Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa Zanzibar

We had a great 4 night stay at Ocean Paradise Resort in Zanzibar this December. The service was excellent, rooms were perfect, and the resort is set against an amazingly beautiful white sanded backdrop. The staff did everything from arrange a private beach dinner for us to pack us a snack pack for our early morning departure to the airport. You won't have to travel out of the resort for much - the facilities really do cover most needs. Three drawbacks come to mind - the ever annoying beach-boys and shopkeeper Masai that hound guests who walk the beach pretend to be friendly when they just want to get money out your pocket. The price of drinks at the resort is high. Going full board may save you lots of money. The resort is also on the eastern side of the island. So expect 60min trips to and from the airport or Stone Town. The Safari Blue and Slave Market tours are a must. Take your own hat! If you have to buy one on the beach the starting price to foreigners is $17.50 for a cheapie. Other than that, I'd recommend the resort to anybody.

Pretty good hotel about an hour from Stone Town. Rooms were clean and comfortable but pretty spread out from the lobby / reception / dining areas (if you don't like stairs, look elsewhere). No free WIFI in rooms. Dinner was a decent buffet option and there was some live entertainment as well. Bar closes at 11pm sharp!

Overall I was satisfied with my stay at Ocean Paradise. I stayed for 3 nights after climbing Kili, and it was just what I needed after a grueling 6 day hike. I was a single female traveler and felt 100% safe. I booked a garden room which offered plenty of space and it was conveniently located next to the pool and very close to the beach. The food was a pleasant surprise as well; the pool bar had standard American options (sandwiches, pizza, etc) which were reasonably priced, and dinner was served buffet style and had tons of salad, entry, meat/seafood options. I'm usually a picky eater and could find something tasty. One thing to note: don't book your tours directly through the hotel as they are SUPER expensive. There are a few guys who hang out on the beach right outside the hotel that offer good quality tours for less than half the price.

We were wowed when we were dropped off and entered the reception area! This is a really nice place and the staff is very helpful and friendly. Food was good. We were in standard rooms, which I actually prefer over the more expensive bungalos, because we had a nice ocean view from our room.

Nice hotel but as is the case with all of these sytle of hotels somewhat cut off from the reality of the world around it. The staff internally were excellent and solved any issues quickly and effectively; the gardens were well tended and food excellent. They are over prioced for trips and excusrions so if you are staying in Stone Town before coming to the East Coast do the tours from there and not the hotel. Room was very nice and well kept with flowers every day

We stayed a week at the Ocean Paradise, loved every minute and would go back there. The location is spectacular, the facilities modern and well kept and all of the staff very pleasant and helpful. In looking for a location on the East Coast we had noted an number of reviews that talked about the distance from Stone Town and the airport and the cost of transportation. Stone Town and the airport are an hour away from the hotel but we made arrangements on arrivial with a taxi driver who made the trips for US$35 a trip.