Reviews of Essque Zalu Zanzibar 5 stars
Nungwi Beach , 3151 Nungwi, Tanzania
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Reviewed: 27 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 23 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewWe loved the friendly staff, our room was amazing and the pool area as well. From reception to your restaurant everyone is kind and attentive.
The buffet was a let down in the sense that it was not consistently good, it was a hit and a miss, for breakfast as well as dinner. We also noticed that the floors of the outside section were really dirty, and needs automated scrubbing on a daily basis.
Dear Helena, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay — especially your room, the pool area, and the warm service from our reception and restaurant teams. Your kind words about our staff’s friendliness and attentiveness are truly appreciated and will be shared with the entire team. We also value your constructive feedback regarding the buffet experience and cleanliness of the outdoor flooring. We regret that the dining options did not meet your expectations consistently, and we understand how important this aspect is to the overall guest experience. Additionally, your comments about the outdoor area have been noted, and we are reviewing our cleaning procedures to ensure higher standards are maintained daily. Thank you once again for your valuable insights. We hope to welcome you back in the future for an even more enjoyable and seamless stay. Warm regards, Guest relations
Dear Helena, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay — especially your room, the pool area, and the warm service from our reception and restaurant teams. Your kind … Show more
Reviewed: 23 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 22 August 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 20 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 19 August 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 19 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewWorst Hotel Stay We chose Essque Zalu for our honeymoon, expecting a once-in-a-lifetime experience in what is advertised as a luxury resort. Instead, we paid USD 1200 for 3 nights and got the worst holiday we could have imagined – entirely because of the hotel. From the moment we checked in, we had no hot water in the shower. Not once during our entire 3-night stay were we able to shower properly. We reported this issue to the staff every single day, yet nothing was ever fixed. Coming back tired, sweaty, and dirty from long day trips, we were forced to shower in freezing water – an absolute disgrace for any hotel, and unimaginable for one that charges premium prices and calls itself “luxury.” The way management handled the issue made everything worse. The front desk manager was dismissive, unhelpful, and completely indifferent to our situation. There was no sense of responsibility, no urgency, no real apology, and no effort to make things right. Even on the third night, when it was clear the problem would never be solved, we were not given the option to cancel the stay and move elsewhere. We were forced to endure another night of frustration. This was supposed to be our honeymoon – and Essque Zalu ruined it. Instead of celebrating a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, we left angry, disappointed, and feeling cheated. For USD 400 per night, the minimum expectation is hot water and basic guest care. Essque Zalu failed at both. To future travelers: stay away. Zanzibar has plenty of wonderful hotels that truly care about their guests and deliver on their promises. Essque Zalu is not one of them. Save your money and your holiday – do not make the same mistake we did.
Reviewed: 17 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewRooms are very spacious, staff was very friendly, and the pool was super nice. Dinner was good also.
First, I asked for a room next to my children and got a room of 2-3 minutes walk from them. That's not cool and at night I saw a rat the size of a cat when I walked to my room so that was scary. No beach, but the view is stunning. Also cats wandering around next to the dining tables. Breakfast and lunch had limited variety. Overall it didn't feel like a 5 star hotel.
Dear Oshri, Thank you for your feedback. We're pleased to hear you appreciated the spacious rooms, friendly staff, and pool facilities, as well as the scenic views. We regret the issues you encountered, particularly regarding room allocation, dining variety, and the wildlife presence. Please be assured that these matters have been noted and are being addressed with urgency to ensure a higher standard of comfort and safety for all guests. Your comments are valuable to us, and we thank you for helping us improve. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back for a better experience. Warm regards, Guest relations
Dear Oshri, Thank you for your feedback. We're pleased to hear you appreciated the spacious rooms, friendly staff, and pool facilities, as well as the scenic views. We regret the issues you encountered, particularly regarding room al… Show more
Reviewed: 14 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 13 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 12 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewGreat breakfast and dinner. Plenty of choices.
Getting to the room can be a challenge. Maybe better signs. But it got easy as you do it often.
