Our group of 4 (2 American couples) stayed 4 nights at the Zanzibar Serena in July, 2019, as a follow-up to a Serengeti photo safari. The hotel is right on the Indian Ocean and gorgeous, with loads of character. Our rooms had fabulous ocean views from the rooms themselves and from the spacious lanais, which had very comfortable chairs, tables, and even hammocks! Our rooms were very clean. The food was excellent. A delicious daily buffet breakfast was included in the price. We had breakfast while viewing the sea, watching young people playing soccer on the beach and older people walking & doing yoga. On the weekend, there was a local group performing Zanzibarian music -- clearly much influenced by middle eastern culture and excellent. We had arranged several tours of the area in advance, and added another at the hotel. Lots to see in Stone Town and on the island! There was a nice-looking pool (that we didn't use), and a well-stocked gift shop. We asked for and received a late check-out on our last day. The management was very accommodating. If you want to have dinner on their rooftop restaurant, you'll need to make a reservation in advance. We didn't, and we couldn't get in; but we just walked next door to the Hyatt and had one of our dinners there. We loved the Zanzibar Serena Hotel and highly recommend it.