Amazing resort! We got an complimentary upgrade to a villa which was fantastic. Very private with own pool, outside area, tv room, walk in closet etc. Food is fantastic and had crayfish and prawns on buffet often. Be prepared to walk as the resort is big. Staff is very friendly and humble. Will definitely visit this resort in the future with friends as the entertainment is great if you want to party!

Beautiful hotel set in a very large landscaped gardens which are very well maintained. The hotel feels spacious and gives a sense of having plenty of your own. Staff have been sublime, very friendly and cant do enough for you. Food has also been superb, plenty selection and very good quality. Beach fronted by what I would probably call the best beach I have seen, and having travelled to Maldives, Thailand and various other exotic places, it takes some doing. Only downside is you cant walk 10 yards without getting pestered to buy from the locals. If they would learn that to set up stalls and allow people to come to them, business would be better.

Nice "no kid" hotel in a good location, super kind staff, decent cleaning, very good food and drinks, alcohol is also included in the all inclusive formula. Two pools, one with animation, the other more quiet. Big and varied buffet with cuisine from all around the world in the main restaurant. Few additional restaurants where you need to book in advance, most of them still included in the all inclusive formula. Gym and spa.

The hotel is located an hour and a half drive from the airport. The property is big so it can take you 5-10 minutes to walk from the reception to the pool or restaurants depends on your room location, the hotel is offering Golf car services so it's very helpful. We took the all-inclusive package so we had 3 meals a day, free restaurants, and free alcohol, food is great and very good cocktails. You have a few bars in the hotel so there is always a place to stop and have a bottle of water or a tasty cocktail. The beach is gorgeous. A lot of water sport activities. The staff is very helpful and the service is wonderful. The rooms are big and comfortable. Gym is a bit small and lacking out of fitness equipment. Spa is fabulous, definitely book a message.

Amazing place with excellent service. It can become quiet for the adventurous couple (Jambo is a 2 minute walk away and accessible for all Palace visitors)but always tranquil and serene. Don't leave your lunch and breakfast unattended to or the crows will steal them! 😅

I loved our stay there, the food was amazing the place, 24hr beverage service and the Ginger Bar. Our package was an all inclusive one and it was great paying everything at once and not having to worry about bills for food and drinks throughout the stay. The stuff is friendly and super amazing our favorite were Issa,Lilly & Rebekkah. We had access to Riu Jambo the hotel next door and that was just the cherry on top. I would definitely visit the place again.

My experience was very tarnished by the way this hotel treats non-guests. What I witnessed was appalling. Two people (obvious foreigners, if that matters) that got stuck by the tide were refused access to walk through the hotel to the road by security, or even to talk to someone at reception to offer help, and forced to wade back through the waves. Security made no effort to assist in any way. It’s fine to have an exclusive property, but when they stop treating others with a sense of decency my rating goes to zero.

Unforgettable vacation. Wonderful, quiet hotel, with huge gardens, good rooms and next to a wonderful beach with a unique sunset. We were very well received by all the staff from the reception to the rooms, passing through the bars to the restaurants and the beach staff, persons who were always friendly and available. A very special thanks to Inês from the front office, a truly friendly and professional person, who with her availability helped us to make this vacation memorable. In terms of restaurants, the buffet was excellent, always had a lot of selective and very, very good quality. We tried the different restaurants in the hotel and were we always ware well served.

Beautiful hotel with excellent service and idyllic beach. Fantastic getaway As vegetarians we didn't struggle with food at the buffet. However, restaurants have one or sometimes no vegetarian options so might be best to stick with the buffet.

From the moment I set foot in the enchanting Hotel Riu Palace in Zanzibar, I knew my stay would be nothing short of extraordinary. This hotel isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a destination in itself, offering a mesmerizing experience that lingers in your memory. The architecture and ambiance of the hotel are a perfect blend of luxury and comfort, set against the backdrop of Zanzibar’s breathtaking natural beauty. But what truly sets Hotel Riu Palace apart are its culinary offerings. Each restaurant is a gateway to gastronomic delights, serving a wide array of delicious cuisines that tantalize your taste buds. Every meal is a celebration of flavors, expertly prepared and beautifully presented, making dining here an experience in itself. The service at Hotel Riu Palace is the epitome of excellence. Every staff member goes above and beyond to ensure guests feel special and well-cared for. Their attention to detail and warm, welcoming demeanor make you feel like royalty. A special shoutout to Allen from the Ginger Bar at the main pool. His remarkable skill in making everyone feel comfortable and his exceptional service truly enhances the overall experience. Allen’s dedication and charisma add a personal touch that makes your stay even more memorable. In conclusion, my stay at Hotel Riu Palace, Zanzibar, was an unforgettable experience. It’s a place where luxury meets comfort, culinary delights meet impeccable service, and every moment is a treasure. I highly recommend this hotel to anyone seeking a five-star experience in every sense. Thank you, Hotel Riu Palace, for an incredible stay!

