The setting amongst the ruins and lush gardens is simply stunning; the newer buildings are subtle and fit in well, and the rooms are spacious and nicely furnished. The restaurant didn't have a really big range of vegetarian options but sufficient, and what they served was excellent. A sunset cocktail on the restaurant deck was a great moment in life. Service was extremely friendly and helpful. They found some items I'd misplaced and kept them safe until I was able to collect them, and they also helped me to find a couple of local contacts for my trip, which was very helpful. The location is convenient for the airport, less than 10 minutes without traffic, and it's 15 minutes' drive into old Stone Town.

Prices in the Zanzibar in general are quite high, compared to similar accommodation elsewhere in the world.

I had the most amazing stay at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens. They got in touch to organise my transfer, which meant it was even easier to rearrange due to a cancelled flight! They picked me up at 4am, let me into my room and even allowed a late check out at 3pm so I could rest and have a slow start to the day. The food was also amazing (I highly recommend the Swahili spinach!) and I would absolutely recommend anyone stay here. It is close to the airport, has direct beach access and sits within the beautiful jungle, the ruins can be seen near the reception. If you are looking for a final stop off before a flight, or somewhere to stay after you've landed before you explore the city, please PLEASE stay here!

The location and setting were superb; its former name of jungle paradise was wholly appropriate. A short drive into Stonetown, 30 mins from Fumba (for an excellent boat trip) and 10 mins from the airport. This is not a high-end resort, but if you want a lovely, quiet beach, a restaurant with tasty food, a great view, and very attentive staff, all in a great location, come here.

The decor and fitting could do with a touch-up - in my opinion, it added to the stay.

Just got back from Zanzibar where we stayed at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens…. an idyllic place. The location to Ston Town and the airport makes it an ideal base for your stay….. situated in the islands most upscale neighbor hood, but directly on the beachfront. The atmosphere and character of the resort, makes it feel like bliss on earth. We enjoyed many dinners on the restaurant terrace, watching the sunset and soaking in the local culture. We were even able to attend the Traditional Swahili Cuisine Night that the hotel organizes together with the local Msonge Organic Family Farm. All on the staff are super friendly and helpful, including the hotel manager. Overall an exceptional experience and great value.

The tide wasn't always high

Thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Jungle Paradise. Solo traveller and felt very comfortable and safe; staff very attentive - not sure of names but Receptionist was so helpful and friendly and really looked after me- also restaurant staff extremely nice and friendly. Room was spacious and super clean with very comfortable bed and nice balcony with garden/sea view. Used the restaurant throughout stay and all meals were fresh and delicious and good value for money. Lots of options for breakfast which was plentiful. Beach was lovely and no problem getting sunbed. Didn't use pool but it looked decent.

Aircon was pretty noisy and woke me up first night but seemed to sort itself out. There were cats around the restaurant which is nice but can be off putting when they get on the table and chairs staring at you eating ready to pounce! Few more candles at night in the restaurant would be nice as hard to read menu and see your food.

This is a unique and interesting hotel with wonderful green grounds in a lovely location. Staff were welcoming and friendly and the room was lovely and spacious with an ocean facing balcony. The food in the restaurant was excellent although service was a little slow especially at breakfast. Sunsets were divine and it was nice for tourists and locals to mix in the beach.

The beach was nice to sit on but the sand was very slimy underfoot and it’s not easy to swim in the ocean.

The staff was always verry helpfull, if there was a problem they would do everything they could to help you. Everyday was a slighty different breakfast, with fresh tasty juice. The view from the rooms and restaurant is breath taking! Every day they give fresh bottled water in the room and come to spray against the mosquito's.

Didnt always get enough towels, but we asked the reception and could always get extra. so no real problem there no safe present in the room. Breakfast from 7.30 am, and at 8am not always ready . next day we had an excusrions and needed to leave around 8am. We asked the reception if they could make us a breakfast to go and they wher so lovely to do understand and prepare a delicious sandwich. so again , well done

I was initially hesitant due to some of the reviews but we had a lovely stay and could find very little to complain about. Yes a little TLC needed here and there but overall it's a gorgeous setting. Rooms were spacious and clean with a charming outdoor terrace for the evenings (rooms with a view), AC was artic, beds super comfy. The gardens are stunning and the ruins (on-site) atmospheric - it does merit the name Jungle Paradise. All staff from reception (City and Khaled) to restaurant (especially Herriet) were exceptionally friendly and helpful. We also had a lovely meal (steak and shrimp linguine) in the upstairs restaurant which was one of the best we had in Zanzibar and we didn't find it took expensive compared to other hotel restaurants. Breakfast was ample and tasty - perfect poached eggs are always a good sign. We also loved to see how well the hotel dog (lovely Berry) and cats were treated. Being 10 mins drive to Stone Town and 15 mins to airport, this is an ideal stop for 1-2 nights for access to Stone Town, airport and Chumbe Island.

The official photos of the beach and pool match don't match reality - the pool is quite small and the beach muddy in low tide. Still perfectly pleasant for an overnight stay. As someone has mentioned the peer has been out of bounds for some time - the hotel needs to update the photos on booking.com to truly reflect the location. Our shower didn't drain properly but not a major issue. Pillows desperately need to be replaced to match the quality of the mattress.

The Ruins are located in a lovely bay that is relatively quiet all day. Great swimming when the tide comes in. Beach not overrun with tourists.

The beach is not very long. The local people come down to the beach in the evening to exercise and play football. This did not bother me, but it may be an issue with others.

Very interesting buildings. Quiet environment with a private beach and lovely gardens. Beautiful breakfast deck with views. At high tide it is possible to swim in the sea. At low tide, can walk on the rocks and find interesting creatures (wearing reef shoes). We were picked up very efficiently at 2 a.m. in the morning. Not a resort feeling, but attentive and friendly staff.

It's quite a distance from the main road to Stonetown / airport / the south, so factor in a taxi ride of at least 15$ (one-way) everytime you want to go anywhere. It's not really a dislike just a good-to-know.