Tembo Palace Hotel

A historic property with direct beach access and multiple pools, including a stunning rooftop infinity pool, this hotel offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. Its central location in Stone Town makes it an ideal base for sightseers and couples looking to explore the city's rich history and vibrant markets. Families also find it suitable due to its spacious rooms and various pool options. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, who go above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay. The hotel is praised for its clean and comfortable rooms and a lavish breakfast buffet with a wide variety of options. However, some guests note ongoing renovations and the presence of annex buildings that may not offer the same experience as the main property, often lacking elevators. An important tip for future guests is to be aware that the hotel does not serve alcohol, which might be a consideration for some.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel boasts an impressive array of amenities, most notably its three swimming pools, which are a significant draw for guests. These include a beautiful rooftop infinity pool offering special ocean views, and other well-maintained pools, some of which are described as being quite private, especially in the annex buildings. Guests appreciate the availability of these various aquatic options for relaxation and enjoyment. While the hotel provides Wi-Fi access, feedback on its performance is mixed, with some guests finding it reliable and good, while others experienced intermittent connectivity issues or slow speeds. A recurring point of feedback, particularly for those staying in annex buildings or on higher floors, is the absence of an elevator, which means guests often need to climb several flights of stairs to reach their rooms. Despite this, the overall facilities contribute positively to the guest experience, offering diverse spaces for leisure.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel's cleanliness, describing rooms as meticulously maintained and tidy, which significantly enhances the comfort of their stay. Room conditions, however, elicit mixed feedback; many guests find the rooms spacious and beautiful, appreciating the traditional decor and ample living space, while others note that some rooms appear outdated or in need of refurbishment, particularly in older sections or annexes. The air conditioning generally functions well, providing a comfortable temperature, and comfortable beds contribute to a restful night's sleep for most. In-room amenities like a mini fridge, kettle with coffee and tea, and a safe are widely appreciated. However, some guests report issues with bathroom functionality, including poor water pressure, wet floors after showering, or unpleasant smells. Noise levels can also vary; while some rooms offer a quiet retreat, others are affected by renovation noise or general street sounds, with some guests noting substandard soundproofing.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives high praise from guests, described as excellent, lavish, and abundant. The buffet offers a wide variety of options, including fresh fruits, local delicacies, and made-to-order items like omelettes, pancakes, and waffles, prepared by attentive chefs. Many guests highlight the quality and taste of the food, making breakfast a delightful experience. The hotel also features a restaurant located directly on the beach, offering a pleasant dining atmosphere with good food at reasonable prices for lunch and dinner. The menu is varied, catering to different tastes. However, a significant point of feedback, and a source of disappointment for many, is the hotel's policy of not serving alcohol anywhere on the premises, including the restaurant and bar areas. This is often not clearly communicated until check-in, impacting guests who wish to enjoy alcoholic beverages with their meals or during sunset.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location in Stone Town is a major highlight, consistently praised by guests for its convenience and accessibility. Situated directly on the beach, it offers stunning ocean views and immediate access to the waterfront, where guests can observe local life and enjoy beautiful sunsets. Its prime position means guests are within easy walking distance of numerous popular attractions, including the night market, various shops, diverse restaurants, and historical sites like the Freddie Mercury museum and the Old Fort. This makes it an ideal base for exploring the vibrant heart of the city. However, some guests note that the hotel is spread across multiple buildings, and being placed in an annex building can mean a short walk across a street or down an alleyway to access main facilities, which some found less convenient or desirable than being in the primary beachfront building.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives overwhelming praise for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight their willingness to go above and beyond, providing a warm welcome and ensuring a comfortable stay. From the reception team to the restaurant staff and housekeepers, the service is described as caring and accommodating, with many instances of staff quickly resolving issues or assisting with specific requests, such as arranging excursions or providing local information. The check-in and check-out process is generally smooth, though a few guests reported minor confusion or delays, particularly when dealing with annex building assignments or payment records. Despite these isolated incidents, the staff's dedication to providing excellent service is a recurring theme, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience and making visitors feel well-cared for.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel comprises multiple buildings, and while the main property offers direct beach access, many rooms are located in annex buildings which are separate and may require walking across a street. This arrangement is often not communicated in advance, leading to varied experiences, with some annex rooms offering more privacy and quieter pools, while others lack balconies or mosquito nets. There are also reports of ongoing renovations at the hotel, which have occasionally caused noise disturbances for guests. While the hotel is celebrated for its historic charm and authentic old-world aesthetic, some areas are noted as being outdated and could benefit from modernization. A few guests also experienced issues with the water quality in their rooms, describing it as salty or having low pressure, which can impact showering. Furthermore, some guests advise caution when arranging tours or transfers through the hotel, suggesting that transparency regarding pricing and potential commissions could be improved.