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Summary of reviewsPapaya Guest House Nungwi is a highly praised accommodation in the heart of Nungwi, Zanzibar, known for its prime location just a 2-5 minute walk from the stunning Nungwi Beach. The central positioning makes it convenient for enjoying the beach and nearby amenities, enhancing guest experiences with easy access to restaurants, shops, bars and nightclubs. The terrace and outdoor areas provide a pleasant ambiance for relaxation, while organized trips and excursions add to its appeal.
The breakfast experience is excellent, featuring a diverse and hearty selection of fresh fruits, scrambled eggs, toast, chapati and potato cakes. Freshness and variety are consistent highlights, making breakfast a delightful and filling start to the day. Despite minor issues like the presence of bees or the use of instant coffee, the breakfast receives widespread applause.
Dinner at the guest house also garners high praise for its quality and variety. The chef is accommodating, frequently offering fresh seafood and ensuring that the dining experience is both affordable and satisfying. The meals, including spectacular pizzas and charcoal-grilled seafood, receive commendations for their rich flavors and generous portions.
Room reviews lean towards the positive side, emphasizing spaciousness and cleanliness. Basic yet functional amenities such as mosquito nets are provided, though some guests note occasional issues with darkness, dampness and the absence of air conditioning. While some rooms show signs of wear, including old furniture and low water pressure, the daily cleaning service and well-laundered towels contribute positively.
Cleanliness across the guest house is generally impressive with regular cleaning ensuring tidy rooms and common areas. Maintenance issues like broken tiles and occasional plumbing problems do surface, but these instances appear to be exceptions rather than the norm.
The staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness and accommodating nature. Notable members like Ali, Mohammed and chef Saidi are frequently mentioned for their exceptional hospitality, which creates a welcoming and homely atmosphere for guests.
WiFi connectivity is strong in common areas such as the reception and dining zones, though it weakens in the rooms. Guests looking for stable internet access may need to stay close to these communal areas.
Highlighting its proximity to Nungwi Beach, the guest house's location is perfect for a beach-centric stay, providing great value for its closeness to both the ocean and central amenities.
Families find the guest house particularly accommodating, offering a safe environment for children and large, suitable rooms. The presence of friendly pets such as cats and dogs enhances the homely, relaxed atmosphere, making it an excellent option for family travelers.
The beds receive mixed reviews with some guests finding them comfortable and others noting the need for updating mattresses and addressing issues like mold and musty bedding. Nevertheless, the overall sleeping experience is generally positive.
Papaya Guest House Nungwi is also recognized for its pet-friendliness, warmly welcoming pets and featuring resident animals that add to the charm. This aspect is particularly appreciated by guests traveling with dogs, creating a homely and inviting environment.
In summary, Papaya Guest House Nungwi stands out for its exceptional location, friendly staff, delightful breakfast and dining experiences and overall cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Despite some minor issues, it offers excellent value for those seeking a beach-centric and budget-friendly stay in Nungwi. Show more
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Categories
Hotel near The Beach
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Family Friendly Hotel
Dog Friendly Hotel
Hotel with Parking
Cheap Hotel
Accessible Hotel
Small Hotel
Room Types
Superior King RoomThe double room offers a private entrance, a dining area, a terrace with garden views as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower. The unit offers 1 bed.
Double RoomThe double room features a private entrance, a dining area, a terrace with garden views as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower. The unit has 1 bed.
Large Twin RoomThe twin room offers a private entrance, a dining area, a terrace with garden views as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower. The unit has 2 beds.
Superior Double RoomThe double room offers a private entrance, a dining area, a terrace with garden views as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower. The unit has 1 bed.
Superior Family RoomThe family room offers a private entrance, a dining area, a terrace with garden views as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower. The unit has 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.1
Very Good
Location
Papaya Guest House Nungwi boasts an exceptional location in the heart of Nungwi, Zanzibar. Guests consistently praise its proximity to the stunning Nungwi Beach, which can be reached in just a few minutes on foot – often cited as a mere 2-5 minute walk. This central positioning makes it incredibly convenient for enjoying the beach as well as nearby amenities such as restaurants, shops, bars and nightclubs. The guest house also impresses with its lovely terrace and outdoor areas, offering a pleasant ambiance for relaxation.
