Jungle Paradise Beach Resort & Spa @ Mbweni Ruins Hotel Zanzibar

The gardens are lovely, and the location just outside of StoneTown is cool. My room was cozy, with a balcony looking over the garden and beach. Breakfast was really good, especially the smoothie with homemade granola.

For a quiet, clean beach day while staying in StoneTown, this place worked really well. The entry was good value, with lunch and two soft drinks per person included.

The price didn't feel worth it, and the hotel calls itself luxurious, though to me it felt more like a two-star place. For a more luxurious-looking option, Madinat Al Bahr is next door. We spent nine nights here, but better deals are easy to find elsewhere. They charge extra for nearly everything. You get one bottle of water and three tea bags with sugar, but even cream for tea or coffee costs more. The pool and ocean are the only free things, and honestly, it felt like they'd charge for those too if they could. A taxi is $15, meals cost $20-$40 for small portions with no drinks, paddle boards are $10 an hour, and other activities range from 10 to 120. We also paid 150 for a private dinner in the ruins, which started an hour late. To explore or learn about local culture, you have to leave the hotel.

I go to Mbweni Ruins &Gardens often, and it never disappoints. The sunsets and sea views are fantastic, and the whole place feels calming. The staff are polite, and the menu is affordable.