Zanzibar Hotel

3.0 star property
Suburban hotel with 2 restaurants and free breakfast

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Zanzibar Hotel

VIP Room  | Minibar, individually decorated, individually furnished
Terrace/patio
Exterior
Deluxe Twin Room | Minibar, individually decorated, individually furnished
Dining

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

Map
Off Bhangani Street, Zanzibar Town, 4858
  • Shangani Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Forodhani Gardens
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Slave Market
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.)
    ‪15 min drive‬

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Room options

Standard Single

  • 269 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Standard Double Room

  • 322 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Twin Room

  • 322 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Deluxe Double Room

  • 322 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Twin Bed

VIP Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Deluxe Triple Room

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

About the neighborhood

Zanzibar Town

Located in Stone Town, Zanzibar Hotel is next to People's Palace Museum and Marahubi Palace. This 3-star hotel has 15 guestrooms and offers conveniences like 2 restaurants, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • House of Wonders - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Old Fort - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Shangani Beach - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Forodhani Gardens - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Slave Market - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles

Getting around

  • Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ) - 15 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Passing Show Hotel - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Meeting Point Cafe - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Lukmaan - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Livingstone Beach Restaurant - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Zenji Garden Café - ‬6 min walk

About this property

Zanzibar Hotel

Suburban hotel with 2 restaurants and free breakfast
Zanzibar Hotel features free WiFi in public areas, a business center, and coffee in a common area. You can take advantage of free parking, along with an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for USD 15 per vehicle roundtrip. Helpful staff can provide dry cleaning/laundry services, concierge services, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a meeting room, express check-in, and a terrace.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi and TVs with cable channels. Sitting areas, refrigerators, and minibars are also available.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Languages

English, Swahili

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free offsite parking
  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • 2 restaurants
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Snack bar/deli

Things to do

  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Crib (surcharge)
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)
  • Snack bar/deli
  • Supervised activities for children (surcharge)

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Newspapers in lobby
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Business center
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Terrace

Spa

  • Body scrubs
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • In-room massages
  • Manicures/pedicures

More

  • 2 buildings
  • 2 floors
  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Crib (surcharge)
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV with premium cable channels

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water
  • Minibar
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Free daily newspapers
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone
  • Separate sitting area

Policies

Check-in

Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

  • Children stay free when using existing bedding (children may not be eligible for free breakfast)
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 20.0 per night
  • Cribs/infant beds are available for USD 10.0 per night

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • A tax is imposed by the city: USD 4.00 per person, per night

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 15 per vehicle (roundtrip)
  • Crib (infant bed) fee: USD 10.0 per night
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 20.0 per night

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available 24 hours), which is offered for a fee. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Reservations need to be made in advance for massage services and spa treatments. Contact the hotel at the phone number listed on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Zanzibar Hotel
Zanzibar Hotel Hotel
Zanzibar Hotel Zanzibar Town
Zanzibar Hotel Hotel Zanzibar Town

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at Zanzibar Hotel?

Zanzibar Hotel provides free cancellation on some room rates. For specific requirements, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

What can I see close to Zanzibar Hotel?

This hotel is situated in Stone Town, just steps from People's Palace Museum and Marahubi Palace, and within a short walk of Nakupenda Beach. You'll also find House of Wonders and Old Fort less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at Zanzibar Hotel?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel.

Is there a spa available at Zanzibar Hotel?

Spa services at the hotel include deep-tissue massages, facials, body treatments, and mani/pedis.

Does Zanzibar Hotel have a casino?

No, Zanzibar Hotel doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Zanzibar Hotel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

Is Zanzibar Hotel a good place to stay for couples?

There are many amenities for couples at this hotel, including in-room massages as well as 2 bars and 2 restaurants.

Does Zanzibar Hotel have a hot tub?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Zanzibar Hotel feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Zanzibar Hotel has 2 restaurants, and serves free buffet breakfast each morning.

