Balcony House
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Summary of reviewsBalcony House, situated in the heart of Stone Town, is celebrated for its prime location that allows guests easy access to Zanzibar's historic center. The hotel is conveniently close to attractions such as the Forodhani Night Market, Freddy Mercury Museum, shops and restaurants and is just a short walk to the beach. Despite being in a bustling area, it offers a quiet retreat, making it an excellent base for exploring the rich cultural and historical facets of Stone Town.
The breakfast at Balcony House receives mostly positive feedback, highlighted for its delicious and generously portioned offerings, often featuring local products. It provides good value for the price, although consistency in availability has been an issue at times due to staff absences and other factors. Despite this, guests generally find the breakfast to be satisfactory and there are alternative dining options nearby if needed.
Rooms at Balcony House are often praised for their spaciousness, high ceilings and authentic local charm. They are typically clean and equipped with necessary comforts like air conditioning, mosquito nets and private bathrooms. Some even offer beautiful ocean views and private terraces. However, some minor criticisms include occasional issues with dampness, musty smells and noise due to thin walls. Shared bathrooms could benefit from some upgrades, but overall, the hotel's charm and historical feel make it a popular choice among guests.
Cleanliness is a strong point for Balcony House with many guests noting the well-maintained common areas and tidy rooms. While there are occasional reports of dusty floors and wet towels, the feedback is largely positive with guests appreciating the diligent efforts of the cleaning staff and the overall comfort of the accommodations.
The staff at Balcony House receive high praise for their exceptional friendliness and helpfulness. Reviews often highlight the welcoming nature of the team, including specific mentions of individuals like Said, who are noted for going above and beyond to ensure guests have a pleasant stay. This personalized service and consistent positive interactions significantly enhance the guest experience.
The WiFi service at Balcony House has mixed reviews. It is generally appreciated in common areas where it is stable and functional, but many guests report weak and unreliable connectivity in their rooms, indicating an area for potential improvement.
Being close to the beach is another big plus for Balcony House. Guests enjoy the easy and short walk to the oceanfront, which enhances the convenience of their stay. The scenic beach views from some rooms and proximity to other main attractions contribute to the hotel’s appeal.
The beds at Balcony House have received mixed feedback. While some guests find the beds comfortable and clean with amenities like mosquito nets, others have mentioned that the mattresses can be hard or worn out, leading to discomfort. Nonetheless, the bedding facilities are appreciated for their cleanliness and there’s an overall need for improvement in mattress and pillow quality to ensure a consistently restful experience for all guests.
In conclusion, Balcony House is a favored choice for travelers seeking a clean, comfortable and well-located place to stay in Stone Town. Its friendly staff, charming rooms and convenient access to local attractions make it a worthwhile option, despite minor areas for improvement.
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The breakfast at Balcony House receives mostly positive feedback, highlighted for its delicious and generously portioned offerings, often featuring local products. It provides good value for the price, although consistency in availability has been an issue at times due to staff absences and other factors. Despite this, guests generally find the breakfast to be satisfactory and there are alternative dining options nearby if needed.
Rooms at Balcony House are often praised for their spaciousness, high ceilings and authentic local charm. They are typically clean and equipped with necessary comforts like air conditioning, mosquito nets and private bathrooms. Some even offer beautiful ocean views and private terraces. However, some minor criticisms include occasional issues with dampness, musty smells and noise due to thin walls. Shared bathrooms could benefit from some upgrades, but overall, the hotel's charm and historical feel make it a popular choice among guests.
Cleanliness is a strong point for Balcony House with many guests noting the well-maintained common areas and tidy rooms. While there are occasional reports of dusty floors and wet towels, the feedback is largely positive with guests appreciating the diligent efforts of the cleaning staff and the overall comfort of the accommodations.
The staff at Balcony House receive high praise for their exceptional friendliness and helpfulness. Reviews often highlight the welcoming nature of the team, including specific mentions of individuals like Said, who are noted for going above and beyond to ensure guests have a pleasant stay. This personalized service and consistent positive interactions significantly enhance the guest experience.
The WiFi service at Balcony House has mixed reviews. It is generally appreciated in common areas where it is stable and functional, but many guests report weak and unreliable connectivity in their rooms, indicating an area for potential improvement.
Being close to the beach is another big plus for Balcony House. Guests enjoy the easy and short walk to the oceanfront, which enhances the convenience of their stay. The scenic beach views from some rooms and proximity to other main attractions contribute to the hotel’s appeal.
