Shoki Shoki Hostel, centrally located in the heart of Stone Town, offers guests an ideal base for exploring the historic city with its proximity to vibrant market alleys, picturesque streets, key sites, and the beach. The hostel is praised for its cleanliness and welcoming atmosphere, offering comfortable and air-conditioned dormitories and private rooms that enhance the stay. Despite some private rooms being smaller and lacking windows, the hostel provides essential amenities like charging sockets, fans, and good water pressure in showers, ensuring a satisfactory experience.
The breakfast experience, available just a short stroll away at the Shoki Shoki House, consistently receives high praise for its quality, variety, and affordability, despite not being included in the room rate. The hostel stands out with its exceptional staff, lauded for their friendliness, attentiveness, and willingness to assist guests, contributing to a memorable stay.
Guests also appreciate the reliable Wi-Fi connectivity throughout much of the property, which is particularly strong on the first floor, allowing for convenient browsing and communication. The hostel's comfortable beds further enhance the experience, with robust mattresses offering a good night’s sleep even amid occasional firmness, ensuring guests depart with a positive impression.
Overall, Shoki Shoki Hostel provides excellent value for money, combining comfort, convenience, and genuine hospitality, making it a highly recommended choice for those visiting Zanzibar.
Emerald Palm Boutique Hotel is widely praised for its prime location in the heart of Stone Town, making it an excellent base for exploring historic attractions like the Old Fort, Freddy Mercury's house and the Old Slave Market. Guests appreciate the hotel's proximity to various amenities, including the public beach, night market, ferry terminal, restaurants and local shops. The central and safe location offers easy access to the vibrant, historic atmosphere of the area.
The breakfast offerings at Emerald Palm Boutique Hotel are generally well-received with guests highlighting the freshness and abundance of the food, particularly the fruits and cooked options like omelettes and pancakes. The good coffee and tea make for a pleasant start to the day. While the breakfast menu is basic and repetitive, the majority of guests find it tasty and satisfying.
Rooms at Emerald Palm Boutique Hotel garner praise for cleanliness and spaciousness, often described as comfortable and beautifully furnished, blending traditional Stone Town charm with modern amenities. Guests appreciate thoughtful touches such as tea, coffee, dates and toiletries. The staff's attentiveness enhances the overall pleasant experience and room decor often features authentic details and Indian decoration, adding a unique aesthetic appeal. Some minor drawbacks include occasional issues with ventilation, street noise and some maintenance concerns like mold and steep stair access, but these are generally exceptions.
Cleanliness is a strong point for Emerald Palm Boutique Hotel with guests consistently noting the rooms' cleanliness and comfort. Daily cleaning services ensure that the property is well-maintained, contributing to a positive experience. Though there are occasional minor issues, the consensus is that the hotel maintains commendable hygiene standards.
The staff at Emerald Palm Boutique Hotel is frequently praised for their warm, friendly and accommodating nature, contributing significantly to guest satisfaction. Staff members are highlighted for their helpfulness in arranging transfers, tours and taxis with names like Mathieu and Jay receiving special mention for their extraordinary assistance. The genuine hospitality and personalized touches create a welcoming, familial atmosphere that leaves guests feeling cherished.
Wi-Fi at Emerald Palm Boutique Hotel receives mixed reviews. While some guests find the Wi-Fi fantastic and adequate for general use, others report issues with instability and limited bandwidth. Some encountered problems with Wi-Fi requiring daily password changes and connection issues affecting other services like payment processing.
The beds are another positive aspect with many guests describing them as super comfortable and spacious. The firmness of the mattresses suits most guests, although it may be slightly too firm for others. A few guests mentioned that the beds are quite high off the ground, but overall, they provide a comfortable sleeping experience.
In summary, Emerald Palm Boutique Hotel excels in location, cleanliness, room comfort and staff hospitality, making it a favored choice for travelers seeking an immersive Stone Town experience.
Hiliki House, located in the heart of Zanzibar's Stone Town, is a charming heritage accommodation ideally positioned for guests to immerse themselves in the town's vibrant history and culture while enjoying a peaceful retreat. The hotel is strategically situated on a quiet street opposite Victoria Gardens, providing easy access to local attractions, lively markets, and the nearby beach, all within walking distance. Travelers appreciate the convenience of reaching the city center in under ten minutes, making it a perfect base for exploration.
Guests rave about the delightful breakfast at Hiliki House, highlighting its abundance and variety, which includes fresh fruit, eggs, hot beverages, and homemade chapati, all served in a spacious upstairs room that enhances the morning experience. The friendly and attentive staff further elevate the breakfast service, ensuring that guests feel welcomed and well cared for.
