We were really shocked to find that their internet presentation does not reflect the reality .... the hotel seems to be falling apart , not maintained at all , , the pool dirty , no shower to be seen so people jump in filled with sand . the breakfast is poor , and there seems to be zero manager dealing with the staff , I wonder what the owners do with the money , i don't think they put a penny in this place for maintenance and renovation , electricity cuts non stop , food , below average , beach filled with plastic bottles .... would not recommend this place

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.