Reviews of Pongwe Beach Hotel

"Great little place in a stunning setting (even when the sea goes out). What better way to spend a few hours every day than lazing on a hammock under massive palm trees.

The staff were great and Heidi and Chrissy (I think) were very friendly and helpful offering good advice on what's good and not so good to do, especially in Stone Town.

Trips were a bit pricey so we didn't bother with any of those. There's plenty to do anyway to amble away the day with snorkelling, fishing, cycling chatting to the staff, playing games etc.

Food wasn't amazing but it was always fresh and you got loads, proper fat feeders at Pongwe.

The rooms were very nice and clean if not a little basic." See all these reviews: 9n in Zanzibar; 5n in Tanzania

"Pongwe was everything we had been hoping and expecting from all the reviews we had seen - it was a little piece of paradise!

The private beach location, friendly staff, great food and general exclusive ambiance made the final week of our honeymoon one to remember." See all these reviews: 7n in Zanzibar

"From the moment you arrive at Pongwe Beach Hotel you know that your time there will be special. The warm welcome by the managerial staff is reflected throughout all the staff giving a warm and happy atmosphere. Our accommodation was excellent.

Every care was taken by housekeeping including floral welcome messages and decorations on the beds. Local fabric bath robes were supplied along with a beach bag containing beach towels, and a green flag (unused!) to call for drinks while in your hammock or sunbed on the beach. In addition, each afternoon staff would come round the beach area offering fruit. We cannot praise the housekeeping staff enough. Our room was very well cared for, towels and bed linen changed regularly.

We arrived at Pongwe on Christmas Eve. The evening began with a champagne cocktail reception followed by entertainment by a local dance group who also performed after dinner and were joined by some of the staff - the rest enjoying themselves from the sidelines. A great evening was had by all. Returning to our rooms, we found floral Christmas messages on our beds. We awoke on Christmas morning to find gifts on the doorstep and an invitation to enjoy breakfast with Bucks Fizz - wonderful. Christmas dinner was excellent.

The beach area (only a few steps from your bungalow) is cleverly designed to give several small areas separated from each other by palm trees and various bushes. Hammocks are hung between palm trees. There are plenty of sunbeds and shelter from the sun if required. The whole giving a peaceful and intimate feeling. The infinity pool is at one end of the complex. This also is well equipped with sunbeds and parasols - a popular place to hang out. I cannot comment on the activities as we spent our time here relaxing, reading or walking. Pongwe has a very good library and there are several board games in the lounge which can be borrowed and were very popular.

The food was excellent. Perhaps our only criticism would be a lack of enough choice of main course for the evening meal. However, everything was extremely well cooked and presented. I particularly enjoyed the desserts. Breakfast was a feast with lots of variety. High praise to all the restaurant and lounge staff who were very attentive and friendly." See all these reviews: 10n in Zanzibar

"Staff without exception were helpful and friendly. We arrived to flowers on the bed and a bottle of chilled sparkling wine to celebrate retirement - much appreciated.

There were sufficient hammocks, sunbeds etc for everyone ( although I do feel guests should be firmly discouraged from leaving towels on poolside sunbeds early in the day and then disappearing for an hour or more!!)

The food was perfectly acceptable but not as good as we were expecting. However there was no difficulty in obtaing an alternative if the set meal was not particularly to one's taste. We also had an excellent seafood lunch on the beach which was an extra arrangement.

There was a good range of drinks on offer at a reasonable price. The beach was kept beautifully clean." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar

"This is an idyllic location to relax after an active two weeks safari holiday. A super place to totally chill out." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia; 7n in Zanzibar

"Beautiful location, excellent food and service and again, wonderful staff." See all these reviews: 9n in Zanzibar; 5n in Tanzania

"Beautiful location. Marvellous welcome from Heidi and Sandy at reception, who gave full explanation of how things worked. This fulfilled ones expectation of what a `tropical beach` location would be -tall palms, white sand, clear sea, coral reef.....and more. Really friendly team, who thought of ones every need- from early morning tea delivered to every room to snacks on the beach.

The `family bungalow` given to us was particularly well located at one edge of the cove on the headland - with personal steps to the beach. We were in heaven. Brilliant holiday.

Would also like to commend Fishermans Tours who transferred us between airport and hotels. Always on time. We also booked a couple of excursions through them which both times exceeded expectations. Particular thanks to Ali Salim who came to call on us at Pongwe." See all these reviews: 8n in Zanzibar; 4n in Tanzania

"Wonderful secluded, unspoilt location on a busy island. Fantastic clean white sand beach and lovely pool.

A very high standard of service with friendly, helpful easy going staff. Simply decorated but high quality rooms with great views and outside decks.

Brilliant food, great selection of sea food and happy to accomadate dietry requirements if requested. Great cocktails and bar area. Would return and recommend." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania; 7n in Zanzibar

"Pongwe has good management and is in a great location with fab pool, but was probably always going to be a bit of an anti-climax after all our experiences on safari! However, we did have a good time just doing nothing - food was really tasty and varied, and there was a friendly, if somewhat unatmostpheric feel.

We did a spice tour en-route to Stowntown with Fisherman tours, and although it was interesting, we couldn't help but feel this tour didn't take place in a 'proper' spice farm, and we were unsure where our money had actually gone. We bought spices as had been told it was the best and cheapest place to get them, but found we'd had the wool pulled over our eyes a little when we found the same spices in Stowntown for about a quarter of the price! Although this is probably all part of the experience, we felt a little disappointed as also found when we got home our 'ginger' tea was not ginger, just tea!!

I suppose it's important to remember that Zanzibar is much more geared up to tourists than the remote camps we stayed in on the mainland, so just doesn't feel as authentic an experience." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 6n in Zanzibar

"Pongwe has a vey nice feel to it - a very lovely and friendly place.

The service it outstanding - very attentive but relaxed and not in your face, which is just what you want if you are on your honeymoon as we were.

The beach is I think one of the very best on the Island." See all these reviews: 8n in Zanzibar