Smiles Beach Hotel

Hotels
8 (657 reviews)
Nungwi Beach 4222 , Nungwi , tz

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Restaurant
Room service
Heating
Terrace
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly/caring staff
Spacious rooms
Beachfront location
Excellent grilled fish / à la carte options
Drinks included (non-alcoholic)
Early check-in / flexible check-out
Close to restaurants and other hotels
Cons:
Unreliable / almost non-working internet
Intermittent water supply and low shower pressure
Strong limescale and cleanliness issues (sunbeds, pool)
Stale breakfast bread
Limited bottled water provided
Perceived lower-than-promised star standard / poor value
Night security and reception unprofessional/asleep on duty
No alcohol served

Categories

Cleanliness
6.5
Multiple mentions of dirty/abused sun loungers, pool not regularly cleaned and strong limescale in taps and showers; overall cleanliness was repeatedly criticized.
Service
9.5
Staff repeatedly described as friendly, cordial and accommodating (early check-in/late check-out granted); some language limitations and isolated unprofessional incidents (security/reception asleep) were reported but general guest-facing staff were praised.
Location
10
Clear positive: beachfront location close to many restaurants and other hotels — location was a strong pro in the reviews.
Room Quality
7
Rooms described as spacious and comfortable by some, but issues with plumbing (intermittent water, low shower pressure), no proper in-room bin and noticeable limescale reduce the room quality score.
Amenities
6.5
Serious complaints about almost non-working internet, limited bottled water allocation, no alcohol served, dirty sunbeds and inconsistent pool maintenance indicate weak overall amenities.
Value for Money
6.5
Guests felt the hotel did not meet its 4-star expectations — cheaper beverage choices, limited water and poorer food quality compared with nearby 3-star hotels led to a perception of poor value for money.
Food and Beverage
8.5
Mixed feedback: several guests praised the à la carte service and excellent grilled fish (half-board satisfied one reviewer), but others noted stale breakfast bread, lower dinner quality and local cola served to cut costs; overall slightly above average due to praised items.
Overall Experience
9.5
Mixed experiences: some guests were disappointed with several operational issues, while others enjoyed spacious rooms, good meals and the beachfront setting; the net experience skews positive given strong location and helpful staff.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-08-13 03:22

Property Description

Private Beach Paradise

Luxurious Amenities: Enjoy air-conditioned rooms with balconies overlooking the Indian Ocean, satellite TV, and carved wooden beds.

Culinary Delights: Indulge in Zanzibari and seafood dishes made from fresh, local ingredients at the beach-side restaurant.

Convenient Location: Just 200 meters from downtown Nungwi, with easy access to explore Stone Town and Zanzibar Airport nearby.

Book your stay at Smiles Beach Hotel for a tropical getaway unlike any other.

Important information:

Kindly note that Smiles Beach Hotel is a dry hotel. Alcohol is not served at the property.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 10:00 AM

Location

Guest Reviews

8
Based on 657 reviews
Cleanliness: 6.5
Service: 9.5
Location: 10
Room Quality: 7
Amenities: 6.5
Value for Money: 6.5
Food and Beverage: 8.5
Overall Experience: 9.5
M
Mayra • couple • br
7
Vale o custo benefício
Pros:

Localização e refeicoes

Cons:

Quartos antigos , precisam manutenção , objetos quebrados , água do chuveiro fica fria com poucos minutos de uso

2026-08-11 • via Nuitee
S
Sergio • solo_traveller • es
8
2026-08-09 • via Nuitee
R
riad25 • solo_traveller • dz
8
Pros:

Tous

Cons:

Les gens a la plage

2026-08-09 • via Nuitee
M
Mihaiela • couple • ro
7
2026-08-08 • via Nuitee
F
Furkan • couple • at
2
Wenn wir unseren privaten Aktivitäten im Vorhinein nicht gebucht hätten, wäre dieser Urlaub bis auf der Aufenthalt in Zu
Pros:

Nur die freundlichen Mitarbeiter.

