Stone Town & Surrounds
“Spice tour and tour of Stone Town with your agent on Zanzibar was very interesting.”
Toby & Karen Oldham - September 2006.
 Justifies its reputation as one the best hotels in Zanzibar, some say in East Africa. A member of the exclusive Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the buildings are tastefully restored from the former Cable & Wireless offices and the neighbouring Chinese Doctors house. The hotel's furnishings and facilities are of the highest standards, but a real feature of the Serena is its staff; professional, yet genuinely welcoming and helpful.
Location - A prime site on the sea front with views of the spectacular sunset over the Indian Ocean and the mainland of Africa on the horizon. It is in a quiet square, yet just 2 minutes walk to the heart of Stone Town.
Accommodation - There are 51 rooms, the majority being comfortable Standard Rooms. We favour the Prime Rooms which are larger, have guaranteed sea views, some with wrap-around balconies and hammocks. All rooms are en-suite & air-conditioned, with mini-bars, satellite TV, balcony, valuables safe and telephone. There are executive and honeymoon suites, but prices for these rival similar accommodation in the heart of London.
Facilities - There is a swimming pool and sundeck, and as one would expect from a hotel of this class, a very good restaurant and comfortable bars. The main restaurant overlooks the Ocean where at breakfast the dolphins often make an appearance. The service in the restaurant is attentive and the chefs prepare local and international dishes, seafood being a speciality. Snacks are available in the main bar, ideal for lunch and there is a coffee shop which serves light meals. A 24 hour room service is available. There is an excursions desk.
Web site http://www.serenahotels.com.
Zanzibar Palace Hotel
 Opened in mid 2006 this former large Town House has been lovingly and tastefully renovated by Sebastiaan and his wife Marion. In a short time it has established itself as one of the most prestigious “boutique” hotels in Stone Town. Much of the furniture and fittings are traditional Zanzibari, as well as genuine antiques. The meticulous attention to detail, the majestic beds and the personal attention give guests a true feeling of royalty.
Location - It is situated in the heart of Old Stone Town adjacent to the former palace of the Sultans of Zanzibar.
Accommodation - The Zanzibar Palace has just 9 rooms on 4 floors; all rooms are individually designed and furnished. The room sizes vary from those of 25 square metres on the lower floor to those of 70 square metres on the upper floors. Some rooms have balconies with views over Town and out to the ocean. The Dunia Room has a staircase to an open air bathroom which has a sundeck, one of the highest points in Town from the sun can be seen rising and setting. Some rooms can sleep up to 4 people so ideal for families. All rooms are airconditioned as well as having ceiling fans, DVD players and TV with cable connection. All rooms have digital safes.
 Facilities - There is a small dining area for guests which specialises in French cuisine and where generous breakfasts are also taken. The very comfortable lounge/bar is an ideal place to unwind after a day exploring historical Stone Town. There is a small library for guests, a DVD library, a business corner as well as an excursion booking facility.
Web site www.zanzibarpalacehotel.com
is converted from 19 th century merchants office with a new wing of purpose built bedrooms. Most of the hotel is furnished with traditional furniture and fittings, many of which are genuine antiques. The hotel does not serve alcohol, but there are bars and licensed restaurants within a two minute walk.
Location - Ideally situated in the heart of Stone Town, yet on the sea front looking out to the islands and the harbour where the dhows and fishing boats glide majestically past.
 Accommodation - All rooms are air conditioned, en-suite, with telephones and fridges and most with TVs. Rooms in the Old Wing are larger than the rather compact rooms in the New Wing. Some rooms have stone Arabic baths. There are a couple of large rooms which can accommodate a family of 2 adults and 2 children. Few rooms have sea views but we do request ocean/pool views for our clients.
Facilities - The restaurant and lounge area are adjacent to the beach. It is a good place for lunches with sea views and a cooling breeze. The hotel has a swimming pool and sun deck. There is a small gift shop. There is a central security safe at Reception.
web site http://www.tembohotel.com
 Is converted, and extended, from a former Omani mansion, with internal balconies around central courtyards bdecked with palm trees and creepers. The hotel is furnished with traditional furniture and fabrics which gives it an authentic Zanzibar, Arab / African feel. Alcohol is not served but there are bars and restaurants a stone throw away. A new wing has been added in 2004, the extension being sensitively integrated so you would not know it is new.