The beds at Balcony House have received mixed feedback. While some guests find the beds comfortable and clean with amenities like mosquito nets, others have mentioned that the mattresses can be hard or worn out, leading to discomfort. Nonetheless, the bedding facilities are appreciated for their cleanliness and there’s an overall need for improvement in mattress and pillow quality to ensure a consistently restful experience for all guests.
In conclusion, Balcony House is a favored choice for travelers seeking a clean, comfortable and well-located place to stay in Stone Town. Its friendly staff, charming rooms and convenient access to local attractions make it a worthwhile option, despite minor areas for improvement.
3-Star Bed & Breakfast
Located on Kenyatta Road in Stone Town, Balcony House offers a cozy bed and breakfast experience. Its central location provides easy access to the city's historical sites, markets, and dining options.
Bed & Breakfast near The Beach
Cheap Bed & Breakfast
Small Bed & Breakfast
Guest Reviews
Balcony House, nestled in the heart of Stone Town, boasts an enviable location according to guest reviews. Ideally positioned, it allows visitors to explore Zanzibar's historic center on foot with the beach, city center and various attractions just minutes away. Guests praise the proximity to popular spots like the Forodhani Night Market, the Freddie Mercury Museum and numerous shops and restaurants. The surrounding area is also noted as being safe for nighttime strolls. Despite the bustling streets of Stone Town, the establishment offers a surprisingly quiet retreat. Overall, the central position of Balcony House makes it an excellent base for those looking to immerse themselves in the rich cultural and historical offerings of Stone Town.
The breakfast experience at Balcony House receives mixed reviews but leans positively overall. Guests frequently note the quality and flavor, describing it as delicious, rich and generously portioned, often featuring local products. $5 for breakfast is generally considered good value with many finding it superb, very good and great. Traditional breakfasts are sufficient for a few days and there's high praise for the variety when it is available.
However, breakfast availability has been inconsistent. Some guests reported cancellations due to staff illness or other issues and there were cases where a pre-ordered breakfast did not materialize. The lack of included breakfast and additional charges have been points of contention with some guests finding the extra cost a bit steep for what is offered. Despite these hiccups, many guests have found alternate dining options in the vicinity satisfactory.
Balcony House offers a diverse range of room experiences, emphasizing simplicity with a touch of local charm. The rooms frequently earn praise for being spacious, well-appointed and featuring high ceilings that retain the character of the charming old building. Many rooms are described as clean and equipped with comforts such as air conditioning, mosquito nets and private bathrooms. Some rooms even boast beautiful ocean views and lovely terraces. The authenticity of the decor creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
However, the hotel also faces a few criticisms. While the cleanliness is generally maintained, some rooms were reported to have issues such as dampness, musty smells and occasional noise due to street-facing windows and thin walls. The air conditioning can be unstable and some rooms are very basic in furnishings, which can lead to a less comfortable stay. Shared bathrooms are another point of contention with some guests noting the need for updates and better isolation from common areas.
Despite these drawbacks, the location and the traditional feel of the property continue to attract guests looking for a simple yet culturally enriched stay in Stone Town. The general sentiment leans towards valuing functionality and cleanliness over luxury, making Balcony House a popular choice for travelers seeking good value for money in a historic setting.
Balcony House offers a mixed experience when it comes to its beds with several guests highlighting both positive and negative aspects. On the positive side, many visitors have found the beds to be comfortable and clean, often praising them for being spacious and well-equipped with mosquito nets. Some specifically mentioned enjoying a good night's sleep on large double beds in family rooms.
However, numerous reviews indicate that the quality of the mattresses and pillows could be improved. Several guests found the mattresses to be hard or worn out, leading to uncomfortable sleep and even backaches. There were also reports of beds being small, old or unstable. Some guests noted that the beds are high, which might not be ideal for children.
Despite these issues, the availability of proper mosquito nets is a consistent plus, adding a layer of comfort to the guest experience. While the accommodation provides a blend of comfy and clean beds, there is room for improvement in terms of mattress and pillow quality to ensure a uniformly restful stay for all guests.
Nestled in a prime location, Balcony House is a clean and comfortable haven for travelers. The establishment is praised for its exceptionally clean common areas that are maintained throughout the day. Guests often mention that the rooms, although modest and simply furnished, are consistently clean and tidy. The spacious accommodations come with clean bathrooms, kitchen facilities and cozy common areas, adding to the overall comfort of the stay.
The property is described as very clean and well-maintained, ensuring a comfortable experience for guests. Despite some reports of occasional cleanliness issues such as dusty floors and wet towels, the positive feedback overwhelmingly highlights the diligent efforts of the cleaning staff. Guests appreciate the friendly innkeeper and the decor that adds character to the property.
