Zanzibar's Royal Palace: Unseen Secrets & Glittering History Revealed!

House of Royals Zanzibar Tanzania

Zanzibar's Royal Palace: Unseen Secrets & Glittering History Revealed!

Zanzibar's Royal Palace: Unseen Secrets & Glittering History Revealed! – A Review (with a Side of Zanzibar Snaps)

Alright, let's be real. Zanzibar's Royal Palace? Sounds… well, royal. And, spoiler alert, it mostly is. But let's ditch the polished brochures and get down to the nitty-gritty, the real vibe of this place. I'm talking everything from the seriously swanky spa to whether you can snag a decent cup of coffee (a crucial detail, people!).

First Impressions & Accessibility (and the Small Hiccups that Make it Real)

The first thing that hits you? The gates. They're impressive. Very… you're about to be treated like royalty kind of impressive. Navigating the entrance, especially if you have any mobility issues, gets a "mostly good, could be better" rating. The facilities claim to be wheelchair accessible… and they are, to a point. Accessibility is a big deal, and while they're working on it, some cobbled paths and slightly uneven surfaces demand a little extra effort.

• Accessibility: Good in some areas, but could be improved. Ramps are present, but some areas present a challenge.
• Elevator: Yes! Praise be, for carrying luggage and tired limbs.
• Facilities for disabled guests: Available, though I'm leaning toward 'ask before you assume' on this one.

The Tech Stuff & Staying Connected (Because Let's Be Honest, We Need It)

Okay, let's talk connectivity. We, the modern travelers, demand the internet! And, thankfully, [Royal Palace] delivers.

• Internet: You got it.
• Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: Yes! And it actually works most of the time. Praise be.
• Wi-Fi in public areas: Spotty, to be honest. Embrace the digital detox, or go find the best signal.
• Internet [LAN]: They have it. If you're old school or a seriously dedicated gamer, you're covered.

Rooms: Where the Magic (and the Mild Annoyances) Happen

My room? Glorious. Like, seriously, the bed was a cloud. And the air conditioning? A lifesaver in the Zanzibar heat. Let's run down the room features, and then I'll get honest…

• Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains (thank you!), Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor (if you want it!), In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar (expensive!), Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale (because you know you're going to overeat), Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.

Now, the truth. I did have a minor meltdown over the bathtub. I'm tall, and it felt like a kiddie pool. And while I appreciate fresh water, I kept getting interrupted and cleaning my room at weird hours. But, hey, daily housekeeping. More than once I've left things haphazardly while I go exploring, and I return to a fresh space.

The Spa: Where I Became a Pudding (and LOVED it)

Right, the spa. This is where the good times really rolled. I'm talking full-blown indulgence. I opted for a Body scrub and massage. And listen, I'm not usually one for this whole "pamper yourself" thing, but by the time I was slathered in fragrant oils and felt the weight of the world melt away, I was practically a puddle of happy. The pool with a view wasn't bad to look at, too.

• Spa: Yes. Go. Now.
• Body wrap: Available. I'm not sure I needed one but… maybe next time?
• Gym/fitness: I saw a gym, let's be real, I did not use it.
• Foot bath: I didn't see this, but if it's available, I'm in!
• Massage: Divine. Absolutely divine.
• Pool with view: Check. And beautiful.
• Sauna, Steamroom: I'm a fan.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (and the Occasional Hangry Freakout)

Okay, the food situation. Crucial. Zanzibar is a sensory explosion, let's not waste it on bad meals.

• Restaurants: plural! Which is a good start.
• Asian cuisine in restaurant: Yes! I love it!
• Western cuisine in restaurant: Check.
• Vegetarian restaurant: Yep.
• Breakfast [buffet]: Generous and tasty.
• Breakfast service: In your room if you're feeling fancy.
• Coffee/tea in restaurant: Crucial. Acceptable, not stellar.
• Poolside bar: For those sundowner cocktails.
• Room service [24-hour]: A lifesaver when jet lag hits.
• Snack bar: Handy for a quick bite.

Now, the honest part. I loved the Asian breakfast. It was my absolute favorite. The buffet was good, and my love for the chefs! The meals were a little pricey (as expected for this level of hotel), but the quality was generally there.

Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Beyond the Spa (Although, Let's Be Real, the Spa…)

So, you're not just planning on existing at the spa (although, I wouldn't blame you). Good.

