Reviews of Victoria Falls Hotel
(94%) From 121 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Ilala Lodge review
A real spoiling. Classic old world facilities and service of a high standard.
Of course the Falls are a world beating destination. The town much smarter than on previous visits, with a look of quiet prosperity, in contrast to the rest of the country. A truly impressive airport.
Slick efficient service. The old one was run down and hopeless.
Glorious grand old hotel
Gracious old building with wonderful old photos and evocative items from its history.
Great view from neat and attractive gardens. Excellent service from staff and well furnished rooms decorated in Art Deco.
Really enjoyed staying here and wished we had more time here to relax and absorb the restful atmosphere
Victoria falls hotel
This hotel does not have the capabilities of dealing with people with mobility problems, and only one member of staff had compassion.
The first room I was given was delightful until I entered he bathroom, the bath was an old fashioned one which was lovely, but it had very high sides, and the shower was in the bath, for me it would have been impossible to get in. I went to reception where a RUDE manager informed me the only other rooms that had a separate shower had a small step to get into the room, but I would have to go the long way round, and she wasn't kidding, to avoid a staircase. Then there were two large steps to get into the room. Both she and the man who moved my suitcases had a very bad attitude.
On another occasion I was feeling particularly sore and the nice receptionist (either Rebecca, or Melissa) got a wheelchair and a porter to take me back to my room, well he didn't want to go the long way, he stopped at the staircases and told me to get out and go down the stairs, and he carried the wheelchair down and told me to sit down again. I had no option as my walking frame was in reception.
The restaurant was a long way from all the rooms as well as the staff being sullen until contacted by Expert Africa, then their whole demeanour changed.
The attitude of the staff and the layout of the hotel spoilt Victoria falls for me.
Expert Africa comments
We were dismayed to get this feedback about a hotel which has usually done a great job looking after Expert Africa travellers. And we’re very sorry that the experience spoiled this traveller’s time at Victoria Falls, at the end of what had been a very enjoyable safari. The hotel responded to Mrs K’s feedback with a highly apologetic email admitting they did not look after her as they should have done. This traveller’s slight mobility challenges were communicated in detail to the hotel months before she stayed, and reiterated again closer to her travel date. The general manager was sincerely sorry for the poor staff attitude and says they will be actively addressing that issue to maintain their reputation. They admitted they are not in fact able to offer suitable rooms for someone who needs to avoid steps and must have a walk-in shower and have apologised for not advising us of the fact at the beginning.
beautuful VFH
This iconic hotel never disappoints and will always have a special place in our hearts.
The Cocktail Run on the steam train is not to be missed. One of the highlights of the trip with exceptional food and service.
Dinner cruise on Zambezi also wonderful with exceptional food and service.
Olde Worlde Luxury
Beautiful old hotel with excellent service & in a prime location.
Easy access to the Falls & to other activities. Saw a large herd of swimming elephants & of hippos on the evening cruise on the river.
Victoria Falls Hotel
Our short stop in the Victoria Falls Hotel was a great start to our holiday, the hotel was just the tonic to get over our long flight out to Africa, with comfort, excellent food and service. The hotel was in an ideal situation just a short walk from the falls. The sunset dinner cruise on the Zambezi which we booked before we went was great.
Please be advised that you cannot withdraw any cash from cash points or banks etc in Zimbabwe, so make sure that you have plenty on dollars prior to arrival.
Nostalgia at Vic Falls Hotel
Great hospitality in an old English setting. All staff were so friendly. They really know what guest experience is all about.
Great help organising the helicopter flight over the falls and some other questions we had.
Special thanks for the surprise for our anniversary (free cocktail and massage)!
Victoria Falls Hotel and experience
This was a stunning venue, with lovely helpful staff, especially on the booking in and tours desks, where our needs were fully and carefully considered, proving an excellent guided tour etc.
The room was very good, high standard, a bit noisy as at the back near the staff and work area of the hotel. Tea making really appreciated.
We enjoyed the up close and personal wild life in the grounds.
Swimming pool very good.
Lovely old hotel
We stayed here for two nights in a superior room during our trip. We were fortunate to stay in the building overlooking the gardens, towards the bridge. We could see the smoke from the falls from our room. This is an old hotel, so don’t expect a modern room but it is clean and comfortable. The bathroom is very old too, but clean and adequate, with a bath and over shower. The air con was excellent and kept the room nice and cool.
We had both lunch and dinner at Stanley’s Terrace and enjoyed both. Breakfast was served at the Jungle Junction, which was very good too. The buffet has lots of variety and also has a chef to cook things to order. There is even champagne on the buffet! The staff were very attentive and pleasant. Cecelia at customer services was particularly helpful and pleasant and she helped to make our stay enjoyable. The hotel also arranged the helicopter flight over the falls on the morning we were leaving, which we really enjoyed.
The only negative thing we could say about the hotel was the staff in Stanley’s Bar were not very attentive and we ended up having to go up to the bar to order our drinks. They then expected a tip when they brought them! That said we ordered some drinks in the Bulawayo Lounge (residents only) and the service was excellent.
The hotel is ideally situated as it is tucked away so its nice and quiet and the gardens are lovely to sit in. It is an easy walk to the falls but the direct path from the hotel has been closed since a lady was badly injured by an elephant. The pool is unheated but a nice area to sit and read a book. You can also get food there.
This was the largest accommodation we stayed in and we found it a bit of a shock to the system after being in smaller places prior to staying here. That said we were pleased we stayed here. It was very interesting looking at the old photos when there was nothing else around the hotel. There are some nice pictures of the Queen at the hotel from when she was a girl.
This hotel is not cheap but if we were to visit Victoria Falls again we would opt to stay here again.
Victoria Falls Hotel review
This was our second night at the hotel. [Ed: See below for their stay here earlier in their holiday.]
On arriving room we were given was better than the first with a view of the gardens, which was a nice touch.
We didn’t eat our evening meal there but breakfast was perfect the next morning.
