Reviews of Zanzibar Palace Hotel
Wildlife sightings and reviews
50 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 & Mrs W
Oxford
"Zanzibar Palace Hotel review"
1 night Arrived 22 Aug 2009
"We had a very brief stay here, which was very unfortunate as its a lovely hotel and we would have loved to stay longer. We were very lucky to have the Dunia suite on the top floor which has a penthouse outdoor bathroom, which is a brilliant place to watch the sun go down with views over Stone Town. it has a lovely bath but is a bit unpractical to use as the water pressure was quite low so would have taken all day to fill, but dont let that put you off it trully was an amazing and unique room.
The hotel had a lovely unique feel to it but it does have a lot of stairs and no lift which may be issue to some.
Were not sure if it was the manager or the chef but he was very friendly who even escourted us to a local shop to look for some gifts. I cant comment on the food or activities as we didn't really eat there apart from a very light breakfast to catch the early flight home - we were very grateful that they provided us with something even at 5.30am!" See all these reviews: 8n in Zanzibar; 4n in Tanzania
The hotel had a lovely unique feel to it but it does have a lot of stairs and no lift which may be issue to some.
Were not sure if it was the manager or the chef but he was very friendly who even escourted us to a local shop to look for some gifts. I cant comment on the food or activities as we didn't really eat there apart from a very light breakfast to catch the early flight home - we were very grateful that they provided us with something even at 5.30am!" See all these reviews: 8n in Zanzibar; 4n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs B
Northants.
"Zanzibar Palace Hotel review"
3 nights Arrived 9 Jul 2009
"We really enjoyed our time here. The room we had was first class. We were really well looked after, including giving us breakfast at 5.30am on our day of departure, when normally service starts at 8.00am. The hotel is well located in Stone Town and is very near to all the shops and restuarants.
Would recommend Mercury's, Livinstones and The Silk Route for eating out." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania; 3n in Zanzibar
Would recommend Mercury's, Livinstones and The Silk Route for eating out." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania; 3n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Feedback Response
Whilst in Zannzibar, we organised a half-day trip to Jozani Forest for these travellers. The rated this as 'good' and commented:
"We also had a spice tour and a tour of Stone Town. All three were good, epscially the spice tour which exceeded our expectations and seeing the market in Stone Town was particularly good. Our only slight concern was our guide, Rasheed, did take a number of calls on his mobile, during the spice tour and the Stone Town tour. It didn't spoil our enjoyment of either, but we felt that the phone should either have been switched off our he should have explained why he was taking the calls, e.g. someone not well at home, or a problem with some element of the tour. It flet more like they were personal calls.
It would be helpful of EcoTours were aware of this.
The tour to Jozani was as we expected with the viewing of the Kirk's Red Colobus very easy as they have been habituated. What was interesting was seeing everday life on Zanzibar on the drive from the spice farm to the forest. Still a worthwhile trip."
"We also had a spice tour and a tour of Stone Town. All three were good, epscially the spice tour which exceeded our expectations and seeing the market in Stone Town was particularly good. Our only slight concern was our guide, Rasheed, did take a number of calls on his mobile, during the spice tour and the Stone Town tour. It didn't spoil our enjoyment of either, but we felt that the phone should either have been switched off our he should have explained why he was taking the calls, e.g. someone not well at home, or a problem with some element of the tour. It flet more like they were personal calls.
It would be helpful of EcoTours were aware of this.
The tour to Jozani was as we expected with the viewing of the Kirk's Red Colobus very easy as they have been habituated. What was interesting was seeing everday life on Zanzibar on the drive from the spice farm to the forest. Still a worthwhile trip."
"Senior Africa Specialist"
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
Holiday styles & special interests in Zanzibar
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Zanzibar.
Other lodges in Stone Town
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Serena Inn
Now trumped by the nearby Park Hyatt, the Serena Inn, in its historic building, was formerly Stone Town's only international-style hotel.
Zanzibar Coffee House
The Zanzibar Coffee House is a small quiet hotel tucked away in the back streets of Stone Town, with lovely, simple rooms.
Beyt al Salaam
The Beyt al Salaam is a pleasant, boutique hotel with only six rooms and atmospheric and stylish Zanzibari décor.
Dhow Palace Hotel
The Dhow Palace is a very good-value, mid-range hotel, full of Swahili character, and the pool makes it appealing to families.
Emerson Spice
Emerson Spice is a beautiful small hotel in the heart of Stone Town with individually designed rooms adorned with gorgeous fabrics.
Kholle House
Kholle House offers an atmospheric Stone Town stay in a historic building, and is very good value for money.
Jafferji House
Jafferji House is a converted old house that blends modern facilities with traditional style. The ten, unique rooms are show great attention to detail.
Swahili House
Swahili House is a traditionally styled boutique hotel furnished to a high standard with a convenient location in the centre of Stone Town.
Tembo Hotel
The Tembo Hotel is a good-value, family-friendly hotel right on the seafront in Stone Town, with 36 rooms and a good-sized swimming pool.
Emerson on Hurumzi
Emerson on Hurumzi was Stone Town's first boutique hotel, featuring antique furniture, unique, stylish rooms and a superb rooftop restaurant.
Mbweni Ruins Hotel
Mbweni Ruins Hotel is very convenient if you want to stay on the beach, but very close to Stone Town, or visit Chumbe Island.
Maru Maru Hotel
In the heart of Stone Town, Maru Maru combines contemporary style and creature comforts with a Zanzibari twist.
Park Hyatt
The Park Hyatt Zanzibar is a high-quality example of this group, with excellent facilities and service.
Kisiwa House
Kisiwa's central location in the heart of Stone Town's Shangani area makes it a great base to explore this fascinating town.
Seyyida Hotel
The Seyyida is a characterful old hotel near the seafront in Stone Town, with the rare bonus of a swimming pool.
