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The Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar is celebrated for its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, complete with cultural flair and engaging entertainment. Guests often commend the impeccable cleanliness of both the rooms and the grounds, as well as the attentive and professional service, despite occasional inconsistencies.
While the rooms are generally appreciated for their spaciousness and cleanliness, a few travelers have pointed out maintenance issues and outdated decor. The hotel's beachfront location, diverse dining, and array of activities consistently impress, although opinions on value do vary, with some guests pointing to overpriced aspects.
Location
Picturesque
Atmosphere
Welcoming
Rooms
Spacious
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Friendly
Amenities
Outstanding
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We have just returned from a two week stay (29th July to 12th August 2023) at this marvellous hotel and have had another fantastic RIU experience. Our last RIU Palace holiday was only in December 2022 at the Maldives where we spent two weeks over Christmas (whilst writing this on the 17th August 2023 our RIU Palace Maldives review is currently the hotel’s favourite review).
This was our first time in Zanzibar and booked through best at travel. The transfer from the airport to the hotel wasn’t included so we made our own arrangements using zanziworld tours. It cost $35 which isn’t bad considering the transfer time was 1 hour 15 mins. We also used the company for our return journey to the airport.
We arrived at the hotel about 9am and anticipated that our room wouldn’t be ready. We therefore packed a beach bag filled with essentials so that we could quickly change into our swimwear and head down to the pool/beach to start the holiday going (cases etc could be stored in the luggage room). During check-in in we were greeted with a refreshing drink and were given a site map (check in took about 15 mins). We already had the RIU app downloaded from our Maldives holiday. What we were surprised with is the additional $130 tourist tax that we were stung with. We knew nothing about this additional tax. Checking the internet, this rate had increased from $1 per person per night on the 1st of July 2023 to $5 per person per night. You had to pay the charge there and then otherwise they wouldn’t allow us to check in. So please be aware of this additional charge. We were relieved that after changing into our swimwear in the reception toilets we were informed that our room was ready. Our room was located just in one of the blocks (block 4) next to the roundabout at the front of reception, so were literally in the room within 2 mins.
As with the Maldives holiday we selected the Palace (and not the Jambo) on the proviso of the 3 additional restaurants (staying at the Palace entailed access to the chinese, Italian and Kulinarium restaurants at the Jambo) and that there would be more tranquillity there with-it being adults only.
Our room had a similar layout to the Maldives and had the same matching fixtures and furnishings. There was plenty of storage, mirrors, plug sockets (sockets were the same as England so there was no need to bring adaptor). The shower pressure was excellent, never lost temperature and the air-con was spot on. An iron, ironing board, hairdryer, kettle, umbrella and safe were provided as standard. The fridge was restocked daily with 4 large waters, 2 fanta, 2 coke, 2 sprite, 2 drinks that looked like root beer and 3 x Serengeti beers. The bed was huge and so comfy, and it was so silent and peaceful on a night, we probably had some of the best nights kip on this holiday. We weren’t in the room long enough to watch TV but there were a few English-speaking channels available. The wi-fi is excellent and never dropped out once, it covered the whole complex (you do loose it when you go over to the Jambo, however if you ask one of the bar tenders they will give you the temporary password to access over there) What we were surprised to see was the absence of the optics/bar butler. We have stayed in multiple RIUs within the Caribbean and the Maldives with each one having the optics/bar butler within the room. We enquired this with Ajith (food and beverage manager) who said they don’t have this concept in this hotel nor the Jambo. The thing is we really missed this concept as we like to have a few vodkas/gins whilst getting ready for our night out. This acted as an impediment as it meant after sunbathing and having a few drinks on the terrace at the Ginger bar whilst watching the sun go down, we would then have to order several takeaway drinks and gingerly carry them back to our room (along with all our beach stuff and towels etc). Bearing in mind our room was based in the block next to the roundabout at reception, it took about 5 mins to walk back up the slope and as a result there was more drink spilt on the ground then left in the cup.
