The Residence Zanzibar
Hotel in Tanzania
5-Star Hotel
Reasons to book
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Top-tier experienceOne of the higher cost properties in the area
Includes essentialsGarden, Pool, Air conditioner and more
About this hotel
Set on its own stretch of white sand beach, The Residence Zanzibar is a 55-minute drive from Zanzibar City. The property boasts a garden and offers free WiFi to its guests. Adults can enjoy a relaxing drink at the Jetty Lounge Bar.
Amenities
Pool
Air conditioner
Internet / Wifi
Smoking allowed
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Hot tub or spa
TV
Wheelchair accessible
Beachfront or waterfront
Gym or Fitness Center
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Tanzania
Nearby attractions
Available Rooms
Luxury Garden Pool Villa
1 King • 1668 ft²
Sleeps 4
You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing
Luxury Ocean Front Pool Villa
1 King • 1668 ft²
Sleeps 4
You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing
Prestige Ocean Front Pool Villa
1 King • 2088 ft²
Sleeps 4
You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing
Frangipani Garden Pool Villa
1 King • 2 Single • 1 Sofa • 2518 ft²
Sleeps 6
+
You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing
Frangipani Ocean Front Pool Villa
2 Single • 1 King • 1 Sofa • 2518 ft²
Sleeps 6
+
You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing
$$$$
Ratings and reviews
100% verified reviews
3.5 / 5.0
The room was beautiful, very private, and had access directly to the beach. We enjoyed cycling around the resort. The beach bar, and pontoon bar were great. The activities (paddle boarding, sailing etc.) directly from the resort were a lovely bonus.
The opening hours for the bars and restaurants were quite strict. Bars closed at 6pm, but dinner didn't start until 7.30pm (which was quite late for us who are used to eating early). The diving / fishing on site didn't seem particularly professional or informed. The food was ok, but repetitive (the al a cart meal was actually the same as the buffet just served in a differnt form). None of the food blew us away, and unfortunately because of the location we didn't have the choice to try anywhere else. Drinks were VERY expensive ($17 for one shot of gin +$5 for the tonic as an example).
3.0 / 5.0
The place in the middle of nowhere
It is not value for the quality. At that price everything has to be perfect while the quality is little bit more than African standard.
5.0 / 5.0
From the time we stepped into the property, we knew we were in the perfect place.
Calm, peaceful with the sound of birds to greet you as soon as you walk into the reception. The staff are absolutely out of this world- their kindness was remarkable. I find it hard to mention all the names here, as each and every single member of staff was exceptionally warm and helpful- to find this is extremely rare. Benjamin helped us out in literally almost everything- including arranging for some medication and testaments for our baby girl. Nitin, the bar manager helped arrange a custom baby chair for her as well and checked on us everyday. The general manager himself lent us the baby chair from
his house- it was a truly heartwarming gesture.The property itself is green, lush, luxurious and absolutely opulent. Going for bike rides was something we looked forward to as the beautiful Zanzibar breeze lifted us away into a magical world of nature and its bliss. The backyard pool only steps away from the sea was something we absolutely loved as well. Now coming to the food- the food was magnificent and the service in both restaurants more than perfect. Service with a smile all the way! We looked forward to the meals while we walked down or biked down to the restaurant- anticipating what would be on offer that day :) Grill station was OMG !
The dinner entertainment was also carefully selected- not too loud, just right and very very enjoyable!
We will miss this stay for a long long time, no matter where we go, there was something uniquely beautiful about the place.
That they were sold out for the rest of our time in Zanzibar- and we couldn’t stay longer.
This is just a small suggestion- please switch to paper take away boxes unless you reuse the plastic ones. And for the coconut trees just above the pool- do remove the coconuts from time to time to avoid accidents.
2.5 / 5.0
L hotel est digne de complexe occidentaux. Les équipements, les villas, et le personnel sont au top.
Malgré des ingrédients de qualités, la sauce ne prends pas.
Renseignez vous bien, l'hôtel est loin, très loin de tout.
Les espaces sont larges, et grands, on se déplace en vélo d'un point à l'autre. Mais ceci est aussi le principal point faible. Il.n y a pas d âme, pas d'ambiance chaleureuse, peu d'activités proposées, tout est très cher.
Aucun fonds musical au restaurant, un exemple : les qoirs ou il y a un groupe live, il est installé de l'autre côté de la piscine , soit à plus de 20m des clients..dommage, car le groupe est top, mais l'énergie n'est pas ressentie.
En bref, tout est de très haute qualité, mais assez mal pensé au final. Pas d âme, pas d énergie, de grandes espaces vides sans vie.
