Fontaine Garden Village
About this hotel
Fontaine Garden Village features a garden, terrace, a restaurant and bar in Bwejuu. The property is set a few steps from Bwejuu Beach, 2.2 km from Paje Beach and 16 km from Jozani Forest.
Amenities
Air conditioner
Pets allowed
Kitchen / Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Smoking allowed
Laundry
Balcony / Patio
Gym / Fitness Center
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Tanzania
Nearby attractions
Hotel in Tanzania
Reasons to book
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Great for pets
Includes essentialsGarden, Pets allowed, Kitchen / Kitchenette and more
££££
Reviews
4.0/5.0
Good(133 Reviews)
100% verified reviews
9.0
It's great value for money. A 2 minute walk from the beach. Close to Paje. Would definitely stay there again.
Some upgrades needed here and there. The menu was also quite limited.
9.0
A tropical paradise in an amazing location. Very close to the beach, safe surroundings, calm and cozy. Very helpful manager who helped us to organize our excursions.
The bar is quite expensive for what is has to offer. There was a crazy animal living in my room and it ate our entire pack of chocolate, but it's actually an exotic plus rather than something negative ;).
1.0
first hand impression: nice with big towels in the room and friendly staff at the bar.
rats in the restaurant and in the room. when we saw the rat in the room before bedtime, we asked to change rooms and accepted a temporary solution for 4 people without kitchen even though we are 5 (and had booked a room with kitchen). next day we were promised a better solution, but when the manager finally showed up, we were told that the only solution was to keep the room for 4 without kitchen. it was quite unpleasant as the manager didn’t seem interested in working on a proper solution. owner didn’t respond to my call. we then asked for the money back, but the manager refused. we decided to leave the place, and only then the manager proposed that we could use a kitchen in a different room, but still had no good solution for the missing bed. it was too little too late.
we agreed with the bar staff that we should sort the restaurant bill with the owner, since we had not received our money back from the rest of the stay (restaurant bill being much lower than the price of accommodation).
afterwards we received threatening messages from the owner in private messages. a real awful experience that could have been avoided, had the manager and owner been just a bit friendly and service minded.
7.0
Beautiful garden, hammocks, lots of trees. The place was really close to the beach and lovely beach bar. Two adorable dogs guarding our bungalow terrace ❤️ Staff was always smiling, really friendly.
Windows didn’t have nets, and our mosquitiera wasn’t dense enough to keep mosquitos out. Some of the towels weren’t changed for a longer time, so you could see some funky bussiness living there.
10.0
Happy people, always helpful, very beautiful place. Close to the beach, close to the village but quiet. Wait for the evening! Just awesome.🤩😊
10.0
lovely site and fantastic staff ❤️
nothing
7.0
I liked the fact that it looks exactly as it is in the pictures. My kids and I enjoyed the nature in the surrounding. Even the rooms were cool because the roof is natural. The staff were easy to deal with.
The staff understood English and had information for everything I needed to know. The one added advantage for me was I could pay using my mpesa unlike all other places I visited.
I was also glad that I could walk to the beach from the hotel.
The menu is very limited I wish they could have more. I don't know if it's not part of what you are offering but it would be nice to have some kind of entertainment for guests I only saw chess and the band wasn't played even once(I was told the one supposed to wasn't around). It would keep the guests around more and in the end increase bar and kitchen sales.
The one that was much of a dislike for everyone was the WiFi if I hadn't bought a Vodacom line I don't know how I would have survived because before I book I always insist on WiFi. This too made the hotel loss on kitchen and bar sales because we ended spending more time in the hotels where WiFi was uninterrupted.
Lastly but not list I didn't like that my room had the bathroom and toilet outside and it was indicated while I was booking.
And there were no mirrors in the room or bathroom.
One last one I only got some on my second last night 🤔
10.0
Such a lovely well cared for and delightfully decorated place with friendly staff and dogs. WiFi a bit in and out, but everywhere has it so not really a problem. Amazing value for money. I loved my little house.
Liked it all, just the WiFi a bit annoying but you can walk next door to get it if necessary. Lovely people and felt very safe as a single older traveller.
10.0
The staff was excellent, cheerful and very helpful. Patrick, Prisca, Kibibi and everyone in the surrounding hotels.
The external bathroom and shower limited privacy
8.0
Very nice bungalows, nice staff. Really liked the decorations and the well maintained garden. The bungalow was big enough. We loved the welcome on the board. It's a great spot if you want to be let alone without people. Empty beach. We didn't have a chance to try the mexican kitchen, but I bet it's very good. We were followed by a local dog to the village, where people were scared of it for some reason, so you have your own bodyguard:)
The outside toilet and bathroom could be uncomfortable, you never know what insects you are gonna meet during the night. Lots of tiny mosquitoes that got into the mosquito net. Some ants, but it was not that big problem. The location is almost in the middle of nowhere. There are no restaurants and shops close by. That could be nice for someone, but it wasn't for us.
