My boyfriend, a friend who lives in Dar Es Salaam, and I stayed at this hotel for 2 nights in December. We immidiately fell in love with the hotel and services offered by a friendly owner and staff. Our friend, who has been to Zanzibar so many times and has stayed in different hotels, was amazed by the services and especially food. She asked how I found this place. I guess I was lucky! The owner was also so patient to accomodate our ever changing travel schedules at the time of reservation. Their food was great considering how it must take so much time and effort to make small things such as german bread that was served at the dinner on the 2nd night and I could not stop eating it! Please...you are not in NY or Tokyo where you can easily get any ingredients from all over the world. I was simply impressed by it. Our room had an AC, and it was working kind of too well that I had to turn it off in the middle of night. I thought price was definitely on the cheap side considering all that is mentioned above. Even my friend said it was such a great deal that she will stay there next time. For diver's info, it takes 15 min by walk on the beach to the diving shop in Matamwe, and the hotel can accomodate you if you want to have an earlier breakfast for a diving/snorkeling trip. Trust me, choose Zanzibar Retreat Hotel and you won't regret it!

As frequent visitors to Zanzibar and now also spending four months on the island this was a two night break from our jobs at a different hotel on Zanzibar. Quiet with good food, but definitely on the more expensive side when comparing to other places. Other restaurants are within walking distance on the beach. The large swimmingpool was certainly the highlight. Service was impeccable, but staff not very talkative, but did their job and made sure you where ok. Also they speak very good english. Trouble with the air conditioner and the noisy ceiling fan made it a bit uncomfortable, which we pointed out. We did get a discount on our room, and the owner was very informative and accommodating. Recommend this place to couples for example who wants a quiet getaway.
Matemwe beach is just beautiful!

Let me start by saying that I have never written an on-line review before, but felt I had to in this case. We spent about a week here in August, 2011 and were delighted. If you are looking for vast, unspoiled beach, thoughtful and dedicated staff and management, and an affordable, peaceful "retreat," this is the place to go. The photos on the website gallery are genuine (http://www.zanzibarretreat.com/gallery.aspx). The bar/lounge and dining area looks out to the Indian Ocean, getting there is easy from Stone Town, and the food is excellent...BUT please don't go if you're looking for discos, loud parties, and unruly patrons. It was perfect for the two of us with our 16 year-old son, and the other couples and families that we spoke with.
Rodney, Lorna and Nathan, Alberta CANADA

I have never posted a review before but now I have to do it because of this great hotel! It´s a small hotel at the beach with great food, nice rooms and really nice environment!

We can gladly recommend this to anyone that want to have a peaceful and enjoyable holiday!

Magnus & Tessan