Melia Zanzibar is probably a nice stop on a safari trip but not worth 24 hours travel from Europe.
First of all, you must remember that Zanzibar is in Africa. So don't dream about a "special" place. This is Africa with 7 electric black out a day, Internet on and off all week long (more off than on) and a very, very slow service (expect 20' to get a tuna burger at the pool bar, even if you are the only customer).
The good thing about Melia Zanzibar is that it's very quiet. Low, if not no music in the bars and restaurants.
But don't expect any entertaiment either.
Food is not at all worth a 5*. Best times it's good, very often it's blend. The choice of wine in the all inclusive packages is very limited... and it takes so much time to get a glass or a refill that you will never risk getting drunk.

Beach : ok, you've read it in many blogs, there is a huge tide in Zanzibar. What does that mean ? It means that during the week we spent there it was impossible to get into the ocean before 16:30. With the sun going down on the west, like in most places, if the beach is facing the east, like for the Melia, it means that à 17:30 you have no more sun on the beach.

Snorkeling : we brought our masks and tubas but to no avail. Either there is no water, and when I mean no water it's 20 cm max, or when the water is back it's kind of muddy with the coral sand being shuffled around. So no beautiful fishes like you would expect from a lagoon.

Bottom line : kind of disappointing. And all the efforts of the management will not change it. There are lots of other places around the world which are much better for the same price.

My wife and me had lucky to pass the ours days in this fantastic place. The meals was really good, the rooms really comfortable, the swimming pool fantastic, and of course the sea and views amazing, truly lux. A part of all of that was great cause César and the managers Ramon and Jose Antonio were caring us all the time.
Recomendable 100% if that you want is quality, relax and friendly ambient.

Es un sitio donde nos encantaria volver y si tenemos la oportunidad lo haremos.

The hotel rooms and bathrooms are really great but communication with the staff from the housekeeping to receptionists to the conceirge was a real issue.

I had the opportunity to stay at Melia during their soft opening, and was thoroughly impressed with the revamping of the hotel. The staff are the shining jewel of this lovely hotel, taking every opportunity to be sure that our stay was comfortable, seamless and relaxing. Staff seemed to be able to predict your needs even before you know them - I traveled with my 10 year old daughter who is a bit shy but was embraced by the staff and encouraged to play in the kid's club and with other children by lovely Aisha. After the first day she rushed to the club as soon as she woke up! Gabi Beach is the second amazing feature. I've been to many hotels in Zanzibar and I must say that the beach and the set up at Gabi are fabulous. I felt as though I was on a deserted tropical island, yet able to relax in the bandas and be taken care of by the staff. The beach itself is deserted and lovely. Finally the food is extraordinary...we loved the sushi at the jetty and the seafood lunches at Gabi. All in all I highly recommend a visit to Melia - we will definitely be back.