Zanzi Resort Private Paradise tops the list with a 9.5 overall rating, private-pool villas, and Indian Ocean seclusion. For the Stone Town pulse, Treasures of Zanzibar House holds a 9.1 overall rating and a 9.4 location score. Both represent the best places to stay in Zanzibar, Tanzania at opposite ends of the experience spectrum.
Zanzibar splits neatly: the spice-scented labyrinth of Stone Town vs. the coconut-palm quiet of the coast. This list covers both.
Why Trust This Guide
I analyzed 7,500+ Booking.com reviews across 20 Zanzibar properties, prioritizing overall ratings, location scores, and facility quality to find the best places to stay in Zanzibar Tanzania for every traveler style.
🎯 Quick Picks: Skip to What You Need
- Best overall resort: #14 Zanzi Resort Private Paradise→ Rates
- Best Stone Town location: #5 Stone Town House→ Rates
#18 VUGA Hostel→ Rates - Top-rated boutique: #4 Treasures of Zanzibar House→ Rates
- Best for beachfront: #19 Bawe Island Zanzibar→ Rates
#20 Habari House→ Rates - Best value in Stone Town: #3 Kholle House→ Rates
- Best for private pool: #14 Zanzi Resort Private Paradise→ Rates
Editor’s Note on Booking: We use smart routing to find you the best available rates. Clicking our availability buttons checks live pricing across trusted platforms to ensure you secure your stay.
🗺️ Compare Live Prices on the Map
Tap any pin to see live rates from Booking, Expedia, Vrbo & more.
Quick Compare: Top Places To Stay
| Property | Rating | Book |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Mizingani Seafront Hotel | (3,400+ Reviews) |
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| 2. Dhow Palace Hotel | (1,900+ Reviews) |
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| 3. Kholle House | (1,150+ Reviews) |
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| 4. Treasures of Zanzibar House | (800+ Reviews) |
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| 5. Stone Town House | (550+ Reviews) |
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| 6. Kisiwa House | (450+ Reviews) |
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| 7. Mangrove Lodge | (450+ Reviews) |
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| 8. Madinat Al Bahr Business & Spa Hotel | (400+ Reviews) |
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| 9. Zanzibar Serena Hotel | (350+ Reviews) |
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| 10. Upendo House Hotel Zanzibar | (300+ Reviews) |
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| 11. Park Hyatt Zanzibar | (300+ Reviews) |
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| 12. Zanzibar Palace Hotel | (200+ Reviews) |
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| 13. Sharazad Wonders Boutique | (200+ Reviews) |
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| 14. Zanzi Resort Private Paradise | (150+ Reviews) |
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| 15. New Amaan Hotel | (150+ Reviews) |
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| 16. Bellissimo Boutique Hotel | (100+ Reviews) |
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| 17. Golden Nap hostel | (100+ Reviews) |
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| 18. VUGA Hostel | (50+ Reviews) |
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| 19. Bawe Island Zanzibar | (50+ Reviews) |
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| 20. Habari House | (50+ Reviews) |
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Zanzibar Hotels Reviewed: The Full Stone Town to Beach Breakdown
1. Mizingani Seafront Hotel
The Vibe
Two minutes from the ferry terminal, Mizingani hits the sweet spot between convenience and escape. The 9.5 location score isn’t just for show — you’re steps from the Stone Town waterfront, but the Zanzibari-decorated rooms with private entrances and mosquito nets make it feel like your own retreat. The pool helps.
What You Actually Get
Bright, air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV, seating areas, and private entrances. The on-site restaurant handles breakfast with continental, vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options. Free private parking is rare for Stone Town — if you’re renting a car, this is a solid pick. The 24-hour front desk works for late ferry arrivals.
Choose this if: you want to drop your bags and hit the Stone Town alleys within minutes.
2. Dhow Palace Hotel
The Vibe
Housed in a 1559 building, Dhow Palace Skips the corporate feel entirely. Stone Town location scores 9.4 — you’re on Kenyatta Road, the main artery. The pool courtyard and rooftop terrace with panoramic views are the real draws. Each room uses Zanzibari furniture and wooden carvings that match the building’s age.
What You Actually Get
Spacious rooms with air conditioning, satellite TV, electric kettle, and en-suite bathrooms with hairdryers. Breakfast is a buffet with vegetarian and halal options. Free parking is available — more generous than most Stone Town properties. The 1900+ reviews give this one serious credibility. Check-in only runs until 22:00, so arrange your flight accordingly.
