The staff was actually outstanding from the check in onwards, regardless if we were at the restaurant, the bar, the beach …. The whole resort is lovely with all the big garden areas between the nice arranged housing blocks. Especially compared to the beaches at other hotels and resorts at this stretch, the beach of Riu Palace Zanzibar is one of the best. At least in the morning the beach was cleaned by the staff, so we had no rubbish from the excursion boats and no sea weed. We ate only at the main restaurant, as it was very good every day, with a good range of different dishes. The drinks and small bites at the all bars leave nothing to be desired. Last but not least the very good spa, Renova Spa has to be mentioned. We had in total 5 treatments and every one was worth the money. At Renova Spa the staff was excellent as well. … guess it’s no surprise, that we highly recommend this resort!

Unfortunately it was highly common during our whole stay, that guests went to the pool and the sun loungers & parasols areas early in the morning and blocked sunbeds, but didn’t show up until midday. On most days all sunbeds were reservated before 8 am. So we highly recommend to the management, that, as in other hotels, there should be implemented and executed some rules regarding this issue.

The resort is superb all round.. The food was exceptional. The specialty restaurants were superb. We must mention Ms Ines who was exceptional at solving a small problem we had at the end of our stay. Her professionalism was exemplary.

If I had to comment about anything, I would say that an upgrade of the facilities on the beach would help. Most of the umbrellas were damaged and if you are not on the beach early enough you got a cranky beach-bed. Also the resort has no F & B service on the beach itself so one has to walk to the hotel beach next door (RIU Jumbo) for service.

From the minute we pulled up to the gates, we were blown away by the place. First and foremost, the staff were outstanding. We have never been in a place before where the staff have been so attentive, friendly, welcoming, helpful… the list is endless. It was our honeymoon, and not only did we get a bed towel display, they arrived to our room later in the evening with a bottle of bubbles for us. The food is amazing, the buffet includes so many options to cater for many palettes. And, it is not what you would usually know as a buffet. Chef’s are cooking food right in front of you! Krystal, Kilinarium and Il Panzotto were our favourites. The pools were diverse to what you wanted - the main pool had all the activity with two other quieter pools if you didn’t want activity. The private beach was so peaceful, despite other reviews, we weren’t hassled in anyway by beach sellers. Yes, they showed you their products, but left if you said ‘no thank you’. Some water sports being included (SUP, kayaks etc.) was the cherry on top. Without a doubt, we will be back to this place.

The only annoying thing was the system for booking restaurants, unless you were on the ball at midnight, they booked out so fast. I definitely think this system needs to be improved somehow.

The resort is outstanding, great facilities and an amazing beach! The staff were always friendly and helpful. We booked the private villa and it was lovely.

The rooms could have been cleaned better (especially the wooden floors were slippery). We found that the majority of the guests were European and we received a lot of dirty looks at the restaurant and beach for our conservative clothes and bathing suites. I would have preferred if the resort ensures that guests are dressed respectfully during meal times because it is a Muslim country and community in Zanzibar.

Meal were very nice but no way we had to fight to have a place in the restaurants as they looked all booked from the app, although going there they were empty. We were told they had seats but no food. Buffet was very varied, with freshly cooked meals and very abundant. Room was nice but we needed to pay for the suit as the classic one was not as nice as we expected. Beach is very nice and there is enough space to lay down comfortably in the sun or in the shade.

See comments above The money is absolutely too high for the overall stay. You go to teh bar and they try to cheat with the amount of alchool (we never drink more than one glass)

Lovely location. Staff amazingly friendly and helpful. Nice clean hotel and amenities. Beautiful beach

Chose this hotel exclusively for it being sold as adults only. Arrived to find hotel had changed to family so had screaming kids in restaurants and pool on daily basis. Sadly did not receive the peaceful romantic setting we paid and hoped for.

Everything a place to come back too. Staff was almost over friendly. Many real real nice employees. Food was amazing, breakfast, lunch, dinner never had it better in a resort. A very relaxed environment. We had a super time, thanks! Greets from Saba, saba.

Not really needed with the beach so nearby but the main swimming pool was closed for refurbishment and the smaller one need one too. Too much local people trying to sell bracelets etc. going on all day. The are not allowed on the beach belonging to the resort but every time you are going for a swim they are there.

The location is out of this world; it is right on the beach and whether you are sat at the restaurant, the pool or main bar you always have a view on the ocean. The staff are so friendly, welcoming and helpful. The food and drink offers a large variety and the bar staff will make any cocktails on request.

On arrival the hotel has no facilities to store luggage so it is left in the reception area, which we feel is not secure or acceptable. There is only two curtesy showers and limited changing facilities.

The property really does have a 5 star feel. The staff are beyond welcoming and will look after you throughout the stay. Everyone is so lovely! The rooms are really spacious and clean and the whole resort has a very clean feeling. There is plenty of space around the pool and beach, even in the height of the summer. I would recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a relaxing stay! The food is amazing. I cannot fault it one bit and it was prepared to a high standard. The restaurant we ate in had amazing service & really made us feel special. The staff are what make the hotel so amazing, there is always someone on hand to help you. Even when lying at the pool they are round with trays of refreshing drinks & checking in on you. There is no wait for service, someone will be with you as soon as you need them. They are amazing!

The only one thing which slightly lets down the 5 star aspect of the hotel, is the struggle to book into the restaurants. You have access to the buffet daily, but must book into the restaurant’s after check in. The app does not let you book before as you don’t have a room number. It was really disappointing that in our full stay we only managed to eat in one restaurant and this is because we complained regarding not being able to get any tables.

This is a beautiful resort in an awesome location. It provides some activities which is a bonus.

The place had two strikes against it that stopped me from eating it Excellent. First, coffee in the main restaurant was awful, just awful. Second, and more important, our room smelled of mold. When I mentioned it to the front desk, they advised I open the patio door (which by the way turns off the AC) to air it out. When it didn’t work, they sent people at 9pm with a spray bottle who were going to spray chemicals on floor and curtains - right before bed time. I politely refused. No further attempts to fix the mold smell were made. At over $300 per night I expected more.