Kendwa Rocks Hotel
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Summary of reviewsKendwa Rocks Hotel, nestled along the pristine white sands of Kendwa Beach in Zanzibar, boasts an exceptional beachside location that is frequently praised by guests. The hotel's prime positioning allows for stunning ocean views and immediate access to crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and enjoying picturesque sunsets. The relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere, enhanced by beautifully maintained surroundings, adds to its charm, making it a dream destination for beach lovers. Visitors also appreciate the hotel's facilities, the friendliness of its staff and its proximity to local attractions and amenities, including water sports and the renowned full moon parties.
Breakfast at Kendwa Rocks Hotel garners generally positive reviews, particularly for its variety and freshness with highlights being the fresh juices, fruits, pancakes and omelets. While some guests found it delightful, citing it as the best part of their day, others noted areas for improvement, including limited options and occasional issues with food quality and freshness.
Dinner options receive mixed feedback as well. Guests commend the varied and extensive menu, particularly enjoying the beachfront dining experience and the special themed nights like BBQ evenings. However, some noted repetitive offerings and slow service during dinner time, which indicates a need for consistency in quality and service.
The hotel's rooms are largely praised for their spaciousness, cleanliness and comfort with special mentions of rooms that include balconies, private pools or jacuzzis. However, some guests pointed out that certain accommodations were a bit outdated or had issues such as non-functional amenities or noise disturbances.
Cleanliness is another area with varied feedback. While many guests commend the daily housekeeping and overall tidiness of the property, some raised concerns about issues like leaks, mold and unclean communal areas. Despite these critiques, the hotel's lush garden setting and well-kept appearance add to its visual appeal.
Staff at Kendwa Rocks Hotel are generally considered friendly, helpful and attentive with several specific individuals receiving special mentions for their excellent service. However, there were also reports of slow service and unprofessionalism in some cases, particularly at the reception and in the restaurant.
Wi-Fi at the hotel tends to be a weak point with numerous complaints about slow, patchy and unreliable internet access, particularly in the rooms. While some guests experienced decent connectivity, the overall sentiment indicates significant room for improvement.
The spa services, particularly the massages, receive high praise for quality and affordability. However, the spa facilities themselves are noted to appear old and not well-maintained, suggesting a need for upgrades to match the excellence of the massage services.
For families, Kendwa Rocks Hotel is seen as a generally good choice, providing various kid-friendly activities and amenities. However, some guests encountered challenges with cleanliness in family suites and noise disturbances, which may impact the overall family experience.
Comfortable beds are a notable positive aspect, contributing significantly to guest satisfaction. The majority of guests found the beds, including super king-size options, to be very cozy. Nonetheless, occasional reports of old or broken mattresses and pest issues indicate areas that could benefit from improvement.
Overall, Kendwa Rocks Hotel offers a memorable beach vacation experience marked by its magnificent location, beautiful surroundings and generally excellent service. Areas for enhancement include breakfast and dinner service consistency, Wi-Fi reliability, spa facility maintenance and addressing various room and cleanliness issues.
Categories
Breakfast at Kendwa Rocks Hotel garners generally positive reviews, particularly for its variety and freshness with highlights being the fresh juices, fruits, pancakes and omelets. While some guests found it delightful, citing it as the best part of their day, others noted areas for improvement, including limited options and occasional issues with food quality and freshness.
Dinner options receive mixed feedback as well. Guests commend the varied and extensive menu, particularly enjoying the beachfront dining experience and the special themed nights like BBQ evenings. However, some noted repetitive offerings and slow service during dinner time, which indicates a need for consistency in quality and service.
The hotel's rooms are largely praised for their spaciousness, cleanliness and comfort with special mentions of rooms that include balconies, private pools or jacuzzis. However, some guests pointed out that certain accommodations were a bit outdated or had issues such as non-functional amenities or noise disturbances.
Cleanliness is another area with varied feedback. While many guests commend the daily housekeeping and overall tidiness of the property, some raised concerns about issues like leaks, mold and unclean communal areas. Despite these critiques, the hotel's lush garden setting and well-kept appearance add to its visual appeal.
