VOI Kiwengwa Resort

Well, me and my female colleague, decided to visit Zanzibar, with no prior knowledge of the hotel, we just picked the first thing that came up on Expedia. On arrival we were shocked only a small number of staff were fluent in english, although it is dubbed an italian hotel, a level of english from all staff would be more beneficial to guest. Everything was in italian, even notices, music, etc etc Around the hotel, restaurant, pool area, we got alot of stares from other guest looking at us as though we were aliens or had 2 heads, i wouldn't want to say its because we were black, but we were the only black guests at the hotel. It was coming annoying to have people gawk at you with bizarre expressions on their faces. The food was ok, it got slightly tiresome, i was getting bored with the fish dishes and the pasta, during our 5 day stay chicken was never on the menu, and my colleague fell sick with a running stomach on the 4th day. The restaurant staff, Simba and Khatib were the most welcoming out of any of the staff at the hotel. The white staff failed to greet us, welcome or even speak to us, the manager and her team often walked past us like we were invisible. I liked the hotel for the reason that, it had a beach view with beautiful white sands, the surroundings were also super but the hotel and its staff should be open minded and except people of all races and colour!

We enjoyed our stay, was very relaxing and fun filled. Food and beverages were of high quality and standard together with the very friendly and helpful staff. We shall surely be back soon.

The hotel is reasonable, definitely not 4 stars, but still good value for money, as the all inclusive deal includes EVERYTHING! Even alcohol at the beach bar, sunbeds etc. And is on a nice wide stretch of white sand. Biggest problem for us was everything is set up for Italians. All signs in Italian, Italian food, staff spoke Italian, shop was in Euros etc. The guests were all Italian too. We got by with English, but would not recommend it!

I went to this hotel having spent three nights at Nungwi beach up north. The grounds of the hotel and the room were extremely clean and well presented. The room was spacious and well equiped with air conditioning. What disappointed me was that I did not find the reception staff overly polite or helpful and this resort clearly catered for Italian tourists. What was limiting by this is that all the signs around the resort were written in Italian and not English (including signs in my hotel room), the activities board to list events happening for the day were in Italian so I was therefore unaware that things were occuring and the food labels at the buffet for dinner, most only had Italian writing so I did not understand what I was eating. If you are after a rest by the pool then maybe this place is not for you as there were staff designed to supervise the pool area and I found these people to be intimidating and make me feel uncomfortable as they would just sit on lounges beside me.

Overall this is a very good hotel. Rooms are basic but clean and service is excellent. This is a really all inclusive hotel. Everything is included into the price including drinks, watersport activities e.t.c Keep in mind that this is an Italian hotel. Majority of the guests are Italians and all activities conducted in Italian language.