- Bernie Van Der Linde
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A Travel Buddies Lifestyle comparison between the Best Victoria Falls Hotels
Planning a trip to Victoria Falls and can’t decide where to stay? We recently had the pleasure of experiencing both The Palm River Hotel and its sister property, Ilala Lodge—two stunning yet distinctly different hotels just minutes apart.
In this article, we’ll compare our stays at each, sharing insights on location, atmosphere, dining, and overall experience to help you choose the one that’s right for you. If you’re looking for more detailed impressions, we’ve also written individual reviews for both The Palm River Hotel and Ilala Lodge, so be sure to check those out too!
Also, read our article about Masuwe Lodge, Victoria Falls
📍 Location: Best Hotels near Victoria Falls
Palm River Hotel Location near Victoria Falls
- Situated 4 km upstream of Victoria Falls, directly on the banks of the Zambezi River.
- Offers tranquil riverfront seclusion and views of wildlife (including hippos at night).
- Free shuttle service into town and between Palm River and Ilala Lodge.
Ilala Lodge in the center of Victoria Falls Town
- Right in the heart of Victoria Falls Town, within walking distance (936 steps!) of the Falls entrance.
- Ideal for early morning visits to the Falls and mist views from the restaurant terrace.
- Great access to local shops, restaurants, and activity operators.
✅ Winner: Ilala Lodge – unbeatable for guests who want to walk to the Falls or explore town on foot.
🌿 Palm River is perfect for those seeking peace and riverfront views.
🛏️ Rooms: Best Hotels Victoria Falls
Palm River Hotel Rooms
- Modern, Queenslander-style architecture with high pressed ceilings and river-facing rooms.
- No artwork in rooms—the view is the artwork.
- Room amenities include air-con, fan, mosquito spray, bar fridge with complimentary first use.
- No bathrobes.
- Underwhelming overall room design compared to its 5-star rating.
Ilala Lodge Rooms
- Colonial safari lodge feel with older, traditional decor.
- Presidential Suite offers a private hot tub on the balcony with mist views.
- Corridors smell slightly musty, and there’s no lift—less ideal for older guests.
- Rooms are comfortable but need a design refresh.
✅ Winner: Palm River Hotel – better appointed and more luxurious, though the rooms feel a bit impersonal.
✨ Ilala wins on charm in its signature suites but loses points on maintenance.
🌟 What Was Outstanding of the Palm River Hotel and Ilala Lodge
Best features of Palm River Hotel
- Lunches were exceptional—highly recommend the Vietnamese fillet salad and pulled pork belly taco.
- High Tea by the river ($25) was a highlight.
- Spa and boutique on-site (we loved the dress bought there).
- Ra-Ikane sunset cruise ($95 pp) from the property was seamless and scenic.
Best features of Ilala Lodge
- Proximity to the Falls and mist views from the terrace at breakfast.
- Breakfast was better than Palm River’s—more variety and fresher presentation.
- Excellent Activity Centre and very helpful staff for tour planning.
- Tourism security presence in town was reassuring and professional.
✅ Winner: Tie – Palm River wins for dining and serenity, Ilala wins for location, breakfast, and convenience.
💡 Why We’d Recommend One Over the Other
Choose the Palm River Hotel if you…
- Want a peaceful riverfront escape with a boutique feel.
- Prefer modern design, space, and excellent food in a luxurious, quiet setting.
- Enjoy the idea of a sunset cruise, high tea, and boutique shopping without leaving the property.
Choose Ilala Lodge if you…
- Want to be within walking distance of Victoria Falls and feel the mist on your skin.
- Value heritage charm and a buzzier, central location.
- Are prioritising access and atmosphere over seclusion.
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Concluding remarks
It must be noted that crossing borders and using transport companies is very expensive in Zimbabwe. Because Zimbabwe converted to the US$ things are super expensive which is often questionable when comparing the prices of things in Zimbabwe with similar experiences in South Africa.
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Your travel buddies, Bernie and Petra