Our room attendant - Adelina kept the room immaculate. The bathroom is covered with chrome, mirrors and glass which aren’t the easiest of materials to keep clean but every day they were all buffed, glistening and gleaming to a perfect standard. We just want to say thank you Adelina for this and for the wonderful towel art and floral displays that you created for us. The one you left for us on our 19th wedding anniversary was fab.
We appreciate the time and effect that goes into these creations, and every morning we would see the housekeeping team gathering their floral supplies from the trees/bushes before starting their shift.
Gym – went in a few times and is open from 6:00am to 10:00pm. A decent size with 2 x treadmills, a few cross trainers, smith machine and free weights
Pools/beach – there are 3 pools dotted around the complex, the main pool next to Ginger bar, a smaller pool with jacuzzi outside of the Krystal/steak house restaurants and the pool just outside the block we were stopping in at the top. This pool also had the sunshine bar which is open from 10:00am to 18:00pm. We would have stayed around this pool as it was quite a size and very peaceful, however there was to much shade. There was a little towel shelf where towels were provided (alongside a dirty towel bin) at this pool which was handy as it meant you didn’t have to trapse down to the main pool to get your towels there. We tended to stay round the main pool, we found it was more spatial and less shaded. The main towel kiosk is also located at the main pool. Although there isn’t a swim up bar at the Palace (unlike the Jambo), there is the ginger bar and the Makuti bar at either side and there are staff constantly parading up and down asking you for drinks, so you rarely need to leave your sunbed for a drink. What it was weird to see was glassware (bottles of Serengeti beer) was allowed in and around the pool area. We only heard one smashed glass during our time there and the shards were swiftly swept up. We had no bother getting a sunbed. Vacant sunbeds around the main pool and the sunshine bar pool were in abundance, so it was nice going to bed every night knowing you didn’t have to get up at the crack of dawn to reserve a sunbed. The sun starts setting after 5ish so by half 5 the pool is covered in shade. The jacuzzi in the other small pool isn’t warm. There was a dodgy day when it was raining so we thought we would use the jacuzzi in the spa. Again, the jacuzzi was so cold, we asked the lad to turn the temperature up and he said that’s as warm as it gets. Sunbathing wise, we stayed clear of the beach. Although it looks idyllic with the beautiful azure coloured sea and white sand it is plagued with beach hawkers. There are 3 entrances to the beach, and they are all lingering at the bottom of the stairs waiting for you (when the tide goes out there is a cave shop set up selling all sorts of apparel). It doesn’t matter what time of the day you enter the beach they are there, and you can’t have a nice peaceful walk without being harassed. We admit that we did utilise them for some souvenirs. We bought some fridge magnets (which were half the price then the shop) and we bought a few of the Zanzibar football shirts that folk are walking about in. We saw one of the guests buy two of these footy shirts and asked him what he paid, he paid 2 for $20. We also paid that for 2, so if you are after one of these shirts don’t pay more than a tenner for one.
Restaurants – on our first night we used the main restaurant and found the food delicious. The breakfast buffet was also spot on, and we liked the fact you could help yourself to the sparkling wine to make several mimosas. For the rest of the holiday, we used the a la cartes. We had no issue with making restaurant reservations via the app and everything we wanted we got. 6 of the nights we spent in the restaurants on the Jambo side and the rest was spent on the Palace side. The Chinese restaurant is located next to the main buffet restaurant on the Jambo side and the Kulinarium and Italians are located on the wooden pier on the Jambo side. We only went to IA once and the Chinese once. Every restaurant we attended the food was amazing. Food wise you will not go hungry here. When all the main restaurants etc are closed the 24-hour bar has snacks such as sandwiches, pastries, cakes and fruit should you need a bite to eat outside these hours. We also used Pepe’s grill regularly and found it very handy if you wanted a quick snack. Pepe’s is open 12pm till 18:00pm where burgers, sausages, chips, chicken wings, chicken nuggets, fish fingers, salad and cold cuts are served.
