Reviews of Pongwe Beach Hotel

"We were ready for a rest by the time we reached Pongwe - especially given the long journey there from the Mara. But we think it was worth it. It's an absolutely stunning place.

We loved the personal plunge pool and day beds we had outside our villa; and the fact that it's a reasonably small place so doesn't feel 'resort-y'. There were always sunloungers to relax on by the pool and on the beach - and having a library is a nice touch, which we took advantage of.

Heidi the manageress was excellent and we really liked the rest of the staff ('hakuna matata' being the name of the game). The food was good and the service was pleasant if sometimes entertainingly idiosyncratic - the language barrier meant that it was necessary to point to things on menus otherwise random things turned up (e.g. ordering 1 x tea and 2 x coffees turning up). The cocktails were good - the fresh pineapple in the pina coladas was welcome!

We enjoyed a day's trip to Stonetown via the Spice Farm - but wouldn't have headed into town more than once because it was over 100 USD for the car alone. Also the massage facilities nextdoor seemed overpriced to me (140 USD for a massage... more than London!) but maybe that was because of the need for a car.

Overall we loved it - pure relaxation in an idyllic setting. The azure sea and powder white beach were spectacular - and the fact that you can get away without wearing shoes while you're there (the path to the bar is sand) means you can't help but kick back and relax. Brilliant spot to end our honeymoon." See all these reviews: 8n in Kenya; 5n in Zanzibar

"I loved the Pongwe beach!

It is a nice simple resort on a beautiful, quiet beach. It also has a nice pool. The rooms were very clean, the staff very friendly and the food was very good.

It is a quiet place and there are not a lot of activities, but it is perfect if you are looking to relax.

I would absolutely recommend it if you are not looking for a party or too many activities." See all these reviews: 10n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar

"A third visit to Pongwe – five nights following nine nights on safari. It provides a perfect, post safari relaxation environment.

After the busy safari schedule, what we want is eating, sleeping, swimming, reading, walking along the beach, generally completely relaxing and Pongwe is ideal for it. A beautiful well tended beach with plenty of space to accommodate guests without feeling anywhere near crowded. The beach has Maasai guards so there is no interruption from hawkers. A book and a hammock between coconut palms is very acceptable.

Guest rooms with mesh covered windows open to the breeze that give you all of the comfort you need without anything excessive – providing a genuine feel. A lovely infinity pool as an alternative to the ocean. All of the staff are very friendly, helpful and welcoming. The food, especially if you like seafood, is excellent. Drinks and wines are reasonably priced as are lunches – you may not need it after a large breakfast but it was difficult to say no.

Yes, some of the things like bathroom fittings are getting a bit old and the brakish water takes a bit of getting used to but who cares – you are in a small piece of paradise which is very good value for what you get. Also, the management are working at improving things which is good to know. A future safari trip will undoubtedly lead to a stay at Pongwe afterwards – why would we go anywhere else." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar

"The rooms were relatively basic but adequately furnished. Two fans were provided, but no air conditioning. The shower utilised salt water. The outside shaded balcony was particularly welcome to shelter from the midday sun and watch the activity on the beach.

Little touches such as providing sunhats, kikoys, a beach basket with flag to summon bar service on the beach, all day tea in the bar, were thoughtful additions. The dining room and bar were reached by a lovely walk under the coconut palms along the beach and were blessed with a lovely cooling breeze. The food was very good and the service fast.

The salt water swimming pool was very welcome to cool off, and swimming in the sea was also great at high tide. Water activities were provided straight from the beach." See all these reviews: 10n in Tanzania; 3n in Zanzibar

"Wow Paridise" See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar

"Pongwe Beach Hotel was like a paradise island. As soon as you step out of your room, you're on the beach.

The white sand and clear blue water makes for stunning scenery. The food is delicious and the staff are very friendly.

The only slight issue was that fish was the main meal every night, which my husband doesn't like, but the chef was accommodating enough to cook him something different." See all these reviews: 7n in Zanzibar; 3n in Tanzania

"This was our second visit. If you go to Pongwe expecting modern 5* luxury then you should have done some research and booked somewhere else. If what you want is a small bit of paradise – beautiful beach and comfortable beachfront accommodation (I do not know the four new suites with plunge pools apart from seeing their location – we were delighted with our particular beachfront room with its steps to the sea – lapping around the bottom step at high tide) with great staff and food (our first dinner of slipper lobster set an exceptional standard) and not much to do apart from eat, drink, lie in the shade / sun, read a book in a hammock, swim, explore out towards the reef at low tide then Pongwe is for you. You could throw in a bit of snorkeling or hand line fishing or take a kayak out if you felt like it. Trips / tours are available if you want them but that is not what we go to Pongwe for. When the tide is in you have what staff called the “big swimming pool”, when it is out you have the excellent infinity pool. The staff are very good and make an effort to make you feel welcome. Some people dislike the brackish shower water – if you find it a problem just buy an extra bottle of water and use as a final shower rinse.

We had a superb five night break after a tiring safari – if we do another safari we will be back to Pongwe afterwards. (Worth taking a pair of aqua shoes if you want to walk out at low tide or do lots of sea swimming)" See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar

"Ponwe Bech Hotel was everything we hoped for and more. We had the end unit furthest away from reception (as requested thanks!) To fall asleep to the sound of waves every night was priceless.

The staff and food were perfect as well as the atmosphere in the bar (great music). This hotel experience alone is worth a trip to Zanzibar. The infinity pool was enjoyed daily as wee as walks in the ocean at low tide. The statfish became true stars as we photographed the many different types we saw while wading in the water. Starfish that looked like gingerbread with icing and navy blue sarfish and all the colorful sea urchins truly amazed us.

We also took a walk to the village when the tide was out. The local people were very friendly to us." See all these reviews: 5n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar

"The Pongwe Beach Hotel was a truly idyllic location - the hotel beach is one of the most impressive I have been to, at low tide you get a picture postcard view.

The rooms are nice and large, look out onto the beach and very very peaceful as the hotel is set away from all the large resorts found on that side of island - you really are secluded but can walk along the beach to Pongwe or cycle to the near by towns / attractions.

The food is modern / western and you get a nice range for breakfast and supper. The staff are very friendly and welcoming and provide honest advice on what to go and do / see." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania; 3n in Zanzibar

"A fantastic beach break which couldn't have been more different from the safari and Lake Manza that we had come from.

Stunning views and location." See all these reviews: 7n in Zanzibar; 4n in Tanzania