Be Zanzibar - Boutique Hotel — Hotel in Unguja

I've travelled to a fair amount of places in the world and also stayed at various high class hotels, however my stay at Be Zanzibar was so far THE best I had in my life so far. It beats any other place due to the following reasons:

Excellent Customer Service. The whole team has a big smile on their face and is happy to help you anytime. However, what also made it outstanding for me & my partner was the presence of the owner. The owner, who was staying at the hotel with his wife and child at that time too, makes every guest feel extremely welcome. You can really feel that this hotel is not just a business to him, but it is his home and that he is treating every guest as friends and family who he invited to have a beautiful experience in Zanzibar.

Location & Design of the hotel. The hotel has a unique location. The pool area is very relaxing and looks magnificent with a uniquely shaped tree. It also oversees the ocean beautifully, probably the most beautiful view I've ever seen from a hotel (rest assured, this must be the most 'instagrammable' spot in Zanzibar). The whole hotel is beautifully designed, it's a small boutique hotel, but they have a great attention to detail.

Community Feeling. We were able to make many friends also with other hotel guests quite immediately. It simply contributes to the special vibe of this place, i.e. it really feels like a big home of friends and family.

My biggest regret is that we only were able to stay 2 nights as the hotel was quite booked out during out travel time. We did move on to another place, but we decided to come back to Be Zanzibar to spend our last day again at the hotels facilities as we just LOVED our time there. What also made it very special is that the owner recognised us immediately (bear in mind we only stayed two nights), had the biggest smile in his face and told me that everything we eat/drink will be free for me and my partner. This was of course not necessary, but such a beautiful and special gesture!

I am 100% sure that we will get back to Be Zanzibar soon. I can't wait to stay with them again, ideally next time for much longer, and want to thank the team and the owner again for this...

I just returned from our trip to Zanzibar, and I miss it incredibly. We had the best time at Be Zanzibar; there is something incredibly special of what has been created here. It is one of my favorite experiences and places to stay, definitely in Zanzibar but even among other destinations. Where do I start-the design, the food, the staff, the amenities, the location, the views?! The design of the property and rooms is impeccable-thoughtful, unique touchpoints, well-decorated, and always remaining welcoming (we stayed at one of the island's best luxury hotels afterwards which was great, but I preferred Be Zanzibar-keep reading why). The food at the restaurant onsite Casa Coco, is 10/10-by far the best in Zanzibar. The complimentary breakfast and fruit plate to start each morning (best fruit in Zanzibar!), fresh seafood, homemade pastas, and overall rotating menu was fantastic. While they do not serve alcohol, there is a well stocked liquor store nearby 10 mins in Paje, and the staff are incredibly accommodating. Also tip: get the fresh coconuts, and they have kombucha here (only place I saw on the island)! The views of the water are incredible and change throughout the day with the tides-couldn't believe all the exciting views. They have a plethora of watersports-clear kayaks, paddleboards, pedal bikes for the water (?!), and more. They also purchased a dhow for the property while we were there to take guests out on! Last but not least, the staff there are the warmest and very hospitable led by the amazing husband/wife duo of Tarek and Alessandra. They helped curate our itineraries, day trips, overall recommendations, and were always there to assist. My friends also had a child, and it was very family friendly! It really is one of my favorite hotels, as it incorporates the local environment while making it incredibly comfortable for travelers. Many of the other hotels feel like they could be in any location-Mexico, Caribbean, etc and feel a bit like a chain, not Be Zanzibar. Definitely recommend for an authentic, approachable, unique and well curated stay in...

During my recent visit to Be Zanzibar Boutique Hotel’s restaurant, I was captivated by its stunning cliffside location, offering breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. The ambiance was serene, enhanced by thoughtful and meticulous decor that exuded a warm and inviting atmosphere. The staff’s friendliness further enriched the experience, making me feel genuinely welcomed.

However, there are areas that could benefit from improvement: • Menu Accessibility: The current menu is displayed on a board, which can be challenging to read. Implementing paper menus or providing a QR code for an online version would enhance accessibility (and sustainability). • Service Efficiency: There was a noticeable delay in receiving drinks, with food arriving before the beverages. Streamlining the ordering process could improve the dining experience. • Ingredient Transparency: It’s essential to list all ingredients in menu items to accommodate guests with allergies. For instance, the lemon iced tea contained cinnamon, which was unexpected. • Food Quality and Presentation: The cheesecake had an unusual taste and texture and, unfortunately, contained a long hair, which was off-putting. • Portion Sizes and Pricing: The homemade gnocchi was flavorful and well-prepared; however, the portion was quite small, resembling an appetizer rather than a main course. Given the relatively high prices, we anticipated more substantial servings.

Overall, while the setting and service provide a memorable experience, addressing these areas would significantly enhance the overall dining experience at Be Zanzibar’s restaurant. Due to these concerns, I would rate my experience 3...