outstanding service. everyone here deserves a rise. very kind people around, all will make your stay better. you feel like they’re doing their best, and they deliver whatever you want. loved the hotel, loved the spot, loved the personnel and the manager, they’re all here to make your stay amazing. thank you guys for an amazing holiday you made to me and my friends. we love you and we’re coming back 🫶

For Christmas we decided to spend a week in Zanzibar and we booked our stay at Riu Palace. We booked a Junior Suite, located halfway between the reception and the beach. The resort is huge so if you’re not feeling like walking under the brutal sun everyday make sure to ask for a room closer to the beach. They also offer a golf cart service to take you around the resort but honestly the only time I asked for a pick up it took forever and I ended up walking from the pool to the reception in the heat. Back to the suite: the room was quite big, with a nice terrace overlooking the gardens and the ocean. Huge bathroom and closet area. In my opinion the Junior Suites need an update ASAP, they look pretty tired: our door and windows were almost broken, the air conditioning was super loud and also used to stop working randomly in the middle of the night. I also woke up more than once because it was raining on me from the ceiling over the bed - probably drops of water due to condensation -. Bed was not the comfiest: hard mattress, thin pillows and you couldn’t move without making noises. No USB outlets. As part of the All Inclusive plan, mini bar is filled with water, sodas and beers. No coffee machine. Room was clean, turndown service only on our first night. I’m not a fan of All Inclusive and buffets, but I have to say that Riu Palace food & beverage was pretty good. During the day the only restaurant open is Promenade (buffet) and Pepe’s Food for snacks (this one should be closed, it’s not inviting and no one goes there ever). The buffet is extensive with plenty of choice for everyone and the quality is really good. As a guest of the Palace you’re also allowed to visit and dine at Riu Jambo. We booked all the restaurants we wanted to try via the Riu App with no issues, just wait till they open the reservations and check the app daily. There are many bars around the resort and they’re all serving good cocktails, we had many mojitos and Negronis! It would be great if there were a bar (or at least bar service) also at the beach. Also, a proper place for snacks is missing (there’s one at Jambo where they serve pizza, burgers, fries etc right by the beach). One word about single use plastics: since Riu is claiming to care about the environment and got rid of plastic straws, they should also stop using that insane amount of water bottles and install a water purifier instead. The amount of plastics in the sea in Zanzibar is disturbing, I used to collect a crazy amount of trash on my daily beach walks. Also, as tourists enjoying this fragile environment, the bare minimum for us is to take back home and recycle there our empty bottles of sunscreen, shampoo, etc. Kendwa, where the Riu Palace is located, is famous since here tides are minimal and you can swim in the sea all day. The beach is supposed to be one one of the bests on the island, with its white powdery sand and turquoise waters. Unfortunately on our last days there the sea was kinda rough and the water got “milky” (not crystal clear), still beautiful tho. There are 3 different pools at the resort, everyone is different and everyone has its own bar. Plenty of sunbeds everywhere, no need to rush to get one but still, there’s people leaving towels in the early morning to get a spot in the best places. Side note: the sunbeds on the artificial upper beach are terrible: they have a brown plastic mattress that gets super super hot in the sun. Also, beach/pool towels provided by the hotel are on the small side and they give you just one per person daily. They can change your wet towel as long as they have clean ones (usually in the afternoon they run out of towels). What we loved the most about this place was the incredible hard working staff, always nice, always greeting you with a smile and trying to do their best to accomodate your requests and make your trip unforgettable. I would not consider the Riu Palace a “real” 5 Stars hotel, there are some flaws, suites are in need of a makeover, but in the end, for the price we paid we had a lovely trip and can’t really complain.