Nous sommes partis au bout d'une nuit, même si nous n'avons pas été remboursé du reste de séjour...
Je déconseille.
4.0 / 5.0
Situation géographique et du bungalow même
Très sympa de tout faire à vélo
Le bar sur le ponton avec de magnifiques couchers de soleil
Il pourrait y avoir qqs fruits chaque matin gratuitement
Et une possibilité d acheter qqs snacks pour ceux qui veulent rester à leur bungalow
4.0 / 5.0
Very private and private pool was good to have , staff were excellent
There were ant infestations everywhere and more critters and bugs than we are used to from our prior trips to Africa
2.5 / 5.0
the size of the rooms
The prices are too high and on top of the hotel money they also chatge additionally for water , drinks etc
3.0 / 5.0
The room is wonderful. The private pool is very nice. The resort is massive with many facilities and activities to pass your time. You can spend your full stay without having to leave the hotel. The food is nice and great variety to choose from. Staff are friendly and welcoming.
The monkeys are a serious issue in this hotel. There are warnings and precautions mentioned in leaflets and on the glass door of the villa. We did not enjoy much of our time in the private pool of the villa as we couldn’t leave snacks outside by the pool. We had daily encounters with the monkeys by the private pool. We witnessed the monkeys entering the villa next to us and we could hear the woman inside scream for a good 10-15 mins before anyone came to help. We called reception and informed of what happened and that the monkeys were outside our pool area too, they said they’ll send security but no one came. Luckily the pool cleaner came and we sent him to help the woman in the villa next to us. We have also requested a secluded private pool as my wife is muslim. However the pool was clearly visible to the neighboring guests from the side of the pool and to the staff from the back as well. The only reason we chose to stay in this resort is the “private” pool but out private pool experience is disappointing to say the least.
5.0 / 5.0
Privacy of private pool. Quality of food. Range of food options.
Beach was difficult to walk on barefoot due to crabs and other sea litter (seaweed etc).
4.5 / 5.0
This resort is wonderful! Amazing villas with private pools, magnificent infinity main pool, mesmerising gardens!
The staff are going over and beyond to make you feel comfortable! The villas are spotless, all design detail well thought! Buffet breakfast and dinner were fabulous!
The beach in front of the resort is very beautiful but due to tides it is not worth to swim when comparing to other beaches you find in Zanzibar
5.0 / 5.0
from the service to the food to the location everything was complete perfection! I highly recommend anyone visit in Zanzibar to check out the residence! You will not be disappointed!!!!
4.0 / 5.0
Clean and nice rooms
my visit took place during tide time. Sea was so bad and dirty. I booked six nights. Booking eas non refundable. Due to mu itinerary schedule, I stayed 4 nights and 5 days but i paid 6 nights. My booking was 7 to 13 may. I checked in on 8 may 6 am and checked out 12 may 11 pm.
I paid both early check in and late check out. Hotel could make me a favor and they might have refunded me one night, but they did not.
4.0 / 5.0
Dinner at this place is superb. pool is very nice. the beach is nearby.
WIFI was very bad. you have a pool in your villa with zero privacy.
don't try early check in. it is far away from any touristic attraction. and better book all activity by yourself and not by the hotel.
5.0 / 5.0
everything
nothing
5.0 / 5.0
3rd time there and always excellent with a great attention to clients.
50 m long swimming pool when tide is low sea when tide is high.
The new arrangement of the beach villas with direct sand access to the beach is great
Special mention to Edith and her team decorating our room everyday .
Kind attention for my birthday
Pastries and bread can be improved
Entertainment less good than last time
5.0 / 5.0
Food was amazing. Even our special requests for Indian breakfast was met enthusiastically.
They surprised us with wine & cake for our wedding anniversary.
We were in the luxury ocean front villa. Loved the private pool and direct access and view of the beach. Room was spacious, bathroom splendid. Loved cycling around the resort.
The staff is always smiling and greeting. Beautiful property, lovely entertainment every night with dinner.
The road leading to the resort is a nightmare. Please get it made.
4.5 / 5.0
Great hotel. beautiful beach villa. Great service.
after Covid perhaps the bungalows need a little maintenance but it was overall beautiful, tidy and fresh.
5.0 / 5.0
Everything was out of this world. The stuff was great. Breakfast, rooms, pool… just impeccable!
0.5 / 5.0
very nice and welcoming staff but very bad hygiene and full of insects and spiders and lizards everywhere even in the buffet for dinner
4.0 / 5.0
Good quite resort.
The bicycles are great - Nice to get around
Private pools at the villa are great.
Restaurant manager really hospitalable
WiFi is real slow.
