Shooting Star Lodge

A homely property with views out to the Indian Ocean

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Review

One of the original small, boutique hotels on the island, the Shooting Star Lodge has still managed to maintain a great ambience and laid back approach to beach life! Set up on a cliff, many who come here tend to opt more for pool than beach, but this is not to say that they don’t have a great beach to use if you prefer. We really like the good sized rooms and communal areas in which to generally relax and take in that outstanding view!

Beach

As with Mchanga, just up the coast, this is a section of Zanzibar that has been little developed. What this means is that it is still possible to feel like you are in the middle of nowhere, living your own Robinson Crusoe type holiday! As with most east coast beaches, the tide does tend to go out a fair distance at times, but it does not really take a way from the picture perfect!

Rooms

The rooms at Shooting Star Lodge are very functional with good space and an even better outside area with room enough for two sunloungers and a seating area. It is true that at this end of the price spectrum you can’t expect too much for your money but, unlike many of the newer properties, Shooting Star has a good amount of space and, as such, the rooms feel to be a good size.

Layout

Set on a cliff top, the main feature of Shooting Star Lodge is the bar/restaurant and the pool areas…all of which offer outstanding views. It is true that there is a bit of a wander down to the beach and so may not be the best for those with mobility issues…but the view far outweighs any negatives in our book. Other than the main areas, the rooms are sensibly laid out and it doesn't feel too cramped or crowded.

Feedback

Shooting Star (incredibly friendly and welcoming to us on our honeymoon)

- Aleja and Lynn, June, 2016
Rating:

Shooting star was very relaxing, i like to call it bare foot luxury in a unique setting. We were lucky enough to spend half our time in a sea view cottage amongst the gardens with lots of privacy (tea for two waiting on the verandah in the morning was a nice touch) and then were upgraded to one of the suites with private pool, day bed, roof top terrace with panoramic views, his and hers dressing rooms the list goes on! We were very spoilt.

The local staff were very friendly although service was a little inconsistent. The beach was nice but we didn't spend too much time bathing on it given there was lots of sea weed that wasn't cleared routinely. The sun loungers at shooting star were also not readily available on the beach and we got the impression that it would be a mission to request some to be moved to a nicer less rocky part of the beach where the beach was combed and sea weed removed.

The food was amazing. Kim and I both like a variety of home cooked and haute cuisine (if you will) and Shooting Stars food was a happy medium. Good local faire with a unique twist, always delicious and much better than the neighbouring Gabi Beach. I would encourage people staying else where to visit Shooting Star for lunch, that said... I would also give the staff a lesson or two on cocktail making and suggest they find cheaper alternatives for their overpriced wine list.

- Matt and Kim, Apr, 2012
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Facilities