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-   -   Hotels for Victoria falls (https://www.fodors.com/community/africa-and-the-middle-east/hotels-for-victoria-falls-1180939/)

chitowntraveler Jan 12th, 2017 06:37 PM

Hotels for Victoria falls
 
At the moment we have a reservation at the Victoria Falls Hotel. My agent said it is the best view and allowed a 1 night stay. I have read some mixed reviews on this property. Some say it is lovely and colonial, others call it "old". We are planning to stay here but were also looking at The Royal Livingston on the other side. Any thoughts?

christabir Jan 13th, 2017 08:37 AM

The best view is from the Zimbabwe side. I see no reason to visit the Zambia side and pay for the visa (although the Univisa is back).

Yes, the Victoria Falls Hotel is old - is that bad? It depends on your perspective. The falls and park are adjacent to the VFH. I'd stay there again if we go back, no place else.

chitowntraveler Jan 13th, 2017 11:11 AM

Thanks in insight. Old is not bad if not run down. Some trip advisor reviews seem to indicate otherwise but people are crazy!

christabir Jan 13th, 2017 06:13 PM

Please be aware that Zimbabwe is suffering terrible economic conditions. Plus the added stress of the long term drought in 2016. If the VFH is showing its age a bit, it's likely due to that. I believe (I could be wrong - only going by word of mouth) there are areas/wings of the hotel that have been upgraded recently. Maybe that's the difference in the reviews. The service when we were there was so great we didn't worry too much about the little things. And the location just can't be beat.

It's a very expensive hotel so expectations are high - maybe too high for Zimbabwe right now.

Maybe consider the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge/Hotel? On the Zim side in town. With just 24 hours, staying on the Zim side you'll get to see them in the afternoon/evening and sunrise.

ekscrunchy Jan 24th, 2017 05:09 AM

This is one of the classic great hotels of the world. I would not miss the chance to spend the night. I had lunch and used the pool and I would stay in a heartbeat. It is not the Four Seasons but are you really going to Zim/Zam for that?

DebitNM Jan 27th, 2017 05:33 PM

We spent 2 nights here. Great location for the falls. Decent room, rate and food was ok too.

http://www.legacyhotels.co.za/en/hotels/thekingdom

Poconolady Jan 28th, 2017 05:15 AM

Anothet suggestion, have you considered The Elephant Camp? There is no Falls view, but it is a short drive away. The camp offers true luxury tented accomafations, fantastic food and the added benefit of being an elephant rescue camp, they also have a resident cheetah, Sylvestor. You wil be able to meet and greet Sylvestor, get up close and feel the power of the magnificent animal. There are also elephant encounters and walks thru the bush. This was truly a highlight of our safari trip last year.

DebitNM Jan 28th, 2017 10:18 AM

better link:

http://www.thekingdomhotel.co.za/

RoamsAround Jan 29th, 2017 06:56 AM

We stayed at the Victoria Falls Hotel. Few years go. It was like stepping back in time to thevlate 1800's/early 1900's when British aristocracy would be the guests of honor. Service was first rate, rooms were spacious and comfortable and having afternoon tea on the terrace was a real treat. Wouldn't stay anywhere else.


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