Hi-

Just booking a safari/honeymoon in TZ and are trying to decide where to stay in Zanzibar for 4/5 nights..

Some of the places we're considering are:

Sultan Sands
Ocean Paradise Resort
Pongwe Beach
Hotel Ras Michamvi
Breezes

We want to stay somewhere nice, but not ostentatious-we'd like to have a niceish room, preferable with a terrace/seaview, good food and at minimum, light activities, we'd prefer not being a tourist trap, but it doesn't have to be in the middle of nowhere. We prefer the idea of the East Coast and $175 (maybe $200) pp per night is our max.

It seems the more research we do, the more confused we get! I realize this is not a life or death decision, and we're pretty easy going so ultimately we'll probably be happy at most places, just want to make sure we've got all the info so any suggestions or guidance would be helpful.

Thanks so much!

mesh2b

I would suggest checking out the thread below called where to stay in zanzibar.

Would also suggest checking out this site:

http://www.tanzaniaodyssey.com/zanzi...ar-beaches.htm

It gives a pretty good overview of many of the resorts in different categories.

Finally, go to tripadvisor to check out travellers reviews.

As we all are finding, choosing a resort is more about personal preference than absolutes. You will have a blast, no matter what you choose.

Interesting group of choices.

Sultan Sands - Part of the Blue Bay group. Blue Bay itself has recently been refurbished which would be my choice. Both have fans and air conditioning

Ocean Paradise Resort - Rather large and rooms look much as many hotels worldwide, nothing really special. Fans and a/c

Pongwe Beach - A fan of many here as it's small and remote with beautiful beach. Fans which can often be turned off at night, no a/c

Hotel Ras Michamvi - No personal experience, but noticed a really negative review on TA.

Breezes - A choice of many honeymooners, but maybe more expensive than your budget. Fans and a/c. Believe payment by Euro only.

As suggested above, check that link with many lots of info.

Consider: Ras Nungwi, Blue Bay, Karafuu. Lots also on the south and southeast coast.

Thanks so much for all of your help!

Any thoughts on Echo Beach or Matemwe Beach Village?

I would stay at Echo beach out of the 2 as it is smaller and has air con.
Personally i am no great fan of the matemwe area as it is so busy with locals and find the beach is too much of a snorkelling beach - ie lots of weed and sea urchins - but of course to some that is a plus!

Thanks so much! Any thoughts on echo beach vs. pongwe beach? Really appreciate your help.

both great in their own way, choose it depending on what you want to spend

We stayed at Pongwe a few years ago and loved it. The price was reasonable, the rooms were large but simple with porches and water views- almost right on the beach which was georgeous. We stayed with the meals included in the package and they were very good although we weren't crazy about the native meal that was served one night. For a price you could upgrade your dinner but we didn't. They bring coffee or tea to you room in the morning and the staff was wonderful. We only stayed a few days and didn't leave Pongwe but they did offer excursions. The pool was beautiful.

First of all.. congrats with your wedding!

Breezes is a good place for honeymoons, they offer a lot of (free) extra's for newly weds. Yes it does only accept Euro's, but it does fit into your budget. There are travel agents to whom you could pay in USDollar and they will book the hotel for you.

Ocean Paradise misses the personal touch.

I have stayed at Ras Michamvi last October. It was a very nice place to stay, has a good swimmingpool and a nice beach. Although I wouldn't say it is romantic enough for a honeymoon.

I have also visited Karafuu Hotel, it is also a good hotel. But because of the tides you are not able to swim in the ocean for many hours.

Ras Nungwi probably has the best beach,but is quite expensive.

I am not sure about Sultan Sands and Pongwe. I have heard good stories about them, but haven't been there myself.

When are you looking to visit the island? Depending on this, you may have book in advance as peak times may be fully booked.

Back on topic... I stayed at The Zanzibari hotel recently and highly recommend the place. It suited my exact needs – a relaxing break in paradise.

We stayed at Matemwe Retreat - we are not honeymooners, but oh my, it would be a geat choice for that! You never have to leave your villa and it is very romantic - your own butler to bring you your meals, the chef comes around everyday to get your preferences for the meals, a plunge pool on the roof, ahammock on the deck - it's a WONDERFUL place!

LyndaS, you're too funny. The OP is looking to spend max $400/nt and you offer Matemwe Retreat! Me thinks that's way way above their budget.

oh my I see it now - I completely missed that part! I think I am out to lunch still...

HI,
Maybe this won't matter to you, but I would highly suggest staying somewhere with A/C. I was just in Zanzibar at end of February and the heat and humidity were unbearable!!! Also, hopefully this has been fixed by now, but the island had been without electricity since December and at end of Feb it still hadn't been resolved. Everything is running on generators. We stayed at a very nice place but definitely not luxury so my guess is that if you are in a more upscale place they will make sure those generators are going longer to keep you cool.
Of course, as I said, this may all be resolved by now. But just keep in mind, when they tell you you don't need a/c because of cool ocean breezes...they're wrong!

Then again, I have very low tolerance for bad heat and humidity and feel like I'm about to die in places like Singapore and Malaysia ;-)

good luck! Make sure to check on the electricity issue!

Wanderfilms - Thanks for your comments. Zanibar and other coastal areas are <b>always</b> tropical - hot and humid. And, while most all properties have ceiling fans, air conditioning should be a serious consideration, if only for sleeping... or trying to get dressed and not be dripping wet even if not wearing much clothing.

With the recent drought in East Africa and the electric pumping stations often not working, lack of a/c was a problem on ZNZ where generators did come in handy.

My worst heat/humidity episodes weren't exactly yours, but Siem Reap, Cambodia kicked my butt and Bangkok wasn't better. Then, came Zanzibar! Ugh! In all cases, I was wet thru to my wears! Which even though staying in a/c rooms, took forever to dry! OK, TMI! But, best to be aware.

So yes folks... for the few extra $$$ ask about a/c; ocean breezes don't always do it. Besides, even if there is a breeze, you have to hope it breezes thru your room!

Has anyone stayed at Kendwa Rocks? How are the room and beaches?

Any thoughts on the Shooting Star Lodge?

Originally thought Pongwe was too beautiful to pass up and I really didn't want a busy resort type of place. They are now on the main electrical and offer electricity 24/7, just no air conditioning.

But if someone from NYC, like sandi, finds Zanzibar really, really hot & humid while being used to NYC's hot & sticky summers, which practically killed me one summer, then I better find myself an air conditioned place quickly, no matter the price!!!

You'll want AC! I stayed at Breezes and loved it. Our room opened up to a private patio and then just a few short steps onto the beach. It was perfect. The sight of the full moon every nite was amazing.....I was alone and still found it romantic!!!

Pongwe is the opposite of a 'busy resort place'.

Breezes IS a big 'resort place'.

Shooting Star is somewhere in between those places, and has the advantage of owner usually on-site and managing..

mcwomble - so would you recommend Shooting Star? It got a few bad reviews on TA which is why I'm hesitating.

Bottom line is I need the AC!