This hotel was the perfect spot to relax in beautiful Zanzibar. The resort itself is extremely well maintained and modern, with a stunning beach area as well. The service is top tier with someone always quick to help you with anything you need. Highly recommend the sunset catamaran cruise with Maria and her crew. They are incredible and added the cherry on top to our great stay here.

We have just had a tremendous 10 days staying in one of their spacious accommodations in equally spacious well kept grounds . The staff never failed in their duties , and always with a smile !! This was from the bar staff , special mention Joyce and Norah ,to the pool and beach ………thank you Simba and not forgetting reception and duty manager Elizerbeler !! WELL DONE RIU PALACE !!

Definitely the best resort in Zanzibar. The accommodation and facilities are world class. We had the best time and wish we could have stayed forever. The staff are also very friendly and helpful. Just wear lots of sunscreen because the UV factor (being East African) is very high. Don’t waste your time or money with any other resort, RIU Palace is the best and the best time to visit is April, May or June when the weather is a little cooler. Love from South Africa

Exceptionally beautiful. The hotel , the rooms, the staff, the services they offer and plus the food! It was all inclusive and you could just eat to satisfaction, and the varieties of food they have is amazingly massive from Indian fusion ,Chinese, Italian to continental, they literally have everything to puzzle you out on what to eat and what not. It’s probably the best food experience of a hotel in the whole island. The place is amazing filled with lots of stuff to do whether you want to use swimming pools! There are literally 2 big swimming pools and complimentary water sport activities and games lined up for you. So It was all beautiful and that is still an understatement. Highly recommended !

Here is Heaven. The price includes all meals, drinks, and all services. They operate various programs and activities every day, every time. So you never feel bored. Especially when it come to meals, you can choose one of buffet and course cuisine restaurants. All foods are good quality and so delicious. You can enjoy not only swimming but also strolling in the resort because they have three big swimming pools and cultivate trails with many trees.

The Hotel is beautiful and the food is really nice. The staff is also globally nice and smiling. It has 2 weak points: - We are in a Muslim country, it is not compulsory to serve Pork in the main restaurant. Almost nobody eats it and we have to respect the country's traditions. Also pork is absolutely bad for health. - The weakest point is that according to who you go and see to the Reception Desk the reply and the service can be completely different. It can be very good or bad. Once this problem will be solved we May probably say this Hotel is a 5 star. Finally it remains a very nice place to stay and I recommend it :)

Paradise!!!! We chose to stay at the palace side so we had Extra restaurants than the Jambo provides, but I just wanted to say the palace side is more relaxed and quiet where the Jambo has more activities going on so you have to decide what is best for you. The morning activities were amazing! I loved doing the water aerobics and pool volley with Jackson 5, he was so full of life and it was so much fun to start the morning with. Adela in reception was always so helpful and helped my husband organize a birthday surprise for me. Dorcas & Rithas in the main buffet were so kind and always happy to great us and happy to assist us. Please make sure to say Connie and Karim say hi. Abbas in the excursion counter was very helpful even when the WiFi wasn’t working well to collect payment, he never mistreated us. This vacation was truly 10/10. The location was beautiful, service impeccable and all of the food delicious! The buffet was always fresh and always refilled and the restaurant service was always fast and didn’t hold you up all night. Thank you so much Riu Palace for giving us a wonderful birthday trip!

This hotel is one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in from Max at the reception all the way down to moody at the jet ski. Gorgeous beach, Amazing staff, delicious food and beverages. Will definitely come back again and YOU should too 😃😍🫶

