A friend and I stayed at this resort over Christmas and New Year 2011/12. The resort is lovely, with a great beach and pool facilities (5 pools I think). We were well looked after by the staff and enjoyed the food (one traveller also a vegetarian). There's a lot of focus on the italian guests (high numbers of) and we did have some difficulty in finding out what was going on.

The one downside was the room which, although large was not ready when we arrived, missing a safe etc, and there was wet paint inside the wardrobe which got our clothes, although the laundry staff did manage to clean then well.

All in all a lovely holiday and I would recommend.

I recently came back from from staying at the Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort and it truly is a "Royal Gem"! From the moment you enter the gates of the resort, you can feel and see the beauty of the grounds and sea ahead of you. The reception area, the boutique, the lush gardens with beautiful flowers, the lounge area, the buffet area, 3 beautiful infinity pools, the beach area, the workout and spa services area, the ala carte Samaki restaurant having the best viewing area of the sunset, the spacious rooms etc. The breakfast/lunch/dinner menu was fantastic. Last but not least I will never forget all the staff members that provided great service and great hospitality in every way possible. A "Royal Gem" that will always sparkle in my thoughts daily!

Have seen many middle-high class hotels and resorts in Zanzibar and I find the rooms at this hotel the biggest.
I was pleasantly surpriced with the massive double bath. The bathroom is spacious and well maintained.
The bed is just not as comfortable as could be.
The views are stunning and the breeze is nice, big open doors with a nice balcony / terrace.
The restaurant a clever closed off buffet area. Therefor there are no insect flying around the food and everything is fresh and well presented. Love that!
Besides all the good standards, they have a great beach bar and fantastic swimming pools. Yes not one but 3 overflowing in eachother and one almost olympic size.
Great to go with kids, with friends, romantic together or just on your own counting the waves rolling in.
Point of improvement is the product knowledge and service of the staff, but that's a general problem in this part of the world.

Not the newest hotel,but this has the benefit of having larger rooms and extensive grounds. The hotel is all inclusive and the food is very good. The 5 swimming pools and beach area are excellent.