We stayed here as part of a safari staying at the Ngorongoro Sopa and Tarangire Sopa as well. I'm surprised by the previous reviews (although the un-renovated rooms didn't look good), as we loved the lodge. While we were there they were finishing renovations on the last few rooms - looked like around 10 left to complete.

We were lucky to get one of the newly renovated rooms, and it was stunning, especially the brand new bathroom with enormous shower (they seem very keen on these, as we had on at the renovated room at Ngorongoro sopa as well). The beds and mattresses were brand new, the carpet was new, the curtains and all furniture were also new. Our
balcony had uninterrupted views over the serengeti, and we saw hyena,
elephants, waterbuck, buffalo and zebra walking right outside in one evening alone.

The bar was lovely here, had a great atmosphere and very reasonable prices. The food was great again (and we got a large basket of toast every morning, which was an improvement over the Ngorongoro sopa). The pancakes at breakfast were particularly good. Again, the picnic lunch wasn't great, so take a ziplock bag to breakfast and make up your own lunch from the buffet).

The staff here were really exceptional - friendly, helpful, and very efficient.

We really did not want to leave.

As part of an eleven day safari, our tour operator selected the Serengeti Sopa for a two night stay. We drove from Lake Manyara to the Serengeti. A very long drive over dusty roads. Good game viewing en-route. Upon arrival at the Lodge, we were greeted with juice and washcloths (very musty smelling). Check in was speedy and porters took our bags to our room. We were told to hurry as the lunch service was ending. We should have taken our time! Food was cold and dried out. Went back out to the Serengeti for an afternoon game drive. Decent game viewing in the PM. Buffet dinner was also a disappointment. Food must be kept in steam trays too long to reach such a dismal consisentcy/taste. Second day's experience with game viewing and meals was similar. I would say eat a large breakfast each day at this lodge....it is the best food you will experience here. (omelets, cheese, meats) Our room at the lodge (room 35) was old and well beyond tired. Bathroom had scary mold everywhere and huge spiders. Toilet would not flush, Despite repeated requests to the front desk (which were rudely ignored), it took our tour guide complaining before the problem was ever fixed. Carpet in the room was horribly stained.....I don't want to know what may have been on the bedspreads. The entire room felt filthy and dated. No friendly greetings by staff, servers or porters. Front desk clerks are downright rude. Long lines at check-out. Gift shop closes and has irregular hours. The public rooms (lobby/pool area) were pretty and we were told the hotel is undergoing renovations. They need it! I would not recommend staying here (unless you have to as part of a tour). Serena has to be much better than this Sopa (at least based on our experience).

Serengeti Sopa Lodge rooms are worn and not clean. Hot water is availabe at only certain hours of the day. Traveling to this hotel from Lake Manyara is grueling on rough roads. If you want a clean hotel with acceptable food and a pleasant staff, pick another hotel. Our travel agent, African Safari Company, recommended this hotel and, like the rest of the safari, we were very disappointed.

Sopa Lodge in the Serengeti was the most awful hotel stay (and I have stayed at many hotels around the world).
-- The hotel smelled of sewage. There are pools of still water in the lobby where mosquitoes are festering. The whole stench is disgusting.
-- The water in the restrooms smells of the same sewage. Hot water only comes twice a day.
-- Meals (breakfast and dinner) were below average.
-- The mosquito bites we got from our Sopa stay lasted 10 days. These same mosquitoes lived in that still water.
-- Cleanliness of the room was negligible. The mosquito net had holes in it.
-- Most importantly, the STAFF were so RUDE and unhelpful. They were unhelpful and snotty as if we were doing them a favor by staying at their hotel.

Stay at the Serena Lodge in the Serengeti which is fantastic. Sopa Lodge deserves to be shut down!

All in all, an absolutely awful