We spend 10 nights (mid of November) The start was a bit disappointed to be honest. We arrived very early at the hotel due to our flight. We were welcomed shortly and than were asked to pay the taxes. I mean nothing against paying that however, it would have been nice to be welcomed like we saw it was happening later with the other guests: We did not receive a welcome drink, where not handed out the bracelet (which costs trouble with the staff and security downstairs), and our wifi was not working for couple of hours while waiting for the check in. Where we saw that other guests who arrived later received all that mentioned above directly. For the wifi we had to go back in total 4 times in order to fix that issue. But what I was most disappointed at was that we did not hear any congratulations on our honeymoon. I wrote them and email before so they knew that this was a special trip for us and I would have appreciated and expected a different welcoming from the receptionists and riu ( we have been to other Rius before). BUT the rest of the staff is more than just on point. Starting with all the cleaning Personal who is there to keep all the area (which is super huge) clean at all times, with the gardeners who keep the beauty flora in tact, the housekeeper Lisanne who cleaned our appartment everyday and left beautiful creations on the bed, the bar and service Personal who are always more than welcoming and attentive and where the service is super great! Just to mention some as unfortunately we cannot remember all of the namens: Olivio who always welcomes us with a big smile at the main restaurant. He treated us so well and we felt very good taking care of. Ramadan one of the cooks who prepared one of the amazing dishes. Abu who served us at the steakhouse restaurant with an extraordinary service. Reheana with the service from the pool area who always serviced us cool and warm drinks. Ernest who always waited for us at the bar with a big smile and kindness! I could go on and on. Also I would like To mention two animators: Jackson 4 and Ronaldinho with who we did yoga sessions in the morning, the Aqua Fitness and aqua Volleyball. The only thing I think would be nicer to stretch the offers a bit as all the mentions above activities happening in the morning quite shortly after each other. Which means in the afternoon there is not much. Every evening there is a show / performance (which repeats after one week). The performances are from dancing, singing and Musik everything and quite good. After that there is always a „party“ untill 12:00 pm. The Musik is not quite diverse and it’s always the same songs and group dances - here I would love to see some variety ;). If you want to have a bit more celebration, would recommend to go to the jumbo hotel in the evening - the people are a bit more in a party mood and the dance floor and dj is a bit better and bigger. In regards to the facilities we really loved it and liked that the ways were longer and you had to walk a bit (for example: from our room to the main pool we had to walk about 5-7 min) Also that you as a riu palace guest can use the facility of the jumbo hotel is great plus (as the beach part is a bit nicer with palm trees over there). Great is also that you can book separate restaurants - we have been to two and both of them were amazing (food and service vise). Furthermore you have the possible to rent out standup paddling, kayak and paddle boat for free (30 min). We did the Kajak and had a great and fun time. We had a junior suite garden view. The room was okay, but nothing special. We really only used the room for sleeping and for that is das sufficient. Be aware that as it’s very humid and cloths and bed sheets feel a bit wet. All in all we had a lovely time and enjoyed our stay and would recommend the riu palace!!

The Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar is truly a remarkable establishment, and what makes it truly exceptional is the incredible staff who make every guest's experience unforgettable. The dedication and warmth of the staff at this hotel are nothing short of astounding. From the moment you arrive, you'll be greeted with smiles and a level of hospitality that's genuinely heartwarming. Each staff member goes out of their way to ensure your comfort and satisfaction, making you feel like an honored guest every step of the way. Whether you're seeking assistance with your accommodations, need guidance on exploring the beautiful surroundings, or have special requests, the staff members are consistently helpful, going above and beyond to exceed your expectations. Now, let's talk about the hotel itself. The Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar boasts an enviable location that's not only breathtaking but also meticulously maintained. The pristine surroundings perfectly complement the exceptional service provided by the staff. When it comes to dining, the buffet is a true delight, offering an array of delectable dishes that cater to a variety of tastes. However, it's worth noting that while the reservation-only restaurants serve enjoyable food, they may not quite reach the same level of excellence as the buffet. One aspect to be aware of is the accessibility of the reservation-only restaurants. Even with the convenience of the Riu app, securing a reservation can sometimes be a bit challenging. In my experience, I found it necessary to engage with the front desk and speak with the manager on multiple occasions to secure a spot. However, the staff's willingness to assist with this matter, despite the potential inconvenience, reinforces their commitment to ensuring your stay is as enjoyable as possible. In summary, the Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar is a destination not to be missed, primarily because of the exceptional staff who infuse warmth and hospitality into every aspect of your stay. The stunning location and well-maintained facilities provide the perfect backdrop for your memorable experience, and while the dining options are fantastic, some reservations may require a little extra effort. Nevertheless, the extraordinary dedication of the staff makes this hotel a true gem in Zanzibar.

The best resort in Zanzibar! Perfect for honeymoon. The staff are all very friendly, extremely good service. All inclusive package is a must. The food and drinks are awesome. Location is perfect, in the middle of all the top attraction and watersport. See you again soon!

