The Victoria Falls Hotel

Victoria Falls, Zambia

Virgin rating

Deluxe Suite
Deluxe Suite

The hotel

Tantalisingly close to Victoria Falls, this grand hotel has views of the waterfall’s spray, the dramatic gorge, and Victoria Falls Bridge, with a private path leading you to the falls themselves in just ten minutes. And this means you’re also close to the attractions of Victoria Falls town. The falls’ inaugural hotel, it has a deep-rooted history dating back to 1904 when it was built for British railway workers. It’s a history still played out in its Edwardian décor and pool, in the High Teas on Stanley’s Terrace (accompanied by views of the bridge and fall sprays), and in the elegant dining of The Livingstone Room, dressed in white tablecloths and sparkling silverware. Victoria Falls Hotel hasn’t forgotten its local roots though, with African feasts and entertainment at Jungle Junction, and braais and beverages served under its thatched gazebos and around the pool.

Amenities

  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool
  • Room Service
  • Restaurant

Where is it

Directly overlooks the Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side of the falls. Transfer time from Victoria Falls Airport: 15 minutes.

Hotel information

161 rooms and suites. All with air-conditioning, TV, WiFi access, tea/coffee-making facilities, mini-bar* and safe. Standard Rooms are available with single, twin or double beds and have wood furnishings. Some rooms are interconnecting.

Edwardian in style, Deluxe Rooms are located in the main section of the hotel. These rooms either have garden views or overlook the Batoka Gorge and the Victoria Falls Bridge, with a double bed or twin beds, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Newly refurbished Deluxe Suites overlook the resorts garden or Zambezi River, they also feature four-poster king-sized bed, spacious marble bathroom and a spacious lounge area.

Signature Livingstone Room (fine dining), Jungle Junction restaurant (breakfast and dinner, evening entertainment), Stanley’s Terrace (light meals and High Tea), BBQ lunch next to the pool. Bar. Pool. Spa*. Mini fitness room. Internet lounge. 24-room service*.

* Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (2095)
  • Very good (901)
  • Average (275)
  • Poor (103)
  • Terrible (58)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Lovely Colonial Hotel - Better than expected

Nov 25, 2023 dbhall72 Hong Kong, China

Having read various reviews we weren’t expecting the hotel and experience to be as good as we hoped but we were pleasantly surprised! We stayed for x2 nights in a Stables Signature Wing Double Room, prior to embarking on Rovos Rail (that’s a different story) . We found the accommodation to be to an old but very acceptable standard. However, what… Read more
Having read various reviews we weren’t expecting the hotel and experience to be as good as we hoped but we were pleasantly surprised! We stayed for x2 nights in a Stables Signature Wing Double Room, prior to embarking on Rovos Rail (that’s a different story) . We found the accommodation to be to an old but very acceptable standard. However, what made the hotel was the charm and character of the building coupled with the friendliness and attentiveness of the entire team. Maybe our experience was a little unique but I would like to personally recognise Christian who went above and beyond to make our experience enjoyable. Prior to arriving at the hotel, I experienced an old sports back injury making walking and any movement very painful. Within minutes of checking in and without being promoted, Christian took the initiative to start implementing measures to make our stay as comfortable as possible. Within a couple of hours he arranged for a doctor to visit, and the following morning he had sourced a physiotherapist who visited on two occasions to help rectify my back. As a result of Christian going above, and beyond, I was able to participate in all planned activities including visiting Devils Pool. Having stayed in numerous 5*+ hotels all around the world, Christian’s level of personal care and attentiveness compared with the best. We also found the restaurant teams to be good with a special mention needing to be given to Simba and his colleagues for the fine dining experience they provide. However, I think we were lucky as we were the only guests during the entire sitting on the night in question. Based on our experience, we’d certainly recommend The Victoria Falls Hotel as hopefully what we experienced wasn’t a one off! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Excellent Stay

Nov 17, 2023 2015marcol Christchurch, New Zealand

We had two stays - one night to allow for connections. The second was for 7 nights on our return to VF. The room was exactly where we wanted to be - on the ground floor. We were looked after extremely well by Edson and Precious amongst others. The ambience was exactly as you would expect from an older style hotel and the service was… Read more
We had two stays - one night to allow for connections. The second was for 7 nights on our return to VF. The room was exactly where we wanted to be - on the ground floor. We were looked after extremely well by Edson and Precious amongst others. The ambience was exactly as you would expect from an older style hotel and the service was exceptional. The food was of an excellent standard and catered to a wide range of tastes. We would recommend this hotel to all who would want an old fashioned hotel and old style service of a very high standard. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Very disappointed, beware!

Nov 16, 2023 Joanne J

Travelled on a tour through Namibia ending at the Victoria Falls Hotel as a single within a total group of twelve. Looking forward to a final end stay at this 5* Heritage Hotel but was so disappointed with it. I Totally agree with the other reviews, it's an old hotel trading on it name. It looks the part but the service and staff are the worst I… Read more
Travelled on a tour through Namibia ending at the Victoria Falls Hotel as a single within a total group of twelve. Looking forward to a final end stay at this 5* Heritage Hotel but was so disappointed with it. I Totally agree with the other reviews, it's an old hotel trading on it name. It looks the part but the service and staff are the worst I have come across in many years of travel. Room was basic and not well organised with no view. the shower had marble tile floor (no bath mat) so highly dangerous. Fridge was empty (no mini bar), mirror by door but hair dryer and sockets over other side of room making mirror unusable. What ever ordered or asked for or arrangements made for laundry collection/ delivery were never carried out. Strangely no information book in the room to inform about hotel services (hotel shops, pool, laundry etc). Breakfast room miles away and no signs to show way. Room service......... don't bother. I could go on but would sooner forget my experience at this un-luxury hotel. Never again. Beware!!! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Nostalgia

Nov 14, 2023 Sue M

Decided to stay after a 40 odd year's of first arriving in Rhodesia, for nostalgia more than anything. Still in awe of the beauty it had to offer. Found the decor (Stable wing) rather tried and sad, but the room in keeping with the hotel. We only had breakfast in the Jungle Junction. I found the… Read more
Decided to stay after a 40 odd year's of first arriving in Rhodesia, for nostalgia more than anything. Still in awe of the beauty it had to offer. Found the decor (Stable wing) rather tried and sad, but the room in keeping with the hotel. We only had breakfast in the Jungle Junction. I found the staff really need training in etiquette and a smile wouldn't go a miss. A cappuccino got a blank look.The gym could do with little upgrade .But besides that a great experience just to be there. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Don’t miss it!

Nov 11, 2023 857stevenab Carmel Valley, California

Awesome hotel.. beautiful grounds, excellent staff, incredible food and wonderful accommodations. Loved every moment of our stay. Restaurant and grounds are spectacular. Worth every penny. Highly recommended. Spacious room. Amazing breakfast buffet. Wonderful music. Great massages.