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8.9

1,840 reviews

Riu Palace Zanzibar

Riu Palace Zanzibar

Nungwi Road, Zanzibar, 3498, Tanzania

Reservations:

+1-833-728-2041

Choose dates to view prices

Free parking

Restaurant

Beachfront

Private beach area

Outdoor swimming pool

Adults only

Free wifi

Fitness center

Riu Palace Zanzibar

Welcome to the stunning Riu Palace Zanzibar, a five-star resort where your dream vacation comes to life! Located on the breathtaking Nungwi Road, this gem is just 3.8mi from the bustling city center of Zanzibar, making it an idyllic escape for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Starting at an enticing price, you can indulge in the luxury of a private beach area and soak up the sun by the free outdoor swimming pool. Whether you're lounging in the garden, listening to live music, or enjoying a massage at the spa, you're bound to find your slice of paradise here!

Your taste buds will thank you during your stay, as the resort boasts a fabulous restaurant offering a variety of culinary delights. Want to unleash your inner aquatic adventurer? Go for snorkeling or try out one of the exciting water sports facilities right on site (extra charges may apply). With free Wi-Fi throughout the resort and fitness facilities to keep you energized, Riu Palace Zanzibar ensures that you have everything you need at your fingertips, all while maintaining a serene, adults-only atmosphere.

But wait, the fun doesn't end there! With a stellar guest rating from 1840 reviews, travelers rave about the stylish, soundproof rooms that come complete with balconies, allowing you to sip your morning coffee while taking in the gorgeous surroundings. Don't forget to explore the range of amenities, including a sauna, steam room, and Turkish bath, perfect for unwinding after a day of beach fun. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable getaway at Riu Palace Zanzibar—where every moment is a delightful escape!

At the Riu Palace Zanzibar, relaxation and adventure go hand in hand! Dive into the heated, saltwater outdoor pool while enjoying stunning views that will leave you mesmerized. Whether you want to lounge on a sun bed with a cocktail in hand or take a refreshing swim, this pool is an absolute must-visit. Not to mention, there’s nothing quite like taking a dip under the warm tropical sun, making every hour poolside a picture-perfect moment for your vacation album!

When it comes to dining, you're in for a culinary treat! The resort features two delightful restaurants—Restaurante #1, where you can enjoy a variety of international dishes in a traditional setting, and Krystal, which transforms dining into a romantic affair with its intimate ambiance. Indulge your palate and explore a menu that caters to every craving, from sumptuous seafood to vibrant vegetarian options. After a filling meal, why not unwind at the bar with a signature cocktail? It’s the perfect way to savor the flavors of Zanzibar while mingling with fellow guests as the stars twinkle above.

The Riu Palace Zanzibar truly caters to both relaxation and excitement. Feel the adrenaline rush with exciting water sports or take leisure strolls along the picturesque beach that greets you right outside your door. With such an array of activities and the perfect setting for unwinding, your stay here promises to be filled with treasured memories. So grab your sunhat, slip on your flip-flops, and immerse yourself in the vibrant island spirit—your tropical paradise awaits!

Closest airports

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport

30.8mi

Tanga Airport

50.1mi

Pemba / Karume Airport

50.8mi

Most popular amenities

Free parking

Restaurant

Beachfront

Private beach area

Outdoor swimming pool

Adults only

Free wifi

Fitness center

Turkish/Steam Bath

Water sports facilities on site

Steam room

Spa

Air conditioning

Beach

Sauna

Bar

Sun deck

Tour desk

Parking On Site

Terrace

24-hour front desk

Non-smoking rooms

Live music/Performance

Beach chairs/Loungers

Soundproof

Free toiletries

Balcony

Garden

Rooms

Show 7 photos

Villa, Private Pool

1 King Size Bed

970 sqft

Spa tub

Balcony

Minibar

Flat-screen TV

x20

+

x13

More details

This villa's standout features are the pool with a view and hot tub. This villa consists of 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a bath and free toiletries. Featuring a terrace, this villa also provides air conditioning, soundproof walls and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The unit offers 2 beds.

Show 5 photos

Junior Suite, Courtyard View

1 King Size Bed

365 sqft

Balcony

Minibar

Flat-screen TV

Tea/Coffee maker

+

More details

The air-conditioned suite features 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. Featuring a terrace with garden views, this suite also provides soundproof walls and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The unit offers 1 bed.

Show 5 photos

Suite

550 sqft

Balcony

Minibar

Flat-screen TV

Tea/Coffee maker

x8

+

x5

More details

This spacious suite consists of 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a shower and free toiletries. This suite features air conditioning, soundproof walls, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a terrace. The unit offers 1 bed.