Entertainment/animation – there’s an electronic information board in reception that features a weekly schedule of the activities/entertainment. There is also a paper copy on the front of the towel kiosk at the main pool. Jackson 5 and Rachel are around during the day offering yoga, water aerobics and water polo (there is no pressure to participate). Rashid is the compere/MC on a night. Some of the night-time cabaret acts are excellent, the ones that stood out for us were the acrobats and a band that we think played on a Saturday night and the name started with a ‘M’ (drummer was the main singer, with the back up singer, bass player and keyboardist). We also participated in the Kahoot online game which was a laugh. If you run out of reading material or want to leave a book behind there is a bookshelf in the cinema room just to the right of the tourist centre that has plenty of books. There is also a little outdoor activity zone just on the other side of the cinema room which has a dart board, horseshoes and other little games that you can have a go at.
Bars – there are several bars within the complex. The sunshine bar (10am till 18:00pm), the breeze bar, the Makuti bar (10:00am till 18:00am) and the Ginger bar (24 hours). All of these bars are run extremely efficiently, and you never have to wait to be served. We loved watching the sunset on the roof top terrace of Gingers, watching the beautiful Dhows drift past. Although they put full strength Serengeti in your room you can get Serengeti lite at the other bars and are all bottled (over in the Jambo all the beer is on tap and they have another beer brand called Kilimanjaro). There are also slush machines in all the bars which is handy if you want a quick thirst quencher with a dash of vodka.
Grounds – the grounds are magnificent and are immaculately maintained. The gardeners all do a cracking job with the husbandry of it all. Keep an eye out for little Peter rabbit and his friend cotton tail. They can be found scampering around the main garden in front of reception. The janitors/clean team also do a cracking job with keeping all the areas such as the bins, floors and toilets nip and clean.
Late check out – as our flight wasn’t till late in the evening, we managed to keep the room on till 17:00pm, it cost $100 but was worth it. To arrange late check out pop down to reception about 8.30am on the morning of departure to check the availability. If a late check out cannot be granted there is a locked luggage room to store your cases and there are courtesy shower rooms next to reception.
Jambo – there are 2 ways to access the Jambo, the beach and the back route at the top of the complex (the site map shows where you access it). Once you are on the beach it takes about 2 mins to reach it. We did a recce one night to access the back route and we are pleased we did. The pathway is very dimly lit and its hard to see where you are going, we had to use our phone torch at times. Once you meander through the pathway you arrive at a mission style gate house where you just use the door handle to open it. Getting back through the gatehouse you will need your keycard to scan back through. As soon as you leave the gatehouse turn left and follow the path down. The Jambo is quite impressive it is just over a year old. Once you follow the path, turn left and you will see the entrance to the main buffet restaurant. If you continue past that, the chinese restaurant is just next door and then if you keep walking past that the Bongo entertainment theatre is just beyond. The Bongo theatre is where all the turns and cabaret acts feature. We utilised quite a lot of the Jambo during our stay. As we mention above 6 of the nights were spent eating there and we would regularly pop into the bar that is featured on the pier between the Italians and Kulinarium (as well as the bongo bar). We also sampled their grill/snack stop during the day and found the food excellent. Looking around their pools and beach area, the sunbeds etc were also plentiful. The RIU Jambo team we encountered were also hard working, friendly and efficient just like their RIU Palace counterparts. We just want to say a big thank you to the following from the Jambo - Zahura (maitresse), Theresa (chinese and Italians), Steven and Japhet (Bongo bar), Edward (Kulinarium), there was also the maitre D who flexed between the Italians and Kulinarium apologies we forgot your name but it began with a ‘D’.
We think that about covers it.
