Homeland Swahili Lodge - Hostel

Rooms were modern and clean, staff service was okay - English was limited. Located in the main town about 20 min walk from the beach, but plenty of restaurants close by. Would stay again

Un lodge tres simple bien local. Pas cher. Sympathique patron qui arrange ses clients et les conseille. On se sent

This stay was the worst part about my trip to Zanzibar. I had to book it last minute because my original hotel reservation was randomly cancelled. I did not want to stay in a hostel, but it was my only option, and it was worse than I imagined. I have stayed in plenty of hostels in other countries, but this one was unimaginable. The water did not run - the electricity went out - the host did not know I was coming and took a mattress out of the room I stayed in. There were not enough sheets or any toilet paper, and an animal on property barked all night long and threw itself against the door to be let out, but no one did. The host even had people sleeping under steps, and the internet did not work. I left after one night when I had paid for two, and the hotel denied my request for a refund, even though the conditions were horrendous. Save yourself the annoyance - don't book Homeland Swahili Lodge.

The person in charge was very convenient ! I recommend

Booking said it was full and as a solo traveler was looking forward to meeting other travelers. When I showed up, I was the only person in the place. The owner aka "Crazy Man" told me everyone was at the beach and gave me a ride there, which was very kind When I returned to the hotel he said that I was the only one staying. I offered to pay for one day and asked for a refund for the other two days. The owner aka "Crazy Man" agreed but was drunk and had spent all the money I paid in the short time I was at the beach. He said, "you can give people gold and diamonds and they are still not happy", which I found very offensive. He was supposed to stop by the next day after getting money from new guest but never did. You win some and you lose some. I usually dont write reviews but there are much better places for a bit more on the beach. Silver lining is he helped me find a new place.

The owner was very nice and friendly. George who works here is the best guy on earth and the most helpful ever. We got also free transfers to the beach. We only had a negative experience with a taxi driver Shege, who is hired by the owner. He was unpleasant and tried to benefit from us. Do not buy from him anything as he charges much more than you can get on the beach.