Villa Vanilla Kendwa
4.5
Excellent(218 Reviews)Hotel in Kendwa
3-Star Hotel
Reasons to book
Includes essentialsGarden, Kitchen or Kitchenette, Air conditioner and more
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About this hotel
Our 3-star Villa Vanilla Kendwa hotel is located 300 meters from the most beautiful and largest beach in Zanzibar, Kendwa Beach.
Amenities
Air conditioner
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Smoking allowed
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Hot tub or spa
Beachfront or waterfront
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Kendwa
Available Rooms
1 King • 301 ft²
Sleeps 2
You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing
1 King • 301 ft²
Sleeps 2
You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing
1 King • 301 ft²
Sleeps 2
You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing
1 King • 301 ft²
Sleeps 3
You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing
1 King • 301 ft²
Sleeps 3
You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing
$$$$
Reviews
4.5
Excellent(218 Reviews)
100% verified reviews4.5
The view from the balcony and the bed was comfortable
It had a very bad smell in the bathroom, the whole room needs a renovation as most of it is rusty, the walls need re painting and the bathroom needs a deep clean and needs new finishings. The shower gel was also not new and looked unhygienic. The breakfast was also very basic. The food menu in the restaurant also very basic. No fresh water was supplied, you had to purchase it and the fridge was even off on my arrival meaning I had no cold water to drink. The sink has many ants. The extra bed mattress was also stained. The light in the hall way was very bright at night shining into the bedroom and the door didn’t feel secure. The guards at night were also loud and on their phones. The walk from to the beach was also more than 5 minutes and the way back up the hill wasn’t easy. There is also no phone or way to order a drink as room service.
4.5
The view is to die for. To sit in your balcony and watch the sunset makes the place worth it. It's location is decent a 3min walk to the beach and a minute away from Kendwa rocks. The bed was really comfortable and the room was clean. The staff member (local) at the restaurant was really nice. The building is new and clean.
At first I booked this place purely for reviews. I was disappointed because the hotel staff didn't reply to my requests on both booking and via whatsapp I recieved a reply 30 mins before I checked In. Also I payed in advance and booking clearly stated all taxes included but the owner said no I have to pay an extra 4 dollars for every night I stayed so I paid an extra 24usd. Also when I came to check out although I informed earlier that I'd have to leave at 2am as my flight back was early morning no one was there to assist with my bags nor take the keys I literally just ended up leaving them on the rooms table. The breakfast was decent but you didn't have a choice it was fixed. I stayed for 6 nights but just had 3 breakfasts. So for the price your paying you can probably get a beach front with more amenities. The wifi was decent but not wow. Oh yeah the owner wouldn't give me the wifi password because he was afraid I share it with others in the neighborhood. So he literally would take my phone and type it in.
Oh yeah also as I came to check in the owner wasn't around as much as I wanted to sleep I had to wait for him till I can finish my registration.
4.5
The location is excellent , right next to the best beach in Zanzibar . There are several cheap local restaurants and a liquor store next to the hotel. Spacious rooms with a fridge. European style bathroom. Very clean. Nice helpful service. It's very safe here. Breakfast served on the top floor in the hotel restaurant is sufficient (fruit, tea, coffee, juice, eggs). The owner is friendly and communicative. You can pay by credit card. Wifi works flawlessly.
Nothing
4.5
The best view of Kendwa from the terrace (where is the restaurant)
All the waiters was nice. Is only 5 minutes walking from the beach.
Room super - Clean (thanks to the cleaner for the super service she provides every day).
Food fresh and super good for a very good price.
Super host. I will suggest for sure to my friends.
Wi-Fi excellent.
5 STAR
All was good
4.5
It’s a five mins walk to the beach with the most beautiful view of the ocean. Lovely roof terrace for breakfast. The rooms are a good size and have a terrace / balcony area.
4.5
compare to other hotel we stayed in, this Villa Vanilla was amazing, price was friendly as well. Great shower,wifi and air conditioning. the location is 5min from the beach and other restaurants, local markets etc..
Room was cleaned up every day very well, sheets, towels everything was fresh. Was possible to do laundry on request. Food menu not very rich but quality and price fair. Villa manager very helpful, everything well organised .
everything was perfect!
4.5
Wonderful place to stay in Kendwa, run by two friendly Ukrainian guys, Alex and Anton, and a team of really helpful staff. The rooms have beautiful views of Kendwa beach and sea, and the rooftop bar/restaurant overlooks the entire town and is arguably the best place to watch the sunset in Kendwa.
Property is a short 5 min walk from the beach, and very close to a series of restaurants/bars/supermarkets (Hakuna Matata cafe is spot on for seafood) dotted along Kendwa. There are two adorable cats who live at the property, one of whom is extremely playful and friendly. Rooms are clean, modern and spacious, with mosquito nets and sea-facing balconies. Breakfast is good (fruit and eggs/toast), and they even arranged for an early breakfast one day as I had a morning excursion to Mnemba.