Location - Set in the heart of Stone Town, just off the well lit Kenyatta Road.
Accommodation - All 30 rooms are en-suite, airconditioned with telephones and satellite TV. Rooms in the old block are very spacious, some accommodating 3 people in comfort and there is 1 large family room. Rooms on the 2 nd floor of the old block have balconies. Rooms in the new wing are slightly smaller, but still a comfortable size and all have balconies overlooking the courtyard and swimming pool.
Facilities - There is a restaurant on the top floor with views over Town and out to the ocean. Breakfast is served here. There is a central security safe at Reception. The Hotel has a courtyard pool; residents at The Dhow Palace can also use the swimming pool at its sister hotel, The Tembo House Hotel.
236 Hurumzi (formerly Emerson Green)
 set in the heart of Stone Town, this "boutique" hotel has just 16 magnificently furnished, romantic and evocative rooms. Tastefully restored, the home of a former merchant who built the house in the mid 1800s, the 2 nd tallest building in Stone Town. A recent extension has seen the addition of 6 "suite" rooms.
Location - In the middle of Stone Town; can be difficult to locate, particularly at night.
Accommodation - The 16 rooms are individually designed and beautifully furnished with antiques and expensive fabrics. By intention, there are no telephones, TV or fridge. Seven rooms in the old wing are airconditioned; the West, North & East Rooms on the top floor relying on cooling breezes. The aptly named Ball Room could host a banquet; some rooms are reached by a bridge with bathrooms having extensive views over Town. The "suite" rooms are all airconditioned and provide sumptuous comfort.
Facilities - Breakfasts and dinner are taken in the Tower Top Restaurant with magnificent views over Stone Town. Residents will need to book for dinner which starts at sunset, so need to be seated (cushions on the floor) by then. Kidudu Restaurant on the ground floor adjacent to the Hotel's entrance serves excellent meals.
Web site www.236hurumzi.com
 Or The House of Tea was at one time a tea house. It has been tastefully converted in to a "boutique" hotel.
Location - In a quiet square yet only 2 minutes walk from the heart of Stone Town.
Accommodation - There are just 6 en-suite, air conditioned bedrooms/suites in 3 categories. The two Sultan "Suites" are on the top floor and have good views over the square and out to sea. They are large (40 square metres) and sumptiously furnished with antique and traditional Zanzibari/Arab furniture. The three Prince Rooms are 25 square metres and have separate dressing area. The Princes Room is smaller and normally occupied on a single basis.
Facilities - are limited. Breakfast is served in s small courtyard area on the 1 st floor. The spacious lounge has Zanzibar beds for lounging as well as settees and assorted comfortable chairs. This is a perfect place to relax and has the feel of a library in a country house. At the moment there is no bar though there is a fridge in the lounge room.
Is a good mid-range hotel next to the Dhow Palace. Owned by an influential Zanzibar family who also own the Malindi Guest House, other bars and a disco.
Location - In the heart of Stone Town on a well lit street.
Accommodation - The 8 bedrooms are all en-suite, airconditioned with TV and good mosquito nets. The rooms are furnished in a traditional style. Two rooms at the rear of the hotel will accommodate 3 people.
Facilities - Breakfast is served in the courtyard at the rear of the Hotel. There is a small bar for residents.
 Is set in lush tropical gardens on one of the nicest beaches on the west coast of Zanzibar. The hotel's restaurant is arguably the best in the Town area. Mtoni has the advantage of being close to town, yet being on a beach.
Location - 5 Kms north of Stone Town, a 5 minute taxi drive.
Accommodation - There are a range of rooms from 3 bedroom bungalows with 2 toilets, Club rooms overlooking gardens and furnished in traditional Zanzibari furniture; the new Palm Court Rooms are large and luxurious with views between the palm trees to the ocean. Standard Rooms are at the rear of the site closer to the road, basic and competitively priced. All rooms are airconditioned and en-suite.
