Set against a mountain backdrop, the resort’s big outdoor swimming pool comes surrounded by statues of tortoises and crocodiles, as well as a palm-dotted deck with loungers topped by umbrellas, and a series of colorful African-style pavilions. The resort’s top option, the African Suite, also features a wrap-around veranda with a whirlpool and loungers. The King Suite and African Suite come with private butlers, two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, saunas, hot tubs, living spaces, and fully equipped kitchenettes. Quality toiletries, magnifying mirrors, and hairdryers are supplied. Bathrooms are upscale, with terra-cotta flooring, marble vanities, well-sized showers, and separate bathtubs. Sitting areas, desks, and closets are also provided. Standard amenities consist of air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, safes, minibars, coffeemakers, kettles, and free Wi-Fi. Nevertheless, rooms are spacious and quiet, and all have furnished balconies with garden, mountain, or pool views. Unfortunately, the somewhat dated look and occasional maintenance issues such as stained or worn room fittings are notable downsides. Rooms are old-fashioned here, outfitted in heavy carved wood furniture, warm earth-tone linens, and African touches such as animal-print carpets, monkey and giraffe lamps, and leaf motifs in artwork, sink bases, and mirrors. It's hosted such legendary names as Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra, and today draws a mix of families, couples, and groups on vacation. Unfortunately, outdated rooms and occasional maintenance issues keep this resort from reaching its advertised five-star rating.

This theme continues throughout, with life-size bronze sculptures of majestic animals such as elephants and cheetahs caught mid-leap, faux elephant tusks, and exquisite frescos and stone carvings of animals and birds. The sheer scale and grandeur of the turreted facade is a sight to behold, and the lavish Entrance Chamber is striking with a high entrance door, frescoed domed ceiling, grandiose columns, and zebra-hide upholstery. True to its name, the majestic African-themed property sits amid 62 acres of jungle with winding paths, waterfalls, trickling streams, and rock formations. Set within Sun City Resort, a complex with two golf courses, water parks, and a casino, the upscale Palace of the Lost City is made to resemble a fictitious lost African kingdom.

Palace hotel sun city