Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar

Recent Reviews: 5392

• User:I7594KTsteved

  Trip type: Solo travel

  Good quietish boutique hotel with the option to party if you want

  08 Jun 2026

  As always I start by saying I do not mention names of those that have been great, as there were so many at this hotel as it would be a long list, and I may forget to mention someone. But I found all the staff to be extrely helpful and friendly. But a special shout out to all the staff in bar Ginger. They were amazing, always smiling, very attentive and ensured I never ran out of drinks!To the general experience. I travelled alone, I took advantage of the free transfers offered by Riu. They were faultless, they were there when I landed (name board in the arrivals hall (fisherman Tours)), were friendly and efficient. They give you a welcome letter, which a gives contact details and the details of the return journey. On the return, they arrived at the hotel promptly.Check-in was simple, the team were very friendly and lots of smiles. I received a free room upgrade to a suite (139). The room was large, four poster bed with drapes, lots of bottled drinks to choose from (beer, Coca-cola (original and diet), Fanta, water and some other drinks. Also, a bottle of sparkiling wine in a bucket with ice. There was a message in flowers on my bed and a welcome pack which contained a water bottle and 3 bags (emblazoned Riu and diamond member) and a throw. And a turn-down service nightly. Massive balcony, and a sofa (seating area).OK the hotel itself - There are 3 hotels alongside eachother, the RIu Palace 5* (more of a boutique hotel, quiet, no real entertainment (no swim-up bar), small snack bar, 4 bars, buffet and some al a carte restaurants (book via the app). Evening entertainment very low key. So if you want chilled, this is for you. Riu Jambo 4* (which Palace guest can use) which is a lot busier, lot's going on, more bars and restaurants, a swim-up bar, entertainment during the day and the manin venue for the part nights (the party night and white party are definately worth trying). All are in walking distance, either via the beach, or a path. If you want to get to the Jambo via beach. Go right to the bottom, down the steps of the Ginger bar, turn right, 1 min walk and you'll find steps down to the beach. On the beach turn right, 3 min walk, you'll come to a volley ball area, head up and to your left and you will see the many snack area and bar (a lot more choice than at the Palace), for the rest of the bars go up the steps and turn left. Via the path - go to the bottom, walk down the steps of the main bar (Ginger), turn right and follow the path to the right and the quiet pool (Breeze). Carry on past the chill pool, and they'll be a path, follow this as winds around. At the end, turn right, go up the hill about 2 mins, keep an eye on your left and you'll see a small sign saying "Riu party". Then just follow the signs. And then the newest, the Riu Swahili 5* which I did not go to.The Palace has lovely grounds, and this hotel had a charm of it's own, a bit of a personality. Which is unusual in a way for Riu. But it had an African feel and theme, old worldy with lots of African art and lovely archways. This "personality" felt right for the hotel. The hotel is very clean, you see non-stop cleaning and painting.The hotel is spread across a wide hilly area, built on quite a steep hillside. With the reception at the top and all the bars, pools, beach and restaraunts all at the bottom (beachfront). Just a word of warning - there is a lot of walking up and down hill to get to the bars, pools, restaurants and beach. I am 51 and my legs and bag killed after 2 days. However you can ask for a buggy, or catch one of the regular ones that take you up and down.One thing I thought was good, was that all the drinks (soft drinks/beer etc.) were in bottles rather than drinks foutains/machines. The choice of drinks is really good, there is a drinks menu but if you ask for something different, I am sure they will oblige. I really enjoyed the beer (serengete), I had lots of it!Every day (a number of times times throughout the day) the bar team walk around all the pool and beach areas with trays of water, healthy dinks (like smoothies - not my thing), some cocktails which was a nice touch. In the afternood they also come around with fruit skewers which were always welcome. The team will also serve you on the beach, around the pool and just about anywhere, regularly. Smoking - Yes, sorry all you non-smokers, I smoke! You can smoke nearly everywhere, however, and quite rightly they have half and half. E.g. areas (seating/tables) where half was smoking and half-non-smoking (same principle open air or under cover). And people seemed to vape anywhere.Pool towels - next to / left of the the main pool. You will get a towel card per guest which you will need to exchange for a towel. Change the towel as often as you want. But please ensure when you are leaving give your towel back, and get a card back. As you may be charged if you do not give the towel card with the rook card when leaving.Niggles - Nothing much really.This is personal - For lunch I hate going to the restaurant, I much prefer the snak bar (Pepe's (normally at RIu's) - just before the main buffet restaurant, on your right). The Palace snack bar is extremely small and very limited selection, chicken, burgers, sausages and salad). I always went to the Riu Jambo as it is probably 3 times bigger and way more selection (as per the Palace but loads of different pizza's and more selection of hot and cold food). Oh, and the pizza and southern fried chicken at the Jambo is very tasty.Suggestions - 1. I think there should be more larger signage marking the route to the Riu Jambo. I had to search for it... And then I did get asked by a number of people if I knew where it was and how to get to it.2. Extend the snack bar and offer more of a choice, if anything match what Riu Jambo offers, food wise. 3. Inform people/have signage/timings stating where people can get on eof the regular buggies from to get up and down the hotel. 4. Build a swim-up bar, It would be popular, as they always are. It would be used, based on the number of people that ordered drinks from the waiters whilst they were in the pool.So would I go back to the Palace, probably, yes. The simple question to ask yourself is.... Do you want chilled, quiet not many people - it's the Palace. If you want lot's of people, music, entertainment, party - it's the Jambo.To an end - Thanks to all the staff at the Riu Palace, literally all the staff as you were all amazing.