Does Zanzibar Hotel allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Zanzibar Hotel.

Are there connecting rooms at Zanzibar Hotel?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

What is the closest airport to Zanzibar Hotel?

The closest major airport to Zanzibar Hotel is Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ), which is 4.8 mi away (15 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at Zanzibar Hotel?

Yes, some guestrooms at Zanzibar Hotel offer a balcony and may feature city views.

Zanzibar Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 39 out of 113 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 48 out of 113 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 19 out of 113 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 113 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 113 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

6.0/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service
We booked the Zanzibar Hotel in February 2019 for a stay in August. The week before we travelled we contacted the hotel to request an airport transfer, which their website said they offered. They replied to our Expedia message by saying that the hotel was undergoing refurbishment but we would be staying in a 'sister' hotel called the Tausi Palace and a driver would pick us up from teh airport and take us there. When we arrived at the airport the driver believed we were going to the Hotel Africa House but took us to Tausi Palace when I showed him the email. When we got to the Tausi Palace there was no reservation for us and we were taken to Africa House. Given that this information was only provided to us because we booked an airport transfer it did not give us the opportunity to seek somewhere of our own choice. It does question what checks Expedia puts in place to ensure that the rooms they book are available (or hotel even open) for the dates requested. A very disappointing start to our special visit to Zanzibar!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

8/10 Good

Luke

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The sea front view was excellent and the waiters, food was a bit expensive and not all that great.
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The hotel staff (front desk, concierge, restaurant staff) were all very friendly and helpful. Wonderful stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018

8/10 Good

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The condition of the hotel is not good. Staff was excellent. Hotel seemed overpriced.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018

8/10 Good

James

Good

Good hotel in good location.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Susan, Fort Bragg, California USA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Exceptional historic building retaining architectural and design elements from a century ago. A real gem. Great central location. Staff was most accommodating and professional. Our rooms were large, elegant - just perfect for comfort and sleep. Our only complaint was the high price of laundry service. Overall ten out of ten.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Leon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely old hotel with old world charm.

Lovely old hotel with faded 19th century elegance close to many of Stonetowns’ attractions. A lick of paint here and there and a few minor repairs might have helped appearances but all in all very good value for the money. Bedrooms were highceilinged and spacious as were the ensuite. Our room had two king-sized beds and lovely antique furniture. Breakfast was good and staff were hardworking, courteous and super friendly. Our room was very well cleaned daily and beds turned down at night.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2018

10/10 Excellent

Lisa, Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great central location

Spacious classical rooms and staff went out of their way to make us comfortable. Would love to be staying longer.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2018

8/10 Good

Hadi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Zanzibar Hotel

Service was great. AC was poor in the room. Mattress and pillows were hard.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2017

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2017

8/10 Good

Markus

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Old but in good shape

Decent place near the historic downtown area, hotel staff is friendly and flexible, and rooms have a nice atmosphere though this place is definitely old. Water heater needed a long time to heat up.

2/10 Terrible

Valerija

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Worst stay ever

Where do I start? On arrival I was served a welcome drink with a fly in it. We were taken to our room which was not ready, so we were given a smaller room with no seating area as indicated in our booking. The next morning, the only available food at breakfast was bread and butter, fruits, pancakes and jem. No refils were made while we were there. Then, it strated raining and there was no Wi-Fi and TV signal in our room. After 3 hours Wi-Fi was fixed but then we were left with no electricity due to a local problem. Once we asked we were told it will be solved by 8pm. We walked around because there was no light or AC in the room. At 9pm we complained again because it was becoming unbearable to be left without basic ammenities the whole day and we noticed that other rooms had light and AC. Apparently, it was a room problem so we had to wait for a mechanic to fix it. In the meantime, they said we can rest in a room for emergency cases that is not sold otherwise, because the hotel is full, so they can not offer anything else. They fixed everything but the AC, and we were becoming really frustrated with this so we said we will stay there but we will ask for a refund, because this is not what we booked. At 4am, my husband wakes up and notices that water is leaking from the ceiling to our bed. We were moved again to the emergency case room and spent few hours there. In the morning they offered room upgrade for the last night and free airport transfer, but it was already too late.

