Riu Palace Zanzibar

We stayed here for the 2nd week of our honeymoon and would highly recommend it. We had a huge bedroom and our balcony overlooked the beautiful gardens and, even though we were at the front of the hotel, we still had a sea view because the complex is on a slope. There were always sunbeds available around the pool, and often, there were only a handful of people in the pool at a time which was nice. The hotel has it’s own beach area too. Both the pool and beach have their own bars, and around by the pool we were served drinks regularly by the friendly and attentive staff. You access the main beach down a set of steps. The beach is beautiful - whiter than white sand and the clearest sea we’ve ever swum in. The beach is overlooked by hotel security too just for extra peace of mind. The hotel offers the opportunity to book in at their 2 restaurants both of which are lovely. However, men have to have trousers on in order to eat in them. If you don’t have any, you can still have the restaurant menu but you have to eat it outside if the restaurant in the buffet area (which was a really nice area too). The food options at breakfast, lunch and dinner were vast. There were so many options to choose from, meat and vegetarian, and everything we ate had great flavours. Every evening there was some form of entertainment - it was always really good fun and the acts were skilful and well rehearsed. As it was our honeymoon, the hotel gave us a bottle of prosecco, a couples massage and a romantic dinner on their private beach all free of charge. We thought this was a really nice touch and made our honeymoon that bit more special! Particular thank yous to: Loyce - she served us most days or evenings. She was friendly and really attentive. She took the time to speak to us about our holiday and what we had been up to. She always had a smile on her face and was a credit to the team. Sani - he was in charge of setting up the romantic dinners on the beach. He has such a creative eye and his hosting skills were great too. He seemed to really love his job. Frederick and Meshack were also friendly bar staff who were efficient, happy and jokey, making for s really nice environment. Overall, we had a fantastic stay!

My first time in Zanzibar the home of my wifes father. The hotel needs a lot of work with its re-branding. Getting a taxi from the airport and after a long drive we were confused and a little worried that we were taken to the wrong hotel as there was no sign of the Riu hotel and only the Hideaway. Signage around the hotel and inside the rooms with towels all branded with the old company 'The Hideaway'. Was greeted with warmth and sincerity. Lovely lovely staff. The heartbeat of the hotel and made the stay as pleasurable as it was. The weather was nice but a lot of rainfall in periods of the day but would dry up later in the day. An adults only hotel so a massive plus if you dont want to be around children. So many staff to note and give credit to. Fatma in the general restaurant was lovely and friendly. Mussa was very friendly and makes amazing omelettes and pancakes! Salim was often at hand at dinner time and made the interaction memorable always remembering and greeting me by name. Its the little things and touches that make you feel appreciated. Jeremiah at the bar was always friendly and bubbly with a smile on his face and makes a good cocktail. John on the towel counter was friendly and chatty. Jasmine, Veronica and James at the bar were always on hand to offer drinks and quick and friendly service. Our glasses were never empty. The pool beside the bar was nice. Great view on to the sea and the sunset. The pool could be slightly heated in my opinion. After dinner performances were very enjoyable from african Maasai performances, live music and acrobatics. A big issue and problem we had due to a 2nd party booking with expedia caused some issues and was very upset with the lack of help and responsibility and assistance with a date change beyond our control and extra charge and wouls like the manager to directly contact us! The gym was pretty disappointing, especially as we shopped around for a gym for daily use being my profession so was a big let down. Lots of mosquitoes in the main reception, gym and table tennis/TV room, a big issue for me as the mosquitoes love my blood. The gym needs some up to date techno gym or life fitness equipment, newer and heavier dumbells and barbells. Swissballs, bosu, TRX, battle ropes and kettlebells. Nice spa area although didnt make time for a massage. Beach area was lovely although a LOT of people pressing for sales which was a bit too much but I also understand they are trying to make an honest living. The sun loungers by the beach were not the greatest and could have had a 'mattress'. Rooms were lovely. Very good. Spacious and well decorated. Loved the Lion head door holders, toilet roll and towel holders. Separate sinks and a walk in shower. Bed was very big and comfortable, a 4 poster bed with netted cover which helped with mosquitoes. Didnt bring any plug adapters but there also were limited power sockets, would have been great to have 1 either end of the bed. Would recommend this hotel and would re visit again in the future. Asante :-)

This location in North Zanzibar is the very best place you can visit. Riu Palace is there with all the luxury services managed by Mr Hamadi Zayed ,the one who takes care about it all ! His efforts comes outside in every staff people , in the excellent food, in every details. Thank you for the amazing holidays!