Essque Zalu Zanzibar

I feel like I have to give this hotel the review it deserves, especially after seeing so many negative ones. The hotel is lovely, everything from the rooms, the amenities and facilities. They also have a lovely play area for kids. But most of all the staff, especially Digna, she was the jewel of our stay! From the moment she greeted us at the reception even the kids fell for her contagious great attitude. The food was nice, with a variety of options on different days. Always with a live cooking station at the buffets. The hotel does seem to be a bit older, but it has been exceptionally maintained. Rooms are very clean with amazing hardwood floors. I would recommend for anyone wanting to visit Zanzibar for a quiet and romantic getaway. Will visit Zalu again for sure!

We had our wedding in Essque Zalu Hotel. Wonderful ceremony on the jetty with a somptuous view. Canapes were also amazing. Later, diner with all the guests around the pool, everything was perfect. Special mention to chef Louis : it wasn’t an easy task, but each meal was great.

This hotel is NOT a five-star property—more like a 3.5-star at best. It may have been five-star quality when it first opened, but definitely not anymore. The rooms and facilities are very poorly maintained and seriously in need of renovation. We stayed in the Ocean Suite for three nights. I was immediately disgusted by the sofa as soon as we checked in. The beige fabric sofa had stains all over it—something you would never expect to see in a five-star hotel. Additionally, the pool lounge chairs are uncomfortable and the recline cannot be adjusted. The only positive aspects of this hotel are the beautifully maintained garden and the location, which offers breathtaking views of the ocean. The food was also fairly decent; the breakfast buffet and dinner were average. Unfortunately, I also suffered from bed bug bites during my stay. When I reported this to the front desk, the staff didn’t seem to care. When I asked for a room change, the front desk said, “It’s the first time we’ve heard about bed bugs in that room, and I wish you had told us earlier. I can ask housekeeping to clean your room again.” I was very upset and insisted on changing rooms, and only then did they agree. I also noticed that the staff seemed unmotivated, which leads me to believe the hotel management may not be treating their employees well.