and coffee were available with both hot and cold milk.

Part of the breakfast buffet at 2Friends Beach Hotel, Entebbe
Part of the breakfast buffet inside at 2Friends Beach Hotel. Photo by The Directionally Challenged Traveler.

The restaurant across the street gets the food from the main hotel, but the views and the breeze are what drew me in. The menu is expansive and covers a variety of types of food (catering to the variety of tourists they have) – from pizza to samosas, and cheeseburgers to tilapia caught in Lake Victoria. No matter what you’re craving, they have it. Oh, and the fries are amazing!

They have reasonably priced cocktails, beers, wines, and sodas available. However, the real treat is the milkshake. As a choco-holic, I stuck with the tried-and-true flavor, but others enjoyed the mango milkshake too!

Enjoying delicious food while overlooking Lake Victoria is a great way to be welcomed to the Pearl of Africa.

My burger, fries and chocolate milkshake overlooking the lake at 2Friends Beach Hotel, Entebbe.
My meal overlooking Lake Victoria. Camera was ready for the variety of birds. Photo by The Directionally Challenged Traveler.

Be sure to check out my packing list for Uganda!

Rooms

I had two different types of rooms when staying at 2Friends. One with one king size bed, and another with one king size bed and a double.

Both rooms had the same amenities: air conditioning, mini-fridge, electric water kettle for tea or coffee, a small desk with a chair and phone, and a fan.

A single room at 2 Friends Beach Hotel, Entebbe
One of my rooms at 2Friends Beach Hotel. Photo by The Directionally Challenged Traveler.

Bathroom

Bathrooms in Uganda tend to be spacious, and 2Friends is no exception. The shower is a walk-in shower with a rainfall head. The water pressure was acceptable, but be sure not to drink the water. Use the bottled water provided to brush your teeth. There was a small shelf for toiletry items above the sink.

Another room layout at 2Friends Beach Hotel.
My other room layout at 2Friends Beach Hotel. Photo by The Directionally Challenged Traveler.

Windows

Depending on the room, you may not have windows, but a small balcony with a sliding glass door. Since I enjoyed the air conditioning, I was fine with having the balcony. I let my clothes dry outside after a nice shower rinse after the plane. The next morning, I enjoyed listening to the birds wake up while I drank my tea.

The view of the lodge from my balcony at 2 Friends Beach Hotel, Entebbe.
The view of the lodge from my balcony. Photo by The Directionally Challenged Traveler.

Air Conditioning and Fans

The air conditioning here was fantastic! There were several settings you could choose from, but the cool room was a welcome respite from the heat of the Equator. Some of the rooms also have a fan to provide air flow (and for helping to dry any hand-washed laundry!)

Part of the menu at 2Friends Beach Hotel
Part of the menu at 2Friends Beach Hotel.
The door to outside from the library at 2Friends Beach Hotel, Entebbe.
The door to the outside from the library at 2Friends.
Lizard at 2 Friends Beach Hotel
A lizard at 2Friends Beach Hotel.

Pool

The pool is a decent size with about 5 feet of depth. I suggest visiting mid to late afternoon, as at least some of the pool will be in the shade.

There are lounge chairs around the pool with towels available. You can always ask the check in staff for more towels if needed. The wifi reaches the pool as well so it’s a great place to stay connected.

Relaxing by the pool at 2Friends Beach Hotel, Entebbe
Relaxing by the pool. Photo by The Directionally Challenged Traveler.

Other Lodge Amenities

The lodge also provides safes in every room and wifi throughout the resort. They also provide a shuttle for airport pickup and drop-off. There is a small library where you can pick up or drop off a book in a variety of languages. If you want a quiet spot to read, there is a lovely outdoor seating area separate from the pool and restaurant.

The sitting area at 2Friends Beach Hotel, Entebbe.
The outdoor seating area at 2Friends Beach Hotel. Photo by The Directionally Challenged Traveler.

Tipping

Tipping in Uganda can be a little confusing. Most lodges have moved toward a communal tip box at check-in or in a communal area. 2Friends has a communal tip box at the check-in area, but you are also welcome to tip the porter, hotel, and restaurant staff separately (or in addition).

Conclusion

I would recommend 2Friends Beach Hotel for anyone visiting Entebbe. Maybe you’ll become another one of their friends as I have over the years!

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Review of 2Friends Beach Hotel, Entebbe, Uganda
Review of 2Friends Beach Hotel, Entebbe, Uganda
Review of 2Friends Beach Hotel, Entebbe, Uganda

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