The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls by Anantara

Our experience at the Royal Livingstone was enjoyable from the moment we were picked-up to the moment we left. It quickly became a highlight of our recent trip. The Pick-Up: We opted for the airport pick-up + water taxi transport to the property. We were warmly greeted by Boyd (our driver), and he offered us towels and beverages. We were then escorted to a water taxi, which provided a mini-safari on our way to the property. We spotted crocodiles, a hippo and a family of elephants on the shore. When we arrived to the property, a group of dancers and musicians greeted us. This was one of the best airport to hotel experiences I have ever had. The Property: The grounds are well maintained and feature wildlife roaming about. There is plentiful seating placed throughout the grounds in a variety of settings. The main building houses the bar and restaurants -- you may feel like you are in a storybook. The accommodations are all well-maintained and private. The location along the shore of the river provides spectacular sunset views, and animal sightings. There was a moment at sundown where a family of elephants came into view along the opposite shoreline. The excitement it generated among guests enjoying an evening beverage really made the moment feel special. The property also provides direct access into Victoria Falls (at no cost). We hopped on a club car, and were driven to the entrance gate. It was an incredibly easy way to visit and enjoy the views of this wonder. Hospitality: The team at the Royal Livingstone are professional and friendly. They always offered their services and kindness. This includes the butler service, club car drivers, dining and refreshment staff, the concierge staff and even the grounds security (one member of the grounds team went out of his way to show us where a couple of giraffes were). Check-Out: The check-out process was slightly slow, but this may have been due to the system. We opted for a car service to the Zambia/Botswana border, which left promptly at the requested time. Our driver escorted us through the immigration office and saw us off at the crossing, truly a full-service experience. Overall, it was a wonderful experience. I would stay again. Read less

We are currently staying at the hotel Livingston. I have time to write this review, because frankly, we could barely get dinner and to get drinks was nearly impossible. The property is beautiful, the room service is wonderful. The reception was amazing. However the dining and bar experience is terrible. We went to kudu and were seated and finally someone said he’d be right there. Never came. . So we decided to leave and go to the bar; we asked for a bar menu and a table. We were told to go sit in the piano bar and a server would be right with us but he never came and neither did anybody else. We then started to wander around trying to find a table in the bar we grabbed a spot after some people left. We waited about 20 minutes or so and finally got up to ask for some service. He left and never came back. Finally we went up to the bar and placed an order and asked if there was anyway to have a bite. He said we could have snacks but never brought us that menu. I saw that our drinks were made and put to the side. I decided to just get up and get them to bring them to the table myself but they said they would deliver them. No martinis are ever served without Olives. This one was. Now what to do about dinner? We could change and go to the dining room but it was too late, we ended up going down to the kudu where the food is ok. The fan in our room clicks and clicks. Probably our fault because we didn’t complain about it. The hotel lacks organization. It appears, there are a lot of wonderful and gracious people working here but the right hand does not appear to know what the left hand is doing. Read less

Royal Livingstone Hotel is one of those places where you will always want to return. The property is part of a protected National Park so, you will be able to found giraffes, zebras, antelopes, among other lovely animals just steps of you!!! We just get there were “welcomed” by a beautiful giraffe that was curious but not scary about us. Such pretty and unique place! We had the privilege to look everyday giraffes and zebras around our room and kept that images in our hearts. We were amazed by these super elegant design animals just seeing them getting grass “breakfast” so peacefuly steps ahead of our terrace room. The gardens are beautiful with hammocks, lovely seats and places for rest or taking a nice time to enjoy the landscape of the Zambezee river and the Falls breeze. This Hotel is not an ordinary one, we found it unique, and gorgeous. DETAILS: Buffet was awesome, the staff very kind always asking if you need anything else, the healthy corner as well as all the food was great. Manager and staff remarkable kindness and effectiveness, we forgot the eyeglasses at the restaurant and they solved immediately. We couldn’t use the pool (due our time for safaris) which have a privileged sights but only to spend time there is a gift. The cleaning staff was particularly kind and attentive to any request. The golf cart team was always kind, and the group who sing for welcoming at the motor lobby was really fun and appreciable. We loved to stay there and for sure we gladly return. IMPORTANT: Location is walking distance or golf cart (always available) to get Victoria Falls walk path, you will not need to pay anything but carry your room key with you. There is also a nice Arts and Crafts Market which have a lot of wood, stone, and textile african art. It is also near by the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park a very special place where we had the privilege to see a group of 9 Rhynos... Priceless!!! We are so happy to have choose this Hotel and so happy as well for the concept of being so close to the animals which is a privilege. If you love wildlife, if you want an exquisit place or if you want to be in touch with the nature this Hotel is a must in Livingstone. Read less

The grounds and pool of the Livingstone are beautiful along the Zambezi, and the proximity (and free entry) to Victoria Falls is quite convenient. The sunset was also gorgeous from the bar deck (albeit buggy beyond words!). However, the price point is outrageous for the service we received. I appreciate cultural differences, but there was never a sense of urgency. Getting a drink took upwards of 30 minutes. Only the house red and white were available by the glass (and weren’t good). A meal was not delivered when ordered. An ashtray was never brought to the room. A bed didn’t have a mosquito net. Waters were not replenished. The food was mediocre at best (I’m convinced the kudu was served with the same berry yogurt from the breakfast buffet...). The power shut off repeatedly and affected the air conditioning, credit card machines and WiFi. This list could go on... I am grateful for Gift, one of the managers, who is attempting to have our meals comped. I appreciate his desire to take this feedback and improve the quality of service at this hotel. I would not recommend this place based on my experience and I feel disappointed in myself for spending so much money to stay here. Read less