Travel reviews by Mr/Ms S from Seattle, WA
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
1
Countries visited
1
Lodges stayed in
2
Excursions taken
0
Our Zanzibar Trip - September 2016
Zanzibar between 25 Sep 2016 and 1 Oct 2016
"On the whole, our visit to Zanzibar was delightful and the holiday arrangements made for us by Expert Africa were very satisfactory. We applaud James Denny for his assistance and responsiveness throughout our planning process and trip. We cannot say enough good things about Matemwe Lodge -- it is a fabulous retreat. Our initial disappointment with our room at the Zanzibar Palace Hotel was quickly addressed with a move to a better room. Our thanks to James and the Expert Africa staff for their assistance."
Matemwe Lodge
"Matemwe Lodge Feedback"
3 nights
Arrived
25 Sep 2016
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Zanzibar Palace Hotel
"Zanzibar Palace Hotel Review"
3 nights
Arrived
28 Sep 2016
"Zanzibar Palace Hotel is on the edge of Stone Town (the older portion of Zanzibar Town). It is convenient to the harbor and many popular sites in Stone Town are within easy walking distance. The hotel offers breakfast along with the room: a choice of typical egg and meat choices, some fruit, juices, breads and coffee/tea. With the many restaurants in the area, we did not have other meals there, although lunch and dinner were available.
The room we had, the Sultana, was charming and the air conditioner made it comfortable with the outside temperature very warm and humid. We also complement the service staff at the front desk for their very warm welcome and helpful assistance with various questions that came up during our stay.
Our only disappointment was the first room we were assigned, a "luxury" room (called "Nadia", I believe). This room, on a lower floor, is a very dark and tiny room with a small double bed. For $250 U.S. per night, it was completely unsatisfactory for the two of us, who were anticipating a relaxing haven for several days. After complaining, we were able to 'upgrade' to the Sultana room, which is a larger room on an upper floor. In hindsight, we may have been able to arrange nicer accommodations for a better price if we had done more research ourselves, comparing hotels in the area."
The room we had, the Sultana, was charming and the air conditioner made it comfortable with the outside temperature very warm and humid. We also complement the service staff at the front desk for their very warm welcome and helpful assistance with various questions that came up during our stay.
Our only disappointment was the first room we were assigned, a "luxury" room (called "Nadia", I believe). This room, on a lower floor, is a very dark and tiny room with a small double bed. For $250 U.S. per night, it was completely unsatisfactory for the two of us, who were anticipating a relaxing haven for several days. After complaining, we were able to 'upgrade' to the Sultana room, which is a larger room on an upper floor. In hindsight, we may have been able to arrange nicer accommodations for a better price if we had done more research ourselves, comparing hotels in the area."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Good
Service
Good
Facilities
Average
Rooms
Average
Food
Good
Although we are not typically water sports- oriented, we did take advantage of the snorkeling tour (2 hours) offered and saw incredible marine life on a coral reef off of Mnemba Island, as well as dolphins playing.
This was a magical visit from start to finish."