Staff at Kendwa Rocks Hotel are generally considered friendly, helpful and attentive with several specific individuals receiving special mentions for their excellent service. However, there were also reports of slow service and unprofessionalism in some cases, particularly at the reception and in the restaurant.
Wi-Fi at the hotel tends to be a weak point with numerous complaints about slow, patchy and unreliable internet access, particularly in the rooms. While some guests experienced decent connectivity, the overall sentiment indicates significant room for improvement.
The spa services, particularly the massages, receive high praise for quality and affordability. However, the spa facilities themselves are noted to appear old and not well-maintained, suggesting a need for upgrades to match the excellence of the massage services.
For families, Kendwa Rocks Hotel is seen as a generally good choice, providing various kid-friendly activities and amenities. However, some guests encountered challenges with cleanliness in family suites and noise disturbances, which may impact the overall family experience.
Comfortable beds are a notable positive aspect, contributing significantly to guest satisfaction. The majority of guests found the beds, including super king-size options, to be very cozy. Nonetheless, occasional reports of old or broken mattresses and pest issues indicate areas that could benefit from improvement.
Overall, Kendwa Rocks Hotel offers a memorable beach vacation experience marked by its magnificent location, beautiful surroundings and generally excellent service. Areas for enhancement include breakfast and dinner service consistency, Wi-Fi reliability, spa facility maintenance and addressing various room and cleanliness issues.
Family Friendly Hotel
Located on Kendwa Beach, this hotel offers a lively and family-friendly atmosphere. The beach is known for its clear waters and soft sand, perfect for children to play. The hotel provides beachfront access.
Romantic Hotel
Kendwa Rocks Hotel is known for its lively atmosphere and beachfront setting. It offers a unique blend of relaxation and entertainment, perfect for couples who enjoy both tranquility and social activities. The stunning beach and vibrant environment create a memorable romantic experience.
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Located on Kendwa Beach, this hotel features a swimming pool and a lively atmosphere. Known for its parties and events, it is a popular choice for younger travelers.
Outdoor Pool
Hotel with Parking
Kendwa Rocks Hotel offers free private parking on site. They have limited parking spaces available for guests at no cost.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Hotel for Honeymoon
Hotel with Spa
4-Star Hotel
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
Guest Reviews
Nestled along the pristine white sands of Kendwa Beach, Kendwa Rocks Hotel boasts an exceptional location right on the beach, considered by many as the best in Zanzibar. The hotel's prime positioning offers stunning ocean views and immediate access to the crystal-clear waters, making it a dream destination for beach lovers. Visitors praise the superb geographical location, which is ideal for swimming and enjoying magnificent sunsets.
The hotel's ambiance is enhanced by its beautifully maintained surroundings and a general atmosphere that blends relaxation with fun. The convenient access to water sports and nearby attractions, like the turtle sanctuary and various boat trips, adds to the appeal. Guests appreciate the spacious rooms and the array of sun loungers, providing ample opportunities to relax and soak in the scenic views.
Kendwa Rocks Hotel also stands out for its well-maintained facilities and the friendliness of its staff. The proximity to local amenities, coupled with a vibrant setting perfect for activities like the renowned full moon parties, ensures that there is something for everyone. The clean, white sandy beach with no tides offers a tranquil environment that is perfect for a relaxing getaway.
Overall, Kendwa Rocks Hotel receives glowing reviews for its magnificent beach location, beautiful surroundings and excellent service, making it an ideal choice for a picturesque and memorable beach vacation in Zanzibar.
Kendwa Rocks Hotel offers a breakfast experience that evokes mixed reviews from its guests. Many praise the breakfast for being good with several noting it is very good or even excellent. Words like delicious, generous, hearty and varied frequently surface in positive reviews. Fresh options such as juices, fruits, pancakes and omelets are particular highlights with some guests mentioning the breakfast as the best part of the day.
The buffet style of the breakfast, served at the beachside restaurant, receives commendation for its variety and open buffet setup. Guests appreciate the plethora of choices and the blend of European-style offerings. Positive mentions about the breakfast being better than expected also surface, suggesting an improvement over past experiences.
However, not all reviews are glowing. A significant number of guests describe the breakfast as average, basic and lacking variety. Issues such as limited options, food running out quickly and occasional long waits are recurring points of criticism. Some reviews even point out issues with food quality and freshness with words like poor, low quality and terrible being used.