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• User:Sarah J

  Trip type: Family

  Service

  05 Jun 2026

  We had a great stay at RIU Swahili Zanzibar. Special thanks to Witness for the excellent service, friendliness, and professionalism throughout our stay. He really made our experience even more enjoyable. Highly recommended! 😊

• User:Samera W

  Trip type: Couples

  The Most Incredible Honeymoon

  04 Jun 2026

  We arrived to a very warm welcome at Riu Palace. They had very kindly upgraded our room, and arranged for a bottle of bubbly to be brought to us, as it was our honeymoon. The aesthetics are beautiful - typically African and cultural. The premises were always clean/being cleaned. Every member of staff says hello "jambo" to you, whatever section of the hotel you're in. I don't think I've ever been to a resort so friendly. House cleaning do a fantastic job, whatever time of the day you leave your room, it's spotless when you come back. And fridge always full with local beer/soft drinks/water. The beach attached to the hotel is literally beautiful - powder like sand and clear Indian Ocean water. There are sellers on the beach, but you just have to get used to saying "hello, no thank you" and carry on walking. There is a large buffet restaurant, and three Al La Carte restaurants. All fantastic food, and easy to book via the app. The bar team can make any cocktail on request - great selection and we didn't feel bored of the choices, even after two weeks. Golf carts are available to take you up and down to the beach if necessary. Stunning pool area, huts with the best view of the ocean, and a smaller secret pool area of you want to be out of the crowds. The staff are constantly at your sunbeds providing drinks (and beautiful cakes and pastries served in The Ginger Bar all day.) I have stayed (and worked at) Riu Hotels across the world. This was without doubt the best. Thank you to all the staff for being so friendly and accommodating, nothing was ever any trouble. I would like to especially thank Peter, who works in the steak house and main restaurant. He really made our stay incredible ❤️

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• User:Olivia T

  Trip type: Couples

  zabron bar man and ajith bar manager are always friendly

  30 May 2026

  the hotel is the best place to stay for vacation zabron bartender is always the best he makes the most beautiful drinks edina aloyce andrew are the best people the food and drinks are always good bar team are the best service and very fast service and quick

• User:Go784259

  Trip type: Friends getaway

  Jackson 5 were the best

  30 May 2026

  Fantastic service by the entire crew, specially Jackson 5 and Juma, who made sure all our activities are fun and smooth, and specially that they facilitated watching the champions league final. Much appreciated! Thank you!