Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara

Exceptional lodge! Everything was perfect. The staff were helpful, the facilities impeccable, and the food delicious. This lodge well exceeded my expectations.

I loved everything about it. I particularly loved 'bumping into' a giraffe on the way to my room. There were also zebras wandering around and buck. I loved the curtains around the bed and the monogrammed linen. All the staff were extremely friendly. I loved sitting at the bar area near the water and watching the sun set. The breakfasts are superb. We had dinner at The Old Drift Restaurant on our final night and it was excellent.

My only complaint was that I ordered and confirmed several times, the hotel car to drive us to the airport on the final morning. I ordered it for 6.00 a.m. but when we arrived at Reception no one knew anything about it. They did find a car and a driver about ten minutes later but it was annoying.

Beautifully situated on the banks of the Zambezi within walking distance of the Falls. The hotel itself is impressive with fabulously tended grounds with wildlife walking freely around. The staff are lovely. Rooms clean and comfortable but not always consistently stocked. The breakfast is excellent, the restaurants are otherwise ok. We did not finish our plates at any lunch or dinner. Either the food was tasteless or overcooked.

For a 5 star hotel to not provide a free airport shuttle for its guests is actually not acceptable. And then to charge 160 USD for the transfer that is only 15km away is scandalous. When faced with this comment the manager answered „ but it’s a Land Cruiser!“ as if that were so special it was worth 160USD!! People who can afford to stay at this hotel are not going to be impressed by a Land Cruiser. We found that a weak argument and encourage the hotel to consider investing in a shuttle that even 3or 4star hotels provide elsewhere in the world. Also implying that returning guests may possibly be worth giving a free transfer to was quite insulting. Especially as I actually was a returning guest!

Stunning Location! Staff members are incompetent! Totally overrated with Room Rates! Spa Rates terribly overrated prices! Food not up to standard!