I loved the Garden Lodge. It was like staying in a large old style house. The room was reasonably priced and each one different. There was even hot water which can be a bit of a luxury!! The lodge had lovely balconys to sit and chill on and a nice rooftop terrace to sit and read a book in the sun or shade.

The staff were ok, mit miserable sometimes but helpful enough and I wasn't there for customer service anyway. The lodge is on a lovely quiet and safe street, surrounded by a lovely garden away from the hustle and bustle but still within 5 minutes walking distance to the action.

Large bottles of cold water can be bought at reception and they have fridges on each floor so you keep it cool if needed. There is also a telly on each floor.

As far as budget accommodation goes it was lovely, clean and I just felt really relaxed there.

We did go for breakfast one morning but didn't have enough time to wait for the relaxed pace of the lady cooking the breakfast. I went in to the kitchen but don't think I was meant to and one thing I could say was to stay away from the fruit as it is all cut up prior to people arriving so is sitting out in the warmth giving ample time for for flying nasties to have a wee munch or other things!!

Apart from that minor thing though, I loved it and would recommend a stay if heading that way.

The Garden Lodge is a budget hotel, do not expect any luxury but it has all you need to visit Stone town. The location is great, safe area and a short distance to the city centre with lots of restaurants and shops nearby. We stayed for 4 nights, in a double room with private bathroom, for just 40$ including breakfast. Room was very basic, but it has all the necessary: big bed with mosquito net and bathroom with plenty of hot water. It was also very clean. Only issue is the room is that it can be pretty noisy, the mosquee is just a few steps away, but you get used to it! Staff was helpful, we left our valuable items at reception and felt very safe. Breakfast was fine, not so big, but for the money you would not expect more.

We stayed at Garden Lodge for 2 nights. It was ok. We had a nice room. Staff gave information when we asked, but gave us the impression of being a bit depressed... they didn't seem very happy (especially the lady at breakfast wasn't friendly at all) , but they did always help us when we asked them something, so I guess that's the most important thing.

My sister and I stayed in a 2nd floor room and found it clean and comfortable. Staff were very friendly and stored luggage for us our last day while we toured Jozoni Forest. The breakfasts on the roof were tasty and view up there was nice. I would recommend requesting a 2nd or 3rd floor room. The hotel was very convenient to all the sights of stonetown and we would stay there again.