Choose this if: you want Stone Town history without sacrificing AC and a pool.
3. Kholle House
The Vibe
Built in 1860 for a princess, Kholle House keeps the royal feel without the price tag. The location score is 9.1 — a few minutes’ walk to the ferry terminal and the market. The rooftop Swahili-style tea house with Indian Ocean views is where you’ll want to spend your evenings. Rooms mix exposed beams with bright colors and mosquito nets.
What You Actually Get
Air-conditioned rooms with ceiling fans, individually decorated with bright colors and wooden beams. The outdoor pool is small but welcome after a day exploring. Breakfast runs continental, full English/Irish, or vegetarian. Note: they charge a 5% fee on Visa and Mastercard payments, so bring cash if you can.
Choose this if: you want a historic inn with a rooftop you’ll actually use.
4. Treasures of Zanzibar House
The Vibe
A 9.1 overall rating with a 9.4 location score makes Treasures the highest-rated hotel in this list for Stone Town. It’s on Tharia Street, deep in the action. The rooftop feel is minimal — the draw here is the rooms themselves: family-sized, air-conditioned, with private balconies or terraces overlooking the city. Clean and bright.
What You Actually Get
Each room includes a private bathroom and city views from a balcony or terrace. Free WiFi works throughout. The 24-hour front desk and tour desk make excursions easy to book. Breakfast covers vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options. The balcony is the standout — not every Stone Town hotel offers outdoor space per room.
Choose this if: you want the best-reviewed Stone Town hotel with family-sized rooms.
5. Stone Town House
The Vibe
The 9.6 location score is the highest in this entire list for Zanzibar. You’re on Baghani Street, a five-second walk from the main Stone Town action. It’s a hostel, not a hotel, so expect shared spaces and a social vibe. Family rooms are available, and each room gets air conditioning — a lifesaver in Zanzibar heat.
What You Actually Get
Family rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and free WiFi. Each room features a view of a landmark or the city. Private check-in/check-out and a 24-hour front desk make late arrivals painless. Concierge service helps with tours and transfers. Daily housekeeping keeps it clean. For the location score, this is the best budget option in Stone Town.
Choose this if: you want the best location-to-price ratio in the entire list.
6. Kisiwa House
The Vibe
One of the oldest buildings in Stone Town, Kisiwa House blends original Swahili architecture with modern interiors. The 9.3 location score puts you on Baghani Street. Rooms are spacious with plush decor, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. The on-site restaurant serves Swahili-influenced dishes. The design is the story here.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi, air conditioning, minibar, and flat-screen satellite TV. The building’s history means uneven floors and thick walls — charming, not inconvenient. Breakfast includes full English/Irish, vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options. The kitchen access is a bonus for longer stays. The 8.8 rating is consistent across 450+ reviews.
Choose this if: you want to sleep inside a piece of Zanzibar’s history without roughing it.
7. Mangrove Lodge
The Vibe
Mangrove Lodge trades Stone Town’s chaos for Mawimbini Beach’s quiet. The 8.8 rating holds up across 450+ reviews. Guests consistently rave about the food — it’s a highlight. The property sits in a lush garden with a beach bar and hammocks. Rooms come with private verandas and garden views. This is a decompression spot.
What You Actually Get
Each room has a private veranda and garden views. The on-site restaurant and beach bar handle meals. Breakfast is continental, vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free. Free private parking is available. WiFi is complimentary in public areas. The eco-conscious setup uses the natural surroundings rather than fighting them — expect bugs, but also expect tranquility.
Choose this if: you want to unplug in a garden beach setting with reliable food.
8. Madinat Al Bahr Business & Spa Hotel
The Vibe
A 2015-built property in Mbweni, Madinat Al Bahr is Zanzibar’s business-and-spa hybrid. The 8.7 location score puts it 6 km from Peace Memorial Museum and 6.5 km from Stone Town — close enough for visits, far enough for quiet. The outdoor pool and fitness center are legitimately well-maintained. The spa draws guests who actually use them.
What You Actually Get
All rooms are air-conditioned with modern furnishings. The on-site bar serves drinks, and breakfast is continental or buffet. Free private parking is included. The 8.7 rating comes from 400+ reviews. Note: they require credit card details for verification and may pre-authorize $1. Check-in closes at 22:00 — arrive before then.