• Swimming pool [outdoor]: Yes! Big, beautiful, essential in the heat.
• Terrace: Perfect for sunset cocktails.
• Bicycle parking: For exploration.
• Shine: I saw a lovely shrine.

Cleanliness & Safety: Peace of Mind is Priceless (Especially These Days)

• Cleanliness and safety: They're taking health seriously.
• Anti-viral cleaning products: Good to know.
• Hand sanitizer: Everywhere!
• Staff trained in safety protocol: That's critical.

The Extras: Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Make a Difference)

• Concierge: Super helpful.
• Currency exchange: Convenient.
• Daily housekeeping: Thank you, again!
• Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service: Always appreciated.

Getting Around

• Airport transfer: Convenient and reliable.
• Car park [free of charge]: Essential.
• Taxi service: Readily available.

For the Kids

• Family/child friendly: Yes.
• Babysitting service: They have it.

The Verdict: Should You Book?

Absolutely. Here's the deal: Zanzibar's Royal Palace isn't perfect. But it’s damn close. It’s got that glamorous, "Royal" feel.

So, Who Should Book?

• Honeymooners (the couples room will be the right place, perfect to begin your life with privacy.)
• Anyone who wants to feel pampered, and who appreciates beautiful surroundings.

And the Imperfections? They Just Make it Real. In summary, it's "Royal" and mostly worth the price. It's about the overall experience, the attention to detail, and that lingering feeling that you've been treated like, well, royalty.

The Special Offer (Because You Deserve It!)

Ready to experience Zanzibar's Royal Palace your way? Because it should be yours. [Insert custom offer here, such as "Book directly through our website and receive a complimentary massage for two!" Or "Get a 15% discount on room rates for stays of 3+ nights!" Or whatever you think is most enticing.]

Don't wait! Book your escape to Zanzibar's Royal Palace today and discover the magic for yourself.

Unbelievable Rooftop Room in Dalat: Mountain Views Will Blow Your Mind!

Book Now

House of Royals Zanzibar Tanzania

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the UNFILTERED Zanzibar experience… House of Royals style. Forget those pristine brochures, we're going deep. (And by deep, I mean probably covered in sand and questionable mango juice stains by the end of it.)

Day 1: Arrival and the Glorious Sands of Nungwi

• Morning (or what passes for morning after a red-eye): Land in Zanzibar. Let's be honest, the airport is… charmingly basic. Like, "hustling your way through a customs line manned by people who probably haven't seen the internet" basic charming. Find a taxi to House of Royals. I swear, I saw a donkey cart whizz by, which is either a sign of Zanzibar's rustic appeal or a desperate plea from my jet-lagged brain.

• Afternoon: Check in. The House of Royals is… stunning. Seriously. Instagram gold. But let's be real, all that beauty made me incredibly paranoid about spilling something. I’m basically a walking disaster, so I spent the first hour just tiptoeing around, afraid to touch anything. Then, disaster struck: a rogue splash of the complimentary passion fruit juice. My heart skipped a beat. (It wasn’t my fault! The bird was way too enthusiastic about its meal.)

• Late Afternoon/Evening: Head to Nungwi. Okay, Nungwi. THIS is what you came for. The beach. The sand so powdery it feels like walking on unicorn dreams. The ocean a shade of turquoise that’s borderline offensive in its perfection. Find a beach club, order a cocktail with a tiny umbrella, and just… breathe. I actually teared up a little. (Okay, maybe a lot. It was the sunset. And the rum.)

  • Food Fiascos: Dinner at a beachside restaurant – grilled seafood is the name of the game. I got cocky and ordered the whole lobster. I then spent the next 20 minutes wrestling with the beast. It was a glorious, messy battle. I think I ended up wearing more lobster than eating it.

Day 2: Stone Town - Culture Shock (in the best way possible!) and Spice Route

• Morning: Stone Town time! Prepare to get utterly lost. The streets are a labyrinth, full of character, color, and the occasional cheeky cat. Walk through the narrow alleyways, photograph every intricate carved door (seriously, they're works of art!), and get completely disoriented. It’s part of the charm!

  • My Biggest Regret: I haggled for a Zanzibar chest. I got the price down. I thought I was winning. I was so proud of myself. It’s now sitting in my living room and the smell is… overwhelming. I think the wood is made from something that ate the local cat population. The seller definitely won.