Overall, we had another fantastic RIU holiday. It was made even more perfect by all the team members whose hard work is massively appreciated; you will forever be in our hearts. We therefore give a massive thanks to Zabron (thank you for all your fabulous cocktails and fantastic creations, you really are a top geezer), a fist pump to Yousef (Ginger), Frank (Ginger) we will miss your baby Guinness’s, jammy donuts and snickers shots, Joyce (Ginger), Paulina (Ginger), Nestory (Ginger), Abdul (Ginger), Jackling (Ginger), Rehema (Ginger), Meshack (Ginger), Nesia (Ginger), Jema (Makuti), Veronica (sunshine bar),Jasmine (breeze bar) Jackson 5 (animation), Rachel (animation), Rashid (animation), Oliver (main restaurant), Zaina A M (steakhouse),Lillian (steak house), Adelina (housekeeping) and finally Ajith (food and beverage manager) Asante Sana, Jambo, Jambo, Hakuna Matata xxx
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Response from RIU Hotels and Resorts, Marketing at Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar
Responded 31 Aug 2023
Dear Gashnleyna, We appreciate you leaving your fabulous evaluation and we are delighted to read your positive comments. Your evaluation makes us want to continue working to offer the best service. We are very happy to read you enjoyed your holiday and we hope you visit us again very soon. Love you back, Gashnleyna, Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar Online Reputation Manager
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My husband and I are visiting Riu Palace for 7 nights. What a place! Beautiful beach front, a fantastic room and wonderful staff. The gardens are beautifully kept and spacious (although the walk can be tiring as it is up hill in the heat). The room is also spacious, clean and bright. Housekeeping come round every night to turn down the beds and ensure the room is ready for a good night's sleep. A very nice touch. The Spa massages are pricey but very good (Riu might consider doing packages which offer some discounts). The main restuarant is good, lots of choice. The Pepe Grill is very under utilised and therefore the food is a little basic. I cant comment on the 2 a la carte restaurants as yet, as we have not used them yet (although we are booked in). Book on arrival as they are busy. So far we ate really having an amazing stay and would recommend.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Response from RiuHotelsandResorts, Online Reputation Manager at Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar
Responded 23 Jan 2020
Dear J3353UJalisonc, Thank you for sharing your outstanding experience with us! We are delighted to understand that you had a wonderful time during your stay at our Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar! We appreciate your kind words and compliments! It was a pleasure to take great care of you and everyone at our resort! We hope to host you again in one of our worldwide hotels in the future! Greetings, Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar Online Reputation Manager
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We travelled to Zanzibar from Cape Town for the second leg of our honeymoon and after an action packed 10 days in CT we were ready for a relaxing chilled time in Nungwi! We were not disappointed! We travelled over night and were feeling quite tired and gross by the time we arrived at 11am. Check in wasn’t till 2pm but that was no issue! They went ahead and got us checked in got our wrist bands so we could go have food and drinks while we were waiting and they also have curtesy facilities near reception where you can shower and freshen up!
Once we got in to the room we were blown away, gorgeous room beautifully made up and stunning views of the ocean! Are room was pretty much in the middle of the resort so close to everything! As we prepared for dinner we were surprised to receive a complementary bottle of champagne to celebrate our honeymoon!
We dined in both the speciality restaurants, The Steakhouse is particularly brilliant and we also had the private beach dinner we where were looked after by Robert and Emmanuel who were fantastic. Breakfast/Lunch and Dinner at the Buffet style restaurant had ample choice, however I did feel the dinner options were a bit samey by the end of the 10 days however service was fantastic!
Pools were all gorgeous and well maintained with excellent poolside drinks service! They also hosted daily activities, my husband participated in volleyball and water polo everyday and had a great time! We visited the Spa for The Touch of Zanzibar couples massage which was incredible snd I also returned myself did a facial which was excellent! Both great quality and extremely relaxing
There was entertainment every night at the main bar and although some nights where better then others it was always enjoyable! Chiku who looked after us every evening was fantastic ( I swear she was on a mission to get us drunk every night) but we never waited long for a drink and always had service with a smile.