The local staff are frequently highlighted for their friendliness and helpfulness, enhancing the overall guest experience. Papaya Guest House's location, just steps away from the picturesque beach, makes it ideal for both budget-conscious travelers and those seeking convenience without sacrificing access to beautiful surroundings. Furthermore, the option for organized trips and excursions adds to the appeal for visitors looking to explore the region.
However, certain infrastructural issues such as inconsistent water pressure and occasional poor WiFi were noted by some guests. Despite these drawbacks, the guest house’s advantageous location and reasonable pricing make it a standout choice in Nungwi for those prioritizing beach access and a lively neighborhood.
Breakfast
Papaya Guest House Nungwi offers an excellent and diverse breakfast experience that has received positive feedback from guests. Mornings there are marked by delightful and hearty meals that include a wide variety of fresh and flavorful options. The breakfast generally features a generous plate of fresh fruits, such as pineapples, mangoes and bananas, complemented by warm items like scrambled eggs, toast, chapati and sometimes even delicious potato cakes.
Guests have praised the breakfast for its healthy and filling nature, often noting the freshness of the ingredients. Regular offerings include eggs, bread, pastries and fruit smoothies with beverages like coffee and juice readily available. The breakfast menu changes daily, ensuring variety and keeping the dining experience interesting and enjoyable. For those who seek heartier meals, the morning spread is plentiful and complete, often described as a great start to the day.
Despite the overall positive reviews, a few guests mentioned minor drawbacks, such as the occasional presence of bees during outdoor breakfasts and the availability of instant coffee with powdered milk instead of freshly brewed options. However, these issues seem to be exceptions rather than the norm.
Overall, the breakfast at Papaya Guest House Nungwi is highly regarded for its quality, variety and freshness, making it a highlight of the stay for many guests.
Dinner
Papaya Guest House Nungwi receives high praise for its dining experiences with many guests highlighting the delicious food offered throughout their stay. The meals, whether breakfast or dinner, are highly regarded for their taste and quality. The chef is often mentioned as being accommodating to requests and even offers the opportunity to arrange the cooking of fresh seafood. Additionally, the meals are recognized for being affordable and fresh with a good variety of daily dishes that keep the dining experience from becoming repetitive. Guests particularly enjoy the large portions and the variety of fish dishes available.
While some guests note that there are many other dining options around Nungwi Beach, several reviews emphasize that the meals at Papaya Guest House are not only delicious but also reasonably priced, making it a convenient and satisfying option for travelers. Special mentions include the spectacular pizza and the use of methods like charcoal grilling for seafood. Overall, visitors have had delightful and rich dining experiences with different daily offerings and simple yet superb dishes that ensure each meal feels special.
Rooms
The rooms at Papaya Guest House Nungwi are a mixed bag, but they lean towards the positive side. Guests frequently praise the spaciousness and cleanliness of the accommodations. Many highlight the large rooms and comfortable beds, often noting they have all the essentials needed for a pleasant stay. Simple but functional amenities include mosquito nets, though these sometimes have holes and basic furnishings.
While the rooms are generally clean and cozy, some guests mention that the properties can be quite dark and damp. There are frequent remarks about the absence of air conditioning with rooms relying on ceiling fans, which might not suffice in hotter weather. Other guests point out that certain rooms lack glass windows and instead have only mosquito nets, which they occasionally find insufficient for keeping out insects.
In terms of maintenance, some guests mention run-down conditions such as old furniture, broken tiles and low water pressure in the shower. There are also instances of rooms needing better ventilation and suffering from mustiness.
Despite these points, many guests find the overall room quality acceptable, especially given the price and appreciate the clean and simple setup. Daily cleaning service and well-laundered towels add to the positive aspects. For those seeking basic, functional and budget-friendly accommodation, Papaya Guest House offers good value, though it may require some tolerance for its more rustic elements.
Beds
Papaya Guest House Nungwi offers mixed reviews when it comes to their beds. On the positive side, multiple guests have praised the comfort and size of the beds, describing them as wide, big, soft and restful. Several visitors mentioned that the bedding was very comfortable, enhancing their overall sleeping experience.
However, there are concerns that should not be overlooked. Many guests noted that the mattresses are old, worn out and often uncomfortable with some even comparing their age unfavorably. The mosquito nets provided were a welcome addition, although a few had holes, making them less effective. Some guests also found that the beds were either too small or too hard, which affected their stay. Issues like moldy and musty bedding were also brought up sporadically.
Overall, while there are instances of guests enjoying a comfortable rest at Papaya Guest House Nungwi, there is a recurring theme of discomfort and the need for bed and mattress updates to meet guest expectations fully.
