Reviews of Zanzibar Palace Hotel
Wildlife sightings and reviews
48 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Zanzibar Palace Hotel and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
Mr P
Cap Ferrat
"Book me in Serena Inn!!!!!"
5 nights Arrived 12 Feb 2009
"A bog standard hotel with no personality or good points. In need of refurbishment. Impersonal staff and not for sick or elderly due to very steep stairs."
See all these reviews: 17n in Zanzibar; 6n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location:
Average
Service:
Poor
Rooms:
Average
Food:
Poor
Feedback Response
We are sorry that these travellers did not enjoy the Zanzibar Palace Hotel. Though they do raise a very good point about the stairs here. This is an old merchant building and typical of many of those found in Stone Town – narrow with many floors. Those who struggle with stairs should perhaps consider another hotel.
Mr & Mrs S
Edgeware
"zanzibar hotel old fashioned fusty character"
2 nights Arrived 6 Feb 2009
"we were both dissaponted with this place. although it had apparently had a makeover not that long ago we felt that it seemed to need another one.
partly in the choice of decor which was old fashioned rather than quirky. it just did not seem fresh, and i realised that it was a very old place, and the owners were at pains not to destroy its unique original character,we just were not taken with it, it certainly did not come up to its price expectations. the 1st room they showed us was not nice and one window looked out onto a newly bricked wall which was so close it felt oppressive. The bathroom had all the arabic and oriental touches but felt mucky although i am sure it was clean but i did not feel inclined to bathe in there.
we changed to the top floor at extra cost just so we had a bit more air, and the fact that it had a tiny roof top deck which you could climb up to. also the open air shower and bathroom were situated here, and it felt less stuffy. I know this place was recreated in the old and authentic style and i am all for character and authenticity, but we were not that comfy or happy there. shame as we had high hoped for outr last two nights in Stonetown. the lady who manages the hotel ,a dutch woman was very helpful and very nice.
Same goes for Stonetown ,we hd not expected it to be so rundown, and we did a town tour and saw all the important sights and buildings, and we will put down to the experience of travel and seeing the world. It was interesting to understand the past and present culture and its turbulent history. at least the Aga Khan is funding major renovation there which in years to come will make it a great place ." See all these reviews: 9n in Zanzibar; 4n in Tanzania
partly in the choice of decor which was old fashioned rather than quirky. it just did not seem fresh, and i realised that it was a very old place, and the owners were at pains not to destroy its unique original character,we just were not taken with it, it certainly did not come up to its price expectations. the 1st room they showed us was not nice and one window looked out onto a newly bricked wall which was so close it felt oppressive. The bathroom had all the arabic and oriental touches but felt mucky although i am sure it was clean but i did not feel inclined to bathe in there.
we changed to the top floor at extra cost just so we had a bit more air, and the fact that it had a tiny roof top deck which you could climb up to. also the open air shower and bathroom were situated here, and it felt less stuffy. I know this place was recreated in the old and authentic style and i am all for character and authenticity, but we were not that comfy or happy there. shame as we had high hoped for outr last two nights in Stonetown. the lady who manages the hotel ,a dutch woman was very helpful and very nice.
Same goes for Stonetown ,we hd not expected it to be so rundown, and we did a town tour and saw all the important sights and buildings, and we will put down to the experience of travel and seeing the world. It was interesting to understand the past and present culture and its turbulent history. at least the Aga Khan is funding major renovation there which in years to come will make it a great place ." See all these reviews: 9n in Zanzibar; 4n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location:
Good
Service:
Average
Facilities:
Poor
Rooms:
Poor
Food:
Poor
Mr & Mrs Y
UK
"Zanzibar Palace Hotel review"
2 nights Arrived 14 Jan 2009
"Beautiful boutique hotel and if you are lucky enough to get one of the rooms on the top floor you will have the most stunning views from your bathroom / terrace. Friendly owners and staff and great breakfast.
Fairly steep stairs so you have to be reasonably fit." See all these reviews: 9n in Zanzibar; 3n in Tanzania
Fairly steep stairs so you have to be reasonably fit." See all these reviews: 9n in Zanzibar; 3n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Mr G & Ms L
London
"Zanzibar Palace Hotel review"
1 night Arrived 1 Nov 2008
"Again, great service and the room was certainly different and of an interesting design! However, we were a little perturbed if there had been fire, as we could find no sign of a fire exit.
Great central location and ideal for the short period we were in Stone Town." See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania; 1n in Zanzibar
Great central location and ideal for the short period we were in Stone Town." See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania; 1n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Facilities:
Average
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Ms W & Mr M
UK
"Zanzibar Palace Hotel review"
2 nights Arrived 10 Oct 2008
"First class and very helpful staff."