The beach was gorgeous and clean, the beach boys can be a little annoying but overall the beach is lovely! There’s a nearby water sport centre, highly recommend doing a snorkelling trip to Mnemba Island. There are also loads of day trips which can be organised through the hotel!
We had the most wonderful honeymoon and can not thank all the staff and management at Rui Palace for making it memorable and special
Hakuna Matata
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Response from RiuHotelsandResorts, Online Reputation Manager at Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar
Responded 24 Apr 2020
Dear Keelzer, Many thanks for sharing your kind words with us and for choosing our hotel for your honeymoon! We are thrilled that our staff was able to make your stay special on such an important occasion. We take note of your comments and look forward to welcoming you once again, stay safe meanwhile! With our best wishes we remain, Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar Online Reputation Manager
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We visited Rui Palace after having spending an amazing five days on Safari in Kenya. We spent 6 nights at the Rui Palace in one of the Junior Suite Rooms. The room was amazing with a great balcony and an excellent view. Every day there was little touches done to the room and it was a nice thing to come back to every evening. The beach was amazing the white sand was like powder and unlike other parts of the island there was not a long walk to the water as the tide did not go out very much. The Staff were all very helpful and friendly and were quick to ensure that your needs were met, wether it be a drink or beach chairs etc. The pool areas, were peaceful and you could have a drink, a dip and read your book in peace, there was not many times we were stuck looking for deck chairs by the pool apart from 1 or 2 occasions. The only small gripe we had was with the food - while all professionally prepared, there is 2 late night restaurants and a buffet. Its a personal thing that I don't really like buffets and they can get a bit monotonous going there for breakfast lunch and dinner, while we got 2 nights at the restaurants (which were great) they are constantly booked out and block booked so when you arrive book them straight away. Don't expect Michelin star meals in the buffets, but they are perfectly adequate.
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Date of stay: January 2020
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Room Tip:Â There is quiet a distance from the beach/restaurants/buffet to reception so be sure you get one...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from RiuHotelsandResorts, Online Reputation Manager at Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar
Responded 4 Feb 2020
Dear 443rossk, Thank you so much for letting us know your insights and for choosing the Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar to spend the rest of your vacation after Kenya! On one hand, we are delighted to know that in general you had such a fantastic time with us and that our staff members made your vacation even better! On the other hand, we are disappointed to find out that our gastronomy did not live up to your expectations and that we could not meet your taste. Let us assure you that at RIU our chefs are constantly working on our variety of dishes in order to satisfy the most demanding palates and we will share your concerns with them in order to continue improving day after day. It was such a pleasure to take care of you and we would like to welcome you back in the near future. Sincerely, Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar Online Reputation Manager
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We stayed at the Riu for 2 weeks from the 18th February. Had an outstanding time! From reception to gardening all the staff were wonderful, very friendly and helpful. Djana, Ali, Jamal, Nana, Ibrahim, Azana, Stephen and many, many more!
The room was great, bed was very comfy, aircon worked well and it was very clean as well, the only small downside to the room is the lighting in the bathroom, it needs to be brighter for applying makeup and also shaving. The food in the buffet was great, we actually preferred the buffet to the restaurants. The gardens are extremely well maintained, the pools are lovely and the beach is stunning! I would definitely return to this hotel without a doubt.
