Kappa Senses Zanzibar

I booked a private villa at Kappa Senses two months in advance through their booking partner, Vio.com, at a confirmed rate. Days before arrival, the booking was cancelled. Vio's staff gave two different explanations: first that the hotel was not yet open, then — after I called Kappa Senses reception directly and was told they are open and operating — that the room was unavailable due to overbooking. Kappa Senses sets its own rates and availability through Vio; any pricing or booking discrepancy traces back to information the hotel itself provided to its distribution partner. A guest should not be told by the property that they are open and accepting stays, while their booking channel simultaneously cancels a two-month-old confirmed reservation for reasons that contradict each other. If you're considering Kappa Senses, be aware that a confirmed reservation — even one made well in advance — may not be honored on arrival, and get cancellation and rate-guarantee terms in writing directly from the property before paying anything. I contacted the hotel directly and can confirm their reception gave information inconsistent with what their own booking partner told me. I am pursuing this through formal legal channels with both Vio and the hotel and will update this review with the outcome.