Zanzibar Bahari Villas

The hotel's direct beachfront location on Matemwe beach is its signature feature, offering guests stunning ocean views and a peaceful, intimate atmosphere away from more crowded tourist hubs. This setting, combined with lush gardens and generally spacious rooms, contributes to a relaxing stay. The hotel is ideal for couples, families, and friends seeking a tranquil holiday, as well as honeymooners and those desiring a quiet environment for rest or creativity. While the staff are often described as friendly, guests should be prepared for a relaxed "pole pole" pace of service. To enhance their experience, visitors are advised to wear water shoes due to the presence of sea urchins at low tide and note that the hotel does not serve alcohol. Additionally, it's wise to inquire about potential construction noise from neighboring sites.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a good-sized and clean pool located right by the beach, complemented by sunbeds that offer pleasant ocean views. Some guests noted that the pool could benefit from renovation and mentioned a strong current from an outlet. The gardens are beautifully landscaped and well-maintained, creating a tropical ambiance. Wi-Fi is generally available in common areas such as the reception, restaurant, and pool, though some guests experienced instability or limited in-room connectivity, which could be challenging for remote work. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, mosquito nets, sprays, safes, and fridges. Many accommodations boast spacious balconies, and some even feature a unique outdoor shower. Additionally, the hotel offers massage services by the ocean and provides free towels at the pool, with nightly security ensuring guest safety.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests find the rooms to be clean and spacious, often described as well-dressed, new, and tastefully decorated with ample natural light. Some newer rooms are even considered to be of a high standard. However, a significant number of reviews indicate that some rooms appear tired, needing attention to detail for painting or cleaning, or exhibiting issues with dampness and mold smells. The beds are consistently praised for being comfortable, contributing to a restful night's sleep. Bathrooms are generally large, with some equipped with dryers. Despite this, several guests reported issues with broken toilet seats or showers lacking adequate pressure, though staff were generally responsive in addressing these concerns when reported. Minor maintenance issues, such as crooked doors or limited furniture, have also been observed.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's restaurant is situated by the beach, providing pleasant views for diners. While some guests found the food to be fantastic and delicious, many others described it as mediocre, plain, or basic, suggesting there is room for improvement in quality and variety. Breakfast is generally considered good and filling, often including fresh fruits, coffee, and various egg options. However, some guests noted a lack of daily variety, with the same items served repeatedly, and occasional disorganization in the kitchen leading to slow service. A recurring concern is the slow service at the restaurant, with wait times often exceeding an hour and a half for meals, and orders sometimes being incorrect. A notable point for many guests is that the hotel does not serve alcohol, which impacts the dining experience for those who prefer alcoholic beverages with their meals.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a prime beachfront location on Matemwe beach, which is described as beautiful, long, and less crowded than other popular areas. This allows for direct access to the ocean and stunning views. It is situated away from ultra-touristy areas, offering an intimate setting, yet remains close to other restaurants and within walking distance of tour operators. Boats for Mnemba Island tours are readily available directly from the beach. While the beach is beautiful, guests should be aware of sea urchins in the shallow water at low tide and occasional seaweed. The low tide also means swimming in the sea is not always possible directly in front of the hotel. Some guests found the hotel hard to find or access, and noted that a car or taxi is often necessary to explore beyond the immediate vicinity as there is no central area nearby.

Staff & Service
The staff generally receive praise for being friendly, helpful, warm, and welcoming, with many guests highlighting their professional and accommodating nature. Some individuals are noted for going the extra mile to ensure guest satisfaction. Staff are often described as attentive and ready to assist with needs, including arranging excursions and transport. Housekeeping is thorough and frequent. However, a significant number of reviews point to issues with slow service, particularly in the restaurant, and some staff appearing confused or unapproachable. A major concern for several guests was room overbooking, leading to inconvenient relocations to substandard accommodations and poor communication from management regarding these issues. There were reports of money stolen from rooms or wallets, which, when reported, were not always resolved to the guests' satisfaction. Some guests also experienced issues with payment systems, such as non-functional card machines or staff lacking change for cash payments.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel's card payment system (POS) may not always be functional, and staff might not have sufficient change for cash transactions, making exact payment necessary. The hotel is located near an active construction site, which can result in noise during the day, potentially impacting relaxation on balconies or sleep. There are reports of frequent power outages that can affect the availability of running water and air conditioning, though staff reportedly call electricians promptly. Guests are advised to exercise caution when arranging scooter rentals through the hotel, as there have been instances where guests were allowed to rent without the necessary international permits, leading to complications and a lack of support in case of accidents. Some guests felt the hotel's actual standard was closer to a three-star property rather than the advertised four-star rating, particularly concerning the condition of some villas and general maintenance.