10.0
very cool design.
the bungalow is amazing - it even have a small kitchen, well equipped with everything you will need .
nice bar, and the food is good
very friendly staff members that will help you with everything.
close to the beach - less than 5 minutes.
10.0
Very nice atmosphere and helpful people. It was a very beautiful place, close to the ocean. The neighborhood was very quiet. I truly recommend this place.
10.0
We felt very welcome. All employees were extremely friendly and helpful. Accomodation had relaxed vibes. The beach is very close. The bungalows were comfortable. Everything was great, safe, cozy, charming and we would love to come back.
7.0
nearby the beach
facilities are poor .
9.0
close to a beautiful beach, just a short walk.
simple but nice bungalows,
very cosy bar / restaurant area,
friendly staff, not trying to sell anything but helpful when asked.
—
10.0
The location is absolutely the best if you want a beautiful white beach, peace and quiet. The resort is safe, the staff is great and the boss is a great woman. He will really take care of you.
There was nothing like that.
1.0
Before reading this review, you should check all the other negative reviews and notice that the owner’s response to every one of them is a sarcastic or mocking comment about the guest, and never an apology or acceptance of responsibility. No doubt the response to this one will be the same. That is the level of respect the owner has for you the guest. It is your choice if you prefer to believe me (and the other negative reviews), or the owner.
You will also notice that unlike almost every other accommodation in Zanzibar, Fontaine Garden Village requires you to pay by credit card as soon as you book, and says no refunds. Now I will explain why.
We had booked four nights in a bungalow. Paid in advance, of course. When we arrived there were a group of (I think Dutch) travellers, in the reception area waiting for a taxi out of there, looking uncomfortable and angry. I guess they had the same experience as us.
We moved our stuff into the bungalow and discovered that it was infested with huge COCKROACHES the size of mice. They were everywhere. All over the bed. On the walls. And now on our bags. There were dead ones on the floor and live ones coming in from under the door, because there is just a huge gap there, even a rat could get in. As well as cockroaches, there was also a hairy centipede on the pillow.
I went to see the boss, Patrick, and he said not to worry he would spray the room. He came and sprayed, but it was useless, I was just showing him one cockroach after the next and he thought it was funny.
An hour later, when the cockroach situation had got worse (it was like being in a cockroach festival), my wife and I informed Patrick that we couldn’t stay under such conditions. He stood with a woman (maybe his wife, maybe a member of staff) and spoke about us in Swahili, clearly mocking us, and told us to wait while he contacted the owner. (Personally, I believe he is the owner).
We were made to wait in the dining area and an hour later he still hadn’t come back. So we moved our stuff out anyway, and found accommodation at the place next door. They share the same entrance, same private beach, same security, same dogs, but (apparently) different owner. At least in that place the bungalows were secured and there were no roaches.
Patrick told us, through a barely concealed grin, that the boss would deal with the cancellation on Booking and we would be refunded. I told my wife he was lying, and of course he was, I was charged the full amount.
Two days later we ran into Patrick in town. He tried to hide when he noticed us, I approached him and asked about the cancellation. Again he said it was up to his boss. He also laughed about it to the driver from the other place who had driven us to the bank there.
On top of this, when we left, he made us pay a ridiculous sum of money for two sandwiches we had eaten on check-in; sandwiches the size of a postage stamp. That’s fair enough, but beware, because there is nowhere else to eat around there, they will charge you a fortune for a laughable amount of food.
THIS PLACE IS A TRAP. This is my warning to you. You can also read the other negative reviews on here. If you want to take the risk and pay for your stay in advance, good luck to you!
Now let’s see what the sarcastic, mocking response will be. Or maybe the owner will try to say that we are exaggerating, that there were only one or two cockroaches. Never mind, it is you the guest who can decide.
10.0
Really nice place one minute by walk from beutiful beach. Room was really clean, staffs very friendly. We feel like in home 😊 Thank you for everything!
9.0
The place was close to the beach, had good place to relax during the day, food was tasty. Room was clean, there was a room service every day. Loudry service was available. They have some dogs and cat, that makes good atmosphere. Bed isb comfortable and clean, bed sheets smells good, mosquito net is quite new and fits good with the bed size. They provide 3 towels.
Bathroom in the bungalow was not separated from the rest of the room, so if someone is using toilet, the other person has to leave the house or they experience it together 😅 On the beginning the bungalow smelled a bit like mould, but then we got used to it. But the towels that waited in the room were smelling bad, so maybe you should consider put the towels just before someone's check in.
9.0
Tha place is really cute and confortable also all the people working there is really kind.
9.0
Patrick is very helpful and friendly.