The property is next to a mosque so bring earplugs for the 5am call to prayer, not a big deal and somewhat of a cultural experience. The property has also changed name recently so a lot of locals still refer to it as 'Queen apartments', which may be useful for taxi drivers.
4.5
Breakfast. Room. View. Location. Price
4.5
The hotel is conveniently situated on a road lined with various restaurants and food shops adjacent to the property. There is a direct road from the hotel to the main beach, which is only a 4-5 minute walk away.
The hotel is small and comprises of nine cozy-modern rooms and a top-floor dining area boasting a splendid view of the entire Kendwa area.
I was impressed by the team's exceptional hospitality and willingness to assist with anything I required during my stay.
As a working traveler, reliable internet is a must, and I'm pleased to say that this hotel delivered on that front.
4.5
Great staff, especially Rashid and Maki. Everybody was caring and kind. Even when I bought water I was asked by the security guard Maki if he could help me to carry it to the first floor.
Rooms are very clean because they are cleaned thoroughly every day. Equipment was nice and modern. An electricity adapter was provided for free.
Breakfast on the rooftop with a great view over the ocean. Service by Rashid couldn’t be better. One second after you finished he’s there to get the empty plate. To call him just kind, polite is an huge understatement. Fruits, eggs are delicious.
Location is nice because you feel like being in middle of the community around. Beach only five minutes away.
Breakfast could be a bit more. We were not fully satisfied every day.
Probably one of the better WiFis in Kendwa or Sansibar comparing to the other WIFIs we used but not on European standards.
Beach is near but comparing to the other (more expensive) hotels you don’t have a straight access to the beach. That means you have to pay always 20 000 Schilling for the sunbed what can be annoying a bit after time.
4.5
This is a budget 2/3 star hotel so just keep your expectations real. For the reasonable price you get access to the awesome beach, where low tide is not an issue unlike in other parts of the island, full sea view (choose high floor) and spacious room.
We stayed with a family of four in 2 interconnected rooms with a fridge and kettle. Modern bathroom, hot water and AC. They have their own generator so you still have electricity and water during shut downs.
Great hospitality - thank you Alexey!
Not that we didn’t like it but keep in mind that the hotel is in the village, let’s say on the 2nd line so you find yourself surrounded by the local houses, where people live their everyday life. Do respect them and they will respect you in return.
4.5
Close to many restorants and shops, 5 minutes walk to the beach, good sized rooms, nice window view, good staff
4.5
Great experience!
4.5
The room is comfortable and a good temperature. I loved the little balcony with the sea view. The bathroom was modern. It really is good value for money but perhaps not the best spot for longer stays.
The walls are quite thin and there are a lot of animals that make noise at night (I brought wax earplugs, super recommend). The walk back from the beach at night is unclear but staff from a different hotel helped me out. For breakfast there isn't a lot of tropical fruit on offer. I also arrived quite dehydrated and without money to breakfast but you have to pay 2,000 TZS for a bottle of water when you can get one at the corner shop for 1,000 TZS... so I just walked down and got my own. WiFi was intermittent.
4.5
Awesome place! The rooms are spacious, each with a separate air conditioner and fan and a private bathroom. The bathrooms, like the rooms, are also quite spacious. The beds are big and comfortable. There is good internet. The rooms are spread over three floors, with those on the second and third floors having spectacular ocean views. Breakfast is served on the fourth floor and is quite decent - fresh fruit, freshly squeezed juice, eggs cooked differently, toast, sausages, coffee, tea. The staff is extremely friendly. We arrived in the morning around 9.00 and as our rooms were available we were seated immediately. On our check out as our flight was late they allowed us to vacate the rooms at 5pm without extra charge. One of the nicest beaches on the island - the one in Kendwa is a 5-minute walk away. On the street in front of the apartment there are food and souvenir shops and restaurants. There are also always taxis that will take you anywhere on the island - always bargain with them! If we come back to Zanzibar again, we will definitely stay here again!
4.5
Everything
Nothing
4.5
Russian speaking service
taxi service
cheap tours
great location next to main beach/market/restaurants
great view (sunset from 3rd floor)
fresh fruits every day
not many people;
good wi-fi
no hotel territory(spa/gym/entertainment) but it is close to other hotels which are open for visitors.
4.5
The host, Alex, was super accommodating and greatly helpful. The place is new, clean and neat.
4.5
Great location
Super helpful staff
Breakfast on the rooftop was a delight
WiFi was intermittent, but that's all over TZ
The road up to the entrance is a slope and a little difficult to walk up, especially in the dark. But nothing a torch on the phone didn't help with!
4.5
We stayed 4 nights here and everything was realy good. The staff was very kind and welcoming. We will surely come back!!!
Everything was perfect!!!
4.5
It was close to the beach.
The beds were to hard
4.5
Good room, new, ac was working well, good access to beach, friendly place, engaged mgmt
Breakfast a little boring
4.5
I booked this place because of the balcony view and it was an absolute win. I doubt any of the resorts around can offer it. The room has all the basics you need, simple breakfast makes life much easier in the morning and the staff is super nice. 5 min walk from the beach and all the resorts, very quiet. Perfect for couples.
