Stone Town Hotels
Beyt Al Chai
Price Guide: From £72.00 per person Bed and Breakfast. High Season
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
These 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.
The Dhow Palace
Price Guide: From £32.00 per person Bed and Breakfast
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.
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. There are 2 Suites on the top floor with superior accommodation and magnificent views over Stone Town.
Facilities
There is a restaurant adjacent to the courtyard swimming pool. Breakfast is served here. There is a central security safe at Reception.
Kholle House
Price Guide: From £48.00 per person Bed and Breakfast
Built in 1860 as the residence of Princess Kholle, sister of the then Sultan of Zanzibar, it has taken 3 years to restore as faithfully as possible back to what it was when the Princess was in residence. The only small hotel with a plunge pool to cool off after sightseeing in Stone Town.
Location
Tucked away near the port area of Stone Town, not far from all the places to be visited.
Accommodation
There are 10 en-suite rooms of different sizes, all different with characteristics and shapes, but all traditionally furnished with Zanzibari & Arabian antiques. The “Superior” Rooms have queen size beds, a terrace and views over Town and out towards the port and ocean. The 3 “Large Bedrooms”also have queen size beds with balconies overlooking the courtyard pool and over Town. The 3 Standard Rooms are quite compact and well priced.
Facilities
There is a roof-top “tea house” with views over Stone Town, a small breakfast room , a small lounge area adjacent to reception and the real bonus is the courtyard swimming pool, not large enough to swim laps, but large enough to cool-off. The maze of corridors contain genuine antiques, some from the time Princess Kholle lived in the mansion.
Kisiwa House
Price Guide: From £38.00 per person Bed and Breakfast
A small, elegant, Hotel opened in 2010. It has been totally rebuilt from the previous Baghani House Hotel with 2 floors added to restore the building to what it was like when built as a family mansion nearly 100 years ago. Kisiwa House brings a new dimension to “boutique” hotels in Stone Town.
Location
In a quiet street in the heart of historical Stone Town so within walking distance of all the sites and places of interest in Town.
Accommodation
There are 11 spacious rooms all furnished and equipped to a very high standard, equal if not exceeding the quality of any other hotels in Town. There are 6 Deluxe Rooms, 2 Junior Suites and 3 Senior Suites providing exceptional accommodation. All en-suite rooms are airconditioned, have flat screen satellite TV, internet connection, personal safe, telephone, mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities.
Facilities
On the ground floor there is the tranquil Courtyard Lounge serving freshly brewed coffee and traditional Zanzibar/Tanzania tea, and fresh pastries. Here there is a fountain and abundance of tropical plants. The Darini Restaurant is located on the roof and has a warm, relaxed ambience. There are views over Town and out to the ocean. It serves traditional Swahili/Zanzibari meals using local spices as well as international cuisine.
Mashariki Palace Hotel
Price Guide: From £54.00 per person Bed and Breakfast
Arguably the most extensive and meticulous hotel renovation project in Stone Town, restoring from near total ruin the former residence of the Sultan’s religious councillor, in to an prestigious Hotel. A feature of Mashariki are the internal courtyards and spacious covered verandah walkways leading to the rooms.
Location
In the heart of Stone Town close to all the main attractions and sights.
Accommodation
The 18 non-smoking en-suite rooms are unique in style and feature, all with thick walls to keep out the heat, high ceilings, Arabian beds, air-conditioning, and bring an essence of old Zanzibar with contemporary features. The rooms are in 3 categories. The 5 standard Darajani Rooms are between 2030 square meters, 7 deluxe Shangani Rooms are more spacious are 3045 square meters with a small sitting area or courtyard balcony, and the 6 Forodhani Rooms have further features such as side on sea views, terraces or spectacularly high ceilings.
Facilities
The Kusi Bar is on the rooftop terrace with views over Town and out to the ocean and port. Dinner can be served for guests at Mashariki. There is a small solarium and massage area and the Hotel can arrange a wide variety of excursions.
Mbweni Ruins Hotel
Price Guide: From £64.00 per person Bed and Breakfast
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 tranquillity providing a very personal and discrete service to its guests.
Location
10 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 Jetty Bar is one of the best locations on the island for sundowners with views of the stunning Zanzibar sunsets. The hotel provides a range of guest services including booking excursions, reconfirming onward flights, transport arrangements, etc.
