We only stayed here because our previous night's accommodation (Zanzibar Coffe House Hotel - which is excellent) was full. And what a contrast! I'd actually visited a friend here about six years ago, but the place seems to have changed hands and is looking decidedly run-down. The rooms were shabby, and the linen and towels either in poor condition and (in the case of the towels) not particularly clean. The bathroom was the worst part of our room, with leaking taps, ants everywhere, and a bad smell. This would be okay if they charged budget rates, but at $50 for a twin, we felt a little cheated.

However, the guy at the front desk told me that they have plans to refurbish it over the next year, so this place could be brought back from the dead - worth checking back in 2009!

Sun Tours under the auspices of Imaginative Travellers landed us in Zanzibar and after telling us our previous bookings were not available took us to the Coco De Mer.But beware because there are two Coco De Mer hotels in Zanzibar.The second one,where we were taken is situated next to what looked like a brothel in a very seedy part of Stone Town.After examining the tiny rooms we refused to stay there and were taken to the Dhow Palace which is a good 3 star hotel. Beware travel agents who use numerous African agents,I ended up dealing with 4 different agencies in Africa and consequently there was little good communication throughout the entire 3 week safari tour.

The only good thing about this hotel was its location - right in the centre of old town Stonetown. Whilst there was nothing outright bad about the hotel, there were many average things: no air-con, small double beds, holes in the mossie nets, tatty bathrooms, sparse breakfast and a central safe by reception that seemed less than 100% secure. The rooms vary hugely, with regards to noise and natural light, so aim for a room on the higher floors. In summary, bareable if you don't pay up for it!