Plus: relaxing environment, friendly staff, nice pool and beach area, WiFi throughout property
Negative: food, bed quality, limited options, felt overpriced for what you got (given it's Africa)

I feel like I stayed at a different place than some of the other reviewers, as my husband and I had a different opinion of the place.

The Ambiance: shabby, rustic beach shack. The pool area and beach area are pretty nice with pretty flowers, thatched umbrellas, though most of the lounge chairs weren't adjustable. the rooms are a bit worn. We were glad we had a beach room as it had an semi-enclosed patio area that was nice to hang out in when the beach area was too windy. The room was ok- air con, hot water, towels, mosquito net. The bed was a very basic foam mattress- not that comfortable and the toilet made really loud noises. The WiFi was a real plus. They had guards which kept the village kids and salespeople off the property- though you could interact with them on the beach if you wanted. The village of Uroa is quite a poor village.

The Staff: were very friendly and tried to help where they could. It was definitely a bit of emerging market challenges in what the local staff offers and what we would want from a North American or European perspective. The grounds were cleaned and well maintained. We had a few inconsistencies on what we were told and what we actually got. Settling the bill took around 30 minutes, and even though they only accepted cash, they said they did not have any USD or Euro for the $20 change we were owed- finally one of the employees gave the front desk guy $19 to give us.

The Food: this was the biggest disappointment as the positive reviews from others were a reason we picked Samaki. I knew it would be secluded with limited (if any) other options, so having decent food was important to us. All meals were buffet and at specific times. We felt it was similar to airplane food in quality and taste. Generally the spread had potatoes, rice, and other grain options, some cooked chicken and fish dish, some vegetables, soup, and fruit. I wish they had a limited daily la carte with basic pasta, grilled fresh seafood, and fresh fruit- would have been much better! One night we had quite good penne with a good basic tomato and vegetable sauce but didn't have anything near as good again. As we had half-board, we went to another hotel (Uroa Beach Resort) down the beach for some decent basic pasta and pizza from their a la carte menu. Their buffet didn't look any better than Samaki's, though.

Activities: we didn't book any excursions with them. My husband got a massage, but he stopped part way though as the quality was so poor- though the hotel said it was a new person and didn't charge us. At over $50/person for any excursion we were doubtful the quality would be worth it to us. We tried independently to book the real Blue Safari company (the hotel's "Blue Safari" was run by themselves), but they didn't offer a trip the day we wanted. Samaki's quoted airport transfer price was $100, but our driver from Stone Town charged us $40- without any negotiating.

Summary: If we were to do it over, we would have just stayed in Stone Town (liked Kholle House) and booked excursions and beach visits from there as there would be more hotel and food options. In my research I didn't seem to find stand-out beach hotel options in the mid-price range ($100-200 per night) so I don't know if there are good alternatives to Samaki. Better food and mattresses would go a long way.

We stayed here for 2 nights. Rooms are good sized, clean and comfortable and can easily sleep 3 adults in a room. Bathroom is clean, functional and in good working order.

Food quality is good and can be made as per our choice and taste.

Beach is wonderful, long, pure white sand, clear water. Spending time on the beach under the sun-umbrellas is relaxing....watching the changing colors of the sea depending on the tides.

Staff is very attentive, providing all services with a smile. Owner is on-site and very helpful.

Over all a very enjoyable stay and would definitely go again and also recommend highly to all.

Just spent 5 days there and was glad to leave. Makes me wonder where on earth people have been eating all their lives as the great reviews I read about the food made me choose this place! The 70 years old Napolitan owner seems to have no idea what a well-balanced meal is (risotto, fried fish & potatoes in one meal after having soup, bread & salad). The food is good but it is very basic countryside Italian food. Not refined nor delicate. No herbs are used not even basil and no spices in spite of the opportunity. Coffee is served “instant” - something unheard of coming from an Italian cook… besides living in a coffee producing country. Wine is totally disgusting. Do not expect nice Italian bread either! Having said that, I must admit that the staff is charming and the service excellent.

Samaki lodge does not offer any tour for less than 100 – 150 US$/person even for just snorekling. Their beach is far from being great either. I had to go to Pongwe Beach Hotel during most of my stay and pay an extra US$25/day (including snorekling, food & beverage). The village of Uroa is a modest fishing village with unhappy looking inhabitants and no particular interest. Paloumbo, the owner, enforces a couvre-feu by 10 pm every night! Ideal if you wish to spend your time eating and sleeping.

Want to get away from it all... That is the best place... Private beach...excellent service n friendly staff