We booked the holiday with Tui. We booked 3 trips, one with one of the vendors from the beach to swim with dolphins and go to Mnenba island, one with Tui to go to Stonetown and Prison island and booked online to go to Cheetahs rock. If I were to book a trip again I wouldn't book with Tui, the prices were high and the trip was disappointing! The guide was not very informative and kept disappearing, we were given one small bottle of water each and that was it for the whole day! I would recommend Stone town and prison island but certainly not with Tui. The dolphin and Mnenba island trip was amazing and so was Cheetahs rock - I would highly recommend both! Cheetahs rock is a sanctuary for animals who have been harmed or hurt and are not able to return to the wild, it was amazing, sat with a cheetah, fed two white lions, a zebra, Bush babies, hyena, lemurs etc! 🤗
I'd like to say a big 'THANK YOU' to the Riu Palace team who made our holiday amazing! We had the most wonderful time!! My son and his wife had an amazing time as well and loved the animation team who were quite competitive when it came to water polo and volleyball 😂 (I called them the slack line team as they were all learning to walk on a slack line)
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from RiuHotelsandResorts, Online Reputation Manager at Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar
Responded 13 Mar 2020
Dear Guest, Happy birthday! Thank you so much for your kind words and your 5 star review on Tripadvisor. We are so pleased we were able to assist you and make your stay memorable and hope that we can have the opportunity to serve you again in the future. With our best wishes we remain, Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar Online Reputation Manager
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Our weekend was mostly ruined from the minute we stepped into the hotel, we arrived at 2pm, the reception was overcrowded with about 80 or 90 people on top of each other (the hotel prides itself with following strict Covid protocols). upon getting our turn to check in we were told that the check in is only at 4pm, due to government covid protocol, as check out is at 11am and there is a Government official that sprays the room to disinfect it and after 4 hours has to inspect and verify the room to Ok it. (This is the biggest joke and lie being told to us, it seems the top management trains the staff to say this, as it was also told to other guests). We were told that we could go and have lunch meantime but to hurry as there is only 15min left. 4pm arrived and our rooms were still not ready for check in, our whole first day was ruined and gone as we had to wait basically at a crowded reception the whole day. We demanded to see the General manager which was a very difficult task, as we were being told all kinds of excuses. eventually we did manage to see him and cast our complaints, the GM was extremely rude and very unprofessional very similar to the rest of his reception and management, he also gave us unrealistic excuses that basically were lies, basic customer relations was a big zero. Eventually at 4.15pm we were told that the rooms will be ready in 30 minutes, we were angry frustrated and at a point to try look for another hotel. We did eventually receive the rooms at 5pm. At the room we requested a blanket and pillow that we had to ask for over and over and was eventually brought to us after 4 hours, when calling reception they said it would be sent immediately, calling again after 1 hour the same was being told and when trying to call again they just cut off our calls. The only thing from the overall service that I can say is excellent is the food quality and variety that is exceptional. The location and beach are very good due to it being in Nungwi. Conclusions are that if RIU want to keep an international RIU standard they must act fast at changing the management from right at the top and hire professionals, otherwise they are tarnishing the reputable image of RIU
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Date of stay: May 2021
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
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Response from RIU Hotels and Resorts, Marketing at Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar
Responded 18 May 2021
Dear Guest, Thank you for providing us with your valuable feedback relating to your stay with us. With the many challenges that Covid-19 has brought, we have taken measures by applying strict protocols which we have developed in collaboration with the prestigious Preverisk Group that ensures a safe and clean environment for our guests and employees. In fact, the new check-in/out times have been thought to create a time window that guarantees the deep disinfection of the rooms, as this process takes more time. However, we are very sorry and disappointed to read about this experience. Our sincere apologies for not providing a better one for you. Giving our guests wonderful hospitality experiences is one of our highest priorities. So, we are very embarrassed to read this and assure you it is definitely not reflective of the way we work. At the same time, it is a pity that you did not bring your concerns to our attention during your stay so that we could meet your requests immediately. We honestly believe that the vast majority of guest concerns are easily remedied here at the hotel. However, we will be sharing your feedback with our Management team as we are always striving to improve our operations so that we can work towards preventing these kinds of issues in the future and deliver on the service and hospitality that you truly deserve. To end on a positive note, we are glad to hear your compliments on our gastronomy, and location. We would be grateful if you could visit us again at your convenience. We assure you that your experience will be much more in keeping with what you expect. Kind regards Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar Online Reputation Manager
