Question 1

What is the best area to stay in Zanzibar Town?

Accepted Answer

The best area to stay in Zanzibar Town is Stone Town, the historic heart of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Stone Town is a labyrinth of narrow alleys, bustling markets, and beautifully carved wooden doors, reflecting centuries of Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences. Landmarks include the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, and the Forodhani Gardens, which transform into a lively food market in the evenings. The area is highly walkable, though navigating the winding streets can be an adventure itself.

For couples seeking a distinctive cultural experience, Stone Town is an excellent choice. Its historic hotels, often housed in beautifully restored buildings, offer an ambiance. The evenings provide opportunities to enjoy sunset dhow cruises or explore the night market at Forodhani Gardens, known for its local street food.

Travelers interested in history and local life will also find Stone Town ideal. The area offers easy access to museums, spice tours, and opportunities to observe daily life unfold in its bustling markets and squares.

Question 2

What are the best hotels in Zanzibar Town that travelers recommend?

Accepted Answer

Two of the best hotels in Zanzibar Town that receive consistently high recommendations from travelers are the Zanzibar Serena Hotel and the Tembo House Hotel.

The 5-star Zanzibar Serena Hotel, with a 9.0 rating, is an excellent choice for a luxurious stay. Guests appreciate its 24-hour room service, designer toiletries, and premium bedding. The hotel also features a poolside bar and is conveniently located near attractions like the Zanzibar Night Market and Forodhani Gardens. Customers frequently highlight the excellent, complimentary breakfast and the great pool.

Another highly recommended option is the 4-star Tembo House Hotel, rated 8.6. This hotel offers 24-hour room service, Egyptian cotton sheets, and options for poolside, garden view, or beachfront dining. Its location is excellent, being very close to the Zanzibar Night Market and Forodhani Gardens. Travelers consistently praise the friendly and helpful staff, as well as the comfortable and spacious rooms.

Question 3

What are the best family hotels in Zanzibar Town?

Accepted Answer

For family-friendly hotels in Zanzibar Town, consider the Maru Maru Hotel, Golden Tulip Zanzibar Airport, Tembo House Hotel, Golden Tulip Zanzibar Resort, and Hotel Verde Zanzibar - Azam Luxury Resort & Spa.

The 3-star Maru Maru Hotel, with an 8.8 rating, offers numerous amenities for families, including onsite babysitting and childcare services, a playground, and an outdoor play area for children. The hotel also provides outlet covers, child-friendly window designs, highchairs, and free rollaway extra beds. Guests frequently praise the friendly and helpful staff, secure and spotless rooms, and great breakfast. It is conveniently located just 0.1 miles from Zanzibar Night Market and Forodhani Gardens.

The 4-star Golden Tulip Zanzibar Airport, rated 8.8, is another excellent choice for families. It features a kids' meal option, a children's pool, and a playground. Additional conveniences include sofa beds, cribs, and connecting rooms, along with a children's club and onsite babysitting and childcare services. Guests have described the food as good and amazing, the rooms as gorgeous and nice, and the staff as excellent and helpful. The breakfast is also noted as quite good, and the front desk service is exceptional.

The 4-star Tembo House Hotel, with an 8.6 rating, provides amenities such as kids' meals, child-friendly window designs, a children's pool, free rollaway extra beds, and free cribs, as well as a playground. Its location is excellent, being 0.1 miles from Forodhani Gardens and 0.2 miles from Zanzibar Night Market. Reviewers frequently highlight the excellent location, friendly and helpful staff, good and amazing breakfast, and comfortable and big rooms.

The 3.5-star Golden Tulip Zanzibar Resort, rated 8.2, offers kids' meals, a children's pool, cribs, and onsite babysitting and childcare services. Guests often praise the friendly and lovely staff, great and good food, and lovely rooms.

For a luxurious family stay, the 4.5-star Hotel Verde Zanzibar - Azam Luxury Resort & Spa, with a 9.0 rating, is a great option. It offers sofa beds, a playground, and a children's pool, along with supervised childcare for children. Guests appreciate the clean rooms, friendly staff, excellent and great food, and great ambiance. The location is also considered convenient. Find more child-friendly accommodations in Zanzibar Town

Question 4

What are the best 5-star hotels in Zanzibar Town?

Accepted Answer

For the best 5-star hotels in Zanzibar Town, consider the Park Hyatt Zanzibar, Zanzibar Serena Hotel, and Madinat Al Bahr Business & Spa Hotel.

The 5-star Park Hyatt Zanzibar, with an impressive 9.4 rating, is highly praised for its beautiful architecture and excellent service from friendly staff. Guests can enjoy premium bedding and the convenience of 24-hour room service. It is also exceptionally located right on Shangani Beach, and close to Marahubi Palace and Beit el-Sahel (Palace Museum).