The accommodation boasts spacious rooms with a rustic charm, complete with traditional furnishings and modern amenities like air conditioning, fans, and mosquito nets. Visitors often commend the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms, appreciating the comfortable beds and the historic decor that adds a unique touch to their stay. While some guests encounter minor issues such as dampness and outdated fixtures, most reviews focus on the positive aspects of the accommodations.
The staff at Hiliki House are repeatedly praised for their warmth and hospitality, with key figures such as David, Omar, Suleiman, and Mahmoud leaving a lasting impression on visitors. Their dedication to guest satisfaction contributes significantly to the hotel's appeal, making guests feel at home and enhancing their overall experience.
The free Wi-Fi, available in the communal areas, serves as a reliable resource for guests needing connectivity, although it doesn't extend into individual rooms. The well-functioning internet access in shared spaces offers guests the opportunity to stay connected while enjoying the hotel's inviting atmosphere.
Hiliki House offers a balanced mix of comfort, charm, and value, appealing to budget-conscious travelers seeking an authentic experience in Zanzibar. Despite its dated facilities and occasional imperfections, the overall offerings and attentive staff provide guests with a rewarding and enjoyable stay aligned with the hotel's three-star rating.
Retro, situated in the heart of Stone Town, boasts an exceptional location that effortlessly combines accessibility with tranquility. Guests greatly value its proximity to key attractions and amenities, allowing easy exploration of historic streets, vibrant markets, and local beachfronts on foot. The charming colonial architecture enriches the cultural experience while providing a comfortable haven.
The breakfast experience at Retro consistently impresses guests with its quality and variety, served in a historic setting next door. Generous servings of hearty dishes, fresh fruits, homemade toast, and coffee highlight the meal, often deemed a morning highlight that adds to the hotel's value for money.
Rooms at Retro are primarily spacious and clean, providing a comfortable environment for guests. Basic amenities like Wi-Fi are included, and daily cleaning is appreciated. Minor issues such as small bathrooms and occasional mattress discomfort exist but generally do not detract from the overall positive impression.
Cleanliness at Retro, while praised by many, has some mixed reviews. Rooms are typically well-maintained, although occasional concerns about bathrooms and linens are noted. Guests appreciate the friendly and helpful staff, particularly the hotel manager, David, who frequently goes above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay, contributing to an overwhelmingly positive guest experience.
Wi-Fi at Retro receives mixed reviews, with connectivity being reliable on the rooftop but inconsistent in rooms. Guests seeking stable internet access often favor the rooftop area.
Comfortable beds are frequently acknowledged as an asset, with King-size beds and additional amenities like netting and air conditioning enhancing the sleep experience. While there are occasional remarks about the firmness or shortness of the beds, most guests enjoy a restful night.
Overall, Retro offers a budget-friendly stay with a high standard of service, cleanliness, and excellent value for money. Despite being a three-star hotel with certain limitations, it exceeds expectations in numerous key areas, delivering a satisfactory and charming experience for travelers.
Jafferji House is a beautiful boutique hotel located in the heart of Stone Town, offering a unique and authentic experience for guests. The hotel's central location is ideal for exploring the area's many attractions and the colonial-style design is both charming and comfortable. Guests rave about the delicious breakfast served on the rooftop terrace with a view of the ocean and the staff is widely praised for their outstanding customer service. The rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated in a Swahili, Arabic or African style with handcrafted furniture and colorful accents, although some guests experienced issues with cleanliness. Despite some minor areas for improvement, guests overwhelmingly rated their stay as superb and would recommend staying here in a heartbeat. Jafferji House is a true gem and a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique and romantic getaway in Stone Town.
Sharazad Wonders Boutique, nestled in the heart of Stone Town, offers travelers an outstanding base for exploring the vibrant, cultural essence of Zanzibar. Its prime location allows guests easy access to numerous historical landmarks and attractions, creating an ideal setting for city sightseeing. While the lively streets might be overwhelming for some, they provide an authentic Zanzibar experience embraced by many. The hotel's proximity to both land and sea adventures enhances its appeal, combining accessibility with a serene escape in its spacious and airy rooms.
Guests are consistently impressed by the exceptional breakfast experience, highlighted by fresh, varied, and flavorful options that cater to all tastes. The delightful dining atmosphere complements the breakfast offerings, ensuring a satisfying start to the day. Dinner receives similar praise for its superb and delicious cuisine, reflecting the talent and dedication of the chefs. Although some find the food slightly pricey and service occasionally slow, the overall dining experience leaves a lasting impression.