Despite the drawbacks, the ambiance of a beachside breakfast and the notable improvements made over time have left many guests satisfied. Kendwa Rocks Hotel appears committed to enhancing their breakfast service, reflecting a dedication to guest satisfaction amid varied culinary tastes and expectations.
Kendwa Rocks Hotel offers a mixed dining experience for its guests. On the positive side, the restaurant boasts a varied and extensive menu with many meal choices that cater to a wide range of tastes. Guests frequently compliment the delicious and good quality meals with some even describing the cuisine as excellent and exquisite. The buffet breakfast, served at the beach restaurant, is particularly appreciated for its multiple choices and fresh fruits and juices.
For dinner, guests have the option to dine directly on the beach, adding a romantic and unique touch to their meals. The a la carte dinners and grill nights are highlighted for their wide selection of appetizing dishes, including pizza, burgers, local, Italian and Japanese cuisine. Special themed nights like BBQ evenings also receive praise.
However, several reviews indicate areas where the dining experience could improve. Some guests found the menu repetitive and not always matching the price point. Issues such as slow restaurant service, especially in the evenings and limited meal options for those on half-board plans have been pointed out. The quality of food at lunch and dinner has also been inconsistent with some patrons finding the food mediocre or subpar.
Overall, while there are aspects of the dining experience at Kendwa Rocks Hotel that guests find highly enjoyable, certain inconsistencies and service delays indicate room for enhancement. For those seeking variety and flavor, the hotel does offer some excellent dining options, albeit with occasional challenges.
Kendwa Rocks Hotel's rooms have garnered a range of feedback from guests, mostly highlighting spaciousness and cleanliness. Many visitors lauded the rooms for being spacious, clean and comfortable, often mentioning modern decor and well-maintained interiors. Several reviews noted that rooms with additional features like balconies, private pools or jacuzzis were particularly impressive.
Guests frequently mentioned the comfort of the beds and the ample space in family suites and bungalows, which were also noted for their beautiful furnishings and pleasant ambiance. Rooms were regularly cleaned to a high standard and many guests experienced free room upgrades which they found to be a delightful perk.
However, some reviews pointed out that certain rooms were quite dark and a bit outdated with aspects like old bathrooms and a lack of storage options being mentioned. A few guests faced issues such as non-functional amenities, pest control problems and noise due to window structures. Others indicated that some rooms did not match the booked descriptions or came with initial issues like lack of hot water.
Despite a few points of criticism, the general sentiment about the rooms at Kendwa Rocks Hotel leans positively, particularly for their spaciousness, cleanliness and occasional upgrades that enhance the overall guest experience.
Kendwa Rocks Hotel offers a mixed experience with its beds, predominantly leaning towards the positive. Guests frequently praise the comfort and size of the beds, noting them as extremely comfortable, big and featuring good mattresses. This creates a cozy and restful environment with beds that feel fresh and well-made. Many appreciate the super king-size options and the comfort of the bedding, contributing significantly to their overall satisfaction.
However, not all is perfect, as some guests have reported issues such as old and broken mattresses, saggy and soft mattresses and even beds harboring termites. This inconsistency indicates a need for selective room upgrades and better pest control measures.
In addition to in-room beds, the hotel also provides sunbeds and beach loungers, which are generally comfortable, although there have been mentions of them being too close together and occasionally broken or dirty.
While the majority of guests had a restful stay due to the comfortable beds, there is room for improvement in maintaining and updating the bedding quality across all rooms and facilities.
Kendwa Rocks Hotel in Zanzibar offers a mixed experience regarding cleanliness, according to guest reviews. On the positive side, many guests found their rooms clean and tidy with some praising the daily housekeeping service. The overall property, including facilities and the pool, generally received commendations for being clean and well-maintained. Guests appreciated the pleasant surroundings, including clean and bright rooms decorated in subtle shades of white, beige and cream.
However, there were notable criticisms. Some rooms were reported to have issues such as leakage, mold and unpleasant odors. The cleanliness of some sunbeds, beach areas and the spa was questioned with specific mentions of dirty towels, sheets and a lack of proper dishwashing at the breakfast buffet. Infrequent cleaning and occasional housekeeping oversights, like leaving windows open leading to mosquito invasions, also detracted from some guests' experiences. Some facilities were described as old and in need of renovation. Additionally, significant concerns were raised about unclean bathrooms, including brown stains and bad smells.