Cleanliness
Papaya Guest House in Nungwi generally impresses guests with its cleanliness. Reviews frequently describe rooms and overall facilities as very clean, neat and tidy. The guest house also earns praise for maintaining common areas in a clean state. Many guests noted that their rooms were regularly cleaned and found the spaces comfortable and cozy.
Despite these positive aspects, there are some consistent criticisms. Guests reported issues with old furniture, broken tiles and dampness in the rooms. Some also noted that cleanliness could be improved, pointing out experiences with dirty towels and sheets. Water pressure in the showers was found to be inadequate by some and the functionality of the plumbing received mixed feedback. Furthermore, cleaning services appear to be provided upon request rather than daily, which led to some rooms not being cleaned as often as guests would have liked.
Overall, while most guests found Papaya Guest House to be clean and comfortable, there are areas mentioned that require attention and care to meet every visitor's expectations.
Staff
Papaya Guest House Nungwi consistently receives high praise for its exceptional staff, who are frequently described as friendly, helpful and accommodating. The team, which includes notable members like Ali, Mohammed and chef Saidi, is recognized for their unwavering support and attentiveness to guests' needs. Many reviews highlight the staff's ability to create a welcoming and homely atmosphere, making visitors feel safe and well cared for.
The management, including owners and receptionists such as Dmitry and Abi, contribute to the positive experience through their kindness and willingness to assist with any requests, from organizing excursions to providing detailed local information. Communication is often described as excellent with staff readily responding to inquiries and ensuring that guests have everything they need.
Several reviews note the staff's polite demeanor with some guests going as far as to call them super friendly and incredibly kind. The breakfast service receives particular acclaim for both its quality and the friendly service provided. Overall, the staff at Papaya Guest House Nungwi are distinguished by their exceptional hospitality, making a significant contribution to the overall positive experience of staying at the guesthouse.
Wi-Fi
The reviews for Papaya Guest House Nungwi highlight a generally positive experience with WiFi connectivity in the common areas such as the reception and dining areas. Guests frequently mention that the WiFi available in these zones is very good or good. However, when it comes to the rooms, the WiFi signal is notably weaker with some guests noting that WiFi in the rooms is either insufficient or completely unavailable. While the common areas provide reliable internet access, the inconsistency in the rooms suggests that those needing stable connectivity for work or communication may need to stay close to the reception or dining areas.
Beach
Papaya Guest House Nungwi is praised for its prime location, offering easy access to one of Zanzibar's most popular and beautiful beaches. Guests consistently highlight the property's proximity to the beach with many describing it as a short walk ranging from 2 to 5 minutes. The guest house is strategically situated for easy reach not only to the ocean but also to nearby restaurants, shops and market stalls, making it a convenient choice for both relaxation and local exploration. Visitors appreciate the cozy and comfortable accommodation which provides an excellent base for beachgoers. The location receives positive remarks for its excellent value, given its closeness to Nungwi Beach and the central amenities of the town. The beach itself is described as stunning and lovely, reinforcing the guest house's appeal as a perfect spot for a beach-centric stay.
Family
Papaya Guest House Nungwi offers a highly family-friendly environment, providing a safe and kid-friendly public area where small children can run around and play. The atmosphere is notably welcoming for families, emphasizing a sense of being part of a larger family community. Both young and old can enjoy the amenities with large rooms specifically designed to accommodate families. The presence of many cats and dogs, along with the acceptance of guests bringing their pets, adds to the homely and relaxed atmosphere. Additionally, the guest house features a drop kitchen, making it convenient for family needs. Despite occasional disturbances from a crying baby, the overall experience is harmonious for families.
Dog Friendly
Papaya Guest House Nungwi offers an inviting, pet-friendly environment that is well-suited for guests traveling with dogs. The presence of pets on the property adds a homely atmosphere with warm welcomes extended to all dogs. The hotel is open to both cats and dogs and even features friendly resident dogs that enhance the cozy feel of the place. Many guests appreciate the animal-friendly policies and the amazing dog-friendliness of the hotel. Occasional appearances by a dog and a monkey also contribute to the unique charm of the location. Overall, the property is praised for making guests' pets feel very much at home.
No, Papaya Guest House Nungwi doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Papaya Guest House Nungwi.
Yes, Papaya Guest House Nungwi welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Papaya Guest House Nungwi.