Not something I didn’t like, but a few things to keep in mind. it’s a stand-alone building with almost no territory around it, so you’d have to go to resorts to rent sun beds. No big deal tho as the rent amount is fully redeemable for food and drinks.
The bed was a little too hard and the pillow too flat for my liking. Do bring your own toiletries as there was only soap provided.
4.5
Friendly and helpful staff, very clean and very safe. Near the beach and all the mini markets and restaurants. Great view from the balcony and the roof terrace. Decent Wifi. Would definitely recommend.
Water pressure could be better. Low pressure is an issue everywhere in the island but nothing a pump and tank can't solve.
4.5
This Hotel has an amazing view. the room is very big and comfortable. the breakfast and also the roof top where it is served, is amazing. the stuff is friendly and very kind!
there was a smell on the room. not strong but not so good. it disappeared eveytime we turned on the AC.
4.5
My partner and I really enjoyed our stay. Our room was big, confortable and clean, we had a nice terrace on the garden.
The breakfast was served on the rooftop with a view on Kendwa and the beach.
The staff was great, kind, helping and supportive. They were always smiling and and nice.
At first sight maybe the position doesn't seem the best (you have to walk for a very short dirt street to reach the hotel) but when you start walking on the city you realize it is convenient, 5 mins walking from the beach and from most of the restaurants and bars.
I will ever go back on Kendwa I will definitely sleep here again!
4.5
Comfortabel room, refrigarator, terrace. Breakfasts is delicious served on the roof with a great view of the Kendwa beach. The staff is very frendly and helpful. It takes 5 min to get to the beach. Near cafes and stores. I highly recommend this place!
Somеtimes the wifi didn`t work, but that was more of a plus for us ! No social media, no news, just relaxation! ;)
4.5
Kendwa Apartments is an excellent accommodation option in Kendwa. Everything clean, organized, nice breakfast, and Dadi is an excellent host. I intend to stay there again.
4.5
Staff is just perfect, everyone is always available for your desire. Thanks to the “breakfast” man who was very kind and ready for each request we had. The room is almost like an apartment, large and comfy, in front of the sea (5 min to beach).
There is a constant smell of mud which is almost unbearable and I believe might be dangerous to breath such mud. Anyway even if they proposed us another room unfortunately it is a structural problem of the building. We could “deal” with it opening constantly windows and door as well. This unfortunately discourage the stay that it would have been otherwise perfect.
4.5
STAFF AND THE OWNER OF THE HOTEL
CLEANLESS
LOCATION
VIEW
NO HAIRDRYER AND TV IN THE ROOM
I ASKED TO CHANGE THE TOWEL'S
VERY POOR BREAKFAST
4.5
Nice staff (infl. host/owner)
Location
View from windows/balcony/breakfast area
Parking
it was not clear what may be chosen for the breakfast (staff was unable to explain it correctly) - good idea would be to put menu card on the table
4.5
Comfortable apartments and a beautiful view of the ocean .The owner and staff were very friendly and accommodating.owner went out of his way to ensure that we were ultra comfortable and Alps allowed us the use of his kitchen .Rooms were super clean and very comfortable.
It's a little walk to the ocean but we didn't mind the exercise .
Kendwa queens really made us feel like royalty...Thank you to the owner DADI and the staff ...Mish ..Rashid and miqidaad...for being so accommodating and easy ..
Will def be back
Rooms needed extra pillows and also maybe a light throw as it gets a bit chilly in the winter months.
Also rooms could do with a small kettle and cups and glasses and some complimentary coffee and tea...
Some days u need that cuppa to get u going and it's hard to climb to the roof kitchen on the 4th floor.
Old people should stay on the ground floor.
The walk to the beach isn't very far but it's very rocky ..
4.5
Very friendly staff , rooms are clean and comfortable, ocean view
Breakfast could be better
4.5
It would be nice to have some bacon and sausage everyday.
The location is perfect, not to far from the beach and has a beautiful view over the ocean from our private balcony.
The staff was so friendly and helpful on every level. The cleanliness of the property and facilities are beyond perfect.
The beds were very comfortable.
A credit card facility would be recommended.
A very good stay overall.
Liked everything
4.5
Excellent accommodation a short walk from the ocean. New apartments with sea views and a beautiful terrace on the roof of the building. Extensive delicious breakfasts and above all an extremely helpful and attentive owner who will fulfill your every wish. Highly recommended - the best accommodation in Zanzibar!
4.5
The rooms are large and very comfortable, nice bathroom. The balcony is great. Very good breakfast with lots of fruit.
The location is perfect, just about five minutes to the beach and all reastaurants and shops around.
FAQs
How much does this hotel cost compared to others in Kendwa?
The average price for a rental in Kendwa is $232 per night. This rental is $1 less expensive than the average.
Is parking included with this hotel?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Villa Vanilla Kendwa. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this hotel?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this hotel. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Villa Vanilla Kendwa pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this hotel is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Villa Vanilla Kendwa?
We found 11 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, smoking allowed, and parking.
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