Siavonga Hotels with Bars

This hotel is located in the beautiful area of Siavonga near the Kariba Dam. The food was soo good buffet style with western and local options, food was fresh and tasty! We stayed in executive lake view and these rooms were huge, clean, great view, Air con and big bed. The pool area is beautiful and the views and palm trees make it a peaceful place to relax. I loved that they played modern songs but a drawn back piano instrumental versions which made the whole atmosphere so peaceful. The bar was fully equipped so i enjoyed a cocktail in the pool whilst I read my book. There is a beach area down some stairs nearby also. Negatives: There is no net on the balcony doors so bugs can get in if your not careful. We were late checking in because previous guests hadn't checked out but the hotel offered us free lunch and a room upgrade because of the inconvenience so can't argue with that! Overall a perfect stay i would definitely recommend and hope to come back for a longer stay.

Strange one, this! Some aspects of Lake Kariba Inns deserve at least four stars, others only two, so I have compromised on three. I realise that this hotel caters mainly to Zambian residents, so I, as a European traveller, am perhaps not in the best position to judge. But here goes. The location is terrific, and the rooms are fine, well maintained and serviced, if a little on the pricey side. Food is average, though the continental breakfast is poor, with a much-depleted fruit salad and disgusting coffee. Service is erratic, some staff first-class, others surly and unhelpful. A highlight is a trip on the lake in a small boat, well piloted. But the landing/embarkation area is awkward to use. Surely the hotel could design and build, at little cost, a floating jetty to make it easier for those of us with less mobility? My biggest complaint is the swimming pools and their etiquette. The hotel seems to be aiming for a 'family resort' feel, which is unfortunate. A children's pool should be quite separate from one reserved for adults, and there should be strict cut-off times for pool use. It is uncomfortable, irritating, and dangerous having screaming, soaking-wet children running between dining tables at 2200hrs. Greater control by the owners/proprietors is required, in my view. If the hotel is looking for mature, up-market guests a quiet bar area would be preferable (ideally without a pool table!) and the noise level kept down. The 'music' continued on Saturday night until surprisingly late, making difficult an early night and an early start. The approach road is a disgrace, of course, though I realise that is hardly the fault of the hotel. Security seems OK, so on-balance we will revisit, but certainly midweek. The venue is ideal for a quiet, even romantic, vacation, but perhaps visiting at the weekend is a mistake, if it can be avoided?