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Good morning ! I would like to leave a review of my stay at the RIU Palace Hotel. Together with my friend, we rested in the second half of November 2020. I want to say that at first we are going to rest and were insecure, that Zanzibar and the hotel will surprise us with something. But were wrong! About the hotel. RIU Palace is located on one of the best beaches in Zanzibar, we saw this when we walked and traveled all over the island. Kendwa Beach can be considered the best. Tides and low tides are moderate. Even during low tides, you can swim in the ocean, and not just watch algae, like on other beaches. The territory of the hotel are very large and well-groomed, a lot of greenery, which is constantly cared for. There are 3 pools, each of them has a bar. The staff at the bar are very polite, attentive and trying to please your taste. Always with a smile they will bring coffee, cocktails, water and surely with a smile they will ask "how are you doing." Regarding the number pool. There are rooms overlooking the sea, but we lived in a room, windows overlooked the courtyard with a swimming pool. Room cleaning is satisfactory. On the territory there is a main restaurant where breakfasts, lunches and dinners are held according to the buffet system. And also three La carte restaurants, in which you need to book dinner in advance for reception. Most of all, we liked restaurant Ia, although the other two are also very tasty. And there's one bar for snacks. We were there once upon arrival, because we did not have time for lunch. In the evening there is some kind of concert program near the main bar. Therefore, with a glass of wine, a cocktail or just a glass of juice that waiters will graciously bring from the bar, you can enjoy colorful music, dance or just chill. We really liked the holiday, we are going to return another
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Date of stay: November 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from RIU Hotels and Resorts, Marketing at Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar
Responded 2 Dec 2020
Dear NadinMaz, Thank you so much for your comments regarding your recent stay. It fills us all with great confidence when we receive such wonderful feedback. Once again, thank you and we hope to see you again soon. Best regards Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar Online Reputation Manager
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Stunning resort with beautiful grounds that were well taken care of. Staff were so helpful and very attentive to our needs. We would like to say a special thank you to Christopher in reception, Deborah (Debbie) in main restaurant who took great care of us during a very busy time. Veronica and Jasmine very good bar staff and made lovely cocktail Dawa’s! You must try their traditional drink!
Superior room was exceptional, very spacious with walk in wardrobe. Double sink and large overhead rain shower. I’d recommend asking for the superior rooms higher up as you have a better ocean view. Large balcony with recliners and seating area was nice touch. Housekeeping was 5* and did a great job in keeping rooms spotless with nice touches of flowers etc.
Main restaurant had so many options for buffet and all cooked wonderfully and fresh. Really good food and something for everyone! Loved the fresh fruit and dessert section!
It is hard to get a table at the smaller restaurants and you need to book ahead. This is disappointing as you do not get to choose if they are fully booked. We ate at the steakhouse restaurant on the last day and it was just okay, nothing special. 5* service as always and beautiful settings.
Superb facilities At Riu and you are really spoilt for choice. Multiple pools meaning there was always a quiet pool area away from crowds (very busy with guests during our stay). Good bar staff, brilliant cocktails and drinks served. Quick access to the stunning Kendawa beach and beach staff were so helpful!
Good gym facilities too and very clean and cool with AC. Beautiful spa area unfortunately most closed due to COVID19. I booked a spa experience manicure and pedicure and I would not bother. Totally overpriced and VERY limited poor quality polish which meant the beautician Asha had to redo. I would have done a better job myself and although Asha did a great pedicure with scrub and massage which was wonderful with gel polish it took her over 2 hours. My manicure polish came off after 2 days and I had got them done for my wedding so I was really disappointed by this and would have not paid for them if it had not been payment in advance.
I would stay here again but only if it’s quieter time.
