The Victoria Falls Hotel
Overlooking one of the world’s seven natural wonders – the incomparable Victoria Falls – The Victoria Falls Hotel is a man-made wonder with its own legendary past.
Guests at this landmark hotel can take in the same breathtaking views that captivated intrepid explorer David Livingstone when he discovered the falls in 1855. Against the tremendous thundering background of the waterfall with its rolling spray and roaring water, a much civilized vision of a luxury hotel has evolved over the last century.
The first steam train arrived in Victoria Falls in 1904 and the influx of workers and travelers led to the construction of The Victoria Falls Hotel soon after. Originally a temporary wooden structure with corrugated iron roof, the hotel underwent several major re-constructions, being rebuilt in brick in 1917 and closing in 1996 for a major modernization of the exterior and interior. Today, The Victoria Falls Hotel combines the charm of its original era with the comforts and conveniences of today.
The courtyard entrance to the hotel overlooks tranquil lily ponds, lush flowering shrubs, bright flowers and swaying palms. Stately mango trees provide shady and serene places to relax. Colonial elegance permeates the marble-floored entrance, main lounge as well as the Livingstone Room, which offers fine dining and dancing in the evenings. A stately Edwardian charm from a bygone age is recaptured in the rooms and suites with colonial prints, four-poster and canopied beds, antique furniture and well chosen artifacts.
Modern amenities mingle well with the traditional feeling these include personal safes, bathrobes, satellite television and thoughtfully, umbrellas for the convenience of guests. Overlooking a delightful courtyard the new Stables Wing mirrors the colonial décor with luxurious bathrooms highlighted by free-standing ball and claw tubs and walk-in showers.
Set among the landscaped gardens is the glorious swimming pool with inlaid stonework and a cascading fountain. After a day of sightseeing or relaxing, guests can enjoy a gourmet dinner and dancing in the elegant Edwardian Livingstone Room. The Victoria Falls Hotel’s long and colorful history is depicted in various corridors and public spaces by pictures and posters that offer insight into the past glories of the Empire. A chapel, built in 1929 and consecrated by the Bishop of Southern Rhodesia, provides the perfect setting for weddings and weekly Anglican services.
Each afternoon on Stanley’s Terrace a very British high tea service is offered this gives guests a unique opportunity to relax and enjoy the spectacular view. For an even closer look guests can meander down a private path from the hotel to the falls.
As a world-renowned property set in a place of such breathtaking natural beauty, The Victoria Falls Hotel has, over the century, hosted heads of state as well as international celebrities drawn to its site, charm and service.
The Victoria Falls Hotel is a member of exclusive Virtuoso travel network. Book online or contact our Virtuoso Travel Advisor [email protected] for more details.
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