Dan and I stayed at the historic Victoria Falls Hotel when we visited Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

The Victoria Falls Hotel is an old historic hotel located right in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.  The Grande Dame of Victoria Falls if you will.  The nightly rates at this hotel are more than Dan and I usually spend on hotels, but I just could not come all the way to Victoria Falls and not stay here!  So we bit the bullet.  I thought it was quite luxurious and a worthy splurge!

The hotel is set in a dramatic location, with views of the spray from the Falls, the Victoria Falls Bridge and the Second Gorge from the main terrace.  Truly stunning!!

The terrace is also home to some local animals, including these warthogs!  I couldn’t stop thinking about Pumba!!

The rooms were luxurious.  Our room was large with a king bed, flat screen TV, air conditioning, mini bar, fast wifi, robes, bath with separate shower and tub, pretty much what you would expect in a luxury property!

 

Really loved this chair in the room: 

One of the perks of this hotel is a path leading from the hotel directly to the Falls, which took about 8 minutes.  A very easy walk.  We took this both days to and from the Falls.  The hotel employs people to accompany you on the trail if you wish.  It was safe in my opinion, but a number of nagging trinket-sellers work along the trail.  They left us alone with a strong NO, but I imagine it could be uncomfortable if you are alone.

Aside from the trail, another highlight of the hotel is its dining room!!  I had read about the restaurant before visiting, but could not figure out how to make reservations online.  No need, you can make them on the spot, which is what we did.  I knew before going that I wanted to do the tasting menu…and was kinda nervous about the price.  Well, I shouldn’t have been!  This is THE BEST DEAL AROUND.  We had the seven course tasting menu and wine pairing at the low cost of $70 US a person!  The food was also delicious!!

Amuse Bouche: Crocodile confit.  YUM.  It reminded me of a delicious chicken salad!! 

First Course: Ostrich carpaccio & tartar, organic herb salad & quail egg.  I don’t love ostrich, but everything else was superb!

Second Course: Scallops with sweetcorn and confit chicken,

Third Course: Tomato essence with basil.  This was my favorite dish!  That wine glass of liquid tasted like a tomato basil gazpacho!

Fourth Course: Beef fillet with wild mushroom fricassee and an oxtail pithier.  Sorry for the pic…i dug right in!

Fifth Course: Cheese selection. Seriously, the cheese plate of my dreams.  You could choose anything, or everything, from the cheese cart. I clearly opted for the latter.

Sixth Course: Crepe Suzette flambeed table-side with Grand Marnier ice cream.  This dessert was an extra $6 US and totally worth it!  The preparation alone was worth it!

Seventh Course: Coffee, tea and petit fours!

In addition to the Dining Room, the hotel has a more casual restaurant on the terrace and a small bar.

There is not much night life in the hotel, but the hotel is within easy walking distance of “downtown Victoria Falls,” where there seem to be some bars, etc.

While it shuts down early, the hotel is filled with many relaxing seating areas, a small art gallery, small gym, beauty salon and gift shop!

Steal Our Trip

Victoria Falls Hotel – reservations can be made easily online with Leading Hotels of the World

Should this not suit your needs, there are a number of hotels in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe at all price ranges, from luxury resorts with casinos to hostels.  In addition, there are many accommodations just over the border in Zambia, where we also spent two nights!  Post to follow!