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Don't go without this guide written by one of our consultants
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Stone Town - An Expert Guide to Zanzibar’s capital and Where to Stay Zanzibar’s Stone Town is a fascinating living monument to the culture and histories of its curious mix of East African, Arab, Indian, Persian and European conquerors, traders and seafarers.
 Click here for Stone Town Hotel Reviews
Exploring Zanzibar Stone Town Stone Town is an extraordinary place to explore; the ancient maze of narrow streets is a romantic hotchpotch of historic old stone buildings built close for cool respite from the tropical island sun; shaded by elegantly carved balconies, loggias and verandas that cling precipitously overhead.
Stone Town gives a glimpse of the essence of Zanzibar, the sights, sounds and smells of the market, restaurants, harbour and mosques; albeit a very real and unsanitised view. It is increasingly becoming a dedicated tourist centre, with masses of tourist tat flooding the markets, and all visitors should be prepared for noisy street vendors, dirty pedestrian streets and a sense of crumbling glory.
Stone Town HistoryA short stay in Stone Town allows time to see the Sultan’s Palaces, and experience the sights and sounds of this idiosyncratic centre. There are many fine buildings to see, and some, such as the House of Wonders and the Arab Fort, have been restored to create areas for coffee and relaxation. Generally the best way to explore Stone Town is to meander the streets, window shopping and absorbing the atmosphere.
Zanzibar Stone Town by NightAs the sun sets, muezzins in their different mosque towers call the faithful to prayers again, dogs bark and children shout as they play football in open corners or dive into the harbour waters and demonstrate feats of bravery with their friends.
A crowd gathers along the harbour front and in Forodhani Gardens, where smoke rises from barbecues at the assorted food stalls and the curio markets assembling by gaslight amid a hubbub of banter and chat...This is a world apart, and well worth a visit.
Mystery of Zanzibar A walk here reveals a range of elaborately carved doors with delicately executed patterns of lotus flowers, fish and vines or dates, and sometimes inscribed with passages from the Koran to tell of the household within. The door was usually the only outward expression of a house concealed within the courtyard beyond, and was often even created first.
Stone Town Hotels We have included all the hotels below ordered by our ranking, and by price. Clicking on any of the links will bring up more information; our detailed view of the lodge, video, photos, key facts etc.
However, since we have been to all these hotels ourselves, it is well worth talking your options through in a phone call, or email us to help you to decide where to go.
Ranking
 - Outstanding
 - Very good
 - Good
 - Average
- Poor
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Zanzibar Serena Inn
There are no hotels in Stone Town truly worthy of 5 paws but the Serena comes close. It is certainly the best hotel in town. It has a great pool area in which to relax, along with a selection of bars and restaurants. The rooms are slightly too small, hence a 4 not 5 paw rating... but it is elegant, peaceful and we love it! |
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Beyt al Chai
Beyt al Chai is a big favourite, it epitomises all that is wonderful about Stone Town. With only 6 rooms, it is small and charming, well-priced and well-positioned. The location is much better than other Stone Town choices in terms of security, and the restaurant is superb. Beyt Al Chai continues to get rave reviews. Our top choice! |
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Zanzibar Palace Hotel
The Zanzibar Palace is taking on Emerson and Green for best small hotel in the west of Stone Town…and we would certainly agree that this hotel has better quality rooms. A good option worthy of 3 paws, however for Stone Town accommodation we prefer Beyt al Chai for both its location and great restaurant. |
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Emerson & Green
Emerson/236 Hurumzi was superb years ago, but is now a shadow of its former self. We used to agree that the best rooms were worth going to, even though the hotel was old and in need of some serious refurbishment. However, over recent years this area of town has become increasingly less appealing, which sadly impairs the experience of staying here. |
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Dhow Palace Hotel
The fact that the Dhow Palace is used by overland trucks and large companies trying to force down price means that we tend not to book this hotel. A cheap, backpackers hotel. |
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Tembo Hotel
Considering for only a little more you can stay in either Beyt al Chai or the Zanzibar Palace we tend to use the Tembo increasingly less. Tembo's redeeming quality is its refreshing central pool, but, with poor service, shabby rooms and no alcohol it is in need of a re-think! |
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