• Afternoon: Spice Tour! Ok, I thought it would be a bit boring. I was wrong. SO WRONG. Wandering through the spice farms, smelling cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon… It's like an olfactory explosion. I ended up being dragged into a spice-themed dance-off by a ridiculously enthusiastic local farmer. (His moves were… something else.) He tied a clove around my head, and I felt ridiculous, but also ridiculously happy. The fresh fruit tasting afterwards was heaven.

  • Pro Tip: Don’t wear white during the spice tour. Unless you enjoy looking like a Jackson Pollock painting of turmeric.

• Evening: Back to House of Royals. Dinner at the hotel restaurant, try their take on Zanzibar curry. It's gonna be delicious.

Day 3: Underwater Wonders & Sunset Bliss (and maybe a near-death experience)

• Morning: Snorkeling or diving at Mnemba Island. I'm not a huge fan of being underwater. Claustrophobia is a cruel mistress. But… the coral, the fish… it’s like swimming in a kaleidoscope. I saw a sea turtle! I almost cried (again). The water is so clear you can see everything but, I think the boat forgot to tell me about the waves. There might have been a moment where I thought I was going to become fish food. But the beauty of the dive sites, the vibrant fish, the experience of snorkeling in such pristine waters, had me hooked, for real.

• Afternoon: Downtime. Maybe a massage? I tried to book one. They were fully booked. So, lay around the pool, trying to read my book but constantly being distracted by the view. The sun’s beating down and you’re melting into your chair – perfect!

• Evening: Sunset Dhow Cruise. Okay, this is THE Zanzibar moment. Sailing out in a traditional wooden dhow, watching the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in fire colors. It's cheesy. It's cliché. It's also utterly breathtaking. There's live music, maybe a few drinks (or several…), and the feeling that you've somehow stumbled into a dream.

  • Emotional Breakdown Alert: As the sun went down, the whole boat erupted into spontaneous applause. Now that's magic.

Day 4: Tumbatu Island - Hidden Gems or Missed Opportunities?

• Morning: Day Trip to Tumbatu Island: I was so excited about this. It was supposed to be a secluded paradise, a chance to escape the crowds. The reality? Well.. Let's just say, it was… raw. The boat ride was a bit of a challenge, the beach was less pristine than I'd hopped. I spent more time swatting flies than taking in the views. I couldn't find the secret beach. I definitely thought about heading back to the hotel.

• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. I'm out of energy.

Day 5: Farewell Zanzibar (with a side of existential questioning)

• Morning: Last breakfast at the hotel. Say goodbye to the staff. These guys are gems.

• Late Morning: A walk on the beach. Trying to soak it all in. The smells. The chaos. The beauty. The lessons it imparted. Thinking about when I'll return.

• Afternoon: Depart from Zanzibar. Leaving is always hard. It's filled with the feeling of being sad about leaving, but also of longing for your own bed, your own food, your own life. Zanzibar, I miss you already.

• En route to airport: I was in a taxi, and I saw a donkey cart whizz by. My brain, addled by sun, sea, and maybe a little too much rum, started to feel like one of those intricate Zanzibar doors. The whole trip was like that. A beautiful mess.

So there you have it. My Zanzibar. It wasn't perfect. It was sweaty, chaotic, and at times, I was sure I'd lost a shoe (probably in the ocean). But it was also unforgettable. And honestly, that's all that matters.

Escape to Paradise: Wind Natural Parent-Child Inn Awaits in Taichung!

Book Now

House of Royals Zanzibar Tanzania

Zanzibar's Royal Palace: Secrets & Glitter (Mostly Glitter!) - The Unofficial Guide!

So, what *is* this "Royal Palace" anyway? Is it actually ROYAL?

Okay, let's be real. It's the Palace Museum. Used to be the Sultan's place. And yes, Sultan Said Bargash lived there. So, royal? Absolutely. But think less Buckingham, more… well, a really fancy Zanzibari house, with a courtyard! The architecture is this weird mashup of influences, which some people find awesome, others...less so. I'll admit, the first time I saw it, I was expecting something HUGE, like, Versailles HUGE. Instead, it was elegant, but...compact. Don't let that put you off, though. The history packed into those walls is intense! Plus, imagine the gossip that went down there… Oh, the things those walls could tell! (if only walls could talk, right?)

Can you actually *see* anything inside? Or is it just a bunch of dusty rooms?

