Last minute travelled to Zanzibar and decided to visit lovely Paje, on the other side of the island about a 45 minute ride from Stonetown. Cristal Resort is low key, on an endless great beach - ocean was warm, lovely and clean. Pool looked nice. No one is allowed to come near you or harass you on your chaise while at beach. There is a security guard during the day watching over the beach which was nice. Also very apparent at night.
My room was simple sort of rustic, bohemian with a fantastic view of Palms and beach! Heard the waves all night. Nice bed. The resort is owned/managed by a young French couple who go out of their way to accommodate you. The clientele consisted of many Europeans especially French but also a good mix of other nationalities mostly couples in their 30-40's. It is a family friendly resort so there were young children of all ages, and being the holidays, probably more apparent than usual. There is a non smoking policy in the open dining area. Smoking is allowed in the adjacent lounge area. The staff were all very kind and helpful.
Kite surfing is popular and ideal on this beach so fun to watch the colourful sails. There is a hip Thai /sushi restaurant that is nearby on the beach which is very good. Food at the resort was very good with a few wine choices.
I took advantage of getting a badly needed manicure and pedicure in the newly opened spa - all other treatments were available by a professional Thai masseuse.
The resort is laid back, so unless you are looking for more features or "luxury" accommodation, and if you just want to "get away" to swim and relax on a beautiful beach, this is a great value for sure. It's a pleasant drive from Stonetown with lots to see out the window plus some beautiful countryside - and not a long 2 hour + drive up north, taking up valuable beach time. Seafood is fresh, Jozzani Forest is 20 minutes, and excursions to Stonetown to shop or visit some of the out islands, ruins, spice tours or great snorkeling and diving trips are all within an hour or so away.

Good, power a problem, view great, great beach, good relaxing time. Breakfast okay, restaurants good. Beer not always cold :( Service acceptable, food good, eco rooms good but warm with fan only. Reception helpful and plenty to do.

Great value for a deluxe bungalow with a/c. We were travelling as a 3 and the room was spacious and welcoming.

The beach is breezy but it keeps you cooler. Very fun to walk out and watch the seaweed farms being tended to in the morning. The breakfast was ok with nice coffee.

The swimming pool was clean and the water refreshing and it was nice to mix up beach and pool times! It was very quiet when we went so we always got a lounger.

The gem to this is the thai restaurant next door (owned by the hotel). The prawn curry was IMMENSE. We ate here three times!! Delicious.

It is an one hour drive from the ferry port in Stone Town (45 $ one way)that gets you to this resort. Driver sent by the hotel waited for us at the exit gate with the sign and he was helpful and courteous. On your way to the hotel don't miss out on stopping in a supermarket to stock up on whatever you might need*water, sodas, sun lotion...) since there are no stores in the hotels vicinity. Once in the hotel you might want to opt for eco lodge (best value for the money) It is very basic but definitely ads up to the entire Zanzibar experience. Eco lodge is small bathroom area is separated from the rest of the room by half wall it has netting on windows and all in all gives you Robinson Crusoe experience. Breakfast is very basic so don't keep your expectations high. We have decided on a half board option and I have to say that the dinner exceeded all expectations. (although the bar was set low due to the breakfast experience). Service is great. You can get beach towels from the reception desk so don't bother bringing extra towels with you..The swimming pool is small but clean and provides a nice refreshment during the low tides(which are really really low), If you are looking for a nice weekend getaway it's a perfect spot. Costs for two people are 160 $ ferry tickets round trip, 90$ cab ride to hotel round trip, 130$ two nights half board at eco lodge. For a total of 370$ not a bad deal.