Travel reviews by Patel Group from Ind-USA

"Great hotel and great staff. Interesting architecture and internal access ways since the entire hotel seems to have been created by combining more than one old properties. Terrace restaurant over looking Stone Town is excellent.

The only reason I rated them less than excellent is because their system did not show that our payment was all made in full prior to us getting there.

When Maru Maru cleared it up with Expert Africa, they should have informed us that matter is resolved."

"A very high level of hospitality experienced at all levels. It was very pleasing to note that all staff members, not just supervisory members, would express that "they are grateful for us choosing The Residence Zanzibar". The restaurant team accommodated my group's request for vegetarian food.

We celebrated my daughter's birthday there and the dining room staff along with a performance team at the pool gave an experience to remember for lifetime.

Needless to say, two days' stay at the resort was too short. I would return there any time.

Two comments to consider for the resort management:

- Water bottles in the rooms/villas are free but they are charged in the dining area makes little sense. Considering the overall cost, providing a couple of bottles of water for free in the restaurant shouldn't be an issue.

- When we were walking on the beach, we saw a drone flying and hovering over the area. As a rule, the resort should expressly inform the guests that drones are not permitted."

"The hotel is conveniently located near both Nairobi airports and Nairobi National Park area attractions.

Staff was very courteous and responsive."

"In just one line ... our stay at this camp was well beyond an A+ grade.

Small site, a lake visible from the main lodge-dining-camp area, large tents, attention to details about everything, eager willingness to meet out requests (if there were any) ... were all apparent during all three days.

Kitchen staff went all out to meet our group's vegetarian and vegan needs. Food quality was simply outstanding. The rest of the support staff was equally courteous as kitchen and dining area team.

Our guides were seasoned veterans and real fun to communicate with, hang out with and learn from. Our safari trips were leisurely and went far beyond just tracking and seeing the animals around us. The guides were genuinely interested in answering all of questions, their depth of knowledge about the area, wildlife, and even stars during night drive were all amazing. If and when we return, we will be sure to look them up.

All staff members called us by our first (and preferred) names from day 1. The conversations with them conveyed genuine warmth. It created a personal touch that one would not find in professional hotels in major cities or travel destinations.

We are sure that all of these was possible with able guidance, leadership and commitment from the camp manager and her two managers. Credit to them to run the operation so efficiently. Hats off to Kicheche organization, because we had precisely same experience at Kicheche Mara as well."

"In just one line ... our stay at this camp was well beyond an A+ grade.

Fenceless site in the middle of forest, a stream hidden but behind the camp area, large tents, attention to details about everything, eager willingness to meet out requests (if there were any) ... were all apparent during all three days.

Kitchen staff met our group's vegetarian and vegan needs with enthusiasm. They even created a special vegetarian entrée with both meals even as the menu for the day would have other vegetarian accompaniments. Food quality was simply outstanding. The rest of the support staff was equally courteous as kitchen and dining area team.

Our guides were seasoned veterans and real fun to communicate with, hang out with and learn from. Our safari trips were leisurely and went far beyond just tracking and seeing the animals around us. The guides were genuinely interested in answering all of questions, their depth of knowledge about the area, wildlife, and even stars during night drive were all amazing. If and when we return, we will be sure to look them up.

The conversations with all staff members conveyed genuine warmth. It created a personal touch that one would not find in most places.

The camp manager was great, a seasoned veteran in the safari industry as well as deeply knowledgeable about Africa, wildlife, flora and fauna, and host of other things. His camp assistants were eager to take care of our inquiries and needs.

The camp's "back operations' tour" including its own garden and us planting trees in memory of our family members who aren't with us were two great "gravy on the cake" experiences. We also took about 150 charcoal seed balls and scattered them along a ditch; hopefully to grow into yet another series of trees for wildlife to shelter within.

The camp manager and his team's responsiveness during a minor medical emergency was remarkable and sincerely appreciated.

Hats off to Kicheche organization, because we had precisely same experience at Kicheche Mara as well."

"The location of this resort is fantastic. It is a glorious "colonial era" property which is designed with comfort in mind. The view is fantastic, and so is the lodge itself.

The staff was courteous and willing to do what they can to meet our requests/needs.

The reason for only "good" rating is two fold. One of the four cabins we were assigned had a ton on ants inside and we needed to switch it for another one at night. The food was good but did not compare to what we had at two Kicheche properties. The packed breakfast and lunches were plenty in quantity but could be better in quality and designed keeping in mind that we would be eating it cold."

"Chui Lodge is a premium resort with only eight guest cabins and large private conservancy. Our stay was a mere overnight with only enough time to catch late dinner and sleep before leaving the next morning.

The staff was genuinely warm, affectionate and accommodative of our late arrival. The chef prepared hot vegetarian meal for the group which was five star.

The camp manager was extremely helpful raising on-call doctor for an urgent consultation.

The morning breakfast in the open lawn outside the main lodge with a giraffe, a few zebras, impalas and birds within 100 yards (albeit separated by a fence) was a memorable experience.

We will need to be back to the resort to enjoy all facilities to their fullest potential and wildlife on the private conservancy."