I had a paid stay through the travel agency for the period December 10-16, 2022, but the vacation ended after the first 10 hours spent in the hotel complex, more precisely, I found cockroaches in the room, in the restaurant and in the food served. The glasses were dirty, the bed noisy... HORRIBLE. We have started the steps to hold this hotel complex accountable. I DO NOT RECOMMEND…

The hotel is stunning! The service is absolutely amazing. The staff are amazing. The rooms are regularly cleaned. The bar is stocked everyday. The variety of food and drinks cater for different people around the world. Nitin from the bar really made us feel special for arranging special drinks and recommending drinks. Ghosh from the restaurant really tries their best to accommodate your dietary needs he demonstrates amazing service. You will never go hungry and thirsty. I arranged my proposal for my girlfriend and the hotel managed to arrange a special dinner where I could propose

Overall great stay, although the hotel lacks privacy since there are plenty of people especially families. Alacarte restaurants are not worth it. Dinning in the main restaurant is 4star quality. Staff is super nice.

A very lovely large Zanzibar hotel set in beautiful manicured grounds. All-inclusive but still high quality food and drinks, friendly service from all staff, good facilities, lovely beach & beautiful clear sea. The resort was busy despite being end season when we were there but there was still plenty of room. We managed to get a booking at one of the speciality restaurants for one evening and we went to a (buffet) Asian food restaurant at the nearby sister hotel another evening. Breakfast and dinner at the large self service restaurant was nice and the friendly waiting staff would top up our wine glasses freely throughout dinner. Overall, a lovely luxury resort but we didn't need longer than the three days we booked. Recommended.

Hotel Riu Palace in Zanzibar is a true gem that surpassed all my expectations. The rooms are elegantly designed and incredibly comfortable, the service is impeccable, and the natural beauty of the resort is awe-inspiring. The dining experience is exceptional, with a variety of cuisines to satisfy every palate. The amenities and activities offered are outstanding, providing endless opportunities for relaxation and adventure. If you're seeking a luxurious getaway in a tropical paradise, Hotel Riu Palace is an unrivaled choice. Highly recommended for an unforgettable, dream-like vacation.

An absolute dream comes true. Our honeymoon was very special thanks to the staff that operates with such love ad excellence. The all-inclusive package is worth it. You will not have to leave the resort for anything. Do yourself a favor and book a room in your dream hotel

Overall, it is a very good hotel with a rather friendly stuff. However, there are some pitfalls that you may bear in mind: beds are not comfortable and noisy. Windows nets are broken, which leave an open for mosquitoes, and golf cars availability is extremely low so if your room is located far from the beach and main restaurant - don't forget to bring sports shoes... Additionally, beach access is a bit complex due to many stairs. Food is quite good with a fair variety. In summery, it's a decent hotel, far from a 5 stars one.

The most amazing place we've ever been! The staff is incredibly nice and welcoming, the continuous cleaning and maintenance is impressive! The food is great, the beach is fantastic and the facilities are impeccable, everything looks like a dreamy scenario!

One of the best hotel in Zanzibar!!! I came here to this hotel for second time to celebrate my birthday and I’m enjoying my stay very much! I like the beach zone of hotel , I like the nice room that I have, I like the beautiful view from my balcony. And is very important that the personal here are always kind and ready to help you. The staff from reception is very polite and make attention for our requests. Ad our arrival one of the personal Khamis ( he speak Russian very well) help us to get our preferred room and send to us one bottle of spumante. And today another guy at reception help us to book the restaurant for my birthday and some restaurants for other days and send to our room another bottle of Brut , decorated by flowers. Even if here is all inclusive, but thanks to these gestures of attention , everyone can feel special . It 's nice when you are served at breakfast by a familiar girl , Anna . Or it's nice to chat after lunch at the beach bar Makuti with a nice girl who makes delicious cocktails. My husband and I travel a lot to different countries and we just don 't have time to visit every year the places we like . But this hotel will remain on our list as one of the must - returns . And this year , this hotel has become even better . It also shows that managers are working well ! I wish to Riu Palace prosperity and hope to be a welcome frequent guest here .

The resort was beautiful and service was perfect. All the employees were incredibly kind and attentive and I thoroughly enjoyed my stay. However, this resort is in a 95% Muslim community and I noticed that not one woman was wearing a hijab. It is absolutely WRONG of Riu to deny their employees religious freedoms such as this. Riu is not a chain I will support for as long as they deny respect of their employee’s religious preferences.