Choose this if: you need a hotel with actual workout equipment and spa treatments.
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9. Zanzibar Serena Hotel
The Vibe
Five-star property on Shangani Street, right on the Stone Town seafront. The 9.6 location score is tied for best in this list. The Indian Ocean views from the outdoor pool are the centerpiece. Traditional Zanzibari furnishings in every room. Two restaurants, a café, and free private parking — luxury without the island-resort isolation.
What You Actually Get
Rooms feature satellite TV and traditional decor. The pool area has sun loungers overlooking the ocean. Breakfast is an English/Irish spread. The 24-hour front desk handles anything. The 8.5 rating from 350+ reviews is solid for a five-star. Parking is free and private — a serious advantage in Stone Town where most spaces are paid or nonexistent.
Choose this if: you want luxury within walking distance of everything Stone Town offers.
10. Upendo House Hotel Zanzibar
The Vibe
On Hurumzi Street with a 9.3 location score, Upendo House brings a rooftop pool and spa facilities to the heart of Stone Town. The city-view balconies on many rooms are the secret weapon — watching the Stone Town rooftops come alive at dawn is worth the rate alone. Modern amenities (minibars, flat-screen TVs) meet traditional architecture.
What You Actually Get
Air-conditioning, city views, balconies, minibars, and flat-screen TVs in every room. The rooftop pool is small but has a view. Breakfast covers 8 dietary options including continental, Italian, full English, vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, American, and breakfast-to-go. Private check-in/check-out and a paid shuttle service available. The spa includes treatment rooms.
Choose this if: you want a rooftop pool and spa without leaving Stone Town.
11. Park Hyatt Zanzibar
The Vibe
Park Hyatt sits on Shangani Street with a 9.3 location score and a seafront position. The beds are a standout — guests consistently note how comfortable they are. The outdoor pool overlooks the ocean, and the spa and wellness center cover full treatments. It’s the international-standard luxury option in Stone Town.
What You Actually Get
Air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen cable TV, minibars, and tea/coffee making facilities. Free WiFi throughout. Breakfast is the widest spread on this list: continental, full English, vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, Asian, American, buffet, and breakfast-to-go. The location on Shangani puts you steps from the main Stone Town attractions. Check-in starts at 15:00, so plan your arrival.
Choose this if: you want a globally consistent luxury experience with the best breakfast spread.
12. Zanzibar Palace Hotel
The Vibe
In the Kiponda area with a 9.5 location score, Zanzibar Palace brings a traditional restaurant serving local, international, and European cuisines. Family rooms are available, and each room has a balcony or terrace with city views. The spa facilities seal the deal for travelers who want relaxation without leaving Stone Town.
What You Actually Get
Air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, free WiFi, and modern amenities. The bar serves drinks alongside the restaurant. Breakfast covers continental, vegetarian, vegan, buffett, and breakfast-to-go. Check-in requires advance notice — you need to contact them before arrival. COVID-19 safety measures are still in place, including mandatory masks in public areas and hand sanitizer stations.
Choose this if: you want a traditional restaurant experience and spa access in central Stone Town.
13. Sharazad Wonders Boutique
The Vibe
On Gizenga Street with a 9.4 location score, Sharazad Wonders Boutique is a food-first property. The family-friendly restaurant serves African, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Mediterranean, and seafood cuisines — that’s seven cuisine types in one hotel restaurant. Rooms have balconies and tea/coffee makers. The 8.8 rating is consistent across 200+ reviews.
What You Actually Get
Family rooms with air conditioning, private bathrooms, balconies, tea/coffee makers, and free toiletries. Breakfast covers full English, vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, and breakfast-to-go. Check-in hours are 14:00 to 21:00 — the shortest check-in window on this list. They require ID and credit card at check-in. The multi-cuisine restaurant is the main selling point.
Choose this if: you want a boutique with serious dining variety in central Stone Town.
14. Zanzi Resort Private Paradise
The Vibe
The highest-rated property in this list at 9.5 overall. Zanzi Resort sits 16.6 km from Stone Town and a 40-minute drive from the airport. Ocean-front villas and garden villas each come with private patios and pools. The 9.1 location score reflects the peaceful isolation — it’s not near town, and that’s the point. Guests rave about the beds and the food.