Another excellent option is the 5-star Zanzibar Serena Hotel, rated 9.0. It offers designer toiletries, air conditioning, and premium bedding. Guests frequently highlight the excellent free breakfast, fabulous food, and the great pool. Its location is also a key feature, being near the Zanzibar Night Market, Forodhani Gardens, and Shangani Beach.

The 5-star Madinat Al Bahr Business & Spa Hotel, also rated 9.0, is known for its comfortable and clean rooms, amazing staff, and top customer service. Guests appreciate the great food and amazing showers. This hotel offers a poolside bar and swim-up bar, along with sea views and champagne service. Find more luxury hotels in Zanzibar Town

Question 5

What are the best spa hotels in Zanzibar Town?

Accepted Answer

For excellent spa hotels in Zanzibar Town, consider the Golden Tulip Zanzibar Airport, Zanzibar Palace Hotel, Antonio Garden Hotel, Zanzibar Serena Hotel, or Habari House.

The 4-star Golden Tulip Zanzibar Airport, with an 8.8 rating, offers an extensive full-service spa with accessible facilities. Guests can enjoy a wide array of treatments including sports massage, reflexology, body wraps, body scrubs, aromatherapy, deep tissue massage, Turkish bath or hammam, thalassotherapy, manicures and pedicures, detoxification wraps, facial treatments, Swedish massage, Thai massage, and Ayurvedic treatments. Reviewers frequently praise the good food, gorgeous rooms, and excellent staff.

The 4-star Zanzibar Palace Hotel, rated 9.0, provides a full-service onsite spa with amenities such as massage available with advance notice, body treatments, couples treatment rooms, facial treatments, hot stone massage, deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, body scrubs, manicures and pedicures, and Ayurvedic treatments. This hotel is conveniently located just 0.1 miles from Beit el-Sahel (Palace Museum) and 0.2 miles from Hamamni Persian Baths. Guests often highlight the delicious breakfast and helpful staff.

Antonio Garden Hotel, a 3.5-star property with an 8.2 rating, features a full-service onsite spa daily. Guests can indulge in facial treatments, body scrubs, manicures and pedicures, Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, massage with advance notice, couples treatment rooms, body treatments, body wraps, and aromatherapy treatments. It is very close to Hamamni Persian Baths, just 0.0 miles away.

The 5-star Zanzibar Serena Hotel, boasting a 9.0 rating, offers a full-service onsite spa daily. The spa includes treatment rooms for massage, body treatments, manicures and pedicures, body scrubs, facial treatments, and couples treatment rooms. Guests consistently note the excellent breakfast, fabulous food, and great location, being only 0.1 miles from Shangani Beach.

Habari House, with an impressive 9.6 rating, offers a full-service onsite spa daily, including a steam room. Guests can enjoy Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and other massage services with advance notice. It is exceptionally well-located, just 0.0 miles from Marahubi Palace and 0.1 miles from Shangani Beach. See all spa hotels in Zanzibar Town

Question 6

What hotels in Zanzibar Town offer free breakfast?

Accepted Answer

In Zanzibar Town, several highly-rated hotels offer complimentary breakfast, including the Emerson Spice Hotel, Zanzibar Coffee House, Zanzibar Palace Hotel, Dhow Palace Hotel, and Spice Palace Hotel.

The 3.5-star Emerson Spice Hotel, boasting an impressive 9.6 rating, provides a free continental breakfast. Guests frequently praise the beautiful and clean rooms, fantastic food, and attentive staff. It is conveniently located near Forodhani Gardens and Christ Church Cathedral.

Another excellent choice is the 3.5-star Zanzibar Coffee House, also with a 9.6 rating. This hotel offers a free full breakfast, and guests often comment on the friendly and helpful staff and superb rooms. It is a short walk from the Peace Memorial Museum and the Slave Market.

The 4-star Zanzibar Palace Hotel, rated 9.0, offers a delicious free cooked breakfast. Travelers appreciate the helpful staff, excellent showers, and good location. The hotel is situated close to Forodhani Gardens and the Freddie Mercury Museum.

The 4-star Dhow Palace Hotel, with an 8.6 rating, provides a fantastic free full breakfast. Guests consistently highlight the friendly and helpful staff, great location, and amazing breakfast buffet. The hotel is very close to Forodhani Gardens and the Freddie Mercury Museum.

Finally, the 3.5-star Spice Palace Hotel, rated 8.4, offers a complimentary continental breakfast in its club lounge. Guests often report comfortable and clean rooms, great food, and fantastic staff. It is well-located near the Freddie Mercury Museum and Forodhani Gardens. Find more hotels with free breakfast in Zanzibar Town

Question 7

What are the top boutique hotels in Zanzibar Town?

