Find the Cheap Pongwe Hotels

We were a family of 4, with two teenage girls, and overall had a good, relaxing time over 8 days. We loved the beautiful gardens, the sea view, the quality evening shows, the coziness of the place (only 16 bungalows) and the exceptionally nice and helpful Tanzanian staff (we had a memorable New Year's Eve dancing with them!) - they care deeply to ensure everyone has a good time while remaining discreet. The location is great to visit the Island as we did one day out of two, organised through our agent in Geneva and the hotel (we recommend the day's private outing with Safari Blue out of Fumba, the Maalum cave to be combined with the Jozani forest rather than done over two trips). The main downside of the hotel is the food: the limited choice each day would be no issue if there was more variety from one day to the next and the food was not so bland, with big pieces of meat/fish each night, hardly any vegetables, no big salads, not a single local dish in our 8 evenings despite Zanzibar's cuisine being notoriously tasty, and nothing festive for New Year's eve (the same BBQ as 5 nights before: grilled squid and octopus, and grilled meat in copious amounts, a small potatoe each, no vegetables (!), and a piece of average cake). The wine list was also quite limited. Overall, definitely not worth the very high price charged for each dish (or for the all inclusive) nor the fuss made about the food at this hotel. It is obviously aimed at a particular clientele, but was a real disappointment to us and the reason why we would not give theTulia 5/5. We ate much better in Stone Town and in many the 5* hotels of many other countries. Travelers may want to note the following: the common area around the (small) pool and facing the sea is small, including the deck above the sea (when there is one but the changing tide is quite charming), although well-furnished; there is non-stop music (but they will turn if down or off if you ask); the hotel faces East and loses the sun around 5.30pm (but nice moon each night); it is quite windy all day long, but we found this OK given the heat and as a result had virtually no mosquitoes. The Royal bungalow, where we were, is big (save the bathroom, small) but lacks a bit of charm, facing the back of the propery, although it is good for a family of 4, has its own swimming pool, and is quiet as against the spa (no neighbours). Overall probably a better place for 3 to 5 days' rest after a safari than for an 8/9 day stay as we had. But again, we have rarely experienced such nice and helpful staff, they made our stay!

We stayed here for one week in a superior bungalow in December over new years. The welcome was lovely and personally met by the guest experience manager with a refreshing cold wet flannel and a chilled fresh juice bought to you as well. Once the paper work is done you get shown around your room. Our bungalow was big and clean with a big comfortable bed, the room was cleaned and mopped and every day, in the evening a turn down service where they also sprayed the room and removed any rubbish. There was a kettle, fridge, coffee machine, hairdryer , a free safe with the key on your door key ring and fresh safe drinking water which is replenished every day as well as drinks in the fridge. We booked directly with the hotel and booked the experienced couples package which included 7Nts all inclusive, airport transfers, trip to the spice farm and stone town. Food is cooked to order you get a breakfast and lunch menu with specials at lunch and dinner is a new menu every night. All produce is washed in bottled water and ice is also made from it as well. The food is delicious but the service doesn’t match the standard which lets the experience down. We could be waiting up to an hour for food and drinks get forgotten so you have to re order again and again. It’s a shame as having this organised in a more efficient way would only improve their guests experience, there are enough staff but seem to hang around chatting or polishing glasses with their backs to the guests. The staff are lovely and genuinely seem happy at work and always have a friendly welcome and or smile for guests. Tips are in a box at reception and divided to all staff. Service is slow around the pool and we didn’t see any snacks or offer of them. The pool bar hardly ever has anyone there serving. The jetty is a lovely place to lounge as there’s a lovely breeze and even though the tide is way out they have made a pool to reserve sea water which is cleaned every 2 days, there is a bar at the jetty as well but again you only get service if it is staffed even though it says it’s open 11-17:00. They have a tip box at reception that gets divided among all staff so this is a good incentive for them to all do their best. They also have a basket for any donation for the less fortunate in the community which was lovely. I purchased some sanitary pads when we went to stone town and put them in there. There isn’t much outside the hotel so you can’t just go for a walk. There is no beach due to the tide and the mangrove it’s just sandy mud in the day and when the tide comes is it’s right up to the hotel. They do have a transfer service to and from a beach which is an 11 minute drive and you need to book it the day before. All you need to do is purchase a drink at the beach bar for the use of their beds. You take beach towels from the hotel to use there. The general manager and guest experience manager are around for any needs or questions you have. Due to the resort being small they r

Beautiful relaxing holiday. Definitely worth a stay if you want to be away from the crowds. Resort is clean and staff are very friendly and always helpful. Not a swimming beach, but pool is awesome. If you can, do the all inclusive as small water is $1. Small glass pineapple juice $3.....(also check all that the travel agent tells you....get everything in writing). Enjoy your holiday....