Ratings based on 129 Verified Reviews
4.0 Room cleanliness
4.5 Service & staff
3.9 Room comfort
4.1 Hotel condition
Expedia Verified Reviews
by A verified traveler
Posted 6 Apr 2024
Understandable why Jollyboys is a back-to-back top hostel champ. Great staff. Chill space.
Comment from Hotel Management
9 May 2024 by Lloyd, Hotel Management
Hi , Thank you for a great review
by A verified traveler
Not worth it, best years have passed
Posted 21 Dec 2023 on HotelsI recommend to avoid this place. The hotel/hostel has passed its best years, now it is rusty and dirty place with typical slow service. We got a room with filthy, beaten-up mattresses, incorrectly placed mosquito nets which smell musty and are full of holes. Upon request of the room change we were offered an upgrade for 35$/night, without a receipt and update of hotels.com booking. The shared bathroom is disgusting, no soap provided (even at the shared toilets). The restaurant service was slow, offering nothing special. Avoid paying extra 8$ for a breakfast through hotels.com - the price only includes one dish from the menu where the most expensive one is 4,5$ and coffee is 1,5$. It’s just a rip off. They do not offer any compensation of unused breakfast or package in the morning before departure for activities (despite organised via the hotel).
Comment from Hotel Management
22 Dec 2023 by Lloyd, Hotel Management
Dear Milan, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We genuinely value the input of our guests as it helps us continuously improve. We are, however, disheartened to hear about your experience and sincerely wish every one of our guests has a fantastic experience. We trust that our long-standing history of positive reviews, both historical and recent, reflects the exceptional experiences many guests have enjoyed at Jollyboys Backpackers. Nevertheless, we understand that a backpackers lodge may not align with everyone's preferences, and we appreciate your candor. Regarding your concerns, we regret that your stay did not meet your expectations. We are committed to maintaining high standards, and we take your comments and comfort seriously and note your reservation was amended to a different room type for the second and third night of your stay. The recent fluctuation in the kwacha exchange rate against the US dollar is the reason for the difference in pricing at our restaurant. We want to clarify that activities and tours are facilitated through third parties, and thus we are not able to give credit for them as discussed. We appreciate your insights. We hope that your future travels bring you to accommodations more aligned with your preferences. Warm regards,Jollyboys Team
by A verified traveler
Posted 12 Dec 2023
by A verified traveler
Posted 26 Nov 2023
Staff were very helpful with booking transfers and activities. Lots to do in the area
by A verified traveler
Posted 20 Oct 2023
Very well run and nice amenities. A/C in the dorm was a huge plus. It’s a very social place, great for meeting other guests and locals. Staff is fantastic. You can’t help but enjoy it here.
Comment from Hotel Management
26 Nov 2023 by lloyd, Hotel Management
Thanks Gary for wonderful review hoping to see you back soon here .
by A verified traveler
awesome stay
Posted 9 Oct 2023 on HotelsIt was amazing , the receptionist has the best service. the outside showers need to be washed every now and then because they were dirty
Comment from Hotel Management
26 Nov 2023 by Lloyd, Hotel Management
Thank you Rirhandzu for your rerview .its great to hear our reception did their best during your stay.hoping to see you in the near future.
by A verified traveler
Excellent Stay
Posted 23 Aug 2023 on HotelsReally good stay. Great value for money. Brought the family which is not what one usually does with a hostel/backpackers type place, but it was great and I would do it again. Well run and managed by staff - very helpful all around. I will probably need to go back down to Livingstone again in December and will stay here again.
Comment from Hotel Management
27 Aug 2023 by Lloyd, Hotel Management
Thank you for your review, we hope to see you again in the near future.Best regards.
by A verified traveler
Posted 27 Jul 2023 on Hotels
Comment from Hotel Management
29 Jul 2023 by Lloyd, Hotel Management
Thanks for your review.we are happy to hear this grading from you as it will help us to put more effort in ensuring that we provide good service.
by A verified traveler
Posted 2 Jun 2023
The staff here were amazing and always helpful with booking and suggestions. Loved the bar/restaurant in Jollyboys, made lazy days so easy
Comment from Hotel Management
13 Jun 2023 by Lloyd, Hotel Management
Hi Samatha.we are pleased to hear you had a nice stay here with us.Hoping to see you again.Best regards.Lloyd
by A verified traveler
Posted 19 May 2023
Comment from Hotel Management
13 Jun 2023 by Lloyd, Hotel Management
Hi ms Vivian.Thank you for your review.we are happy to hear you enjoyed your stay.hoping to see you soon.Best regards.Lloyd