The House of Royals

It's an amazing house, that has been wonderfully restored and maintained. The garden, in particular, is spectacular. Szilvia has done a brilliant job and is a fantastic host. Highly recommended

Absolutely charming house with a history. Quiet and secluded, on a beach. Very hospitable host. Very personal touch and more like staying with family. Large comfortable beds. Dinner and breakfast available.

Nothing around but if you want seclusion this is the place. Would have liked access to tea/coffee in the morning. Also bring extra water, else you're a bit stuck until someone gets up.

Loved the history and the feeling of being in another time! We were warmly welcomed and hosted! It was very special! Loved the gorgeous gardens and the ocean views!

Beautiful Mansion on the sea with great view if fishermen's morning activities. Located in awesome enchanted garden. Fascinating book on family history available to read on site No A/C but no mosqiitos either. Charming Hugarian hostess. Good though limited food and limited bar availablr Loaded with atmosphere - will not disappoint the most romantic soul

No lift CASH ONLY, for now.

Beautiful house, stunning grounds and gardens. Szilvia is a wonderful host.

The beach is unfortunately not so great, because of sea debris and active fishermen.

Our stay was disappointing and we left the house after two nights of no sleep. Szilvia rejected any repayment of the unused prepaid nights despite the clear deficits. The location of the house is awful, in a rural (almost slum-like) area ~40 minutes by car outside Stone Town. It faces a muddy beach with lots of garbage. you cannot swim or walk here, and in the evening the area feels unsafe. The house appears run-down and the construction improvised, e.g. there is a 340V electricity circuit socket that sits bare on the bathroom wall as a “switch” for the boiler - this looks dangerous and the boiler did not work most of the time leaving is with a cold shower. The doors have no lockers and we got no keys neither to the house nor to the room. in the evening Szilvia locks the front entrance from inside with an old robe without even telling, so one night we came late and were looked out. Our room was actually Szilvia’s private bedroom and she did not remove here clothes from the wardrobe. There is no a/c and because of missing mosquito nets on most of the windows, the bedroom is soo terrible hot that you barely can sleep. Also, it is noisy with Cargo Planes flying into Zanzibar airport during the night and the fishermen starting to work on their boats at 5.30AM at the close Mani beach. Don’t think about sleeping. The property is dirty, towels were stinted and particularly the kitchen looked so odd and greasy that we did not take any breakfast. We left after two nights of no sleep and would never return. There are so many so much better places to stay in Zanzibar- so why to ruin your vacation with this awful place.

Gorgeous old building and vintage furnishing. Szylvia is an incredible host! she went all out for me. she prepared some delicious Local meals.

no pool, pending renovations. and far from things.

I enjoyed a lovely stay to end and start a year at the House of Royals. I had been curious about it after considering it as an Air BnB a few years ago, and was grateful for chance to check it out for my brief stay in Zanzibar before returning to my home in Arusha, Tz. By the time I reached House of Royals, I was exhausted from two weeks of travel on the West Coast of Africa, and just wanted to enjoy the beach and some serenity before meeting up with friends for the New Year. The hospitality was excellent, and the gardens were exceptional!! I LOVED walking through them and gazing out at the ocean. Sunsets, PHENOMENAL, and the home cooked meal I enjoyed was delicious. Having been to the islands of Zanzibar eight times, I know this place may not be for everyone. However, it can be perfect for someone who wants an accommodation that is a throw back to different time in Zanzibar surrounded by natural beauty, and to be immersed in the vibrant culture (fishing village). If you're looking for the clear waters and white sandy beaches, this is not for you. Although, I took a short walk to the left, and when you get past all of the fishing boats, there's a lovely patch of beach, but it's by a restricted area (approach with caution). Summary: Hospitality: 10 (Asante sana for great communication and care before and during my stay!) Gardens: 10++++ Meal: 10 Beach: 6 (bring your water shoes and don't look during low tide) Room: 9 (I enjoyed a private balcony and exit to the gardens and beach) Sunset: 10++🌅 Internet: 9.5 (which I needed desperately for work) I wish I could attach my pictures to this review, but Booking.com won't let me. So many gorgeous images, but you'll just have to experience for yourself! 🌞

Overall wonderful, but three things that impacted my stay: 1. Being a single woman, I felt uncomfortable swimming in a very traditional Muslim community and with boat loads of men coming in and out. Nothing happened that I could not handle, but it did not feel right, especially with the women walking around fully covered in traditional attire. 2. Because of all the fishing boats, the immediate beach area is a dumping ground. During high tide you don't see it, but at low tide you have to look away to not ruin your Zanzibar Beach fantasies. 3. There is a new restaurant/bar that has opened nearby that is quite a lively place into the late hours. It may have just been the holiday time, but something to be aware of if you're a light sleeper.

it is a grand, elegant & old property in large plot overlooking the sea where the sunsets are often spectacular. The House is presided over by beautiful charming hostess, and who is also elegant, but not old !! The rooms / suites are very spacious decorated with style with old antiques but with quirky bathrooms reflecting that’s it’s an old palace. There is a strong sense of being in a friend’s house and not at all in a hotel or lodge. I’d say best occupied by 2 or 3 couples who know each other or a family group all hosted by Szilvia.

For all it’s grandeur it is not a sophisticated place. There is no air conditioning and few ‘mod cons’ (modern conveniences), and as I say above rather like staying with old favourite aunt, except that Szilvia looks like an aunt that was once a model !