Slow food service. Sometimes it took an hour to get my drink. So slow.

Breakfast very good. I ate dinner and lunch at the hotel as the food was very good. and value for money. The amount of swimming pools. The room I had was in an annex and was very big. Huge bathroom, sitting room with all the necessities one needs. I was extremely happy.

Stayed in August 2025

Nothing

Located on right on the beach. Beautiful historical hotel. Our room overlooked swimming pool & beach.

Stayed in August 2025

Mattress too hard

I liked the pools , the facilities and the architecture. Food and location

Stayed in August 2025

- no alcohol served at the hotel restaurant - beds could be more comfortable

- clean pools - great location - walking distance to restaurants, shops and beach where boats depart to prison island - can watch sunset - beautiful traditional decor

Stayed in August 2025

The staff was a bit messy and noted they were nicer with european clients. They do not sell any alcoholic drinks. Its somewhat pricey.

Its clean and in a historical building- ocean front and great location

Stayed in July 2025

It makes a difference in which part of the hotel you get a room. Some are closer to the road / pedestrian walkway and can be quite noisy late at night and early mornings.

Great location, beautiful ambiance

Stayed in July 2025

My husband's tuna hamburger was served barely warm.

The location was very central to Stonetown, in the middle of all attractions. Our room, The Presidential Suite was grand and had a wonderful view on the sunset and the beach activities. There was a great live band in a neighbor bar (music stopped at 10pm). I ate a wonderful fish curry and an equally great carrot/ginger soup. The staff was very kind and everybody at the hotel did their best to be helpful.

Stayed in August 2025

The hotel felt very busy with lots of guests, which unfortunately led to lack of attention to detail from the staff. While our room was comfortable, it was smaller than the one we had paid for, though we decided not to make a fuss about it. Due to its bustling nature and the feeling of less personalized service, it's okay for short stays and transit, but not for a longer, more leisurely vacation.

My recent stay at the Tembo Hotel had both its highlights and a few areas where it fell short. On the positive side, the room itself was nicely decorated, and the bathroom was lovely. The swimming pools and private beach were definitely a plus, providing a great option for relaxation. Its excellent location in the centre of Stone Town made it incredibly easy to explore the town on foot and conveniently get to the ferry, which was exactly what we needed. The room we got was quiet and comfy.

Stayed in August 2025

We were separated from the main hotel. Furniture was old fashioned and ugly.

Good location. Helpful staff.

Stayed in August 2025

The only big unresolved problem we had was how noisy it was right through the night, whether it was hotel personnel or guests. We brought it up with reception the next morning and they were extremely dismissive about the issue.

We loved the vibe and vibrant colors, location is amazing, the rooms are small but sufficient, the shower are so beautiful and unique. The restaurant staff were very kind.

Stayed in August 2025

Avoid book street facing rooms , very noisy at night , there is no soundproof windows , and the rooms no mosquito nets Location is excellent

Location

Stayed in August 2025

Old colonial style, great location, swimming pool

Stayed in August 2025

The breakfast was just okay but still good.

The location is fantastic and the staff are really nice.

Stayed in August 2025

Nothing

Lovely hotel full of character. Great location, great food and friendly helpful staff .

Stayed in July 2025

The food wasn’t to our taste but that could be just personal taste.

Location of the property was brilliant, so central -right beside the Freddie Mercury house and two minute walk from the Cape Town fish market. Staff were so friendly and helpful.

Stayed in July 2025

No lifts. I stayed on the second floor. Not soo convenient for kids or elder people. Booking a room on the lower floors would have made my stay even better

Best location at stone town, breakfast was nice (mostly local food) and the rooms were great. Amazing pool with sea view. Loved this hotel. Would definitely stay at this hotel when I plan my next visit in Zanzibar.

Stayed in July 2025

Our room was a wee bit noisy in the evenings until 10pm, the dinners we had a little disappointing, and unless we missed it when booking, a no-alcohol policy was a surprise but not the end of the World!

A warm and friendly check in and helpful staff make a stay very pleasant. Our Junior suite was well appointed and comfortable and spacious. Proximity to the next door restaurant made for noisy evenings (until 10pm when the music calmed down). Fabulous view and a hive of local activity integrates a visitor into the local vibe. The dinner menu is a little restrictive and we were a bit disappointed with the quality. An amazing breakfast included in our package is a good set up for the day. The building and facilities are very well maintained and waiter service excellent.

Stayed in July 2025

Nothing

What’s not to like? This is after all Tembo, an institution.

Stayed in July 2025

Service in general is super slow. They have plenty people who work there but every time you need to tell to 3 different people that you need something to get it (both days on breakfast there was no knives nor plates and it took them 10minutes to organize- 3 people).

Hotel has 3 swimming pools which were super nice, room was clean and had everything you could need.

Stayed in July 2025

If you book an airport transfer you have to pay in cash, they don't accept a card payment for that. Make sure you have enough cash with you.

Stayed in July 2025

The pools are great, but it doesn't take long for the sun lounges to be occupied.

Location on the beach and in town is perfect, close to great restaurant and bar. Staff are friendly and helpful.

Stayed in July 2025

Would have liked a bar but respect the cultural and religious differences. There are plenty of bars nearby so no big deal

Great location on the beach in the centre of Stone Town and within walking distance of all of the historic attractions. Nice historic style decor with clean rooms with beds with mosquito nets. Two nice pools. One of the best features are the friendly and helpful staff. The breakfast was excellent with good selection as well as omelette and pancake station. Only 15 mins $15 from the airport by taxi. I had a great time

Stayed in July 2025

Some light/fan fixtures were not working

Location, beach breakfast, wonderful room with balcony and view, delicious breakfast, lovely pool

Stayed in May 2025

It is next to the beach

Stayed in July 2025