Reviews of Avani Victoria Falls

"We received a warm welcome on arrival and were impressed by the level of service in the hotel.

Beautiful grounds and pool with an unrivalled access to the Falls for which there was no charge on entry if resident at the hotel. Breakfasts were excellent. The room was comfortable and well appointed.

We used the hotel shuttle to go to the slightly more luxurious Royal Livingstone where we enjoyed the panoramic views of Zambesi on the terraceat sunset (recommended) and an excellent dinner. However overall we preferred the relaxed atmosphere of the Zambesi Sun and were very happy with our choice of hotel" See all these reviews: 4n in Botswana; 4n in South Africa; 2n in Zambia

"It was what we expected from a big hotel with good access to the Falls

We had steps to go to our room but no banister was provided which made it a little difficult." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia; 3n in Namibia; 1n in South Africa

"A big commercial hotel with an African twist. Nice surroundings and within 5 minutes of the Victoria Falls. Zebra, Impalas, elephants and crocodiles all in or near the hotel grounds.

Rooms were not special, fairly basic. Main advantage was the free access to the falls and he ability to view the falls at different times of the day.

Helicopter trip recommended!" See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 2n in Zambia

"This is an impressive but large hotel that simply can't compete with the charm, individuality and personal care of the Robin Pope Lodges and Camps. The breakfast choice was immense, but the food otherwise uninspiring and the rooms, while spacious, were grubby!

The huge trump card for this hotel is its proximity to Victoria Falls. A 10 minute stroll and you are in the presence of one of the newly categorised seven wonders of the world. Stupendous and essential to visit at different times of day and night. We were fortunate to see the Falls framed in a lunar rainbow in the presence of a full moon and then to dip our toes in the cauldron of the "Boiling Pot" below the Falls as the sunrise lit up the Vic Falls Bridge.

That very bridge is only a 15- 20 minute walk away and is the location for the Big Air Experience- 110 metres of free fall Bungee, Gorge Swing and Zip Wire. It is simple to find but does require crossing the border post. A "bridge pass" is readily obtained there (passports required) but do allow 20-30 minutes for queueing. Once on the bridge be prepared for enthusiastic locals befriending you, encouraging you, congratulating you (post jump) but then expecting you to buy a selection of their wares!

The hotel is also well located for white water rafting, with local companies picking you up and driving you to the set off point. We did this with Safpar, who were very professional, great fun and ensured that our expectations were exceeded- an awesome experience.

Finally, ensure you take a stroll through the grounds, to visit the neighbouring Royal Livingstone Hotel. This is a sister hotel, of a higher class, understated elegance and sophisticated with a stunningly located terrace over the Zambezi River, with a fantastic panorama including the top of the Falls." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia

"If you want to be close to the Falls but not spend a fortune this is the place to stay. Superb location with easy and unrestricted access to the Falls.

We went back to seem them several times and at different times of the day to really appreciate them. The rooms are comfortable. The atmosphere and service is relaxed and efficient if a bit impersonal. Breakfast is very good but lunch and dinner seemed expensive and not great quality.

However it is a short walk to the Royal Livingstone for something a bit nicer and surprisingly not much more expensive." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia

"Nothing special but good place to stop over to see Victoria Falls. A busy place which might not be conductive to relaxation." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia; 4n in Botswana

"The Zambezi Sun was pretty much what we expected for a big hotel. The rooms were fine, pretty, clean and comfortable. It was an easy walk to the falls, Francis at the front desk was really helpful and patient. They say free Wi-Fi, but you get 15 minutes a day only, then you have to pay. We never got our second free 15 minutes, and we ended up paying almost £60 for a day and a half's worth of internet.

The food was average, however the food at the Royal Livingstone next door was fantastic. The Royal Livingstone seemed to be a really wonderful hotel, but much more expensive than the Zambezi Sun.

Our only complaint was the internet price, and misleading advertising." See all these reviews: 5n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia

"The Hotel is in the perfect location for access (free) to the Falls." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia

"A great and easy place to recover from a long flight before embarking on Safari. A bonus having free access to Victoria Falls from 6am-6pm.

Nice to have some wildlife in the grounds, Zebra, Impala and Giraffe and many colourful birds. Very comfortable beds. A few options for eating, we used Squires which was very affordable and served excellent steaks. Breakfast buffet was very varied and of good quality. Large pool in pleasant surroundings.

Easy and safe to take a taxi into Livingstone centre not expensive we paid 50 Kwacha (about £6) but agree price first. We changed a small amount £ for Kwacha at the airport, there is a Barclays bank to the left as you come through arrivals. Tip; Hotel has large Umbrellas to borrow for visiting the Falls, no charge." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia

"Great location. Very slow service (specially at the front desk and laundry facilities).

With Max having trouble walking around the grounds, we were not offer a ride from the lobby to our room on the day we arrived. Considering the trip from Madrid to Zambezi Sun took over 24 hours, we would have appreciated that extra help. Again, the front desk people were not very helpful in trying to help us move around in their golf cart; we had to "befriend" one of the cart drivers and bypass management.

Check in and check out processes were painfully slow. Breakfast buffet service was not very "visible"; it would take forever to find someone with a coffee jug.

However, the location is great; you could easily walk (or be driven in a golf cart) to the entrance of the Vic Falls Park. We heard from people who went to Zimbabwe had to pay for entering the park every time, and we did not. We also could take advantage of the other hotel in the property and got dinner there one night, experiencing the different ambiance and extraordinary view of the Falls from afar.

The helicopter ride is a must to recommend; exciting, well organized. The only thing to complain about it is that the video that they tried to sell to you after the ride is quite expensive ($140), specially when you think that it was not taped during your flight except for the camera inside the cabin..." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia