Palm River Hotel

Luxury Hotel on the banks of the Zambezi river in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe...only 3.5 kilometers from the city center.

Introduction

The Palm River Hotel, opened in December 2021, is the new sister hotel to the popular Ilala Lodge. It is located upstream from Ilala and the Victoria Falls, on the banks of Zambezi River, about 5 kms (less than a 10-minute drive) from the entrance of the Victoria Falls. Getting into town and to the rainforest entrance is easy with the hotel's free shuttle, running regular trips throughout the day.

The Palm River fits confidently and comfortably into the upmarket range of hotels in the Falls, with various rooming options from deluxe and executive rooms and suites to a private villa and a very grand presidential suite. All offer expansive views of the riverside garden from the bedroom balcony, allowing guests to feel up close and personal with the mighty Zambezi River.

The Palm River Hotel has been inspired by the architectural style of the Queenslander, distinct in its savvy use of timber and corrugated iron and its consideration of climatic conditions. The innovative blend of traditional East-Coast Australian design and the unique landscape of the upper Zambezi River has resulted in a brand new and distinctive landmark for Victoria Falls.

The Palm River Hotel is intent on being a truly green entity and harnesses both solar power and hydroelectricity. The hotel has installed a sustainable borehole system equipped with its own water purification system. Recycling efforts include a glass crushing machine to allow for re-use, while plastics, aluminium and paper will be sorted into correct waste and passed on to the Victoria Falls Recycling Project for processing and re-use.

Facilities at the hotel include a luxurious spa, with tranquil views of the Zambezi River. Guests can enjoy a variety of aromatherapy treatments, soothing massages and beauty treatments such as manicures and pedicures. A 34 meter infinity pool in front of the main area has ample areas to relax and unwind. There is a well-equipped gymnasium for guests, as well as a running/walking track that meanders through the natural bush (protected within the hotel grounds). The nearby jetty provides access to the Ra-Ikane River Cruise, which offers breakfast, bird watching, lunch and sunset cruises on the Zambezi River.

The restaurant at the Palm River Hotel features a welcoming indoor dining hall, and open outdoor seating under the tree canopy, with stunning views of the Zambezi River.

Our Opinion

The Palm River Hotels almost unique location on the banks of Zambezi River is an advantage this hotel has over other town hotels and lodges. This must not be confused though with the upstream safari lodges like Old Drift and Victoria Falls River Lodge, amongst others, which are situated inside the Zambezi National Park and offer an altogether different game experience.

The Palm River is only about 3.5 kms from the town center, some people consider this is a disadvantage. However, our opinion is that its beautiful and peaceful location on the Zambezi, with its lovely lawns rolling and wildlife that traverses in front of the hotel, more than compensate for the distance. Plus the regular free hotel shuttle negates that worry.

It's one of the larger hotels for this town, with 73 rooms. All rooms are high-end and would not disappoint even the fussiest of customers and there are several room options available to suit everyone.

No question of it, this is one of the classiest hotels in the town of Victoria Falls and every effort has been made to ensure their customers are comfortable and satisfied.

Welcoming, helpful and friendly staff add to the overall appeal and the food when we stayed there was absolutely outstanding.

One cannot help but recommend this hotel as there is nothing against it, the price tag might put some people off, if it is out of your budget. Suitable for wealthy guests who prefer high quality hotel type accommodation, as opposed to more intimate guest lodge accommodation.

Don't forget to contact us should you wish to book this hotel.

Summary

• Located on the Zambezi River, 5kms from the Vic Falls entrance
• High end hotel and accommodation
• Free hotel shuttle into and around town and VF entrance
• Various room options - all luxurious
• Australian Queenslander design by Zimbabwean architects and interior designers
• Use of both solar and hydro-electric power, plus heat exchange between facilities
• Various luxury facilities, including spa and access to the Ra-Ikane cruises
• Private Villa with different rooms designed just like the main hotel
• Indoor and outdoor restaurant, plus outdoor bar with views of the river

Accommodation at Palm River Hotel

• 73 individual units in total
• 60 Deluxe rooms (40.3m2) - king or twin bed configuration. Two with inter-leading doors.
• 2 Deluxe suites (112.8m2) - 1 king and 1 twin
• 2 Honeymoon suites (72.9m2) - king-size beds
• 3 Executive suites (82.3m2) - king-size beds
• 1 Presidential suite (112.8m2) - king-size bed
• 1 Palm River Villa with 3 bedrooms - 1 Honeymoon Suite with en-suite bathroom, lounge area, balcony and guest bathroom (top floor); 1 Executive Suite with en-suite bathroom; 1 Deluxe Room with en-suite bathroom; Common lounge, kitchen area, dining area, verandah and private swimming pool.

All rooms have:
• Bathroom en-suite - shower, twin vanity basin and toilet. Suites have a a bathtub.
• Private river-facing balcony/verandah
• Ceiling fan
• Hair dryer
• Room digital safe
• Writing desk
• WiFi
• Satellite TV
• Tea/coffee making facilities
• Mini bar
• Air conditioner
• Luggage storage and wardrobe space
• Laundry service
• In-room dining

Advantages

• Beautiful location on the Zambezi River bank
• Only 3.5 kms from the city centre
• Luxury rooms and bathrooms are elegantly designed, making for a very comfortable stay
• Rooms are well appointed with views of the Zambezi River
• Complimentary shuttle taking guests to and from town
• Sister hotel to Ilala Lodge which is renowned for its quality of service and fine dining
• Quick access to the Ra-Ikane sunset cruise
• Privately owned

Dining

• Continental and Full English breakfast included. Upgrade to Ra-Ikane Breakfast Cruise available at an extra cost.
• Restaurant/dining hall, as well as al fresco dining under the trees
• In-room dining
• Outdoor bar

Facilities and Services

• Indoor and outdoor dining
• River deck
• Outdoor bar
• Swimming Pool. Palm River Villa has it's own pool.
• Elevator
• Beauty spa
• Gym and running/walking track
• Satellite TV
• Safe parking
• Porter service
• 24-hour concierge
• Laundry service
• International and USB charging ports
• Shuttle to Victoria Falls

Children

• Children are welcome at Palm River Hotel. Children's rates are available.

How to Get to Palm River Hotel

• Self drive to Victoria Falls, turn left by Shearwater cafe and proceed down Parkway 3.5kms. Hotel sign will be on your right.
• Fly in to Victoria Falls Airport/Livingstone Airport, and arrange transfer or taxi to the hotel.
• Fly in to Kasane Airport, and arrange transfer by road +/-1.5 hours.

Book With Our Team

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