The hotel's rooms are celebrated for their ample space, cleanliness, and tasteful decorations, creating a calming and luxurious atmosphere. Despite occasional mentions of overly firm mattresses, guests overwhelmingly appreciate the rooms' comfort and size. The modern aesthetics and exceptional cleanliness of the property enhance its appeal, making it a chic and comfortable choice for travelers.
The staff at Sharazad Wonders Boutique are renowned for their exceptional hospitality, consistently praised for their friendliness, helpfulness, and willingness to exceed guest expectations. Their kindness and attentive care contribute significantly to the warm and inviting atmosphere of the hotel, ensuring that every guest feels truly welcome during their stay.
Overall, Sharazad Wonders Boutique stands out as a superb choice for travelers seeking a blend of cultural immersion, comfort, and memorable dining experiences in the enchanting labyrinth of Stone Town.
Zava House Stone Town garners widespread praise for its central and convenient location, allowing guests to explore the historic and vibrant Stone Town of Zanzibar effortlessly. Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, guests appreciate the serene atmosphere while still being close to attractions, markets, and the beach, making it a perfect base for cultural exploration. The property's self-catering setup, with available kitchen facilities, caters to those who enjoy preparing their own meals, offering flexibility for culinary preferences.
The rooms at Zava House are notably spacious and exceptionally clean, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing stay. Despite their simple decor, they boast essential amenities like large fans, compensating well for the absence of air conditioning. The accommodating and friendly staff, particularly standout members such as Mr. Chafioun and Shafi, leave a lasting impression with their exceptional service and eagerness to assist. This attentive and enthusiastic team further enhances the guest experience, ensuring visitors feel welcomed and valued.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, generally providing reliable and fast internet access in rooms as well as common areas, though some guests experienced minor connectivity issues that were addressed by the staff. The beds offer mixed reviews, being mostly comfortable and generously sized, although some guests noted certain issues like lumpy or sagging mattresses.
The hotel's affordability is a key highlight, offering unparalleled value for money without compromising on quality, ideal for travelers on a budget. While minor concerns such as occasional maintenance issues in the bathrooms and some noise from neighboring rooms were mentioned, they are generally manageable and do not detract significantly from the overall experience.
Overall, Zava House Stone Town stands as a charming choice for those seeking spacious, clean, and conveniently located lodging filled with warm hospitality in the heart of Stone Town, delivering an enjoyable and cost-effective stay.
Garden Lodge in Stone Town is highly regarded for its prime location, offering an ideal balance of centrality and tranquility. Guests find it a perfect base for exploring the city and enjoying leisure activities, with convenient access to the vibrant attractions of the old town. Despite being centrally located, the lodge offers a peaceful retreat, complemented by attentive staff and a commendable breakfast experience.
The breakfast at Garden Lodge stands out, served on a charming rooftop terrace with lovely views. Visitors are treated to a generous array of delicious items, including fresh fruit, made-to-order eggs, sausage, and specialty Swahili coffee. The inviting atmosphere and friendly staff enhance the overall morning experience.
Rooms at Garden Lodge offer a clean and comfortable stay with benefits like air conditioning and mosquito nets, ensuring good rest for travelers. While the rooms provide a basic yet satisfactory option for relaxation, some guests note they are small and could use updates in terms of decor and bathroom facilities.
Cleanliness receives mixed feedback, with many guests appreciating the overall tidiness and friendly, attentive staff. Though certain areas, such as bedding and bathrooms, could benefit from modernization, the lodge maintains a welcoming atmosphere thanks to its staff.
Staff members are a highlight at Garden Lodge, consistently praised for their warmth, kindness, and attentiveness. Their readiness to assist with issues and offer guidance on trip bookings and local dining options greatly enhances the guest experience. Amir at the front desk is notably commended for his remarkable service. The combination of a convenient location and caring staff leaves a lasting positive impression, making Garden Lodge an appealing choice for travelers seeking excellent value for money.
zLife Stone Town is favorably noted for its prime central location in the heart of Stone Town, providing easy access to key attractions, restaurants and the beach. Guests find the proximity to cultural and historical sites, as well as the ocean promenade and ferry terminal, to be extremely convenient, making it a perfect starting point for exploring the vibrant surroundings. The traditional architecture combined with modern amenities offers a unique charm and excellent value for money, further enhanced by the helpful and friendly staff.