Cons:

Feedback zum Hotel

* Das Internet funktioniert fast gar nicht, obwohl wir mehrmals um Fehlerbehebung gebeten haben. Daher konnten wir unseren wichtigen Dinge nicht erledigen. Es ist ein Problem vom Hotelmanagement, welches sich unserer Meinung nach nicht sehr darumgekümmert hat. In unserem ersten Hotel gab es das Problem nicht und vergleichsweise bei dem Restaurant eines anderen 3 Sterne Hotels in der Nähe auch nicht.
* Das Wasser fließt zeitweise nicht (vermutlich aufgrund der Wasserpumpe, da uns einmal so mitgeteilt wurde).
* Wasserhahn und Dusche sind stark verkalkt.
* Die Sonnenliegen sind sehr schmutzig und abgenutzt.
* Die Mitarbeiter sind freundlich, jedoch sprechen die meisten nur sehr wenig Englisch.
* Im Vergleich zu anderen 3- bis 4-Sterne-Hotels hat dieses Hotel unserer Meinung nach nicht einmal ansatzweise 4 Sterne verdient. Das hat uns besonders enttäuscht, da wir uns auf die 4-Sterne-Klassifizierung verlassen haben. In der Umgebung haben wir mehrere 3-Sterne-Hotels besucht, die in vielen Bereichen deutlich besser waren. Auch unser erster Besuch in Zanzibar (Zula - Paje) war fast perfekt.
* Es gibt keine Mülltonne im Zimmer, sondern lediglich einen kleinen, defekten Mülleimer im Badezimmer.
* Die Brötchen vom Vortag werden am nächsten Morgen erneut zum Frühstück angeboten, obwohl sie nicht mehr frisch sind.
* Soweit wir feststellen konnten, wird der Pool nicht regelmäßig gereinigt.
* Um Kosten zu sparen, wird beim Abendessen einheimische Cola angeboten. Ein 4-Sterne-Hotel sollte mehr Wert auf Qualität legen. Auch das Essen war in den von uns besuchten 3-Sterne-Hotels deutlich besser.
* Täglich werden pro Person lediglich 0,5 Liter Wasser sowie zusätzlich eine 1,5-Liter-Flasche pro Familie (beim Abendessen) zur Verfügung gestellt. Auch das empfinden wir für ein 4-Sterne-Hotel als unzureichend.

Hinweis: Aufgrund der Fotobegrenzung kann ich keine weiteren Fotos hochladen.

2026-08-03 • via Nuitee
G
gianni • solo_traveller • it
9
Pros:

Camera spaziosa, staff cordiale e gentile. Avevo optato per la mezza pensione e non me ne sono pentito. Servizio alla carte e grigliate di pesce ottime. Comprese nel prezzo anche le bevande, in questo hotel però non servono alcolici.
Gentilmente ci hanno concesso di arrivare alle 12 e di lasciare la stanza alle 14.

Cons:

Si potrebbe vivacizzare un po l'ambiente.

2026-07-20 • via Nuitee
M
Mariam • couple • ug
4
Was ok but the night security and reception very poor and unprofessional
Pros:

Beachfront close to many restaurants and other hotels by the beach

Cons:

Arrived with my friend after from the full moon party around 3/4am and the security was asleep stayed at the gate for more than an hour called the reception and he was also asleep we had to go through the beach which was a 10-15mins walk in a very dark unsafe looking area just to find everyone sleeping had to wake them up and shower heads and shower pressure needs to be checked and worked on

2026-07-17 • via Nuitee
S
Shaune • solo_traveller • za
8
2026-06-25 • via Nuitee
D
Denys • couple • at
10
2026-06-22 • via Nuitee
J
Jill • solo_traveller • be
2
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Unfortunately, our stay was very disappointing and did not match the expectations created by the property's listing.

The room and facilities had numerous maintenance issues. The shower head was not functioning properly, and there was no warm water available in the shower. The bathroom had a strange green light, the sink was loose, and the tap was visibly dirty. The bidet was leaking, and the wooden bar supporting the mosquito net fell down. The fridge also had an unpleasant smell. The bedroom door had an unusual locking system that felt inconvenient and insecure.