Junior Suite

1 Queen Size Bed

1 King Size Bed

Balcony

x5

+

x3

More details

Junior Suite Standard

Villa

1 King Size Bed

1 Sofa Bed

x4

+

More details

Villa King Size Bed

Superior Suite, Ocean View

1 King Size Bed

1 Sofa Bed

x4

+

More details

Show 5 photos

Suite, Jetted Tub

Spa tub

Balcony

Free wifi

Minibar

+

More details

Suite, King

1 King Size Bed

x8

+

x5

More details

Suite King Size Bed

Junior Suite, Queen

1 Queen Size Bed

x5

+

x3

More details

Junior Suite Queen Size Bed

Villa, Beach View, Private Pool

Private pool

+

More details

Room

Show 4 photos

Villa, Beachfront

x4

+

More details

Show 4 photos

Villa, Beach View

+

More details

Guest reviews

8.9

1,840 reviews

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

Comfort

Location

Facilities

Staff

Value for money

WiFi quality

Featured reviews:

🇦🇹

Man_&_ger

9.1

February 2023

The staff was actually outstanding from the check in onwards, regardless if we were at the restaurant, the bar, the beach …. The whole resort is lovely with all the big garden areas between the nice arranged housing blocks. Especially compared to the beaches at other hotels and resorts at this stretch, the beach of Riu Palace Zanzibar is one of the best. At least in the morning the beach was cleaned by the staff, so we had no rubbish from the excursion boats and no sea weed. We ate only at the main restaurant, as it was very good every day, with a good range of different dishes. The drinks and small bites at the all bars leave nothing to be desired. Last but not least the very good spa, Renova Spa has to be mentioned. We had in total 5 treatments and every one was worth the money. At Renova Spa the staff was excellent as well. … guess it’s no surprise, that we highly recommend this resort!

Unfortunately it was highly common during our whole stay, that guests went to the pool and the sun loungers & parasols areas early in the morning and blocked sunbeds, but didn’t show up until midday. On most days all sunbeds were reservated before 8 am. So we highly recommend to the management, that, as in other hotels, there should be implemented and executed some rules regarding this issue.

🇲🇹

Magro

9.1

March 2023

The resort is superb all round.. The food was exceptional. The specialty restaurants were superb. We must mention Ms Ines who was exceptional at solving a small problem we had at the end of our stay. Her professionalism was exemplary.

If I had to comment about anything, I would say that an upgrade of the facilities on the beach would help. Most of the umbrellas were damaged and if you are not on the beach early enough you got a cranky beach-bed. Also the resort has no F & B service on the beach itself so one has to walk to the hotel beach next door (RIU Jumbo) for service.

🇮🇪

Aimee

10

October 2022

From the minute we pulled up to the gates, we were blown away by the place. First and foremost, the staff were outstanding. We have never been in a place before where the staff have been so attentive, friendly, welcoming, helpful… the list is endless. It was our honeymoon, and not only did we get a bed towel display, they arrived to our room later in the evening with a bottle of bubbles for us. The food is amazing, the buffet includes so many options to cater for many palettes. And, it is not what you would usually know as a buffet. Chef’s are cooking food right in front of you! Krystal, Kilinarium and Il Panzotto were our favourites. The pools were diverse to what you wanted - the main pool had all the activity with two other quieter pools if you didn’t want activity. The private beach was so peaceful, despite other reviews, we weren’t hassled in anyway by beach sellers. Yes, they showed you their products, but left if you said ‘no thank you’. Some water sports being included (SUP, kayaks etc.) was the cherry on top. Without a doubt, we will be back to this place.

The only annoying thing was the system for booking restaurants, unless you were on the ball at midnight, they booked out so fast. I definitely think this system needs to be improved somehow.

🇰🇼

Tasneem

8.2

October 2022

The resort is outstanding, great facilities and an amazing beach! The staff were always friendly and helpful. We booked the private villa and it was lovely.

The rooms could have been cleaned better (especially the wooden floors were slippery). We found that the majority of the guests were European and we received a lot of dirty looks at the restaurant and beach for our conservative clothes and bathing suites. I would have preferred if the resort ensures that guests are dressed respectfully during meal times because it is a Muslim country and community in Zanzibar.

🇮🇹

Cinzia

9.1

August 2022

Meal were very nice but no way we had to fight to have a place in the restaurants as they looked all booked from the app, although going there they were empty. We were told they had seats but no food. Buffet was very varied, with freshly cooked meals and very abundant. Room was nice but we needed to pay for the suit as the classic one was not as nice as we expected. Beach is very nice and there is enough space to lay down comfortably in the sun or in the shade.

See comments above The money is absolutely too high for the overall stay. You go to teh bar and they try to cheat with the amount of alchool (we never drink more than one glass)

🇬🇧

Monica

8.2

September 2022

Lovely location. Staff amazingly friendly and helpful. Nice clean hotel and amenities. Beautiful beach

Chose this hotel exclusively for it being sold as adults only. Arrived to find hotel had changed to family so had screaming kids in restaurants and pool on daily basis. Sadly did not receive the peaceful romantic setting we paid and hoped for.

🇬🇧

Russell

10

August 2024

Food was excellent with a huge choice in the buffet restaurant each day. Plenty of pools, loungers to accomodate all guests at the hotel. Good selection of free activities at the local Scuba Caribe centre, with additional paid trips/scuba available too.

