The taxi hustler from the ferry dock dropped us at the ‘Chavda’ after initially trying to dump us in lodgings which were probably paying higher commissions and wouldn't get any business otherwise. After insisting to be taken to a property of our choice we finally got to the intended destination – still it seemed the management parted with some sort... more

Chavda now looks great from the outside, inside has some terrific doors, and beautifully polished staircase and great views from the rooftop restaurant. Also has a strongroom behind the front desk, residents can use the double key safes stored their for free. Rooms are spacious but seemed a little dank, bathroom ok but some fittings past their prime. Air con,... more

The breakfast is average and the restaurant is really not that interesting, but everything else is great! Friendly staff and service, good value, clean rooms and an excellent location just of Shangani. This is probably one of the best mid-range hotels in all of Stone Town more

Date July 2008 Travellers from the UK We had just returned from a week's camping safari in Tanzania and were delighted with the Chavda hotel. We were originally booked into another hotel which turned out to be fully booked and so had our booking changed before we left. We weren't sure what to expect but were highly pleased with the... more

This hotel is converted from an old Indian Colonial Mansion and felt very atmospheric and had retained some of it's old-world charm. Our room was clean and spacious, with a four-poster bed and air con that worked very well. The room view only looked out over other rooftops however that's to be expected given it's central location. The staff were... more

We booked this after our original reservation at the Dhow Palace was unfortunately cancelled (our problem, not theirs). Chavda is a fairly recently redecorated large building in the center of the tourist area in Stonetown--virtually all of Stonetown is overrun with tourists by the way. The rooms were clean and the furnishing in good repair, the bed comfortable. Mosquiton nets... more

Although our expectations were quite low after safari-lodges for one week, Chavda hotel felt like a mistake. The staff was helpful, but a bit arrogant. On arrival, we were given a room that wasn´t cleaned yet. We were left watching tv in the room for 30 minutes before a cleaninglady came in, made the bed and gave us towels. The... more

Boring breakfast (good view) Very mediocre room Poor service and it's not cheap - I would try somewhere else to be honest more

Happy to report that the renovations one reviewer complained about are almost complete and the Chavda is a beautiful place to stay. After our first night in two first floor rooms that had been recently finished (and did still have a slight plaster smell), we were moved to two larger rooms for our last four nights. The new rooms were... more