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Zanzibar Serena Hotel

5.0 star property
Luxury hotel on the beach, with outdoor pool

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Zanzibar Serena Hotel

Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, lifeguards on site
View from property
Lobby sitting area
Honeymoon Suite | View from room
Terrace/patio

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping

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Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 3 of 3 rooms

View all photos for Executive Suite

Executive Suite | Living room | 21-inch LCD TV with satellite channels, TV

Executive Suite

Highlights

Balcony
Individually furnished
Air conditioning
LCD TV
Premium bedding
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
Bathrobes
  • 624 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Double or Twin Room, Ocean View

Superior Double or Twin Room, Ocean View | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

Superior Double or Twin Room, Ocean View

Highlights

Balcony
Individually furnished
Air conditioning
LCD TV
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Blackout drapes/curtains
Bathrobes
  • 301 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Standard Double room

Standard Double room | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

Standard Double room

7.8 out of 10
Good
(8 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
LCD TV
Premium bedding
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
  • 280 sq ft
  • Partial ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds
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About the neighborhood

Map
Kelele Square, Stone Town, Zanzibar Town

What's nearby

  • Shangani Beach - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Old Fort - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Forodhani Gardens - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Zanzibar Ferry Terminal - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Slave Market - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles

Getting around

  • Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ) - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Passing Show Hotel - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Meeting Point Cafe - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Lukmaan - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Livingstone Beach Restaurant - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Zenji Garden Café - ‬8 min walk

About this property

Zanzibar Serena Hotel

Luxury family-friendly hotel near Nakupenda Beach
Located close to Shangani Beach and Old Fort, Zanzibar Serena Hotel provides a poolside bar, a free daily manager's reception, and a terrace. With amenities like a white sand beach and sun loungers, this hotel is the perfect place to soak up the sun. Treat yourself to a body treatment, a manicure/pedicure, or a facial at the onsite spa. At the two on-site restaurants, enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and seafood. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with a coffee shop/cafe and a garden.
You'll also enjoy perks such as:
  • An outdoor pool and a children's pool, with pool umbrellas and a lifeguard on site
  • Free self parking
  • Bike rentals, a roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), and babysitting (surcharge)
  • Beach towels, a porter/bellhop, and a gift shop
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the helpful staff
Room features
All 51 individually furnished rooms feature comforts such as 24-hour room service and premium bedding, as well as thoughtful touches like laptop-compatible safes and air conditioning.
More amenities include:
  • Designer toiletries, separate tubs/showers, and hair dryers
  • 21-inch LCD TVs with premium channels
  • Balconies, childcare services, and electric kettles

Languages

English

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  • Spa
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8.6 out of 10, Excellent, 861 reviews
$117 nightly
The price is $145
Aug 17 - Aug 18
Total includes taxes and fees
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Free self parking on site
  • Onsite parking includes off-street options

Food and drink

  • 2 restaurants
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A poolside bar
  • Couples/private dining
  • Free daily manager's reception
  • Private picnics
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Baharia Restaurant
  • Terrace Restaurant

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Children's pool
  • Full-service spa
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Children's pool
  • In-room babysitting (surcharge)
  • Laundry facilities
  • Lifeguards on site
  • Outdoor pool
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service

Business services

  • 24-hour business center
  • 621 square feet of conference space
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Garden
  • On the beach
  • Picnic area
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • 2 treatment rooms
  • Body scrubs
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Facials
  • In-room massages
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Spa open daily

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • 1 building
  • 3 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Lifeguards
  • Mosquito nets

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 21-inch LCD TV with premium satellite channels

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service
  • Champagne service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Individual furnishings
  • Laptop-compatible safe
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: noon; Check-in end time: midnight
Early check-in subject to availability
An early check-in fee will be charged
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 48 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 48 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after noon please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • A tax is imposed by the city: USD 5.00 per person, per night

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 90800 per person (one-way)
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Property Registration Number Z0000010668

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property

Property is also known as

Hotel Serena Zanzibar
Serena Hotel Zanzibar
Serena Zanzibar
Serena Zanzibar Hotel
Zanzibar Serena
Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Zanzibar Serena Hotel Hotel
Zanzibar Serena Hotel Zanzibar Town
Zanzibar Serena Hotel Hotel Zanzibar Town

Frequently asked questions

Does Zanzibar Serena Hotel have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool and a children's pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Zanzibar Serena Hotel?

As of Aug 11, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Zanzibar Serena Hotel on Aug 31, 2025 start from $309.49, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is Zanzibar Serena Hotel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Zanzibar Serena Hotel?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Zanzibar Serena Hotel?

Check-in start time: noon; Check-in end time: midnight. A fee applies for early check-in (subject to availability). Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Zanzibar Serena Hotel?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM. Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability).