Dear Makullah, Thank you for your feedback. We're glad to hear you enjoyed the variety offered at breakfast and dinner. We appreciate your comments regarding the ease of navigating to your room. Clear signage is important to us, and your suggestion is valuable, we will review this to improve the guest experience. We hope to welcome you back soon. Warm regards, Guest relations
Dear Makullah, Thank you for your feedback. We're glad to hear you enjoyed the variety offered at breakfast and dinner. We appreciate your comments regarding the ease of navigating to your room. Clear signage is important to us, and … Show more
Reviewed: 11 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewIt's clean, looks good. Beautiful pool
Staff mostly not friendly. Food was okay. Not much to do
Dear Naidoo, Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re pleased to hear you appreciated the cleanliness, overall appearance, and our pool facilities. We regret that your experience with our team did not reflect the level of warmth and hospitality we aim to provide. Your comments have been shared with the relevant departments for immediate attention. We also note your feedback regarding the food and available activities, and will take it into consideration as we work to enhance the overall guest experience. Thank you once again, and we hope to have the opportunity to serve you better in the future. Warm regards, Guest relations
Dear Naidoo, Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re pleased to hear you appreciated the cleanliness, overall appearance, and our pool facilities. We regret that your experience with our team did not reflect the level of warmth and ho… Show more
Reviewed: 6 August 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewIt was just fantastic, thanks to the entire team at Zalu. Thanks for efforts spent to let us have this great unforgetable vacations.
Dear Axel, Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. We're thrilled to hear that you had such a fantastic and unforgettable vacation with us at Zalu. Our entire team takes great pride in delivering memorable experiences, and it's incredibly rewarding to know that our efforts made a positive impact on your stay. Your appreciation motivates us to continue providing professional, precise, and heartfelt service to all our guests. We truly hope to welcome you back again soon for another remarkable stay. Warm regards, Guest Relations
Dear Axel, Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. We're thrilled to hear that you had such a fantastic and unforgettable vacation with us at Zalu. Our entire team takes great pride in d… Show more
Reviewed: 6 August 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewlocation, view from pool, very friendly staff
Dont personally like buffets (and this was multiple per day) Generally quite 'resort like'; i.e. entertainment and buffets
Dear Sam, Thank you for sharing your recent experience with us at Zalu. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed our location, the stunning views from the pool, and the warm hospitality of our team. It’s always rewarding to know our staff helped make your stay a pleasant one. We also appreciate your honest feedback regarding the buffet-style dining and resort atmosphere. While many of our guests enjoy the variety and convenience offered through our buffet and entertainment options, we understand that preferences can vary. Your comments are invaluable and will be taken into consideration as we continue to refine our offerings and cater to a broader range of guest expectations. Thank you once again for your thoughtful review. We hope to welcome you back in the future, perhaps with a more tailored experience to suit your preferences. Warm regards, Guest Relations
Dear Sam, Thank you for sharing your recent experience with us at Zalu. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed our location, the stunning views from the pool, and the warm hospitality of our team. It’s always rewarding to know our staff … Show more
Reviewed: 1 August 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 29 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 24 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 23 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 20 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 19 July 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewThe food and environment
Nothing
Dear Brian, Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We’re delighted to hear that you and your kids enjoyed the food, environment, and had a perfect stay with us. We look forward to welcoming you all back for another memorable visit. Warm regards, Guest Relations
Dear Brian, Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We’re delighted to hear that you and your kids enjoyed the food, environment, and had a perfect stay with us. We look forward to welcoming you all back for another memorable visit. Warm… Show more
Reviewed: 18 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 17 July 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 15 July 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 10 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewNa
Na
Reviewed: 8 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewI had a wonderful stay at Essque Zalu in Zanzibar! The service was excellent, and every staff member was incredibly friendly and always smiling, which made the experience feel truly special. The location is stunning, with breathtaking views that you can enjoy right from the property. The facilities were top-notch, and the rooms were absolutely amazing—spacious, beautifully designed, and very comfortable. What really stood out was how warm and welcoming the staff were; they made me feel right at home from the moment I arrived. Highly recommended!
Nothing. Was a fantastic hotel. Felt very safe and welcomed.
Dear Kabir, Thank you sincerely for your wonderful feedback. We are thrilled to hear that your stay at Essque Zalu Zanzibar was such a memorable and enjoyable experience. It’s especially rewarding to know that our team's warmth and hospitality stood out to you — creating a welcoming and safe atmosphere is something we deeply value. We're also pleased that you enjoyed the stunning views, exceptional facilities, and the comfort and design of your room. Your kind words mean a great deal to us and will be shared with the entire team as encouragement to continue delivering the high standard of service we strive for each day. Thank you once again for your recommendation. We look forward to welcoming you back to Essque Zalu in the future. Warm regards, Guest relations
Dear Kabir, Thank you sincerely for your wonderful feedback. We are thrilled to hear that your stay at Essque Zalu Zanzibar was such a memorable and enjoyable experience. It’s especially rewarding to know that our team's warmth and ho… Show more