It's a nice experience to be in a stylish bungalow.
Chill out zone
Close to the beach
9.0
Mostly I liked the chill atmosphere of this place. Everyone gathering in the outside lounge areas, staff is very friendly and helpful.
Lots of instruments where you could play on which helped the atmosphere while chilling at night.
It’s surrounded with walls and gates and an all night Masai security; nice to have your car or scooter or bike safe on the premises.
The bungalows are basic but you don’t need more than that. You basically live outside most of the time.
Nice detail: few bungalows have a nice porch with a sofa, chairs and fridge.
Food is also basic but good. For me personally I would have loved some more traditional Zanzibarian dishes on the menu.
Overall a place that grows on you!
It does miss a swimming pool. The beach is 2 minutes walk, but the sea is not always available with the tides.
Note: I was there in a very hot time of the year -rainy season- so a fresh cool off dive would have been welcome.
8.0
Mexican style, art and paintings. Nice arrangement of the plants and paths. In spite of the mosquito nets we suffered a lot of bites. Breakfast was good. We were allowed to play the guitar which was a very nice touch and an unusual plus. Beautiful beach with climbable wooden tower nearby. Compound is easy to find with good signs.
WiFi and electricity was problematic at times. Toilet and bath wasn't really separated from the beds - we didn't quite understand that.
7.0
The garden is very beautiful and it's just a few minutes to the beach. The rooms are spacious and comfortable.
There is nothing around to eat nor minimarket, so they made quite high price. With small portions. The way to Paje is a good hour walk.
3.0
Bunch of strong alcoholics there.
Every night party until the morning.
Except our bungalow, we didnt liked it at all!!!
9.0
Very cute place, lovely decorated rooms and very cute huts, nice bar, very reasonable price. Right next to beautiful beach. Really loved it, worth renting bikes if you are there then you can cycle along the beach to paje in about 15/20 mins
We would have stayed longer but was a little far from paje where a lot of parties and shops are (50 mins along the beach) but if you have a car only 5/10 mins and with a bike on beach is 15/20
7.0
Excellent location not far from ocean.
Nice environment and atmosphere, lots of chill spots.
Nice price.
There was no door between bedroom and toilet, not even a curtain or something. Plumbing is quite used and it brings smell from sewage system in room all the time.
A/C is working which is good, but it has only two speeds- on and off, there is no in between so it's either stone cold or boiling hot.
Also, windows don't open, therefore there is zero ventilation and it is impossible to let out the moisture and sewage smell.
Bedding and towels had stains.
9.0
Property and Vibe is over and above. Very welcoming and very comfortable.
A place one can easily spend several days if not weeks in.
WiFi was very bad, but was sorted during my stay by management.
Location to nearby Paje Village is not so easy which isolates you somewhat.
9.0
Great localisation, close to the beach, great vibe - Garden is super green, staff was nice and helpful, owner rebooked our reservation when airline cancelled flights. Great value for money. i do recommend this place and would go back.
breakfest could be a bit bigger
3.0
nice property, green, shadow. it could be a nice stay if we could sleep.
next door is the construction site. they start working at night (maybe because the heat during the day?) and drilling till 3 AM. it is very difficault to sleep. it was like sleeping on the construction site. we were not informed about the construction site and wanted to change the location (we chodem Bwejuu instead of Paje/Jambiani hoping for relaxing and quite location!), but the owner refused. on the remark, we should be informed about such construction work as we booked just a day before, his comment was: „give me a break”. drinks overpriced (cheaper at the beach bar next door - Kilimani Kwetu Beach House bar). WiFi poor.
10.0
The people who are working at fountaingarden are the most friendly people you can wish at your stay..
No problemo
Hakuna matata
I really loved the place and the people who were working there.
Big love ❤️
Keep up the good work
Nada
1.0
Some people from staff was nice and friendly
I've booked "Bungalow with garden view" for a $67/night. When I was arrived, that was different room, not like on pictures when I booked. So when I told about this to guy named Francisco who run this place, he told me I am wrong. But when I mentioned that i've booked room with colorful lamps on the walls on photos, his reaction was "oh, that is Louis house, and it's already booked" and he can do nothing.
So now I lived in slum bungalow with durty walls, cockroaches and leaking washbasin. This is disaster and it was ruined my vacations.
FAQs
How much does this hotel cost compared to others in Tanzania?
The average price for a rental in Tanzania is £53 per night. This rental is £10 less expensive than the average.
Is parking included with this hotel?
Parking is not specified as an available amenity at Fontaine Garden Village. 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 Fontaine Garden Village pet friendly?
Yes! This hotel is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.
What amenities are available at Fontaine Garden Village?
We found 10 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, pets allowed, kitchen / kitchenette, internet / wifi, and smoking allowed.
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