The pool area was another disappointment. The swimming pool was dirty, and there were no sun beds available despite them being shown in the property's photos. The Wi-Fi connection in the room was slow, and there was no Wi-Fi coverage at all around the pool or restaurant areas.

Food and dining were below standard. The cutlery was dirty, the octopus was so tough that it was difficult to cut even with a knife, there was sand in the broccoli, and we even found hair in our food. Breakfast was poorly managed: when we arrived at 8:30, there was barely any juice left, and eggs took 15–20 minutes to be prepared. During the included dinner, only four drink options were available (water, Coke, orange lemonade, and a ginger drink), which felt very limited. The atmosphere in the restaurant was also strange, with complete silence during most meals except for one morning when the same song played on repeat throughout breakfast. Additionally, one restaurant staff member had a strong body odor that made dining uncomfortable.

Service was inconsistent throughout our stay. Upon arrival, there was nobody available to check us in because the receptionist was praying and no alternative staff member knew how to assist guests. We waited around 20 minutes before being allowed into our room, then another 30 minutes because nobody informed us when reception had reopened.

2026-06-20 • via Nuitee
H
Horváth • extended_group • hu
10
A Wonderful Hotel with Outstanding Service
Pros:

While searching for accommodation, I read many reviews about this hotel, including some negative ones. Fortunately, I did not pay attention to them.
We spent wonderful days at the hotel and honestly cannot think of a single negative thing to say. The staff were incredibly kind, friendly, and helpful, always available whenever we needed anything.
The breakfast was excellent, with a wide selection of fruit, pastries, yogurt, coffee, and various hot dishes. Dinner consisted of three courses, and each course could be chosen in advance from 3–5 different options. Every evening the food was delicious, including seafood, chicken, beef, and vegetarian dishes. The appetizers, soups, salads, and desserts were also excellent. (Breakfast and dinner were included in our reservation)
The hotel's restaurant (dinner time - it was not included in our reservation) is equally outstanding. The menu offers everything from local specialties to Italian cuisine. Main courses cost around €7–8, which is a very reasonable price.
The rooms were cleaned every day and were always spotless. Every evening, the staff also prepared the beds by lowering the mosquito nets above them and spraying the rooms against mosquitoes.
The hotel's location is also very good. Right outside the gate there are several shops, and the main street is within easy walking distance. The beach is beautiful, and guests can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere thanks to the security guard, who prevents beach vendors from entering the hotel area.
There are also excellent snorkeling opportunities directly in front of the hotel. At low tide, the coral reefs are very close to shore, and we saw many colorful fish, including lionfish.
We also became friends with a black-and-white cat. If you happen to see him during your stay, he will happily accept a few tasty treats and a little affection. Please take good care of him. :)
Overall, we cannot say a single bad thing about our stay.

Cons:

Be prepared that the WiFi is not really reliable in Zanzibar.

2026-06-09 • via Nuitee
U
Utsula • couple • fr
9
Top
Pros:

Tout la surprise dans la chambre le dîner romantique sur la plage l’attention tout est parfait je retournerai

Cons:

Pas de bar sur la plage

2026-06-04 • via Nuitee
H
Hümeyra • couple • de
9
Sehr schöne Strandlage, zum Entspannen perfekt gelegen.
Pros:

Das Personal ist sehr nett und hilfsbereit!

Cons:

Es war Abends in der Anlage nichts los!

2026-05-30 • via Nuitee
A
Anastasiia • couple • at
10
Дуже добре
Pros:

Було дуже чисто, кімнати досить гарні, у нашій кімнаті було велике ліжко, нам також персонал повісив сітку від комарів та обробив кімнату спреєм від комах. Територія готелю дуже гарна! Смачні сніданки та вечері. Дуже добре, що на території є охорона… була ситуація коли я лежала на лежаку і якийсь прохожий з пляжу причепився до мене і піднявся до лежаків говорячи мені щось, охоронець втрутився і прогнав його палкою 🫣 тож я дуже вдячна охоронцю 🙏🏻
В цілому ми надзвичайно задоволені готелем. Всі кімнати мають вигляд на море. Дуже гарна та чиста територія.

