Zanzibar dissapointment

We booked a 7-day holiday to Zanzibar end of June 2025 through Flight Centre. Our accommodation was at Kena Beach Hotel. Overall, the experience was a total let-down. We expected a 4-star, ALL inclusive hotel as that is what we paid for. But what we received was a run-down hotel, mediocre facilities and only SOME drinks included in the supposed all inclusive package; * The drinks included in the package were very limited. A total of 4 ****tails, limited spirits, wine and beer options and very limited options for kids. Milkshakes and cappuccinos were not even included. * The rooms were very basic and the linen was old and tattered. The cupboard space was very limited and the hotel only supp**** 2 coat hangers per room. I had to go and ask for extra hangers, and then eventually received a bunch of wire hangers. * The room we stayed in also had very limited hot water, I did not have one hot shower in the entire week we stayed there. Your shower would start out warm, last for about a minute and then suddenly the water temperature drops. * The communal areas of the hotel were run-down. Cushions and chair covers looked like they were 20 years old. * The hotel had construction ongoing during our stay in the communal swimming pool and dining area. We had to endure the sound of saws, hammers and angle grinders while trying to relax on holiday. * The food options were very limited and not at all what I would expect from a 4-star hotel. Also, if you were hungry in between the set meal times you were *****ed. There were no snacks available in between, not even a tuck shop of sorts where you could purchase a packet of chips. * The hotel is located on the west coast of the island, which is not the best side with the best beaches. The hotel is also located in the middle of a very poor village, so the beach is full of desperate locals trying to sell you something. One could not enjoy a peaceful stroll on the beach or a swim in the sea without being harassed by local vendors. And I do mean HARASSED! These people would not leave you alone if you indicated you were not interested in purchasing their items on offer.

On a positive note, I must comment that the hotel staff were very friendly and tried their best to meet all our requests. However, they can only do so much with the facilities they have available. I must also note we were very impressed with the transfer services of Exotic Tours & Safaris. Their drivers were on time, polite and very pleasant. We were also impressed with the other expeditions that we booked through them and their tour guides.

All in all though, I am very disappointed with the hotel that was recommended by Flight Centre. The main reason why we opted to book a package through a travel agent, was because we assumed a travel agent would offer you the best options available, and we did not have to do our own research and look at Google reviews. But it seems we were wrong, and we ended up paying a premium price for a very disappointing holiday.

Be assured, we will not be using the services of Flight Centre again.