Reviews of Victoria Falls Hotel
(93%) From 137 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Short but sweet stay
The Vic Falls Hotel is a predictable but nonetheless charming place to stay.
Really good swimming pool area and obviously a prime location above the Falls (which were exceptionally dry when we visited).
VFH feedback
Very attentive service and fabulous colonial hotel. Very hard to fault. Rooms comfortable but aircon units quite noisy (so turned off at night).
Information about the wifi being limited to 3 devices but being able to get additional codes at Service Counter would have been helpful at the start of our stay (as I had problems in logging onto work for a call on the Friday night).
Edwardian style with 21st Century standards
Goodness - where to begin? A beautiful building making every best use of light, space and airiness even amid the midday heat. The character of the Victoria Falls hotel hits top notes to rival Maria Callas, yet with the discretion and understatement of a Lady rather than a prima donna. Most telling was the response of the 'bell hop' (a terrible phrase for a mature man) who not only revelled in my delight at the surroundings but who could not conceal his pride at five years association with this fabulous establishment. Its history, borne out in carefully chosen furnishings and art works, is a backdrop rather than a burden and carries through from the 'public' areas into the sumptuously equipped bedrooms.
The high standard of service was sustained throughout my stay, the staff attending unobtrusively to every detail. For example, on day one I asked the chamber staff how I might obtain an iron. On day two he asked if I had been given one - to which I replied 'no, but only because I haven't asked yet'. Remembering such details was a common feature across the team - this is an establishment whose leadership has very clearly managed to establish a sense of shared identity and professional pride at every level.
As to the food, I don't believe I have seen such a generously supplied breakfast, catering to every taste. Lunchtime sandwich 'snacks' could easily have served two. And I have a lingering memory of the mouthwatering dinner at the Livingstone Restaurant, being still unable to forgive myself for allowing the waiter to take my plate with some of my dish uneaten, even though I was full. Amazingly I nonetheless managed the occasional swim in the commodious pool which was just at the perfect temperature and provided with towels just when required.
Through enquiry I learned that the hotel is a little larger than when originally built, but this is scarcely felt as everything is entirely in keeping. A wander around the grounds revealed some crannies and oases that made the whole hotel feel entirely private.
The location is, of course, explicit in the name. Having visited for the purpose of seeing the Falls my stay was brief but the 'Activities' desk was receiving new hand-painted signage during my stay and I am sure there is plenty else on offer.
The only negative I can think of (and I am really having to dredge) is that the drinks service at the Stanley's Terrace was occasionally a little slow. But, with a view of Victoria Falls to gaze upon, this was scarcely a hardship.
Victoria Falls Hotel review
We really enjoyed being a part of the history of the Falls, by staying in this wonderful old hotel.
The only negative comment concerned the air conditioning unit in our room, which was extremely noisy.
However, we do appreciate that this is an old hotel, and it didn't detract from our overall experience.
Victoria Falls Hotel review
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here- staff were helpful and friendly, the accommodation was spacious, and the food was excellent.
Read more about the whole trip
Wonderful Colonial Hotel
Only got 1 Central Deluxe room, but other room was at the back overlooking the falls area and was ok but not so modern and had very noisy aircon unit .
Read more about the whole tripOptimal location/hotel for short stay
Beautiful hotel, fantastic staff, best location for Falls
Read more about the whole tripGreat stay at Victoria Falls Hotel
Very nice hotel. Room was lovely with a great view on the garden and the bridge.
Restaurants were good (both Jungle Junction and Linvingstone Room) and not too expensive.
Breakfast was very good as well, with a large choice of food.
Stay in Victoria Falls was interesting - we did the walk around the Falls, which is great. However, the sunset cruise on the Zambezi river is too expensive and without interest
A great colonial experience
Frankly a must in my view for someone visiting Victoria Falls and going on to a Safari......amusing that Zimbabwean visas for anyone from Europe costs "only" US$ 30 and yet for Bits it's US$ 55! Regardless of your views re the politics of the country, the staff are great and the colonial experience somewhat unique. Not more than 2 nights....but the a la carte dining experience in the Livingston Room was interesting.
In viiew of the above, I think the lack of coverage of the Hotel in the Bradt guide to Botswana (which has a section on Livingstone which is on the Zambian side of the Falls) was odd......particularly bearing in mind that the guide was otherwise excellent.
Beautiful Hotel
Enjoyed it very much.
The activities--lion walk, elephant walk, helicopter ride--were great, although at $150 a pop, for the four of us it added up to close to $2,000. Other than the cost, no complaints.
Expert Africa comments
Expert Africa would like to make it clear that for ethical reasons we do not book the lion walking activity in Victoria Falls. If guests would like to do this activity then they are of course able to book it independently as these travellers did. We would however encourage anyone considering booking this activity to talk to us first so that we can make you aware of our stance and the reasoning behind it.