While there are mentions of the hostel atmosphere and some outdated shared facilities, the general consensus is that Balcony House offers a very clean and pleasant stay. Public spaces and shared bathrooms are typically kept in good order, although there are sporadic concerns about cleanliness standards not always being met. Overall, Balcony House stands out for its cleanliness and comfort, making it a reliable choice for travelers seeking a tidy and welcoming environment.
The guest reviews for 'Balcony House' universally highlight the exceptional friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. Numerous mentions praise the welcoming nature of the team, noting that the staff members, including the owners, managers and specific individuals like Said, Zaid and Mudi, go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay for guests. Said, in particular, receives frequent accolades for his hospitality, attentiveness and assistance with organizing tours and transportation. The staff's availability and readiness to assist are repeatedly cited, creating a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Guests appreciate the personalized service, the ease of communication and the staff's ability to handle issues such as lost luggage with efficiency. This high level of care and the consistent positive interactions contribute significantly to the positive guest experience at Balcony House.
Guest reviews of Balcony House reveal a mixed experience with the WiFi service. On the positive side, many guests appreciated that the WiFi was good and stable in the common areas with some highlighting that it was free and accessible without any issues from their rooms. However, multiple reviews indicate that the WiFi connection tends to be weak and unreliable with frequent cut-offs and limited coverage, particularly outside of the main areas. The network’s strength seems to fall short in the guest rooms with some visitors recommending improvements. Overall, while the WiFi is functional and solid in common areas, it appears to need enhancement to provide a consistent experience throughout the hotel.
Balcony House boasts an enviable location with its close proximity to the beach, making it an ideal spot for beach lovers. The hotel is just a short 2 to 5-minute walk to the oceanfront with some guests noting the scenic beach view from their rooms. Nestled near the city's main attractions, it offers a convenient central location, ensuring all essential spots, including the picturesque waterfront, are within walking distance. Guests frequently highlight how easy it is to stroll down to the beach, adding to the overall ease of stay. Besides, for those looking to explore further, services like transfers to places like Paje and reasonable taxi prices to Nungwi Beach are readily available. The sunset views over the ocean add a perfect touch to the city's panorama, making it an inviting place to relax and unwind.
Location Show Map
Location
Breakfast
However, breakfast availability has been inconsistent. Some guests reported cancellations due to staff illness or other issues and there were cases where a pre-ordered breakfast did not materialize. The lack of included breakfast and additional charges have been points of contention with some guests finding the extra cost a bit steep for what is offered. Despite these hiccups, many guests have found alternate dining options in the vicinity satisfactory.
Rooms
However, the hotel also faces a few criticisms. While the cleanliness is generally maintained, some rooms were reported to have issues such as dampness, musty smells and occasional noise due to street-facing windows and thin walls. The air conditioning can be unstable and some rooms are very basic in furnishings, which can lead to a less comfortable stay. Shared bathrooms are another point of contention with some guests noting the need for updates and better isolation from common areas.
Despite these drawbacks, the location and the traditional feel of the property continue to attract guests looking for a simple yet culturally enriched stay in Stone Town. The general sentiment leans towards valuing functionality and cleanliness over luxury, making Balcony House a popular choice for travelers seeking good value for money in a historic setting.
Beds
However, numerous reviews indicate that the quality of the mattresses and pillows could be improved. Several guests found the mattresses to be hard or worn out, leading to uncomfortable sleep and even backaches. There were also reports of beds being small, old or unstable. Some guests noted that the beds are high, which might not be ideal for children.
Despite these issues, the availability of proper mosquito nets is a consistent plus, adding a layer of comfort to the guest experience. While the accommodation provides a blend of comfy and clean beds, there is room for improvement in terms of mattress and pillow quality to ensure a uniformly restful stay for all guests.
Cleanliness
The property is described as very clean and well-maintained, ensuring a comfortable experience for guests. Despite some reports of occasional cleanliness issues such as dusty floors and wet towels, the positive feedback overwhelmingly highlights the diligent efforts of the cleaning staff. Guests appreciate the friendly innkeeper and the decor that adds character to the property.
While there are mentions of the hostel atmosphere and some outdated shared facilities, the general consensus is that Balcony House offers a very clean and pleasant stay. Public spaces and shared bathrooms are typically kept in good order, although there are sporadic concerns about cleanliness standards not always being met. Overall, Balcony House stands out for its cleanliness and comfort, making it a reliable choice for travelers seeking a tidy and welcoming environment.
Staff
Wi-Fi
Beach
No, Balcony House doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Balcony House.
No, Balcony House doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Balcony House.
No, Balcony House doesn't have a gym.
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