Travel reviews by Mr & Mrs S from Oman

"The room was very small and smelled dank. The bathroom was however clean and well equipped. Supper on the outside terrace was OK, not a great option.

Breakfast next morning was good, with fresh eggs available.

We only stayed here because there was a possibility we might have been unable to get a visa before arriving in Tanzania. In the event we had already got the visas. The short drive from the airport to hotel took more than an hour in dreadful traffic. When we arrived we asked when we should be collected to return to the airport the next (Saturday) morning. We were told by the driver we neede to allow 2 hours to drive there. This was repeated by the hotel. In fact it took us 20 minutes. Had they not realised it was a weekend? So we arrived ludicrously early for our short flight.

Having spoken to other travellers who had to get visas at Dar airport it does not seem to be a particularly long process, and another time I would prefer to risk that than spend a night in such accomodation."

"It was lovely. We were looked after extremely well by Edgar, who was introduced as our Butler: but the poor chap seemed to be the Butler to ALL the guests so had a potentially arduous job! He was wondeerful.

The grounds were beautiful. our 'dwelling' was spacious and airy and delightful. The bathroom was interesting in that it faced towards the beach and had no screening at all. It also had virtually no light at all at night, except the carried in oil lamps, but we gathered this was going to be changed.

The food was mostly delicious, and drinks were too, though we found the coffee an extremely bitter blend.

Would be happy to recommend it as a very good holiday destination. Plus the road there (new) was excellent so it only took about 40 Mins from the airport."

"We were warned by you that Stonetown was noisy, and thought we'd be able to avoid this by staying at the Serena, but no!

At 2.am the staff started cleaning the corridor outside our room with industrial cleaners, and a lot of verbal noise. When my husband went out to see what on earth was going on they wre unperturbed, and the racket continued, with another round at 3 am. When we raised the matter next morning with reception they were frankly indifferent.

As against this the hotel itself is nice, and in a good position. The food was good, and at breakfast the lady in charge ordered me a special ginger tea to help with my lost voice. Most of the staff were very helpful, maybe only the cleaners had a problem! This does need to be addressed.

On reflection I dont think it was necessary to stay in Stonetown to see the sights, and it would be better to do this by going on a tour on the way from one destination to another"

"Lovely place, vey well maintained, very helpful and friendly staff. Excellent layout of the 'room', with a modesty screen in the bathroom much appreciated.The monkeys partying above us were amusing.

We enjoyed our walk round the village with our guide: we wouldnt have seen or understood much without him.

Our boat picnic and snorkelling trip was rather adversely affected by heavy rain, and because the boat is slow a shortish trip is rather spun out, and very expensive.

The journey to the airport takes quite a long time, going via Stonetown, so I think we would have been better off starting here and finishing in Kilindi"