Accepted Answer

For a top boutique hotel in Zanzibar Town, the 4-star Golden Tulip Zanzibar Airport is an excellent choice.

This hotel, which has an 8.8 rating, offers a full-service spa with a wide array of treatments, including deep tissue massage, aromatherapy, and body wraps, ensuring a relaxing stay. Guests consistently praise the gorgeous rooms, excellent staff, and good food. The convenient location near the airport makes it an ideal option for travelers seeking both comfort and accessibility.

Question 8

What are the best budget hotels in Zanzibar Town?

Accepted Answer

For budget-friendly hotels in Zanzibar Town that offer excellent value and service, consider the Shoki Shoki Hotel Stone Town, Maru Maru Hotel, Zanzi House, The Swahili House, and NEW AMAAN HOTEL.

The 3-star Shoki Shoki Hotel Stone Town, with an 8.6 rating, is highly praised for its excellent location, being just 0.1 miles from Forodhani Gardens and 0.0 miles from the Freddie Mercury Museum. Guests consistently highlight the friendly staff, delicious breakfast, and clean rooms. It offers free WiFi, free toiletries, free continental breakfast, and a 24-hour airport shuttle.

Another great option is the 3-star Maru Maru Hotel, which boasts an 8.8 rating. This hotel is also very well-located, only 0.1 miles from Forodhani Gardens and 0.1 miles from the Freddie Mercury Museum. Guests frequently mention the friendly and helpful staff, as well as the secure and spotless rooms. Amenities include free WiFi, free toiletries, free parking nearby, free self-parking, and a 24-hour airport shuttle.

The 3-star Zanzi House, rated 8.0, is another popular choice. It is conveniently situated 0.1 miles from Christ Church Cathedral and 0.1 miles from the Slave Market. Travelers appreciate the consistently clean rooms and the excellent staff. This hotel provides free WiFi, free breakfast, a free English breakfast, and a 24-hour airport shuttle.

The Swahili House, a 3-star hotel with an 8.2 rating, is much-loved for its central location, being just 0.0 miles from Christ Church Cathedral and 0.1 miles from the Slave Market. Guests frequently praise the very friendly and good staff. It offers free WiFi, free toiletries, free breakfast, and a free English breakfast.

Finally, the 3-star NEW AMAAN HOTEL stands out with a superb 10.0 rating. This hotel provides free self-parking, free WiFi, free continental breakfast, and free breakfast. It also offers accessible parking, secured self-parking, and accessible van parking. View all budget hotels in Zanzibar Town

Question 9

What are the most romantic hotels in Zanzibar Town for couples?

Accepted Answer

For a romantic getaway in Zanzibar Town, several highly-rated hotels offer exceptional experiences for couples, including the Park Hyatt Zanzibar, Emerson Spice Hotel, and Zanzibar Serena Hotel.

The 5-star Park Hyatt Zanzibar, with an excellent 9.4 rating, offers luxurious suites, an outdoor pool with sun loungers and a poolside bar, and free self-parking. Guests consistently praise its beautiful architecture, excellent service, and friendly staff. Many rooms feature ocean views and balconies, and the hotel provides couples treatment rooms for a relaxing experience. It's conveniently located near Shangani Beach and Marahubi Palace.

The Emerson Spice Hotel, rated 9.6, is another wonderful option. This 3.5-star hotel provides a complimentary continental breakfast and free WiFi. Guests frequently comment on the beautiful and clean rooms, fantastic food, and attentive staff. Select rooms feature a furnished balcony, superb for enjoying the views together. It is close to Beit el-Sahel (Palace Museum) and Hamamni Persian Baths.

The 5-star Zanzibar Serena Hotel, with a 9.0 rating, is known for its couples dining options and 24-hour room service. The hotel offers designer toiletries, air conditioning, and premium bedding. Guests appreciate the excellent and free breakfast, fabulous food, and great pool. Many rooms boast ocean views and balconies, and the hotel also provides couples treatment rooms. It is situated near Shangani Beach and Marahubi Palace.

Other great romantic hotels include the 3-star Maru Maru Hotel, rated 8.8, which offers couples dining and a 24-hour airport shuttle. The 4-star Zanzibar Palace Hotel, with a 9.0 rating, provides a free cooked breakfast, free WiFi, and a complimentary ferry terminal shuttle, with some rooms featuring balconies and couples dining options. See all romantic hotels in Zanzibar Town

Question 10

What are the best hotels in Zanzibar Town near Forodhani Gardens?

Accepted Answer

For excellent hotels in Zanzibar Town near Forodhani Gardens, consider the Park Hyatt Zanzibar, Emerson Spice Hotel, Zanzibar Coffee House, The Neela Boutique Hotel Stone Town, and Zanzibar Serena Hotel.

