BW Plus Zanzibar

Old hardly maintained. Room has a balcony which feels like it is about to give up. We stayed here for just one night because it was so bad. I dont think best western franchise know how bad this place is. Apart from the AC that was cooling properly it just just an old old hotel which has long lost its glory days.

Right outside our room at 11pm just as we got back, there was a huge explosion of the boiler and the hallways were filled with steam and fumes. We couldn't even see out the room. There was no evacuation carried out by the hotel and no fire and safety standards. After the incident, the only thing the staff told us was that we could shower in one of the staff rooms as the water would be off for the next day. Super unprofessional and unacceptable. The most unprofessional part is that as we were moving to a different hotel, the manager told me that they would provide a refund the next day( I did not even ask for this but they brought it up). The next day comes and they refuse as it was 'out of their control'. What if the explosion happened as we were walking by to enter the room? This should be looked into legally!

The most notable thing about this hotel is that they only serve breakfast; there is no lunch or evening service. This is not obvious from the website, but should be noted. The website mentions a restaurant but not that it only serves breakfast. The hotel is literally 2 minutes from the ferry to Dar so handy for travellers from the mainland. However, as it is a port area, it’s not pretty, the road around is not paved and at times it can be noisy when the ferries arrive. I thought this was disappointing for a Best Western Plus. On the plus side, it is only minutes walk from some of the main attractions in Stone Town so very handy for Forodani Gardens, the Fort and the narrow streets and touristy shops. The hotel advertises a roof top restaurant; there is a pleasant terrace with a “bar” that seems to serve water but not much else apart from a view of the ocean. The bedroom is small but comfortable and furnished to an acceptable standard; not luxurious but clean and of a good enough standard. The bathroom is lovely with a large and decent shower. Hot water is plentiful with toiletries provided. There is a good quality hair dryer provided. Our room had a balcony with 2 chairs but not much leg room otherwise. It’s a bit rickety but still here so sturdy enough for the not so faint hearted. The view was of the tin roof of the port in front and a partial ocean view. My husband was here to work and there was a small desk area and the internet speed was just about sufficient . The AC was very effective. Would I stay here again? No way. It’s not a good area, there’s no food apart from breakfast, the balcony is tiny, the room is basic. There are plenty of good aspects that may suit a business traveller, but not me; needs a lot to be improved. No pool, no gym, no outdoor space apart from the breakfast area. There’s a water feature outside of the small reception area, but this does not cover the weaknesses of the rest of the place.

I have done many bookings by checking a hotel online largely with positive outcomes but this one, I missed properly. It was a disappointment considering its price and name. First, the access road is rough and unpaved with entrance looking a bit shady. Far from what I expected after seeing stunning images online. Secondly, for 90 USD, I expected at least a hotel with some basic facilities like a swimming pool, gym, restaurant etc. Well, this is what I got; a) No gym or swimming pool b) Check in was smooth c) Room was dusty, stuffy and lacked basics like sandals or ironing box. Cleaning was not up to scratch d) Hotel only serves breakfast and relies on neighbouring hotels to supply other meals e) Breakfast is basic and nothing special. f) Staff looked lacklustre and disinterested g) TV was a disappointment, grainy and few channels. h) WiFi was stable I checked out after the second night after I found the neighbouring Golden Tulips is much cheaper and has much better service and facilities.