Reviews of Victoria Falls Hotel
(94%) From 131 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Victoria Falls Hotel
Talk about a step back into a Bygone Era.!!!
Staff were great, very attentive & helpful but not in your face.
Rooms perhaps a wee bit dated to say the least, but the location overlooking Vic Falls Bridge breath taking to say the least.
Food was variable, we thought the Stanley Terrace Restaurant was good but not so impressed with Jungle Junction where we thought the Buffet was average & over priced; we didn't frequent the "Fancy Restaurant" - The Livingstone Room but I dont think we were alone there.
Entering & Leaving Zimbabwe was a night mare due to the various Customs Officers on duty who seemed to take a pleasure in Refusing Kaza Visas at will.!!!!!
Our son did the Micro light flight in Zambia / Bungee Jump from the Bridge & Devils Pool Trip. Fantastic Experience although perhaps more background to Livingstone Island would have been good.
Water Levels very low so spectacle diminished slightly.
A visit to the Micro Brewery - - The River Brewing Company a must do if you like your Ales.
Victoria Falls in general shabby & frequented everywhere by guys selling "Tat" unfortunately.
Victoria Falls Hotel review
The service at this hotel was excellent. We particularly enjoyed the evening show the hotel puts on every night with the buffet dinner. Many activities are on offer in the area, and we booked a sunset dinner cruise and helicopter ride ourselves. The only negative was the 15-20 minute walk to the Falls by road/path via the town. The shorter direct route was closed. The walk offered little or no shade, and the street vendors were plentiful and persistent. Safety here was always a concern for us.
Although the view of the Falls is more extensive from the Zimbabwean side, we were surprised by how little time it took to see all the viewpoints. We spent longer on the Zambian side of the Falls and enjoyed it more. Crossing the bridge by foot is very tricky with 2 immigration stops in each direction.
Victoria Falls Hotel review
wonderful hotel, wonderful staff, wonderful time
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Colonial style but bedrooms were dated
A very impressive hotel built in the Colonial style, the public rooms look amazing with a wealth of historical information and photographs, but the bedrooms are rather dated.
Great view down to the bridge over the Zambezi. Food was good with plenty of choice.
We were there for only one night before an early morning departure, the hotel seems to cater for the masses and is not a place we would have wanted to stay for longer
Victoria Falls Hotel Review
The location of the hotel is primo! After all, the falls is the main reason folks go.
Walking to the gate entrance is a bit tricky now that they have closed the beginning access from the hotel property. I suspect this is because of wild animals. Nonetheless, you will encounter them on the walk from the hotel even if you walk on the streets the entire way (about a 12 minute walk). One of the paths, just off the busy street that accommodates pedestrians, has a sign to warn of wild animals but this is AFTER you go through some woods where the elephants are just off the path, well camouflaged and as we found out, will come out onto it! This little encounter scared the sh-- out of us as it was not expected as well as generated calls from the locals to "RUN", which we did. On the way back we stayed on the street only. It didn't matter as one elephant came right across the street and did a head bob and shake to warn us to keep away. So, stay alert. There are no elephants once inside the gate to worry about. These guys were not there the last time we were their in 1987, when you could walk the entire way from the hotel.
The hotel location is great but the place is showing a bit of a need for upgrade in the rooms in the older section and common areas. The grounds are magnificent as always. The food menu for lunch and dinner is the same and it was getting boring until we asked about the "venison". For us Yanks (and Brits) that is deer but not true for Zimbabwe people, at least according to the waiter. This term can be any of several animal meats and none of them were deer. So we had, over several meals, kudu, gemsbok and springbok steaks as well as crocodile tail. All excellent and not with the expected "gamy" taste. I would suggest a little asterisk be placed next to "venison" to enlighten the tourists of the opportunity to partake of these dishes as they read the menu. It won't be boring.
Lastly, the area has lots to do and see since were last there. Going across the bridge back into Zambia is tricky, especially for jet lagged guests. But Sharon, at guest services, was an expert at arranging for this to be done without the usual hassles and confusion that occurs in "no man's land", between the countries, while traversing multiple, small buildings, in either direction. She also took the time to find out about details in the helicopter flights over the falls i.e. how many people in the cabin, can the windows be opened for photography and the like. It was obvious to us that most folks don't really care about such things but Sharon took the time to find out every last detail we inquired about. Kudos (not Kudus) to her.
Expert Africa comments
We are researching these travellers comments about wildlife being seen and encountered more regularly between the Victoria Falls Hotel and the Victoria Falls Park, and will adjust our advice to future travellers accordingly.
Splendid hotel near the Falls
Relaxing ambience in this comfortable period hotel.
Easy access on foot to the Falls and the town. All the staff were friendly and helpful.
An extraordinary place
It feels like going back in time. Great service, food very good. Public areas better than rooms I think.
Very handy for all local amenities and Falls
Magical location
Living history tastefully improved over the decades. Old world charm in an incredible location. Central bedroom with Falls views. Easy walk to the falls. Fantastic breakfasts and unforgettable high teas. Very attentive staff.
Read more about the whole tripWonderful setting in grand old premises,
We were well received and service polite and good. Good choice of restaurants and within walking distance of Victoria Falls in all its splendour. Numerous very good shops selling lovely African goods and spoilt for choice. A great experience and highly recommend .
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