Despite these challenges, the hotel’s lush garden setting and well-maintained overall appearance contributed positively to the guest experience. The beautiful bungalows and the availability of sunbeds and umbrellas were highlights, making it a charming yet inconsistent destination in terms of cleanliness.
The staff at Kendwa Rocks Hotel receives a mixed bag of reviews. On the positive side, many guests commend the hotel staff for being friendly, helpful and attentive. The reception, restaurant and housekeeping teams are highlighted for their welcoming and supportive attitudes with special mentions for individuals like Francis, Chef Fawaz, Halima, Fouzia and Sara. Some commentary notes the staff as being amazing, super polite, respectful and always working to assist guests in every possible way and time.
However, the reviews also reveal significant areas for improvement. Several guests note that the service can be slow, particularly in the restaurant area with some staff being seen as not responsive or well-trained. Specific complaints point to the reception staff, described by some as unprofessional, rude and lacking patience, often making guests wait multiple times and displaying a general lack of follow-up. There are mentions of the staff seeming unhappy, indifferent and even grumpy at times. Housekeeping and the overall organization of services appear to need better management and upgrades to enhance the guest experience.
In summary, while many guests have had positive interactions with the Kendwa Rocks Hotel staff, recognizing their friendliness and helpfulness, there is a notable variance in service quality that suggests the need for more consistent training and improvements in staff responsiveness and professionalism, particularly at the front desk and in the restaurant.
The Wi-Fi experience at Kendwa Rocks Hotel has been a mixed bag, as highlighted by the varied guest reviews. While some guests have found the Wi-Fi to be well-functioning and even considered it amazing, these positive comments seem to be in the minority. A recurring theme in the reviews is the slow, patchy and often unreliable nature of the hotel's internet connection. Many guests reported that the Wi-Fi was almost non-existent with numerous mentions of the connection not working in the rooms and being limited to certain areas like the terrace. Even when available, the internet service tended to slow down, particularly in the evenings. While a few guests praised quick fixes to Wi-Fi issues, the overwhelming sentiment suggests that Kendwa Rocks Hotel has room for improvement in providing a more consistent and reliable internet experience.
Kendwa Rocks Hotel's spa receives a mix of feedback from guests, predominantly positive regarding the massages. Reviewers frequently highlight the quality of the massages, describing them as excellent, great and top-notch. Many guests enjoyed their massage experiences with some even mentioning the affordability of the services, especially those offered by the beach.
However, there are also comments pointing out issues with the spa's upkeep. Several guests indicated that while the massages were impressive, the spa itself appeared old and poorly maintained. Descriptions of the spa include words like "dirty" and "not good," suggesting a need for facility improvements despite the high standards of massage therapy.
Additionally, some guests reported unfortunate experiences such as theft during a massage and felt a lack of information about the spa's existence, not discovering it until their last day. Overall, while the massage services receive high praise, the physical condition and management of the spa could benefit from attention.
Kendwa Rocks Hotel offers a mixed experience for families with young children. On the positive side, the hotel is generally considered great for family vacations, being suitable for all types of families and often hosting many family guests. The environment is described as family-friendly with activities available specifically catering to kids, such as a kiddie section in the pool and mushroom picking adventures. Children especially seemed to enjoy the big family pool and the fact that there were sunbeds and umbrellas provided for guests. Events like celebrating a child's birthday were also a memorable highlight.
However, there are some drawbacks. Families reported difficulties with the family suites, including consistently dirty pools and small pool sizes akin to bathtubs. There were also complaints about the rudely perceived front office and issues with noise disturbance, particularly affecting families with young children. Navigating the hotel could be challenging due to stairs, making it less child-friendly. Despite the appealing kid-friendly amenities, some found the stay difficult for babies and young children. Although the general atmosphere was welcoming with staff being attentive to families, these challenges may impact the overall experience.