Mtoni Marine Centre
Price Guide: From £27.00 per person Bed and Breakfast
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. 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 lively Sports Bar featuring live sport many days of the week; food is also served here. The Hotel has a large swimming pool and its own dhow for day-long dhow safaris to the islands off Stone Town. There is an extensive boutique and a Spa, excursion desk and children’s playground.
The Serena Inn
Price Guide: From £120.00 per person Bed and Breakfast. High Season
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.
The Seyyida Hotel & Spa
Price Guide: From £48.00 per person Bed and Breakfast
A “boutique” hotel in Stone Town, fully opened in 2010 with a range of rooms to suite all requirements. You enter off a busy street into an hotel which has a tranquil atmosphere with courtyard garden.
Location
Almost on the sea front where the rooftop bar/restaurant has wonderful views over the harbour and ocean with wonderful views of the sunset.
Accommodation
There are 17 en-suite rooms all of which have airconditioning, double or twin beds, satellite TV, minibar, in room safe, telephone and tea and coffee making facility. There are a range of rooms with some street facing, some garden view and our favoured room are the sea view balcony rooms. There is also a Family Suite.
Facilities
As indicated in the name, the Hotel has a Spa offering a range of treatments. The rooftop bar and restaurant has magnificent views over the harbour/ocean and is one of prime places to witness the magnificent Zanzibar sunsets. The “Lulu” Restaurant serves international and Swahili dishes in a romantic setting. Excursions can be arranged.
The Swahili House
Price Guide: From £50.00 per person Bed and Breakfast
Originally built as an Indian merchant’s house, at some time occupied by members of the Sultan’s Family, the building was converted in to an hotel some years ago. In 2008 it was completely renovated and restored in to an hotel which evokes the feeling of bygone days, but with the comforts of modern day facilities.
Location
In the heart of Stone Town. Staying at The Swahili House you really get to know what life is like in Stone Town as it is close to the hustle & bustle of the markets, shops and local eating houses.
Accommodation
Built on 5 floors there are 22 rooms on 4 floors built around a traditional central courtyard, and a roof-top restaurant. The airconditioned, en-suite rooms are in three categories. The Sultan Suites (45 square meters) are extremely spacious and have a balcony, Suites (33 square meters) also have a balcony, Deluxe Rooms (21 square meters) are more compact but completely adequate. All rooms are decorated to a very high standard in a traditional Arab/Swahili way, all with spacious bathrooms, shower and toilet.
Facilities
The roof terrace houses the restaurant, well stocked bar and Jacuzzi area (ideal for relaxing after a day of sightseeing). The terrace has spectacular 360% views over Town and out to the ocean. The restaurant serves, in our opinion, some of the best food on the island. Alex, the English chef, has brought a new culinary standard to the island and is training staff at The Swahili House to achieve high standards. Using mainly locally sourced ingredients most of the dishes have the subtle tastes and aromas of local herbs and spices. The restaurant serves breakfast (Continental or full English), lunch (including a well priced 3 course menu) and evening meals of International, Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.
Tembo House Hotel
Price Guide: From £38.00 per person Bed and Breakfast
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 37 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.
Zanzibar Grand Palace
Price Guide: From £42.00 per person Bed and Breakfast
Zanzibar Grand Palace opened in mid 2010 this is another welcome addition to “boutique” style hotels in Stone Town, though larger than many of the others as Zanzibar Grand Palace has 34 rooms/suites.
Location
In the heart of Stone Town close to all that needs to be seen and done.
Accommodation
There are 32 Deluxe Rooms and 2 Suites. All en-suite rooms have aircon, non-alcoholic mini-bar, plasma screen TV, safe, telephone and wi-fi connectivity. The very spacious rooms are beautifully decorated in a modern Arabian style with dark timber furniture with beaten brass embroidery, brass fittings, marble floor tiles and carpets.
Facilities
There is a cafeteria which serves Tanzanian/Zanzibari tea, coffee and juices as well as home baked bread and pastries. The rooftop restaurant with views out to the ocean and over Stone Town serves international as well as Zanzibari cuisine. The chef attempts to procure as much organic produce as possible and there are many seafood dishes. The Hotel arranges a very wide range of excursions and activities ranging from guided Town tours to swimming with dolphins off the south coast. Many expatriates gather for Sunday brunch with live jazz or local Tarab music.
Zanzibar Palace Hotel
Price Guide: From £89.00 per person Bed and Breakfast, Suite Rooms
This former large Town House has been lovingly and tastefully renovated. 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. We do not suggest the Hotel to people with mobility difficulties.
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. A spa is available adjacent to the Hotel.