What You Actually Get
Each villa has a private patio pool and direct access to the grounds. The spa and wellness center covers treatments. Fishing and golf (within 3 km) are available. Breakfast runs continental, full English, vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, and American options. The dinner experience is highly recommended by guests — but drinks aren’t included in meal plans. Free parking is available on-site.
Choose this if: you want absolute privacy, a private pool, and don’t need Stone Town nightlife.
15. New Amaan Hotel
The Vibe
New Amaan sits at Kwa Wazee, Amaani, offering a different angle: Italian and Turkish cuisine in a Zanzibar hotel. The 8.4 rating is solid for 150+ reviews. Rooms come with city views, work desks, minibars, and free WiFi. The 30-minute check-in window (14:00 to 14:30) is the tightest on this list — you must time your arrival precisely.
What You Actually Get
Family rooms with air conditioning, private bathrooms, work desks, minibars, and free WiFi. The restaurant serves Italian and Turkish cuisines, plus a coffee shop. The lounge and outdoor seating area are available. A 24-hour front desk covers late-night needs. Free private parking is included. Breakfast covers continental, full English, vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, and breakfast-to-go.
Choose this if: you want non-African cuisine options and free parking in a central location.
16. Bellissimo Boutique Hotel
The Vibe
Four-star Bellissimo on Hurumzi Street brings a 9.3 location score and a family-friendly seafood restaurant. The terrace is the evening hangout spot. Each room has a balcony, tea/coffee maker, and free WiFi. The restaurant serves seafood and local cuisine, which makes it a quieter dining option compared to the street-food scene outside.
What You Actually Get
Air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, balconies, and work desks. Breakfast covers continental, full English, vegetarian, vegan, and halal options. The bar serves drinks. The hotel notes it won’t accommodate hen, stag, or similar parties — it’s a calm property. Check-in runs from 13:00 to 23:00, which is a generous window for late arrivals.
Choose this if: you want a calm, four-star boutique with a good seafood restaurant.
17. Golden Nap hostel
The Vibe
On Hurumzi Street with a 9.1 location score, Golden Nap is the budget option with a twist: multilingual staff speak English, French, Korean, and Polish. Family rooms with balconies are available. The 8.5 rating from 100+ reviews is impressive for a budget property. It’s a hostel in name but offers hotel-style private rooms.
What You Actually Get
Family rooms with air conditioning, balconies, private bathrooms, and wardrobes. Free WiFi throughout. A 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping keep things running. The paid shuttle service handles airport transfers. The multilingual reception team is a standout for international travelers who prefer communicating in French, Korean, or Polish. Check-in requires advance notice.
Choose this if: you’re on a budget and appreciate multilingual support or Korean/Polish language services.
18. VUGA Hostel
The Vibe
On Kenyatta Road with a 9.6 location score — tied for the highest in this list — VUGA Hostel offers a genuine hostel experience. Shared kitchen with microwave, electric kettle, and tea/coffee maker. Lounge with tiled floors and air conditioning. It’s the social option for solo backpackers or groups who want to meet people. The 8.6 rating from 50+ reviews shows consistent quality.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi, air conditioning in common areas, a fully-equipped shared kitchen, and a seating area. Daily housekeeping keeps it clean. The paid shuttle service helps with transfers. Check-in runs from 12:00 to 18:00 — the earliest close on this list. The hostel won’t accommodate stag or hen parties — it’s designed for genuine travelers, not party groups.
Choose this if: you’re a solo backpacker or budget traveler who wants a kitchen and social vibe.
19. Bawe Island Zanzibar
The Vibe
Bawe Island is Zanzibar’s private-island experience. You reach it by speedboat transfer (complimentary shared return from the airport for minimum stays). The 9.2 overall rating and 9.5 location score reflect the seclusion and quality. Private beach, infinity pool, and sea-view rooms with private balconies. This is the escape within the escape.
What You Actually Get
Air-conditioned rooms with private balconies and sea views. The infinity pool overlooks the ocean. Breakfast covers continental, Italian, halal, Asian, American, and buffet. The property requires a minimum stay for the complimentary speedboat transfer. They don’t accommodate bachelor/bachelorette parties. The private beach access is exclusive — you won’t share it with day-trippers.
Choose this if: you want a private island experience with an infinity pool and no crowds.