Kendwa Rocks Hotel is generally regarded as a three-star property with most reviewers agreeing that it offers services and facilities typical for this category. While it is situated on one of the nicest beaches on the island, the commercial location lacks the exotic privacy some travelers might expect. Despite its beautiful setting, the hotel's services and amenities, like the gym and spa, are considered average or below what is expected for the price, leading many to feel it is overpriced.
While the hotel has potential and provides an above average quality of stay, it is noted that its value for money is not ideal. Guests have found that improvements are necessary for it to maintain its three-star rating. The restaurant offers a passable breakfast, but the price feels steep for what is provided. Overall, guests are left with mixed feelings, finding the stay worthwhile yet acknowledging that there are better options available within the same star rating.
Kendwa Rocks Hotel is often lauded as a perfect getaway for couples with many guests highlighting it as an ideal destination for a romantic escape. The hotel offers thoughtful gestures like room upgrades to a beach villa and special surprises for honeymooners, making it a memorable experience for those celebrating their love. Honeymoon suites come with lovely balconies and the hotel frequently arranges special evenings, including romantic dinners on the beach, specifically designed for honeymoon couples. The breathtaking views from the rooms are a significant highlight and many guests recommend the property for its scenic beauty and atmosphere, making it one of the best beach destinations they have visited. However, some guests mentioned the need to tip the housekeeping staff to ensure rooms are cleaned and a few reported dissatisfaction with the service in the bar and restaurant. Despite these occasional service blips, Kendwa Rocks Hotel remains a highly recommended destination for couples seeking a romantic retreat.
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Location
The hotel's ambiance is enhanced by its beautifully maintained surroundings and a general atmosphere that blends relaxation with fun. The convenient access to water sports and nearby attractions, like the turtle sanctuary and various boat trips, adds to the appeal. Guests appreciate the spacious rooms and the array of sun loungers, providing ample opportunities to relax and soak in the scenic views.
Kendwa Rocks Hotel also stands out for its well-maintained facilities and the friendliness of its staff. The proximity to local amenities, coupled with a vibrant setting perfect for activities like the renowned full moon parties, ensures that there is something for everyone. The clean, white sandy beach with no tides offers a tranquil environment that is perfect for a relaxing getaway.
Overall, Kendwa Rocks Hotel receives glowing reviews for its magnificent beach location, beautiful surroundings and excellent service, making it an ideal choice for a picturesque and memorable beach vacation in Zanzibar.
Breakfast
The buffet style of the breakfast, served at the beachside restaurant, receives commendation for its variety and open buffet setup. Guests appreciate the plethora of choices and the blend of European-style offerings. Positive mentions about the breakfast being better than expected also surface, suggesting an improvement over past experiences.
However, not all reviews are glowing. A significant number of guests describe the breakfast as average, basic and lacking variety. Issues such as limited options, food running out quickly and occasional long waits are recurring points of criticism. Some reviews even point out issues with food quality and freshness with words like poor, low quality and terrible being used.
Despite the drawbacks, the ambiance of a beachside breakfast and the notable improvements made over time have left many guests satisfied. Kendwa Rocks Hotel appears committed to enhancing their breakfast service, reflecting a dedication to guest satisfaction amid varied culinary tastes and expectations.
Dinner
For dinner, guests have the option to dine directly on the beach, adding a romantic and unique touch to their meals. The a la carte dinners and grill nights are highlighted for their wide selection of appetizing dishes, including pizza, burgers, local, Italian and Japanese cuisine. Special themed nights like BBQ evenings also receive praise.
However, several reviews indicate areas where the dining experience could improve. Some guests found the menu repetitive and not always matching the price point. Issues such as slow restaurant service, especially in the evenings and limited meal options for those on half-board plans have been pointed out. The quality of food at lunch and dinner has also been inconsistent with some patrons finding the food mediocre or subpar.
Overall, while there are aspects of the dining experience at Kendwa Rocks Hotel that guests find highly enjoyable, certain inconsistencies and service delays indicate room for enhancement. For those seeking variety and flavor, the hotel does offer some excellent dining options, albeit with occasional challenges.
Rooms
Guests frequently mentioned the comfort of the beds and the ample space in family suites and bungalows, which were also noted for their beautiful furnishings and pleasant ambiance. Rooms were regularly cleaned to a high standard and many guests experienced free room upgrades which they found to be a delightful perk.
