We're 4 Australians who stayed here during our 1 month visit to Zanzibar.
The hotel is a peaceful retreat only 1 hour drive from stone town. The staff are very friendly and welcoming, and the infinity pool was amazing.
The bungalows are large with comfortable queen sized beds and nice bathrooms. There is a private beach but the tide is out for most of the day so is not always swimmable.
The menu changes daily and the food is amazing. They also offer complimentary fruit, beverages and bar snacks throughout the day.
Overall a lovely hotel and a great experience!

This hotel far exceeded our expectations. We travel a great deal, and I had concerns it might prove to be "basic". My fears were totally unfounded.The rooms were cool and comfortable. The food was equal if not better than that we have experienced in 5* hotels, presented beautifully. The staff were warm and friendly, nothing too much trouble,whilst professional. We never tired of exploring the beach, walking was a pleasure with no harrassment. We enjoyed 7 days of total relaxation at Pongwe and loved everything about it.We are hoping to return later this year.

While unfortunately we were unable to stay here because it was fully booked, we spent a wonderful day here as refugees from the ghastly Seasons Lodge two doors down. The management at Pongwe Beach Hotel were very accommodating and gracious which saved our stay in Zanzibar from being a complete disaster. I highly recommend anyone to stay here and cannot think of a better value for money proposition anywhere - thankyou management and staff at Pongwe Beach Hotel.

Seasons Lodge, on the other hand, is the worst hotel we have ever stayed in. Since this is a review of Pongwe Beach Hotel I won't go into detail on Seasons Lodge but am happy to expand on the experience should anyone wish to learn more

The hotel is quite remote, ca. 1h taxi ride from stone town and the airport, the rooms with basic facilities and unfortunately no aircon are direct at the beautiful beach. The beach is perfect, no sellers and most of the time you are the only one on the white sand and a sea of dazzling turquoise.
The staff is friendly and tries to make your stay unforgetable, the catering crew even prepare special requests when it comes to breakfast like the coconut tomato chutney to the omlette, yummie!
The fresh water in the resort is salty like in the shower or in the pool, need to get used to it but after a few days it is ok!
The food in the resort is good swahili cuisine but you depend on the food in the resort as any other restaurant you only reach by taxi which is quite an effort.
A laptop with free internet access is provided at reception which helps to stay in touch with the world!
All in all a great resort to relax for a few days if you like a remote and untouched place!