Facilities - The main restaurant is very professionally run and serves some of the best meals on the island. Local expatriates frequent the restaurant as the quality of cuisine is a cut above others in Stone Town. There is also a garden bar which overlooks the beach where snacks are served. The Hotel has a new swimming pool and its own dhow for day-long dhow safaris to the islands off Stone Town.
web site http://www.mtoni.com
 
Just ten minutes drive north of Stone Town, situated on the seafront adjacent to the famous Maruhubi Palace Grounds, the villas offer the option of self-catering or full hotel service. There are spectaculars views across the sea to Chapwani and Changu Islands and south to Stone Town.
Location - 5 Kms north of Stone Town, a 5 minute taxi drive.
Accommodation - The five stone built villas, with thatched roofs have large verandas which overlook Mtoni beach, all with sea views. Each villa has two very spacious double bedrooms with en-suite shower, toilet and basin. The comfortable rooms are furnished with large double Zanzibari beds, mosquito nets, wardrobe, clothes shelves, desk, chairs, bedside tables and fan. Rooms are airconditioned and have been designed to get a through draft keeping them cool most months of the year. All rooms can take an extra bed for triple occupancy. Each villa has a kitchen fully equipped with fridge/freezer, cooker with small oven and grill, kitchen utensils, crockery, cutlery and glassware.
Facilities - There is a large seafront bar and restaurant (with an excellent reputation among local ex-pats) with wonderful views; watching the lights of the fishing boats on the moonlit ocean during your dinner is magical. There is a small motorboat which takes guests to the nearby islands (picnic lunches arranged) and for snorkeling. A wide range of excursions are offered at competitive rates. A swimming pool is planned for the summer of 2005.
web site http://www.zanzibarmaruhubi.com/
  
Is set in lush botanic gardens amongst ruins of a Christian mission dating from the time of David Livingstone. This really is a haven of tranquility providing a very personal and discrete service to its guests.
Location - ten minutes drive south of Stone Town and seven minutes from the Airport, set overlooking the ocean with views out to the islands off Town. The Hotel has a free shuttle bus to Stone Town three times a day and taxis can be ordered at other times.
Accommodation - There are 13 airconditioned rooms, each furnished in distinctive Zanzibari style and four poster beds. The rooms are close to the swimming pool and each has a balcony overlooking the ocean. The Baobab Suite is perfect for honeymooners or people wanting a special treat.
Facilities - There is a fresh water swimming pool. The bar and dining area is open fronted with stunning views. The food is of an excellent standard and there is a good wine list. The hotel provides a range of guest services including booking excursions, reconfirming onward flights, transport arrangements, etc.
Web site http://www.mbweni.com
Is favoured by business travellers because of the generator which provides immediate power in the event of central power failing, thus laptops can used with confidence. Though built as a residence by a trader in the last century, the building has been used as an hotel on-and-off since the early 1990s. Now owned by a Family which runs the island's major construction company. Alcohol is not served.
Location - Very central and just off the main street.
Accommodation - There are a mix rooms, some with shared facilities, but the majority are self contained. The decoration is not imaginative, but adequate, and all rooms are airconditioned.
Facilities - There is a good restaurant, particularly for breakfast and lunch. There is a conference room and business centre.
 As the name implies, is a private island just off Stone Town. It has a small, exclusive hotel which is a good compromise of relative isolation, yet a short boat trip to Stone Town.
Location - A 20 minute boat transfer from Stone Town. There are 2 transfers per day at lunch time and early evening.
Accommodation - There are 5 bungalows each with 2 en-suite rooms and verandah. The rooms have ceiling fans.
Facilities - There is a central bar, lounge dining area which serves good meals. Sea kayaking and snorkelling equipment is available.
Winner of many awards for conservation, is acclaimed as one of the most spectacular coral gardens in the world. Stay a couple of days at this nature reserve for a marine-life experience, wander the lush forest and mangrove trails and climb the historic lighthouse for breathtaking views over the turquoise seas.
Location - 12 Kms off Stone Town with a half hour boat transfer from Mbweni Ruins Hotel.
Accommodation - Accommodation is in one of the eight comfortable self contained "eco-bungalows". Each bungalow, built of local materials, has 2 floors, with a lounge area downstairs and bedroom upstairs. Solar power is used and there are compost toilets.
Facilities - The Island's guides are available to take you on tours of the forest; snorkelling "safaris" are provided to see the coral reefs surrounding the Island.
Web site http://www.chumbeisland.com
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