Okay, listen. Let's be brutally honest. Some of it *is* a bit dusty. And some of the exhibits… let's just say they aren't exactly the Louvre. But! There's still SO MUCH to see. Think old furniture, portraits, and the Sultan's stuff. Plus, they've tried to arrange it to show what life was like back then. My favorite thing? The old elevator! It's a rickety, creaky thing, and it used to be powered by… wait for it... people! Imagine the poor souls who had to crank that thing! I always feel this huge wave of sympathy when I see it. Also, there's a room dedicated to the Sultan's wives. They had some seriously amazing taste, by the looks of things.

Is it worth the entry fee? I'm on a tight budget and have a serious travel-induced crankiness problem.

Ugh, the entry fee. Yeah, it's a thing. Okay, so let's be practical. If you're utterly broke and the thought of spending a few bucks on anything cultural makes you break out in hives… maybe skip it. (There are plenty of stunning beaches and delicious street food to occupy your time.) But… the historical significance is huge. Also, think of it this way: you are supporting the preservation of a piece of history, which is pretty cool. More importantly, it gives you a glimpse into a time that is fascinating. I wouldn't say it blew me away, and after all of the hype, I found myself underwhelmed with it. I have a thing for palace museums, so, for the price, it's okay.

Tell me about the stories! What are some juicy secrets?

Right, now we're talking! Okay, buckle up, because Zanzibar's history is WILD. There are stories of political intrigue, like, Shakespearean levels of drama. I swear, every room probably witnessed some secret meetings. Apparently, there were power struggles, assassinations, and all sorts of scandalous behavior. (Imagine living in a palace ruled by a Sultan! It must have been amazing… and utterly terrifying.) I heard rumors that the Sultan had a taste for… *interesting* things. Let's just say, maybe there were some secret corridors and hidden passages. (Now, where did I hear that?!?) They also have some amazing stories about the slave trade. I'm not at all sure if they go in depth, but I would be interested to know.

The elevator! You mentioned it before. Is it really that special? And what's with the people-power?

OMG, yes! The elevator! It’s THE thing. I'm pretty sure I nearly cried when I first saw it. (Okay, maybe I did. I'm a sucker for old things.) But back then, getting around the palace was a matter of manual labor. Can you imagine? Someone had to *crank* you up, floor by floor. It's a testament to the engineering and the ambition of the Sultan. It shows how desperate he was to adopt European technology. That elevator is old. Really old. Made me feel kinda bad for the lifters though. So basically, it's just a rickety wooden box on ropes. But it's a *symbol*! A symbol of power, innovation… and probably a little bit of back pain.
(And yes, my guide got a bit bored waiting for me, as I was basically staring at it for a good 15 minutes. I get easily distracted by history.)

Should I get a guide? Can't I just wander around on my own?

Okay, on the guide question. Here's my take: If you're a history buff, or you love getting the full story, then YES. Get a guide. Otherwise, you'll just be staring at furniture and wondering what all the fuss is about. A good guide will bring the stories to life. (And, trust me, the stories are what make this place worth it.) But… and it's a big but… make sure you get a good one! Some guides are just… well, they're reading from a script. Find someone passionate. Someone who loves history, but also who can make you chuckle. I had a guide once who kept calling the Sultan "a bit of a player". I loved it! It was perfect! It humanized him.
Also, be prepared for a good amount of walking around, and that glorious sun can definitely get to you! Bring water!

Anything I should know about the dress code or what to bring?

Alright, dress code! Zanzibar is a Muslim country, so, be respectful. Cover your shoulders and knees. It's not like super strict in the palace, but it's just good manners. Plus, you'll be walking around in the sun. So, think light, breathable fabrics – cotton, linen, something that won't make you melt. As for bringing things… water! (Hydrate, people!) A hat is a good idea, sunglasses, and a camera, obviously. And maybe a notepad, because trust me, you'll hear something that just begs to be written down.
Oh and don't forget, bring your interest. The palace is way better with it.

Okay, you've convinced me. What's the best way to experience the Royal Palace?

Pace yourself. Don't rush. There is *a lot* of history to absorb. Find a shady spot to chill for a bit, and really take it all in. Imagine what it would have been like to live there. Remember, it's not just about the building; it's about the people who lived in it, and the events that unfolded within its walls.
And for maximum enjoyment? Try not to get too distracted by the tourists! (Though, let's be honestRooms And Vibes

House of Royals Zanzibar Tanzania

House of Royals Zanzibar Tanzania

Location:

Share :