My wife and I stayed at Mbweni for two nights following a weekend spent on Chumbe island. We found this most convenient as the transfer boat from Chumbe departs from this hotel. And, after spending two weeks at basic and/or more affordable resorts we were delighted to have clean sheets, ample mossie nets, fluffy towels, hot showers with good water... more

Our family stayed with Karafuu for two weeks in the summer of 2008, after enjoying a fantastic Safari in the Masai Mara national park in Kenya. Karafuu was a very pleasant experience, that I surely will recommend to my friends and family. The location is just awesome, right on the water and away from the busy Stone Town. Nice bungalows... more

Good points; picked up at airport as arranged, hotel has excellent position on a stunning beach. yes when the tide goes out its not possible to swim, it goes out 400 metres and for half a day. But the hotel also has a pool. Bad points; welcome at 9.15 pm. 'No you can't have any food not even a sandwich... more

My partner and I stayed at La Gemma Dell' Est the first 2 weeks in September. After a long and very tiring journey we arrived at the hotel and were greeted with fruit cocktails, which were very welcome. Check in was quick and easy and we were taken to our Villa on a golf buggy and the cases followed shortly... more

Stayed at Chumbe for two nights at the end of September '08 having booked months previous via e-mail, fax and bank transfer. This procedure seemed a bit more complicated than necessary but allowed us to travel without the burden of cash as few places in Zanzibar will accept either credit cards or traveller's cheques. That being said, once we arrived... more

Big difference in types of accommodation here , you pays your money and takes your choice. My choice would be the beachside makuti thatch huts, which are luxury compared to most. Plenty of little gripes, like the light bulbs blown, but they do have a generator and that is important on Zanzibar because of the frequent power cuts. You get... more

We have just returned from the Langi Langi bungalow hotel in Zanzibar after a 9 day stay. The hotel is owned by a local family who take pride and care in how it is run which is quite obvious by the homely and authentic surroundings. We also had the pleasure of meeting one of the owner's who designed and built... more

I arrived in Zanzibar having lost my wallet and the staff at Coral Rock were absolutely wonderful and even lent me money so I could buy my visa. Because this is the only hotel in Zanzibar I had ever stayed in, I had no reference frame to compare it.. but I must say that Jambiani is a very natural, unspoiled... more

The Shooting Star Lodge on Zanzibar Island is probably the best hotel I have ever stayed at. I am not saying it is the most luxurious, the best placed or the most up-market hotel I have been to, but it is the most rustically beautiful hotel I have seen. I was first entranced when I entered the hotel bar. I... more

Stayed for three nights at Karamba after contacting the hotel months before by e-mail. Gemma at the front desk was very helpful and accomodating, as was Barrack (no relation!) who greeted us warmly on arrival and answered all our ridiculous questions. A lovely resort, the only one in Kizimkazi Dimbani, located on a coral cliff just to the north of... more

My wife and I stayed at Paradise for one week in the middle of October, 2008 which was perfect in terms of climate... Hot but not unbearable during the day, cool breeze at night so you don't even really need the fan, let alone the non-existent air-con. Overall, we had such a wonderful time here-- delicious food, wonderful, attentive, easy-going... more

We got married at the Palms a few weeks ago, and have nothing but praise for the staff, the accommodation, the food, and how well the wedding day itself was organised. We had the Cinammon villa. It's beautifully furnished, with fabrics and furniture in perfect harmony with the tropical garden surroundings. Huge bathroom, beautiful bedroom, dressing room, all there. The... more

We stayed in the Zanzibar Palace for 3 days at the end of our honeymoon in September. We were very disappointed, as we expected a boutique hotel, and it's really more of an average bed and breakfast. And for 295$ a night, well, you'd expect a lot more. We were in the Sherali Suite, and it's large...but a shabby old... more

We spent 3 nights at Coral Rock and would happily have spent another few weeks. From the moment we arrived we were spellbound by the view of the ocean, particularly when seen from inside the infinity pool. If you look for 5 star service or facilities then you might find some shortfalls however if you see the hotel for what... more

It is a beautiful location but the hotel is charging premium prices and not offering premium services: 1. Our bags were removed from our room prior to us completing our packing and prior to check out time. 2. Our room was attacked by rats 3. Broken toilet Our toilet was broken for the entire duration of the stay - i... more

During the first week of September, I visited Paje. While I didn't stay in this hotel, I visited the bar and restaurant a few times. I thought the staff were attentive and courteous, and I really enjoyed the relaxed vibe as a place to have a drink and hang out in the evening or while taking a break from the... more

The Red Colobus monkey is unique to Zanzibar, and here on one side of the road the trees are younger and shorter so you can see the monkeys, as they are used to people visiting. On the other side of the road, in the older forest, huge mahogany trees grow high and the Colubus live at the top where the... more

The Tembo and the Serena are the best positioned hotels in Stonetown. We stayed at Serena before, but it is so expensive, chose the Tembo this time. It is old and creaky but looked after, with beautiful upstairs lounge, and eating area outside on the beach. Staff are very friendly and helpful, and best of all it has a pool!... more

Chavda now looks great from the outside, inside has some terrific doors, and beautifully polished staircase and great views from the rooftop restaurant. Also has a strongroom behind the front desk, residents can use the double key safes stored their for free. Rooms are spacious but seemed a little dank, bathroom ok but some fittings past their prime. Air con,... more