Shoestrings is basically a backpackers lodge. It means that the rooms are quite basic, with shabby bathrooms and no mosquitoe nets, but nicely decorated and cosy. As any backpackers lodge, though, the atmosphere is fantastic, there is always party at the garden/bar/restaurant without having to leave the lodge. A nice place to stay, I would definitely go back there if I went again to the Falls, which are at walking distance from the hotel (20 minutes).

This is the cheapest room with Airconditioning which we needed as we were here in October 2011. It was very hot but be warned that the room is warmer than outside. There are other more expensive option but we decided not to move because it was walking distance from town and the falls.

This place had plenty of real estate for people to spread out in. Although they were full the staff set me up with camping. While making dinner I was able to chat with some staff members making their own dinner and they were quite friendly and informative. Whether it was helping me arrange transit to my next destination or helping me troubleshoot internet connectivity, every single staff member I interacted with was friendly and helpful.

I stayed in an ensuite twin room with a friend in early July. Shoestrings is very well situated with about a 25 minute walk to the mighty Victoria Falls, and it is within 5 minutes walk of the town centre. The guy at the tour booking desk was very helpful, and the internet cafe was pretty good.

The room I stayed in was pretty run down. The door did lock, but as it didn't shut properly it rattled during the night. There was no door to the ensuite bathroom, so choose your roommates carefully! The shower was hot but the bathroom was very dingy. The bed was comfortable but I wasn't convinced it was completely clean. If you are staying in the summer I would definitely bring a mosquito net as they are not provided. We were lucky to be staying in winter. On the basis of the room I didn't think it was value for money.

The bar is very lively as it fills up with travellers and locals after dark! However, we were persistently hassled by a guy trying to sell his services as a tour guide to the Falls (not that I could blame him). The alcohol is very cheap and the food (especially the pizzas) was pretty good. However, the music at the bar was deafening, and from my room (some distance away) it was still extremely loud. If you're a light sleeper I would not recommend staying but if you're a party animal you'll love it!