Riley's Hotel is Maun's oldest establishment and still one of its most atmospheric. The original hotel was founded in the 1930s by Harry Riley, one of the area's earliest settlers, and the current property retains something of that frontier character even after various renovations. The riverside setting, with large trees shading the terrace and the Thamalakane below, is genuinely pleasant.
The terrace bar is the main draw for non-guests — it is a reliable spot to catch up on bush gossip, plan the next leg of a safari, and watch the sun go down over the river. Cold beers, reasonable pub food, and a clientele of hunters, guides, and pilots passing through give it a character that newer places lack.
The hotel sits at the centre of Maun's loose spread of lodges along the river, making it a convenient orientation point for the town. Ask at the front desk for current recommendations on safari operators — the staff know which camps are performing well and which guides are worth hiring.