4.0 / 5.0
the unbeatable position and the spectacular sunsets, in a garden that seems a continuation of the jungle.
the people, which have all made the difference . rarely met so many great and smiling individuals.
if you can, pick beach villas and ask for 105 to 100: best sunset and quiet..
the accommodation is overpriced for the standards of a 5 star resort. the structure is showing the signs of age, with noisy AC , sometimes no hot water (repaired immediately) very bad internet, broken phones, mud on the seal of the shower glass .
the premium villas have an open bathroom overlooking the beach meaning everyone passing by can see inside..
not a big buffet fan, but the set meal option didn’t convince
2.0 / 5.0
large room, ocean view
Hotel looks rather old, no investment to ensure proper maintenance.
Staff friendly but not properly trained.
Quality of food not satisfactory
5.0 / 5.0
We loved our stay at The Residence so much that we came back even though we'd paid at another place already! The villas are amazing and the location right on the beach can't be beat. The staff are welcoming, kind, and helpful. The food is delicious with a good mix of Zanzibari cuisine as well as Western for those who are less adventurous. The spa treatments are relaxing, well done, and good value. There are bikes at the villas to get around, but it's very walkable. I'd recommend walking as you get a better chance to see wildlife (we saw dik diks, an elephant shrew, a bush baby, and, of course, monkeys).
The monkeys can be annoying, but it's part of the experience. The staff take every precaution to help you stop monkeys from getting into your villa. Take it seriously when they tell you not to leave the doors open.
4.5 / 5.0
Beautiful resort and wonderful rooms with private pools. Link to scuba centre in Kizimkazi was a big plus for us; could be better advertised in advance though. I think they did really well with the food variety and entertainment by mixing it between buffet and a la carte. Massages were excellent and I thought the fitness centre was good.
I really hope and wish that this resort will adopt more sustainable measures; starting with removal of all plastic water bottles. Glass bottles can be used in-room and refilled. Also refillable cups for round the pool.
Beware of the monkeys - always keep your doors fully shut as they try to even get through the shutters. They are interesting though.
4.5 / 5.0
huge rooms super comfortable. amazing bathroom. the common pool is very nice to swim and play and spend lazy afternoons. the acrylic wall on the pool is good fun. the beach is way better than expected, and it is private, no one selling stuff. super beautiful. cheeky monkeys jumping around the resort.
the private pool is too cold. we stayed in one of the inner villas so the landscape around was nothing special. the best villas are the ones next to the restaurant in front of the beach. restaurant food is average but quite expensive (as well as any of their services). the common pool and deck needs some Maintenence.
3.0 / 5.0
We liked it overall - lovely friendly staff, serene environment and everything was maintained well. Facilities were all good although slightly tired. We have discussed how amazingly comfortable the bed was - we loved it. The shower was fab as were the beautifully scented salts for the huge deep bath. The room was really nice. The massage was fabulous too. Also a great gym - really well equipped with an ERG and other kit. The cold local beers and creamy coconut Pina coladas were awesome. The bright pink FREE bicycles (at every villa) were gorgeous and super fun. We used them all day! The towels and bedding were fresh, clean and plentiful. No issues with housekeeping at all - they do a fabulous job. Even with the cheeky monkeys who raided our room.. Our fault not theirs!
The fact that we ordered and paid for a Range Rover to transfer us on arrival. This did not happen - instead a scruffy minivan that made hard work of the AWFUL road on approach to the hotel. The last branch road (24 mins) to the hotel is truly disappointing and puts us off going again. The wrong car gave us a bad start and introduction to the resort. FOOD. We ordered al la carte at lunchtime which was at times tasteless and bland. Pizza should be easy to get right. Just needs the chef to taste his food. We added our own seasoning to give flavour. However, the buffet was usually really nice, plentiful and varied. Pasta queue was stupidly long every day.. ALSO, one of the barmen could not make cocktails. we asked for the passion fruit daiquiri which came out totally sour. as was the replacement so again, not tasting the drink. The passion fruits were all sour even at breakfast, they are supposed to be sweet. Cocktails were hit and miss.
3.0 / 5.0
pretty and private
hard tile floor throughout - water temperature and pressure not strong or hot enough for a bath
FAQs
How much does this hotel cost compared to others in Tanzania?
The average price for a rental in Tanzania is $71 per night. This rental is $144 above the average.
Is parking included with this hotel?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at The Residence Zanzibar. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this hotel?
Yes, a swimming pool is available for use at The Residence Zanzibar. Enjoy the water!
Is The Residence Zanzibar pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this hotel is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at The Residence Zanzibar?
We found 14 amenities for this rental. This includes pool, air conditioner, internet / wifi, smoking allowed, and parking.
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