Riu Palace Zanzibar

Great location for relaxing on the beach. Reception staff were rude when we requested a change of room. We were promised a call back from the manager regarding this and did not recieve one. My ironing was almost given to a different room! Maria at the restaurant was lovely. Food was mediocre. Buffet themed nights had delicious food and great atmosphere.

We visited for our honeymoon, our agency booked a garden view (instead of a beach view) and the hotel REFUSED to change us the room even if we told them it was a mistake and that we were there for our honeymoon. There is a HUGE difference between the garden and beach view. We were very very far from EVERYTHING it looked like we were in a completely different hotel infested by mosquitos and other insects. Also the food is terrible. One evening we were at the hotel restaurant and even if we told the waitress that we are vegetarian and we didnt have meet for 20 years, she served us MEAT. one day i got bitten by a weird fly, my skin was all reddish and. garden views DONT HAVE MOSQUITO NETS. I insisted that I wanted a mosquito net and their answer was: NO. I expected a better service from a 5 star , 600 $ a night hotel.

The Riu Palace Zanzibar exceeded our expectations. It was the most expensive holiday we have ever had and had high expectations because of that. We went as package with UK TUI a rep was non existent to us throughout our trip. No welcome package waiting on check in, no note through the door telling us where to find her or a doctor nothing. She has the best job in the world. Not even an info book in reception in English. The other European rep was a regular and if I had a problem, I would have course approached her, but UK customers get a poor deal compared to our European counterparts. Anyway, already too much of that on to the important bit — this stunning hotel. Reception Upon arrival at about 11am we were met by a group of staff who took our luggage showed us to a comfy seat and gave us a lovely fruit drink. We were exhausted and welcomed the hospitality. They gave us our room key, wrist band and hotel map and explained that as we couldn’t check in until 2pm we were free to access our luggage, get suitable clothing and enjoy all the facilities until then. This was the hardest part for me because I just wanted to rest, so stayed in reception. It got very hectic at 2pm and a bit of communication issues were frustrating but sorted swiftly. The reception staff are probably the best I have encountered anywhere. There are always plenty of people around, always. You don't have to wait for them to stop a conversation with a colleague, finish paper work etc for them to deal with you, you have their attention instantly. If they cannot help there and then, they will come back to you as promised. I cannot tell you how impressed I was. The room We had a room in the new block right at the back of reception it was modern, well appointed and spotless. There is a big TV with few English language channels. It has multi pin plugs throughout so no adapters are needed, USB installed at 2 plug areas. The fridge in the room is stocked each day with complimentary Coke, Fanta and Sprite (no low sugar), water and beers. There are tea and coffee making facilities. The lighting was great and well thought out. The beds (with mattress protecter) were comfortable, the pillows plump and fresh, the bedding and towels white. There are 2 lovey robes in the wardrobe along with an ironing board and iron, a free safe and plenty of proper hangers. There is also a large chest of drawers and bed side cabinets. There is a sofa and coffee table. The curtains are excellent quality and cover the sliding balcony doors which have a fly screen. An excellent Eco facility is that when the patio doors are open the air con goes off. The balcony is a good size, quite private with 2 chairs, table and drying rack. At night, the turn down service spray your room with mosquito repellent which became odourless after 10 minutes. Speaking to other guests, their rooms were also as pleasing. Bathroom Huge shower room with sitting area for you to enjoy a steam bath. There is a riser shower, shower gel dispenser and shelf also. I tried to be mindful of water use. The two sinks with plugs next to them were handy. There was a hand towel rail and well lit mirror for each sink. The shaving/magnifying mirror was good for make up - awful for wrinkles. Under the sink unit was a deep shelf for provisions. Miniature soap bars, body lotion, conditioner, shower cap, ear cleaner and flannels were on the amenity tray. A toilet is a toilet but it was soft close yayyy. The Grounds and General Areas. The gardeners and maintenance staff do an incredible job of keeping the grounds beautiful, clean and interesting. There are a good amount of toilets which are spotlessly clean. There are bins with ashtrays on top, I saw no litter whatsoever. The Spa Area I had 2 excellent treatments and wanted one every day. The therapists were very professional, skilled and knowledgeable. I did not use the gym, it keeps good hours. There is a small pavilion in the courtyard of the spa with which is an amazing little pool and jacuzzi in the middle. There is no drink service. It has lockers and great shower facilities. Food The open plan, large buffet restaurant had lots tables and staff. There are a variety of dishes at each service, less at lunch but plenty. Yes, it was a bit same same but everything I had was delicious, who ever cooks the Indian dishes knew precisely what they were doing. Food was sometimes, and of course unavoidably, a little cold, so I just took it back. Many people didn't realise there is a small air conditioned room at the back of the open plan area. Glasses were always topped up and concern was shown if it looked like you didn't enjoy the food by leaving a lot. Speciality Restaurants We ate at the steak house only once and it was fine. Once was fine for us. We did not eat at the other one. These need pre booking at reception. Service was excellent. Pepe’s Snack Bar A small but nice choice of fast food, fruit and drinks here. Nice to sit and chill out for a while. The Bar / Entertainment area. The table service is brilliant, not one member of staff failed to learn and remember our names or orders. We never had to wait long for drinks it so well staffed. Lots of international branded drinks and great cocktails — try them all, mojito is goooooood. The entertainment is low key but interesting and when it is meant to be, funny. Acrobatic acts who can bend like rubber, African singing/drumming groups, singers — all followed by disco/dancing. The Shop, Games Room and Travel Agent There were some lovely and unusual bits in the shop that I didn't see elsewhere. Initially you may think prices are expensive but when you get out and about, you will see they actually aren't. We did not use the travel agent. There was a room with a big TV, traditional games and book exchange. There was a quiet area overlooking the entertainment but without a fan it was very hot there. Pools / beach There are 3 pools, all manned with qualified life guards until approx 7pm. The infinity pool overlooking the beautiful sea, is warm and large but not crowded and just steps from the beach, the bedside drinks service is great. This is where they have aqua fit, volley ball , etc. A bit too energetic for me but people were enjoying. A small quiet pool further along by the speciality restaurants is again steps from the beach, this was fairly quiet and lovely. The 3rd pool is up behind reception right at the back of the resort, it’s large with a bedside bar service. This is where they hold their package holiday meetings and can get a bit noisy but never long enough to bother you. All pool towel stalls are manned and will exchange your card for a towel. BE WARNED - a lost card will cost you $20 to replace. All of the pools are superbly maintained and spotlessly clean. The sea is like a bath and access to it is manned 24 hours a day. There are about 20 steps ish in the middle area by the big pool. There are pedlars on the beach do not bother you when you say no thank you. WEAR SEA SHOES. Constructive criticism / suggestions Hand rail for entering/leaving the jacuzzi and on the stairs in the new block, some art would be a bonus. Give staff face masks for spraying bed rooms, it won’t be good for them long term The flies in the buffet are problematic Put signs by the trees (like in spice farms) it would be nice to know what they are. Provide more sugar free sodas Overview This resort impressed us so much, we have just booked to go back in May. That’s a first for us ! There are odd niggles but are small and forgotten within minutes. There are not many big groups of people, mainly twosomes or foursomes and several solo travellers. From the minute you arrive at the security gate to when you leave, the staff throughout never fail to greet you in one manner or another. The whole of the substantial grounds are well maintained and clean and host an amazing variety of local mini wildlife. At night the whole place sings with insects and birds. All public areas (without fail for me) are clean, litter and cigarette end free, it’s well lit with good signage. People are respectful to the environment. Go there but also venture out, it's a stunning island with history and beauty you only see in films.