Cons:

З нас зняли додатково по 5 € з людини, тому що ми виселилися о 8:00 (лишили речі в кімнаті зберігання на рецепції) але перебували на території готелю до вечора

2026-05-29 • via Nuitee
J
Jelena • couple • lt
10
Pros:

viskas tiko ir patiko..Jeigu norite ramaus poilsio salia veiksmo si vieta tikrai jums🙂 Maistas pusryčiai ir vakarienės buvo labai skanios galima pasirinkti kiekvieną diena is meniu skirtinga patiekalą. Atvykus 5h ryto dave kambari kas tikrai labai pagelbejo po sunkios keliones,nes įsiregistravimas buna tik dienos metu.

2026-04-08 • via Nuitee
T
Thirulok chandar • family_with_children • in
8
Good stay in the serene coast of Nungwi
Pros:

The location is Calm and good. Sea view is partially visible from bed windows and the views from balcony is good. This place is good for family.

Cons:

No any kids friendly amenities. Nothing much to dislike

2026-03-26 • via Nuitee
T
Tobias • extended_group • fr
7
Pros:

Emplacement au top rapport qualité prix imbattable

2026-03-25 • via Nuitee
S
Shantel Hutton • family_with_children • zw
8
2026-03-19 • via Nuitee
K
Kaspar Tennokese • family_with_children • ee
7
Hea asukohaga rahulik hotell väga hinnatud Nungwi piirkonnas.
Pros:

Hotellil on hea asukoht ja asub kohe mere ääres. Hotell asub kohe turutänava lähedal ca 5min jalutada ja saab käi turul ning turu juures olevas kaupluses. Hotellil on suur territoorium, mis on ranna poolt piiratud nööriga, nöörist üle kohalikud tulla ei tohi, siis ajab turvamees nad ära (see on päris hea, sest kohalikud soovivad iga hinna eest sulle midagi maha müüa). Territoorium on ilusti turvatud ja rannas on koguaeg valvurid. Hommikusöök on veidi nigel, kuid värskelt tehtav omlett on maitsev ja ajab asja ära. Õhtusöögid on kolmekäigulised ja need on päris hästi valmistatud ja saab valida 4 põhiroa vahel (sh on alati üks toit taimetoitlastele). Koristus toimub iga päev, voodilinasid ja rätikuid vahetatakse iga päev. Hotellil on suur sooja veega bassein, kus saab vahepeal ujuda ja mõnusalt aega veeta (eriti siis, kui on suur mõõn ja rannas ujuda ei saa). Hotelli personal on sõbralik ja võimaluselt tullakse sinu soovidele vastu. Tubades on konditsioneerid ja külmkapid, vannitoad on suured ja avarad ning tagatud oli koguaeg soe vesi.

Cons:

Kõrval ehitatakse uut hotelli ja selle ehitusmüra kostab väga hästi tuppa (eriti hommikul oli see häiriv). Lisaks kostis õuest tuppa konditsioneeride mürin ja generaatorite mürin (kui vool oli ära läinud). Piirkonnas on vool väga kõikuv ja pidevalt läks vool ära, mis ei ole hotelli süü. Hotelli üldine väljanägemine on veidi väsinud ja vajaks kohati uuendamist (territooriumil juba uue hotelli ehitus käib, et ilmselt siis renoveeritakse ka olemas olev osa ära). Territoorium on külastajate arvu kohta võrdlemisi suur, kuid kui on rohkem hotelli külastajaid, siis päikesevarje ikka ei jagunud (tuleks neid juurde paigaldada, sest ruumi on kõvasti). Basseini baarist soovisime tellida kokteile (ilma alkoholita), kuid kokteili vahendid said otsa 3 päeval ja neid ei suudetud 4 päevaga juurde hankida, ennem sai reis läbi.

2026-03-11 • via Nuitee
P
Pavel • couple • ru
10
2026-03-10 • via Nuitee