The breakfast at zLife Stone Town receives generally positive reviews with guests enjoying the variety of fresh and homemade items like exotic fruit jams, banana pancakes and Spanish omelets. The breakfast setting, often described as a lovely terrace or nice patio, along with the amicable service from the breakfast staff, notably Patricia, adds to the overall pleasant experience.
The dining options are ample and varied with guests praising the in-house restaurant despite some finding it pricey. Nearby dining spots, including the highly recommended Funky Monkey restaurant and the night market, provide excellent alternatives within walking distance. Additionally, the hostel's fully equipped kitchen allows for convenient self-catering.
Room reviews are mixed, highlighting clean and comfortable spaces, though some rooms are small, dark and occasionally noisy. Family rooms and suites receive better feedback for space and comfort. The accommodations, often basic but functional, offer amenities like air conditioning, appreciated by many guests. However, issues with ventilation, lack of windows and occasional cleanliness problems were noted. Bathrooms vary in cleanliness and functionality with some praised for hot water and spaciousness, while others require maintenance.
Cleanliness throughout the property is adequate with regular upkeep of rooms and common areas. Guests appreciate the efforts to maintain a tidy environment, although there are occasional inconsistencies, such as mold and uncleaned rooms during stays.
The staff at zLife Stone Town is consistently praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing to the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Key staff members like Patricia and Marcus are frequently mentioned for their exceptional service, ensuring guests feel valued and well-assisted during their stay.
Wi-Fi connectivity presents a challenge with many guests experiencing slow or unreliable internet access, though some report satisfactory coverage. Despite these issues, the overall supportive environment and pleasant breakfast mitigate concerns about connectivity.
The hostel's close proximity to the beach is highly appreciated, offering easy access for quick dips or full beach days. This central location balances access to both city attractions and the tranquil beachside, providing a well-rounded experience.
In summary, zLife Stone Town delivers a budget-friendly and comfortable stay with excellent location benefits, a welcoming atmosphere and a satisfying breakfast. While some rooms may present size, cleanliness and noise issues, the hostel's traditional charm and friendly staff largely contribute to a pleasant overall experience.
Shoki Shoki Hotel Stone Town is a highly recommended accommodation with numerous positive features highlighted by guests. Its excellent location at the heart of Stone Town is frequently praised, offering close proximity to key attractions such as the Fish Market, Forodhani Gardens, Old Fort, Freddie Mercury Museum and the scenic beachfront, making it a strategic base for exploring the historic center on foot.
One of the standout features is the breakfast, which is often lauded for its taste, quality and variety, including fresh fruits, made-to-order eggs, pancakes, waffles and vegetarian options. The generous portions and accommodating staff add to the delightful breakfast experience with some guests even considering it one of the best in Zanzibar.
The dining experience at Shoki Shoki House is also well-regarded with positive feedback on the local lunch options served and the partial sea view from the restaurant adds a pleasant ambiance. Though breakfast options can be somewhat limited, the overall meal quality is praised.
Guests appreciate the clean and well-maintained rooms, which are functional and equipped with comfortable bedding, air conditioning, fans and toiletries. Despite some concerns about room size and natural light, the overall satisfaction remains high, especially for the family suite and top-floor rooms.
Cleanliness is a highlight with guests consistently mentioning the immaculate condition of the rooms and common areas, maintained by diligent housekeeping staff. The hotel offers a fresh, bug-free environment with added touches like daily cookies and decorative beds enhancing the guest experience.
The friendly and professional staff at Shoki Shoki Hotel Stone Town contributes significantly to positive guest experiences, going above and beyond to meet guest needs, assist with tour arrangements and create a welcoming atmosphere.
The free wifi generally works well in common areas, although its strength can be variable in individual rooms. Proximity to the beach and local attractions is another appreciated feature, making it easy for guests to enjoy quick strolls to the waterfront and city center.
For families, the hotel offers suitable accommodations with spacious, clean family rooms and a family-friendly atmosphere. The excellent breakfast and helpful staff further enhance the family experience, despite minor issues like external private bathrooms or room size expectations.
Beds receive mixed reviews with some finding them cozy and comfortable while others find them too firm. Despite these differences, many guests still report a good night's sleep due to the quality and cleanliness of the bedding.
Business travelers also find Shoki Shoki Hotel Stone Town to be an excellent choice with reliable Wi-Fi, suitable workspace options and quiet surroundings ideal for meetings and work. The convenient access to restaurants and strategic location adds to its appeal for business purposes.
In summary, Shoki Shoki Hotel Stone Town offers a compelling combination of excellent location, outstanding cleanliness, friendly staff and quality dining, making it a practical and enjoyable choice for travelers visiting Stone Town.