The booking system for speciality restaurants through the app is tricky as we found every restaurant was booked up when we arrived. However we later found time slots only released two days in advance to book. This could have been communicated better but we managed to get reservations through reception desk. (just a heads up for anyone visiting)

🇬🇧

Sophie

9.1

July 2024

The property really does have a 5 star feel. The staff are beyond welcoming and will look after you throughout the stay. Everyone is so lovely! The rooms are really spacious and clean and the whole resort has a very clean feeling. There is plenty of space around the pool and beach, even in the height of the summer. I would recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a relaxing stay! The food is amazing. I cannot fault it one bit and it was prepared to a high standard. The restaurant we ate in had amazing service & really made us feel special. The staff are what make the hotel so amazing, there is always someone on hand to help you. Even when lying at the pool they are round with trays of refreshing drinks & checking in on you. There is no wait for service, someone will be with you as soon as you need them. They are amazing!

The only one thing which slightly lets down the 5 star aspect of the hotel, is the struggle to book into the restaurants. You have access to the buffet daily, but must book into the restaurant’s after check in. The app does not let you book before as you don’t have a room number. It was really disappointing that in our full stay we only managed to eat in one restaurant and this is because we complained regarding not being able to get any tables.

🇬🇧

Jessica

9.1

January 2023

The location is out of this world; it is right on the beach and whether you are sat at the restaurant, the pool or main bar you always have a view on the ocean. The staff are so friendly, welcoming and helpful. The food and drink offers a large variety and the bar staff will make any cocktails on request.

On arrival the hotel has no facilities to store luggage so it is left in the reception area, which we feel is not secure or acceptable. There is only two curtesy showers and limited changing facilities.

🇨🇿

Nicolaas

10

March 2022

Everything a place to come back too. Staff was almost over friendly. Many real real nice employees. Food was amazing, breakfast, lunch, dinner never had it better in a resort. A very relaxed environment. We had a super time, thanks! Greets from Saba, saba.

Not really needed with the beach so nearby but the main swimming pool was closed for refurbishment and the smaller one need one too. Too much local people trying to sell bracelets etc. going on all day. The are not allowed on the beach belonging to the resort but every time you are going for a swim they are there.

Points of Interest Around Riu Palace Zanzibar

Attractions

Nungwi Mnarani Aquarium and Marine Turtle Conservation Lagoon

3.9mi

House of Wonders (Beit-al-Ajaib)

27.2mi

Stone Town

27.2mi

Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe)

27.2mi

Darajani Market (Marikiti Kuu)

27.2mi

Mwanakwerekwe Market

27.7mi

Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park

28.5mi

Restaurants

Restaurante #1

Cuisines

  • International

Ambiances

  • Traditional

Krystal

Cuisines

  • International

Ambiances

  • Romantic

Pools

Location

  • Outdoor

Features

  • Heated
  • Salt water
  • With view

Availability

  • All season

Amenities of Riu Palace Zanzibar

Free parking

Restaurant

Beachfront

Private beach area

Outdoor swimming pool

Adults only

Free wifi

Fitness center

Turkish/Steam Bath

Water sports facilities on site

Steam room

Spa

Air conditioning

Beach

Sauna

Bar

Sun deck

Tour desk

Parking On Site

Terrace

24-hour front desk

Non-smoking rooms

Live music/Performance

Beach chairs/Loungers

Soundproof

Free toiletries

Balcony

Garden

Stay rules - Riu Palace Zanzibar

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Curfew

  • Parking

  • Reservations

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property

Frequently Asked Questions - Riu Palace Zanzibar

Does Riu Palace Zanzibar provide parking options?

Yes, parking is available at the hotel and it is free for guests. The public on-site parking does not require a reservation.

What types of rooms does Riu Palace Zanzibar offer?

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including Junior Suites, Senior Suites, and Villas. Occupancy ranges from 2 to 4 guests. Bed sizes vary from king to twin beds, and rooms are available in different sizes to accommodate guests' needs. Smoking is not allowed in any of the rooms.

Which amenities can guests enjoy at Riu Palace Zanzibar?

Guests at Riu Palace Zanzibar can indulge in various leisure activities at the hotel. They can enjoy dining at the on-site restaurants like Restaurante #1 offering traditional ambiance and international cuisine or opt for a romantic dining experience at Krystal. For relaxation, guests can lounge at the outdoor swimming pool with a scenic view, heated and utilizing saltwater. Water sports facilities are available for the adventurous. Those seeking rejuvenation can visit the spa, steam room, or sauna. Fitness enthusiasts have access to a well-equipped fitness center. The hotel also features live music performances, a sun deck, and a garden for tranquil moments. With a private beach area, beachfront location, and beach chairs/loungers, guests can soak up the sun at their leisure.

Is there a swimming pool at Riu Palace Zanzibar?

Yes, the hotel has a pool available. The pool is located outdoors and is equipped with features such as being heated, having saltwater, and offering a view.

Are there restaurants located within Riu Palace Zanzibar?

The hotel has two on-site restaurants, Restaurante #1 offering traditional ambiances and international cuisine, and Krystal with a romantic ambiance and international cuisine.

What methods of payment does Riu Palace Zanzibar accept?

Riu Palace Zanzibar accepts payment via American Express, Mastercard, and Visa. Cash payment is not accepted at the hotel.