The best hotels in Zanzibar City

A no-frills guesthouse tucked into the narrow lanes near Darajani Market in Stone Town. Rooms are basic but clean, with ceiling fans and small windows that catch the sea breeze. The staff are helpful with arranging local tours and dhow trips. Breakfast is simple but included. A solid choice if you want to be in the heart of the old city without spending much.

Located in the Ng'ambo district just east of Stone Town, this small lodge offers good value in a quieter residential area. Rooms are spacious by Zanzibar standards, with tiled floors and functional air conditioning. The garden courtyard is a pleasant place to have breakfast away from the tourist bustle. It is a short walk or cheap taxi ride to the Stone Town waterfront. Good for travelers who want comfort without paying Stone Town prices.

Tembo House sits directly on the Stone Town seafront, with unobstructed views of the Indian Ocean from its terrace and upper floor rooms. The building is a restored colonial house with carved wooden details and a traditional feel. Rooms vary in size and quality, so request an ocean-facing room when booking. The outdoor pool and beachside restaurant are genuine highlights. It is steps from the House of Wonders and the Old Fort, making sightseeing very convenient.

This small boutique hotel is set inside a beautifully restored merchant house on Suicide Alley, one of Stone Town's most atmospheric lanes. There are only a handful of rooms, each decorated with local antiques and hand-carved furniture. The rooftop is perfect for evening drinks with views over the old city rooftops. The coffee shop on the ground floor is one of the best in Zanzibar. Booking in advance is essential because it fills up fast.

236 Hurumzi occupies a restored 1860s merchant tower on Hurumzi Street, one of the tallest historic buildings in Stone Town. The Tower Top Restaurant at the top floor is a genuine experience, with panoramic views over the city and harbor. Rooms are individually decorated with antique Zanzibari furniture and four-poster beds. Service is attentive and the staff know the history of the building well. This is one of the most characterful hotels in the city.

Seyyida is a boutique hotel near the Old Fort that blends Swahili architecture with modern comfort. Rooms are styled with locally sourced textiles and carved wooden doors, giving the place a genuine sense of place. The rooftop pool is small but well maintained and offers good views of the surrounding rooftops. The in-house spa offers traditional treatments using local products. A good pick for couples wanting something intimate and locally rooted.

The Serena Inn is one of the most consistently well-regarded hotels in Stone Town, occupying two restored historic buildings on the seafront near the Beit el-Ajaib. Rooms are elegant and well maintained, with Swahili decor and modern amenities. The seafront terrace restaurant is a highlight, serving good food with ocean views. Staff are professional and reliable with arranging island excursions. It is a dependable choice at this price point in Zanzibar City.

Located in the Malindi district near the port area of Stone Town, Abuso Inn is a quiet boutique property with only a few suites. The building has been carefully restored and retains original carved plasterwork and Omani-influenced architectural details. Rooms are large and furnished with antiques rather than generic hotel pieces. The rooftop terrace is uncrowded and has good harbor views. It attracts guests who want authenticity over amenities and hotel services are intentionally low-key.

Jafferji House is a high-end boutique hotel on Baghani Street in the heart of Stone Town, owned by a prominent Zanzibari photographer whose work decorates the walls. Each of the twelve suites is individually designed with custom furnishings, silk fabrics and private bathrooms that are genuinely luxurious. The rooftop restaurant and bar are among the best dining spots in the city. Personal butler service and bespoke tour arrangements are standard. This is the most refined small hotel in Stone Town.

The Park Hyatt is the only international luxury chain hotel in Stone Town, built into two restored historic buildings on the seafront promenade. Rooms and suites are spacious by any standard, with high ceilings, marble bathrooms and direct ocean views from the upper floors. The infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean is a standout feature in a city where pools are rare. Dining at The Islands restaurant is consistently excellent. Service standards are noticeably higher than most competitors in Zanzibar City.