Reviews of Royal Livingstone Hotel
Wildlife sightings and reviews
89 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Royal Livingstone Hotel and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
100% success
56% success
43% success
13% success
"Royal Livingstone Hotel review"
The whole thing in sort of "an Americans idea of a British colonial hotel in the 1890s" but with modern bedrooms. There is an incredible reconstruction of a colonial bar, and someone (I assume with a sense of humour has kitted the staff out with outlandish uniform - the porters in pith helmets and Bermuda shorts, the man who greets you is in a multicoloured robe with a matching flat hat, the "butler" is in a white uniform with a red sash, and topped with a red fez
We took their steam train excursion for dinner, which is expensive, but we enjoyed, particularly as we got a ride on the footplate when the engine changed ends to return to Livingstone.
And its only a 20 minute ride to the airport" See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia; 1n in Zambia
"Royal Livingstone Hotel review"
"Royal Livingstone Hotel review"
We really enjoyed the room, grounds, scenery, and activities nearby." See all these reviews: 5n in Zimbabwe; 1n in Zambia
"Royal Livingstone"
Unfortunately the levels of service have dropped significantly in the past two years in the restaurant and bar. The bar deck by the river is a wonderful place but service was very poor with the staff standing around chatting and taking long times to deliver drinks. The quality of the food in the restaurant was very mixed, some good and some poor. However our experience was coloured by one dinner when I received overcooked food and the very poor reaction to resolving the problem." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
The manager also apologises for the review of the restaurant and the complaint about the overcooked meal. He addressed this with the restaurant team and though the meal was replaced for these travellers, it was not done so quickly and easily, nor was it initially removed from the bill. He is looking into these service issues and hopes to resolve them straight away.
"Colonial Royal Livinstone"
It is in a beautiful setting, the falls are amazing, and on the whole our stay there was pleasant. It is however, a large and busy hotel and there is no escaping this, often visited by large tour parties. The aeriel activity (helicopters and microlights) over the falls which run from dawn until dusk makes this quite a noisy place, which came as quite a shock after the peace and quiet of the African bush. Over and above this however, our greatest objection is to the hotel's efforts to retain a colonial feel. Staff are all dressed in pastiche colonial dress which personally we feel is quite deeming. We come to Africa for Africa! Why can there not be pride in African dress?
During our stay we made gentle enquiries with staff regarding their views on the uniforms and in the most part they reported disliking them. Overall service was very good but we found the level of attentiveness on occasions oppressive." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
"A refreshing change from camps"
"Royal Livingstone Hotel review"
Beware of the monkeys - they stole my biscuit!" See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 5n in Mozambique; 3n in Zambia; 1n in South Africa
"Royal Livingstone Hotel review"
Definitely more attractive than what we saw of the Victoria Falls Hotel." See all these reviews: 5n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
"Royal Livingstone Hotel review"
Impressive that it is possible to maintain a ***** world class hotel in such a location" See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana; 4n in Namibia; 2n in Zambia
"Royal Livingstone Hotel review"
The sun-loungers were most comfortable and the towels provided were of good quality. The swimming pool was well-kept and the sundeck was excellent, as were the cocktails.
I would have liked to have had a 'library' area." See all these reviews: 16n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
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Other lodges in Livingstone & Victoria Falls
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Avani Victoria Falls
Just a few minutes' walk from the Victoria Falls, with access for guests included, the Avani features good facilities in peaceful grounds at a modest price.
Tongabezi
Secluded on the banks of the Zambezi, less than 20km from the Victoria Falls, Tongabezi is one of the most exclusive lodges in Zambia.
Waterberry Lodge
Offering great value for money and within easy reach of the Victoria Falls, Waterberry is a small, family-friendly lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River.
Islands of Siankaba
In a lovely location on the Zambezi upriver of the Victoria Falls, Islands of Siankaba provides a tranquil setting to relax at the start or end of a safari to Botswana or Zambia.
Toka Leya Camp
The new Toka Leya Camp stands beside the Zambezi inside Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park – so wildlife often passes through. It's a comfortable tented camp which has great service and includes a range of activities.
Stanley Safari Lodge
Stanley Safari Lodge has views of Victoria Falls spray from all the rooms, and is a convenient base for exploring the Zambezi River area.
The River Club
The River Club, near Zambia's town of Livingstone and the Victoria Falls, overlooks the Zambezi River.
Sindabezi
Sindabezi, near Zambia's town of Livingstone and the Victoria Falls, is an island in the middle of the Zambezi River
Thorntree River Lodge
Rebuilt in 2017, Thorntree River Lodge is one of the best riverside lodges in Livingstone, with a strong sense of the environment and straightforward access to the Falls.
David Livingstone Lodge
The four-star David Livingstone Safari Lodge is in a lovely spot on the edge of the Zambezi River in Zambia, close to the Victoria Falls.
Tangala House
Tangala House, the family home near Zambia's town of Livingstone and the Victoria Falls
Sussi & Chuma
Sussi & Chuma combines a luxurious, laid-back camp with a good location on the Zambezi River, with quick access to the Victoria Falls.
