Essque Zalu Zanzibar

We liked everything about the hotel, staff were lovely , room was perfect, location stunning . A short walk to restaurants and not far from Nungwi . Would recommend for comfort and peaceful location.

This resort does not live up to a five-star standard and is closer to a three- to four-star property. While the location itself is nice, the hotel feels worn and clearly in need of proper renovation. Many areas show visible signs of ageing, from rusted outdoor furniture and poorly maintained wooden decking to details in the rooms that should have been addressed long ago. These are not minor cosmetic flaws but ongoing maintenance issues. One major inconvenience during our stay was the frequent power cuts, which occurred easily 20 times a day. While electricity usually returned quickly, the constant interruptions were disruptive and unacceptable at this price level. To be fair, once we raised our concerns, the management and staff were responsive and genuinely tried to improve the situation during our stay. We do appreciate this effort, and it is clear that the team is doing its best. However, guests come here to relax, not to identify problems or wait for fixes. At this level of pricing, the experience should be smooth from the moment you arrive. Food was mixed. Breakfast was simple and acceptable but offered a limited selection. Lunch we tried only once and would not repeat it — it was extremely overpriced for the quality provided. Dinner, on the other hand, was better organised, with a wider variety of options and occasional themed evenings, which helped improve the overall dining experience. New Year’s Eve was enjoyable, with plenty of food, entertainment, and a lovely fireworks display. The atmosphere was festive and well-managed. While the food was not gourmet, it met expectations for a large event, and credit is due to the team for creating a pleasant evening. Personally, I prefer to receive the level of service and quality I have paid for upfront rather than seeing issues addressed reactively. While the staff and management are clearly trying, the resort as a whole is still far from what one would expect from a luxury destination. My honest recommendation would be for the hotel to reposition itself as a strong four-star resort, align expectations accordingly, and focus on thorough refurbishment. Doing so would attract the right audience and prevent disappointment for guests expecting a true five-star experience.

Had a great time on our honeymoon here! It’s a large property with all the regular amenities. It was nice they even had a dining area in air conditioning, which is rare to find around here.

Beautiful ambiance.. clean and fresh air... sound of waves...blue calming waters... night full of stars... the live gardens....big swimming pool... taste foods.... african night cusin was excellent...value for money stay...excellent services ..

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Exceptional Family Stay – Outstanding Value, Service & Food We stayed at Essque Zalu Zanzibar (Long Beach) from 17th to 21st December as a family of three (two adults and a five-year-old child), and the experience was nothing short of excellent. From the moment we arrived, the staff truly stood out. Warm, welcoming, attentive, and genuinely pleasant. Check-in was smooth, and everything from arrival to settling into the room was handled effortlessly. The rooms are spacious and extremely well designed. Even the standard room felt luxurious, with ample living space, comfortable seating, walk-in closets, and a massive, well-appointed bathroom. It was more than sufficient for a family and never felt cramped. One of the absolute highlights of our stay was the food. We opted for the half-board package (breakfast and dinner), and it exceeded expectations. Hats off to the chef and the entire F&B team. The buffet offerings were phenomenal and changed daily, with a wide variety of cuisines and options. Whether you’re vegetarian or a meat eater, the choices were extensive and thoughtfully curated. Every day felt like a completely refreshed menu. What impressed us most was the flexibility and hospitality. If something specific was missing or if our child wanted a simple dish like pasta, the team was quick to prepare it, included within the package and without any fuss. That level of accommodation makes a big difference, especially when traveling with children. The resort itself is stunning. Beautiful views, a large and well-maintained pool, and a calm, premium resort atmosphere throughout. The kids’ club is a great addition for families. The shuttle service to Kendwa Beach Rocks is an excellent value add and allows guests to experience another beautiful beach location with ease. For anyone planning to stay in Zanzibar for 4–7 days or longer, this hotel is an easy recommendation. At a price point of around $170–$180 per night with a half-board package, the value is outstanding. The overall comfort, service, food quality, and experience far exceeded expectations. Highly recommended, especially for families looking for a relaxed, high-quality, and well-managed resort experience in Zanzibar.