However, some reviews pointed out that certain rooms were quite dark and a bit outdated with aspects like old bathrooms and a lack of storage options being mentioned. A few guests faced issues such as non-functional amenities, pest control problems and noise due to window structures. Others indicated that some rooms did not match the booked descriptions or came with initial issues like lack of hot water.
Despite a few points of criticism, the general sentiment about the rooms at Kendwa Rocks Hotel leans positively, particularly for their spaciousness, cleanliness and occasional upgrades that enhance the overall guest experience.
Beds
However, not all is perfect, as some guests have reported issues such as old and broken mattresses, saggy and soft mattresses and even beds harboring termites. This inconsistency indicates a need for selective room upgrades and better pest control measures.
In addition to in-room beds, the hotel also provides sunbeds and beach loungers, which are generally comfortable, although there have been mentions of them being too close together and occasionally broken or dirty.
While the majority of guests had a restful stay due to the comfortable beds, there is room for improvement in maintaining and updating the bedding quality across all rooms and facilities.
Cleanliness
However, there were notable criticisms. Some rooms were reported to have issues such as leakage, mold and unpleasant odors. The cleanliness of some sunbeds, beach areas and the spa was questioned with specific mentions of dirty towels, sheets and a lack of proper dishwashing at the breakfast buffet. Infrequent cleaning and occasional housekeeping oversights, like leaving windows open leading to mosquito invasions, also detracted from some guests' experiences. Some facilities were described as old and in need of renovation. Additionally, significant concerns were raised about unclean bathrooms, including brown stains and bad smells.
Despite these challenges, the hotel’s lush garden setting and well-maintained overall appearance contributed positively to the guest experience. The beautiful bungalows and the availability of sunbeds and umbrellas were highlights, making it a charming yet inconsistent destination in terms of cleanliness.
Staff
However, the reviews also reveal significant areas for improvement. Several guests note that the service can be slow, particularly in the restaurant area with some staff being seen as not responsive or well-trained. Specific complaints point to the reception staff, described by some as unprofessional, rude and lacking patience, often making guests wait multiple times and displaying a general lack of follow-up. There are mentions of the staff seeming unhappy, indifferent and even grumpy at times. Housekeeping and the overall organization of services appear to need better management and upgrades to enhance the guest experience.
In summary, while many guests have had positive interactions with the Kendwa Rocks Hotel staff, recognizing their friendliness and helpfulness, there is a notable variance in service quality that suggests the need for more consistent training and improvements in staff responsiveness and professionalism, particularly at the front desk and in the restaurant.
Wi-Fi
Spa
However, there are also comments pointing out issues with the spa's upkeep. Several guests indicated that while the massages were impressive, the spa itself appeared old and poorly maintained. Descriptions of the spa include words like "dirty" and "not good," suggesting a need for facility improvements despite the high standards of massage therapy.
Additionally, some guests reported unfortunate experiences such as theft during a massage and felt a lack of information about the spa's existence, not discovering it until their last day. Overall, while the massage services receive high praise, the physical condition and management of the spa could benefit from attention.
Family
However, there are some drawbacks. Families reported difficulties with the family suites, including consistently dirty pools and small pool sizes akin to bathtubs. There were also complaints about the rudely perceived front office and issues with noise disturbance, particularly affecting families with young children. Navigating the hotel could be challenging due to stairs, making it less child-friendly. Despite the appealing kid-friendly amenities, some found the stay difficult for babies and young children. Although the general atmosphere was welcoming with staff being attentive to families, these challenges may impact the overall experience.
3 Star
While the hotel has potential and provides an above average quality of stay, it is noted that its value for money is not ideal. Guests have found that improvements are necessary for it to maintain its three-star rating. The restaurant offers a passable breakfast, but the price feels steep for what is provided. Overall, guests are left with mixed feelings, finding the stay worthwhile yet acknowledging that there are better options available within the same star rating.
Honeymoon
Yes, Kendwa Rocks Hotel has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
Yes, a spa is available at Kendwa Rocks Hotel.
No, Kendwa Rocks Hotel doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Kendwa Rocks Hotel.
No, Kendwa Rocks Hotel doesn't have a gym.
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