The 5-star Park Hyatt Zanzibar, with an outstanding 9.4 rating, is located just 0.2 miles from Forodhani Gardens. This hotel offers a beautiful pool, suites, and a poolside bar, making it a great choice for families. Guests frequently praise its beautiful architecture and excellent, friendly service.

Another fantastic option is the 3.5-star Emerson Spice Hotel, rated 9.6, also just 0.2 miles from Forodhani Gardens. It provides complimentary breakfast, free toiletries, and a 24-hour airport shuttle. Guests often highlight the beautiful and clean rooms, as well as the fantastic food and attentive staff.

The Zanzibar Coffee House, a 3.5-star hotel with a 9.6 rating, is 0.3 miles from Forodhani Gardens. This hotel offers free breakfast, free toiletries, and a 24-hour airport shuttle. Its friendly and helpful staff are frequently mentioned by guests, who also describe the rooms as perfect.

The 4-star The Neela Boutique Hotel Stone Town, boasting an exceptional 9.8 rating, is conveniently situated 0.2 miles from Forodhani Gardens. It features a 24-hour airport shuttle, designer toiletries, Egyptian cotton sheets, bathrobes, and rainfall showerheads. Guests consistently praise the friendly and attentive staff, amazing food and drinks, and beautiful rooms.

Finally, the 5-star Zanzibar Serena Hotel, rated 9.0, is 0.3 miles from Forodhani Gardens. This hotel is well-suited for families, offering a children's pool, a main pool, and on-site babysitting services. Guests often mention the excellent breakfast, fabulous food, and great location and pool.

Question 11

What hotels are near Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.)?

Accepted Answer

For hotels near Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.), the Golden Tulip Zanzibar Airport is an excellent choice.

This 4-star hotel, with an 8.8 rating, is conveniently located just 0.2 miles from the airport. It offers a range of family-friendly amenities, including a children's pool, a playground, and a children's club. Guests frequently praise the gorgeous rooms, excellent staff, and amazing food, with the breakfast also receiving good reviews. For families, the hotel provides sofa beds, free cribs, and connecting rooms, as well as on-site babysitting services.

Question 12

When is the best time to go to Zanzibar Town?

Accepted Answer

The best time to go to Zanzibar Town is during the dry seasons, which run from June to October and again from December to February.

The longer dry season from June to October offers pleasant temperatures with lower humidity and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for exploring Stone Town's historic alleyways and enjoying the beaches nearby. This period is also superb for snorkeling and diving due to clear waters.

For travelers looking for warm weather and sunshine, the shorter dry season from December to February is also excellent. While it can be a bit hotter and more humid than the June-October period, it's a great time for beach activities and water sports.

Question 13

Where can I find the best nightlife in Zanzibar Town?

Accepted Answer

Zanzibar Town offers several options for evening entertainment, primarily centered around Stone Town and its immediate surroundings.

Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar Town, provides a range of evening activities. You'll find many rooftop bars here, offering views of the Indian Ocean, particularly around sunset. There are also several restaurants that transform into lounge-like settings in the evenings, some with live music featuring local or international acts. Forodhani Gardens, especially after dark, becomes a food market where you can sample local street food.

Outside of Stone Town, particularly along the coast just north, you'll find beach resorts that often host their own entertainment programs. These can include themed nights, live music, or cultural performances.

Question 14

Can I cancel my hotel reservation on Expedia?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, though it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if canceled within 24-48 hours of the scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. If free cancellation is available, you can cancel directly through your Expedia account by logging in, going to "My Trips", and selecting your reservation. To find flexible deals, filter your search by "Fully refundable property" for hotels in Zanzibar Town.

Question 15

How can I save on a Zanzibar Town hotel booking with Expedia?

Accepted Answer

With Expedia, you earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible Zanzibar Town hotel bookings for every dollar you spend – just join our One Key™ travel rewards program to get started. It’s free to join, and you’ll unlock our lowest Member Prices as soon as you’re signed in. On top of this, you could also save significantly by bundling your hotel and flights together on Expedia.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo.

Question 16

How much is the nightly rate at a Zanzibar Town hotel?

Accepted Answer

Prices for hotels in Zanzibar Town often vary, but you can find a great deal from $45 on Expedia. All sorts of factors affect price, such as the time of year or the days of the week you choose for your stay. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by "Price: low to high" for the cheapest rate.

Month	Price
January	$96
February	$98
March	$88
April	$84
May	$89
June	$95
July	$115
August	$122
September	$110
October	$101
November	$97
December	$100

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	82.2°F (27.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
February	82.6°F (28.1°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
March	82.9°F (28.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	81.0°F (27.2°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
May	79.5°F (26.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
June	78.1°F (25.6°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
July	76.8°F (24.9°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	77.0°F (25.0°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	77.9°F (25.5°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	79.5°F (26.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
November	80.8°F (27.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	82.0°F (27.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High

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