The hype
Guests love the stunning turquoise water and friendly staff, but the 'app-only' dinner reservation system is a universal source of rage.
Riu Palace Zanzibar - All Inclusive - Adults Only
$350-600/ night
Book this if You want the reliable 'Riu' all-inclusive machine on Zanzibar's only non-tidal beach where you can actually swim 24/7.
Why People Love It
- Nungwi beach location means no walking 1km to find water at low tide
- Adults-only policy keeps the pool vibe chill (mostly)
- The buffet is surprisingly solid with fresh seafood stations
Quick Take: A factory-style 5-star that delivers a great beach and cold drinks, but don't expect boutique charm or a working gym.
Reviewed by @Theoandrodrigo: I honestly think this is the best spot in Zanzibar. The food was a solid 10/10 (especially the steakhouse!), and the staff treated us like royalty. Watching the sunset from that infinity pool with a cocktail in hand was the highlight of our trip.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You will likely eat at the buffet every night because the a la carte restaurants (Steakhouse, Krystal) are fully booked seconds after release on the app.
- You prioritize a swimmable beach over everything else
- You want unlimited drinks without signing a bill every time
- You prefer a predictable, standardized hotel experience over risky local boutiques
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8
- Housekeeping: Daily and generally good, though they sometimes ignore 'Do Not Disturb' signs.
- Bathroom hygiene: Mostly clean, but persistent complaints about 'sewage smells' in some ground floor bathrooms.
- Maintenance: Showing age. Broken screen doors and peeling paint are common complaints.
- Linens & towels: Clean but can feel a bit worn/scratchy due to industrial laundering.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells like lemongrass; some rooms smell musty due to humidity.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Evening entertainment/disco (loudest near Room 608)
- Generator kicking in during power cuts
- Thin walls in connecting rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- There is a mandatory infrastructure tax of $5 per person/night payable at check-out.
- The new 'Riu Palace Swahili' next door just opened; check if their rates are lower for brand-new rooms.
- Dinner reservations must be made via the Riu app at 7:00 AM sharp, or you won't get a table.
What to pack
- Battery-operated fan (for power cuts)
- Reef-safe sunscreen (expensive at the hotel shop)
- Strong mosquito repellent (Zanzibar is malarial and they do bite at dusk)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Ocean View Junior Suites on the top floor (better privacy, less noise)
- Villas with private pools if you want to avoid the main pool chair wars
Rooms to avoid
- Room 608 (direct line of fire for disco noise)
- Ground floor 'Courtyard' rooms (darker, less privacy, garden view is just bushes)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a top-floor Junior Suite Ocean View, specifically in a block furthest from the main entertainment stage/disco to ensure quiet. Please avoid Room 608 or any connecting rooms due to noise concerns.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the beach swimmable all day?
Yes. Unlike the East Coast (Paje/Matemwe), Nungwi has minimal tidal recession, so you can swim 24/7.
Can I use the facilities at the Riu Jambo next door?
Yes, as a Palace guest you have access to Riu Jambo's pools and bars, but Jambo guests cannot come to the Palace.
Is the alcohol actually premium?
It's decent international brands (Smirnoff, Beefeater, etc.) but not top-shelf luxury. Ask for specific brands or you'll get the local well pour.
How is the wifi?
Free but spotty. It struggles in the rooms and drops completely during power cuts. Do not plan to work remotely here.
Are there mosquitoes?
Yes. Rooms have nets, but bring spray for the evenings. The hotel fogs, but it's the tropics.
Is there a dress code for dinner?
Yes, 'formal' for men usually means long trousers and a shirt with sleeves. No swim shorts allowed in a la carte restaurants.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Cappuccino' coffee shop usually has better AC and wifi than the lobby.
- ✨
Walk north along the beach at low tide to see the local dhow builders in action—free and fascinating.
- ✨
If the main pool is too loud, the 'relax pool' near the spa is usually empty.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Gym' is a sad collection of rusted weights and 3 broken treadmills.
💡You have to wear a wristband the entire time (it's plastic and annoying).
💡The fruit bats at dusk are huge and harmless, but can be startling.
💡Beach vendors ('Beach Boys') are persistent; a firm 'Hapana asante' (No thank you) works best.
💡The 'Romantic Dinner on the Beach' is an extra charge and often windy/dark—skip it.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Riu Palace Zanzibar - All Inclusive - Adults Only is located and what's nearby.