The Victoria Falls Hotel

High tea at the Victoria Falls hotel was a bucket list item for Margaret. The experience lived up to her expectations!!! We felt that a visit to Victoria Falls would not be complete without spending time at the Grand Old Lady of the town, the Victoria Falls Hotel. We were received by Duly, the iconic uniformed man dressed in his distinctive white Edwardian tunic covered in international pin badges. He must be the most photographed man in the town! The hotel takes you back to the time of the colonial era with its classic design and decor. The hotel is in splendid condition and the staff are friendly and efficient. We walked through to the Stanley Terrace where the high tea is served from 3 pm daily. As you come out onto the terrace, you are struck by the view of the African bush with the mist from the "Smoke that Thunders" in the distance, the gorge with its bridge and the first zigzag of the river. It is a spectacular setting. The High Tea You are offered your choice of teas or filter coffee to go with the most delicious sweet and savoury pastries. Everything was beautifully presented and flavorful. The scones were the best that I have ever tasted!! Then there was an amazing lemon meringue which I kept for last to cleanse the pallet. A glass of bubbly is a classic addition to round off the experience. We spent a delightful afternoon under the watchful eye of the Maître d'hôtel, Wilbert and his attentive staff. It can be busy and so it's advisable to book a seat in advance.

The setting is gorgeous and the swimming pool area fabulous . Close to the town and park entrance We stayed 3 nights/ 4 days and really enjoyed our time . Sadly we were not aware until our last day of some of the 5 star amenities the hotel offers such as free drinks in the mini bar / drying of wet clothes / extra water for the room at no charge etc.. but this did not retract from the beautiful time we had

I was incredibly impressed with the experience I had at the Victoria Falls Hotel-- I love historic hotels and have stayed in many in Europe and North America, but this hotel is truly a unique gem-- this hotel runs exceptionally well, and the staff truly took care to extend genuine hospitality to me during my four day stay. The food was terrific- the terrace was an incredible place to enjoy breakfast- as well as lunch and dinner, and the not to be missed afternoon tea. The hotel showcases original vintage travel posters and other artifacts that tell the story of the hotel and the history it is a part of. Truly a beautiful place and the team at the Victoria Falls Hotel are tops! I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet them and enjoy the experience the hotel offers. I can't wait to return!

On the plus side the grounds are beautiful and we saw a number of warthogs join us on the back lawn. The hotel clearly is trying to capture a colonial world now gone. Service was invariably excellent. However - the hotel now suffers from being directly in the noise corridor of the constant helicopter tours. It’s really unbearable from 7am until 5pm. Plus sad to say the our room suffered from a dinginess - worn carpets and more. The location is great but don’t walk to the falls unless you want to be accosted by hordes of street vendors. Take a car anywhere.

Our travel agent found this jewel for us and we are so grateful it was a highlight among many while in Africa!