10/10 Excellent

Kathy, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice hotel with staff eager to please

Hotel accommodated our request for two twin beds. For the first night, they gave us two separate rooms and did not charge us the extra rate. The furniture is beautiful. They had a turn-down service every night where they put the mosquito netting and sprayed for mosquitoes. It was effective. I did not see a single mosquito. The air conditioning, fan and hot water worked very well. For our last night, our flight was very early, the staff packed us a breakfast - very thoughtful. The staff was honest - we checked in our passports and cash, and all was returned. Also, my friend misplaced her wallet. It was turned in to the main office and returned. The breakfast was standard, with fresh fruit, eggs and pastries/bread, juice, tea. We did not eat at the restaurant. It appeared to be pizza and burgers and we were looking to eat more Zanzabari food.

10/10 Excellent

leonard, Ruthin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A gem

Excellent inexpensive hotel impressive

8/10 Good

Mohammed Ashraf, Thailand

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

very good value

Very satisfied with the service and location and cleanliness yet the external view was not that great and the rooms all have a sharing balcony which limited a little our privacy.

8/10 Good

Colleen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

8/10 Good

Narelle, Clarence Town

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

ZamIbar Hotel

Great service - not a 5 star resort but has all you need - in the middle if StoneTown so within walking distance to many points of interest and the water - also has a beer garden

8/10 Good

Fons, Rotterdam and Cape Town

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Had a nice stay in this older hotel

This hotel is housed in a an old, original building and is beautiful decorated. My room had lots of space and had everything I needed, including airco, good bed. fridge and little old fashion but good bathroom. The hotel is middle sized and has a real friendly atmosphere. Pity there is no swimmingpool in the big garden. Internet was available, but only good in the lounge area

6/10 Okay

Lene, Denmark

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

All right for a short stay

We used this hotel as a base for our last two days on Zanzibar to see Stone Town and have easy access to the airport (compared to staying in Matemwe in the north of the island). The hotel is a classic example of African non-maintenance mentality. The hotel must have looked great when it was built but now time has taken its toll, e.g. the mosaic tiles in the bathroom are falling off and covered in loads of calcium. However, the room was clean and good location if you're just looking for a bed because you're gonna be outside exploring the whole day. P.S. The mosquito net over the bed was a joke

6/10 Okay

Mugere, Harare

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Zanzibar Hotel

This is one of the best hotels if you want to see Stone City or are interested in the history of the Island. If your interest in the beach, then you must look elsewhere. We managed to explore Zanzibar from as we had to hire transport everyday to visit other areas.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great stay!

Great stay at the Zanzibar hotel. We were greeted with delicious fresh passion juice and cold facecloths on arrival (considering the 35+ degree weather this was delightful). Had a great sleep, AC was very much appreciated, and the breakfast was delicious with great selection. Also beautiful architecture.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service

Great Location

This place is in a great spot tucked away just on the Main Street to the beach. The room itself was clean however the bathroom was a bit dated and in need of a good clean. The air con and fan above the bed was useless and was all blocked by the mosquito net over the bed which had a solid cotton top. Other than that the hotel was good, check in was easy and pleasant, the breakfast was good and the staff are friendly. Stone Town is so hot though and this place could definitely benefit massively from a pool to cool off in.

8/10 Good

Raewyn, Perth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

very friendly staff

I had a wonderful stay. The room was very clean and the staff were so friendly and helpful. The hotel was right in the middle of StoneTown so it made it easy to see all the sights. I would recommend this hotel.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Great location to visit stone town

Very well located just got annoyed from the English of the concierge and the airport transfer was not as stated 15$ roundtrip (it was only one way 15$)