Raha Lodge Zanzibar Boutique Hotel

Staff were very nice and friendly, place was generally clean, and the location is decent if you want to explore the south/east side of the island

We stayed in 4 different accommodations in Zanzibar and this was our least favourite, even though the priciest. (we didn’t stay in any 5-star hotels). For the price, you do not get what you pay for. Basic things missing in the room like adequate natural light, wifi and air conditioning. To clarify, air conditioning was not in the facilities advertised, but for the amount you pay it is unacceptable to not have these basic amenities in such a hot year-round destination. The room is advertised as sea view, although the sea can’t be seen that much from the room on the ground floor. The fan isn’t directly over the bed, which made our sleep very unpleasant due to the heat. Also, some things were broken in the room - for example the door wouldn’t close fully unless we locked it and the shower handset was falling off. It is generally a quiet hotel, and had a bit of a weird, eerie vibe. When we arrived, it felt like there was no one at the hotel, as it was quite dark and quiet. The sunbed cushions at the pool were missing. One of the nights we decided to stay and have dinner at the lodge, but when we went to the lounge area, everything was shut from around 8.30pm. We ended up not eating that night as everything was shut- even the lights in the whole lounge area, as well as the doors leading to the pool. For context, our stay was in January. Maybe it’s nicer/busier in other months of the year.

Breakfast could have been ready on time :)

Beach

Dark room, cheap matress and pillows, very hot in the room, same breakfast every day, beach boys (local guys) always disturbing when you are at the pool

Difficult to find. No street sign. Over flowing toilet. Constant no running water. No complimentary water. Charged US$4 a day when 1.5lt costs 0.40c. Total US$16 2 adults 2 children. No fans in the breakfast area.

Fantastic staff, great rooms, excellent food, lovely pool, superb location on the beach. Wonderful place!

Its like a dream house right in front of the beach. The palm trees, the pool, the beach, the staff, the quiet and chill… perfect!

Coffee could be better… I think it’s worth investing in a good coffee machine and not use the instantaneous coffee powder.

Lage = Top, Pool = outstanding

Beach Boys, annoying

The food propsed for lunch or dinner was really good and healthy. The hotel manager and the staff kind.

Overpriced for a lodge that is not more than a basic hostel, very disappointing. No basic appliances in the room as small fridge, kettle nor bed side lamps. WiFi is working poorerly, only in the breakfast area, not in the rooms or garden. Breakfast is very basic and always the same The owners should improve or lower the price, it is not worth over 100 usd a night.