20. Habari House
The Vibe
Habari House on Shangani Street offers direct beachfront access — the only property in this list that combines Stone Town proximity with actual sand access. The 9.1 location score and sun terrace with garden make it a hybrid: beach-and-city in one stay. Rooms have garden or city views, bathrobes, and free toiletries. It’s the best of both worlds.
What You Actually Get
Air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, bathrobes, and free toiletries. Direct beachfront access with a sun terrace and lush garden. Breakfast is the widest range in this list — 12 dietary options including continental, Italian, full English, vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, kosher, Asian, American, buffet, and breakfast-to-go. Check-in runs 14:00 to 23:00, with checkout until 12:00 — generous timing.
Choose this if: you want both Stone Town culture and direct beach access in a single hotel.
Final Verdict: Our Top 3 Picks
🏆 Best Overall
#14 Zanzi Resort Private Paradise
A 9.5 overall rating, private-pool villas, and tranquil oceanfront setting — the highest-rated property on this list for a reason.
💰 Best Value
#3 Kholle House
8.8 rating with Indian Ocean views, a rooftop tea house, and a pool — at a fraction of the luxury resort cost.
🏖️ Best Beach Access
#19 Bawe Island Zanzibar
Private island with a 9.2 rating, speedboat transfers, and an infinity pool — the most memorable Zanzibar stay.
How We Ranked These Zanzibar Hotels
I evaluated 20 Zanzibar properties across 7,500+ Booking.com reviews, filtering by overall rating, location scores, and facility quality. The goal was to identify the best places to stay in Zanzibar Tanzania for every traveler — from backpackers to luxury seekers.
- Guest score thresholds: Only properties with 8.0+ overall and 10+ verified reviews
- Score breakdown analysis: Prioritized location scores — Zanzibar’s walkability and beach access drive guest satisfaction
- Amenity verification: Cross-referenced advertised amenities (pools, kitchens, breakfast) against guest review patterns
- Location signals: Stone Town proximity and beachfront access — the two key geography factors in Zanzibar
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these Zanzibar hotels offer free cancellation?
Several properties have restrictive policies. Kholle House charges a 5% fee on card payments. Madinat Al Bahr requires credit card pre-authorization. For the most flexible cancellation, book properties with 24-hour front desks like Mizingani Seafront Hotel or Park Hyatt Zanzibar, which tend to offer more lenient change policies through Booking.com. Always check the specific cancellation terms before booking.
Are pets allowed at any of these Stone Town hotels?
None of the 20 properties in this list explicitly list pets as allowed in their fine print or facilities. Zanzibar’s Stone Town hotels typically don’t accommodate pets due to space constraints and cultural norms. If you’re traveling with a pet, you’ll need to look at private villa rentals or contact properties directly via the Special Requests box — some may make exceptions.
What’s the best area to stay in Zanzibar City?
Stone Town is the cultural and tourist hub — most properties on this list are in or near it. Properties on Kenyatta Road (Dhow Palace, VUGA Hostel), Shangani Street (Zanzibar Serena, Park Hyatt, Habari House), and Hurumzi Street (Upendo House, Bellissimo, Golden Nap) score 9.3–9.6 for location. For beach access, Habari House on Shangani offers direct frontline access.
Which hotels have the latest check-in times?
Mizingani Seafront Hotel starts check-in from 12:00 (no closing time). Treasures of Zanzibar House accepts check-ins until 23:00. Bellissimo Boutique Hotel accepts until 23:00. Golden Nap hostel also accepts until 23:00. Habari House accepts until 23:00. For late arrivals, avoid Stone Town House (until 23:30) — but it’s the latest on the list.
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
The dry season from June to October offers the best weather — minimal rain, comfortable temperatures, and calm seas for snorkeling and diving. The short rains in November and long rains from March to May can disrupt beach plans and ferry schedules. For the best rates, visit during the shoulder months of February or November, when the weather is still good but crowds are thinner.
How do I get from Zanzibar International Airport to these hotels?
Most Stone Town hotels are a 15-20 minute drive from Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ). Properties like Mizingani Seafront Hotel and Kholle House are near the ferry terminal. Park Hyatt Zanzibar and Zanzibar Serena are on Shangani Street. Several hotels offer paid shuttle services — check Golden Nap hostel, Upendo House, and Bawe Island (which includes a complimentary shared transfer for minimum stays).