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Date of stay: January 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So after a stressful year with this ongoing pandemic planned a get away to somewhere not so crowded like Greece/turkey etc. So chose Zanzibar! Specifically selected ‘riu palace adults only resort’ IT IS NOT ADULTS ONLY! It is a beautiful resort but For those who want to get away from crying children unfortunately this is not the case. The hotel is advertised as adults 18 and up on riu websites as well as travel agencies and hotel booking websites as adults only. When asked at reception I was told due to the pandemic the head office had told them they have been allowed families and children. If this was put in prior to travel I would’ve chosen a different hotel.
Please note the restaurants within the resort are not all open, ‘pepes grill’ closed due to corona, Main restaurants are also closed and open selected days so have to call to find out daily where breakfast lunch and dinner will be. The menu is not as big due to customer number so keep that in mind. Still tasty food but your variety is smaller. Beach access is not great for people with disabilities as you have to take wooden stairs up and down. A lot of touters which will defo hound you, hotel try and control that but still wou will be approached continuously. Less than 1 minute on the beach I had a queue of ten guys ready to sell and follow. Staff are great smiling and super helpful, well maintained in terms of cleanliness and Covid safety, you have to wear a mask and sanitisers during buffet as well as get you temperature taken at the door. Glad to see that being done. Staff all wear masks and are very helpful. Riu app was advised to be used to get layout and know where things are. Everything shows open but not the case. unfortunately a big let down in terms of what was advertised by riu hotels in terms of what is open and it being an adults only resort. So a let down for me in this regard. And please get rid of these horrible colonial pics.
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from RIU Hotels and Resorts, Marketing at Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar
Responded 27 Sept 2020
Dear Guest, Thank you for staying with us and for sharing your feedback! We are very saddened to read about your disappointing stay with us, and that it was over shadowed by the extraordinary situation we are all facing at the moment. On our website we do indicate that there may be some changes to each hotel’s services or facilities that differ from what is described. Even so, we apology for any inconvenience caused and sincerely hope that soon we will have the pleasure to welcome you back and provide you the real RIU experience! Meanwhile, stay safe! With our best wishes we remain, Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar Online Reputation Manager
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We have returned from the Rui Palace Zanzibar today & want to share our amazing holiday. Our first impression was that we had found paradise! The grounds are amazing & kept beautifully. The hotel is in a perfect location which leads down to the most wonderful view of the ocean and the white sandy beach which we enjoyed walking along most days. The hotel is so friendly & welcoming with staff that cannot do enough to ensure our stay was perfect.Mr Hamadi the General Manager is so helpful and deals with his guests in a very friendly professional way. Mr Kasun the front office manager & his team at reception was very helpful in choosing a fabulous room for us. Mr Nitin made sure everyone was happy in the bar which he carried out very well!!! All the staff at the Riu worked together to deliver a first class service & a memorable one.There are so many of the staff to thank in the restaurants, bars , the ladies who keep the room exceptionally clean, the gardeners all working in extreme heat with lovely smiles every day. There’s just one more we have to mention and that’s Frederick in the Breeze bar who made the best passion fruit cocktails ever!!!! He made our holiday with his friendly, efficient & lovely smiling face. Happy birthday Freddie hope you have a wonderful day. Well done Riu your doing a fantastic job!!!
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Date of stay: January 2020
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from RiuHotelsandResorts, Online Reputation Manager at Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar
Responded 29 Jan 2020
Dear Susan, Thank you so much for leaving this kind and generous review of our hotel! We are proud to hear that your experience was nothing less than memorable and that our staff was able to serve you in that way! Certainly, your compliments will be shared with our team! It is our hope to see you again soon! With our best wishes we remain, Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar Online Reputation Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
There are more places to choose from in the Nungwi area.
PRICE RANGE
€322 - €492 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
TanzaniaZanzibar ArchipelagoZanzibar IslandNungwi
NUMBER OF ROOMS
200
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Yes, it offers wheelchair access, reduced mobility rooms, and facilities for disabled guests. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.
