Reviews of Shooting Star Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
31 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Shooting Star Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
The Y family
Surrey
"Shooting Star - Lodge - Average"
3 nights Arrived 29 Oct 2007
"This was the most disappointing section of our vacation. Coming from "camping" in the bush we expected the Shooting Star to be a more luxurious experience that the camps, but it was quite the opposite.
We arrived at about 6.00pm to find the hotel's electricity supply cut (not their fault), their back up generators not working and the air conditioning in the room not working. The air conditioning never did work the 3 days we were there, although we were given a 25% discount on our bill for the inconvenience.
The rooms were small and the bathrooms abit disappointing (showers did not work properly) but the hotel staff were very friendly.
We were abit disappointed with the location of the resort. It seemed to be a long way from anywhere and it would have been nice if there had been some activities to do. On the whole I would not recommend this resort." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 4n in Zanzibar
We arrived at about 6.00pm to find the hotel's electricity supply cut (not their fault), their back up generators not working and the air conditioning in the room not working. The air conditioning never did work the 3 days we were there, although we were given a 25% discount on our bill for the inconvenience.
The rooms were small and the bathrooms abit disappointing (showers did not work properly) but the hotel staff were very friendly.
We were abit disappointed with the location of the resort. It seemed to be a long way from anywhere and it would have been nice if there had been some activities to do. On the whole I would not recommend this resort." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 4n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location:
Poor
Service:
Good
Activities:
Poor
Rooms:
Poor
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Average
Feedback Response
We’re sorry that Shooting Star did not live up to expectations. These travellers booked in July for a holiday in October.
Availability was difficult: many places were full – including the Sea-View Cottages at Shooting Star, which we normally recommend. After discussions with these travellers about the alternatives, the relatively simple Garden View Cottages were decided upon. These rooms are not luxurious and they are rather small: we don’t generally recommend them.
That said, we are glad that the team at Shooting Star were friendly; offering a discount due to problems with the air-conditioning is typical of their good nature.
Travellers note that Shooting Star, like most of Zanzibar’s beach lodges, is quite ‘a long way from anywhere’ else. For many this isolation is a real attraction.
Activities can be arranged from here: you can be collected up by a local water-sports centre of snorkelling, diving and fishing – and spice tours can be arranged… but there are no activities organised at the lodge itself; it’s simply a place to relax. For more activities, travellers should consider resorts like Breezes, or a location near a busy town, like Mbweni Ruins, Ras Nungwi or the new Z Hotel.
Availability was difficult: many places were full – including the Sea-View Cottages at Shooting Star, which we normally recommend. After discussions with these travellers about the alternatives, the relatively simple Garden View Cottages were decided upon. These rooms are not luxurious and they are rather small: we don’t generally recommend them.
That said, we are glad that the team at Shooting Star were friendly; offering a discount due to problems with the air-conditioning is typical of their good nature.
Travellers note that Shooting Star, like most of Zanzibar’s beach lodges, is quite ‘a long way from anywhere’ else. For many this isolation is a real attraction.
Activities can be arranged from here: you can be collected up by a local water-sports centre of snorkelling, diving and fishing – and spice tours can be arranged… but there are no activities organised at the lodge itself; it’s simply a place to relax. For more activities, travellers should consider resorts like Breezes, or a location near a busy town, like Mbweni Ruins, Ras Nungwi or the new Z Hotel.
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