See all these reviews: 9n in Zanzibar; 5n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Honeymooners
Bromley
"Zanzibar Palace Hotel review"
2 nights Arrived 5 Oct 2008
"Zanzibar Palace is a great place to stay for a couple of nights in Stone Town; it really is a 'palace' with it's individually themed rooms - the 'Arabica' was gorgeous although tiring to get to at the top of the building!
The location was pretty good too, within easy walking distance to all the sights and not too far into the alleyways so as to risk getting lost.
Stone Town itself was definately worth the visit, although we'd have struggled for things to do after a couple of days. Also the large gardens on the seafront where the food stalls come out in the evening are currently under reconstruction. It's great t see money being put into the area, although disappointing we missed the final result!
TIP: if you fancy a spice tour it's cheaper to go from Stone Town than from the East Coast." See all these reviews: 10n in Zanzibar; 6n in Tanzania
The location was pretty good too, within easy walking distance to all the sights and not too far into the alleyways so as to risk getting lost.
Stone Town itself was definately worth the visit, although we'd have struggled for things to do after a couple of days. Also the large gardens on the seafront where the food stalls come out in the evening are currently under reconstruction. It's great t see money being put into the area, although disappointing we missed the final result!
TIP: if you fancy a spice tour it's cheaper to go from Stone Town than from the East Coast." See all these reviews: 10n in Zanzibar; 6n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
R family
Berks
"Zanzibar Palace Hotel review"
1 night Arrived 4 Oct 2008
"The end of our holiday - but what an end - the rooms were fantastic - all different - we were lucky enough to be upgraded to a suite at the top of the house with views over Stone Town rooftops to the sea. Fretwork screens - a big victorian bathtub in the middle of the floor - massive bathroom with walk in shower - huge floor cushions to relax on. Such an interesting and delilghtful hotel. Our hosts were friendly and helpful with lots of advice of where and how to shop.
A 5.00am wake up call was preceded by the call to prayer from the nearby mosque.
It was atmospheric and welcoming." See all these reviews: 8n in Zanzibar; 5n in Tanzania
A 5.00am wake up call was preceded by the call to prayer from the nearby mosque.
It was atmospheric and welcoming." See all these reviews: 8n in Zanzibar; 5n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Good
Service:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Honey badgers
UK
"A stay at Zanzibar Palace Hotel"
2 nights Arrived 29 Sep 2008
"We found it a unique experience to stay at the Zanzibar Palace Hotel in the heart of Stonetown. You are woken shortly after 4a.m. with the calls to prayer from the many mosques in the area. A walking tour of Stonetown with a guide is to be recommended.
The hotel provides good accomodation but the evening meals could be improved.
We experienced a problem in that our voucher from you stated half board whilst the booking by Fisherman Travel was only for B & B. Staff at the hotel said that this was happening frequently and when we came to settle our bill they tried to include the price of evening meals until we pointed out again what are terms were.
For anyone visiting this area we would mention that many people try to get you to offer them a tip, even the staff at the security machine in Dar es Salaam airport." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania; 2n in Zanzibar
The hotel provides good accomodation but the evening meals could be improved.
We experienced a problem in that our voucher from you stated half board whilst the booking by Fisherman Travel was only for B & B. Staff at the hotel said that this was happening frequently and when we came to settle our bill they tried to include the price of evening meals until we pointed out again what are terms were.
For anyone visiting this area we would mention that many people try to get you to offer them a tip, even the staff at the security machine in Dar es Salaam airport." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania; 2n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Average
Service:
Good
Facilities:
Average
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Average
Eagle owls
Yorkshire
"Zanzibar Palace"
2 nights Arrived 24 Sep 2008
"Again we received a very warm welcome from the manager who was also most informative about Stone Town.
After staying in such attractive locations for the previous days, we found the contrast noticable, as the hotel is in a dusty town street and our our outlook was onto walls opposite. We found our room to be a little dark.
We dined in both evenings and found the meals delicious being served by a most charming young woman.
A problem had occured the day that we arrived with the access. Bollards had appeared making it impossible for taxis to drive to the hotel, necessitating a walk of about 100 m. This was not a problem for us, but others may find it so." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar
After staying in such attractive locations for the previous days, we found the contrast noticable, as the hotel is in a dusty town street and our our outlook was onto walls opposite. We found our room to be a little dark.
We dined in both evenings and found the meals delicious being served by a most charming young woman.
A problem had occured the day that we arrived with the access. Bollards had appeared making it impossible for taxis to drive to the hotel, necessitating a walk of about 100 m. This was not a problem for us, but others may find it so." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Good
Service:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
The zebras
Newcastle
"Zanzibar Palace Hotel review"
1 night Arrived 20 Sep 2008
"An atmospheric small hotel, we only stayed here overnight but had a warm welcome and were well looked after. An early breakfast at 5am was offered without any problem."
See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 1n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
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