Does Zanzibar Serena Hotel provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of USD 90800 per person applies.

Where is Zanzibar Serena Hotel located?

Located in Stone Town, this beachfront hotel is in the city center, just steps from Nakupenda Beach and Shangani Beach. Old Fort and Forodhani Gardens are also within 10 minutes.

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Zanzibar Serena Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 152 out of 233 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 54 out of 233 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 15 out of 233 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 233 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 233 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hotel was marvelous - great location, fabulous views of the ocean and the friendliest staff we've ever had
Our balcony overlooking the Indian Ocean
Wonderful room
Interesting decor
Architectural delight
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

katherine

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property, great service, delicious food!!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nesan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property Amazing Staff Shoutout to David and the breakfast staff they are amazing!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

stacy

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was wonderful, staff was great and pool was beautiful and the live music was the best!!! I will stay there again if I go back!!!
View from room
Same but sunset
View from pool
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wonderful and very special hotel
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Zachariah

Liked: Amenities
This was a great stay
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Esther

Liked: Cleanliness
Was suppose to get a bottle of wine- did not get. Had to schlep an ok. Bottle of wine back to the us. Almost not worth it. Also 10 dollar credit was not honored u til u brought t it up. I get asked to hire their colleagues for tour guide (which was fine, but I felt like a source of commodity). It did t make me feel very good. Also did t feel so good getting feeling somewhat whenever I was buying wine when I was by myself in
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Angela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location and pool were great. The restaurant food was excellent, free breakfast excellent. Pool service from Damian especially was fabulous.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Diana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Absolutely amazing! I will definitely be back. Everyone treats you like family. Excellent service. Fabulous food. Beautiful accommodations.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laureen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My third stay here! I love Zanzibar and love staying here. It's so convenient to everything and the staff are exceptional. Big Joe is always there to welcome us! And Johannes and Suliman also are great. Food is good, view is spectacular, rooms are big and have an "Old World" feel. I love it here!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, staff very courteous. I had a great room with a balcony facing the ocean. Very comfortable. Breakfast was plentiful and delicious.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

6/10 Okay

Lisbeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Really nice hotel - needs an upgrade

The hotel has a great location, and a really nice pool. But there are stairs to get everywhere. No elevators. The staff was exceptionally service minded - and helpful. But we did not get any recognition for the Hotels.com membership - we should have gotten a bottle of wine and som discount on the VIP membership.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lucille

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Zanzibar Serena is a lovely hotel in StoneTown. I wish I had stayed there for my leisure/personal visit as well. The staff are lovely. The pool is wonderful. The food is nice. All around, a terrific place to stay and conveniently located.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bashir

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Fantastic Amazing

Excellent Service with excellent Friendly Staff
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kara

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property is immaculate. Staff are utterly courteous. The hotel itself is beautiful and carefully maintained.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alka

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Superbly helpful and friendly staff. Located in a very central area….easy to walk to nearby attractions like Freddie Mercury house etc. Plenty of taxis right outside the hotel. Hotel staff very very friendly and helpful for organizing any tours/taxis.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023

4/10 Poor

Noor

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Property rundown and staff doesn’t care
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

4/10 Poor

Darren

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Overpriced for what is on offer. Room wasn’t ready for check-in time and even though we had to wait 1.5 hours to check-in, they would not provide a late checkout when the hotel wasn’t at full capacity. For the room price, you would be better off staying at the much nicer hotel next door.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

cindy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely property in a quiet corner of Stonetown. Great swimming pool. Historic quality of hotel added a charming feel. Most rooms overlook the ocean. The amenities were complete and the room was very comfortable. Spend a little extra to get an outside balcony or verandah. The staff was wonderful and helpful. There are lots of restaurants nearby. I can't speak for the food at the on property restaurant since I had to leave early and skipped the breakfast. I would definitely stay here again on a Stonetown visit.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Jim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Property is at best rustic, we had heard Serena is a top brand hotel group, not based on what this hotel looks and feels like
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jean A

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful staff. Responsive and friendly. Charming room. Well furnished and cared for. Pool is clean and attractive.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

4/10 Poor

Ian

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The property is in a good location but is extremely tired and old fashioned. They are installing an elevator but this was right next to our room so very noisy works. The entire facilities need a major renovation. The staff were wonderful especially Johannes in the concierge.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Miriam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Zanzibar Serena Hotel is a gorgeous property with spacious, sea-front balconies complete w hammock, chairs, and tables. All staff greeted me by name and went out of their way to ensure I was comfortable and happy. Wonderful service on all levels.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Alastair

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service

Great location

Excellent location next to the beach with a very nice pool. Shame the sea has some litter in it. The bar service around the pool is very slow. The young staff in particular need to learn more English and a sense of urgency. Stone town is very interesting but beware fake guides
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024