The Best Hotels to Stay in Zanzibar: Stone Town & Jambiani

One of the best parts of planning a trip is choosing the accommodation, and picking from the best places to stay in Zanzibar is especially exciting because of the wide variety of choices.

Something to note: Zanzibar requires all guests to pay a daily hospitality tax of $4–$5 per person, which is either added to your booking or collected on arrival or departure, depending on the property. Make sure to confirm with your hotel ahead of time so you’re not caught off guard.

After 10 days in Zanzibar, I stayed at 4 properties, three were in Stone Town and one was in Jambiani. So, I think I’m in a good position to recommend the best hotels to stay in Zanzibar.

This post will be an in-depth review of each stay and will hopefully help you make your decision on the best hotels to stay in Zanzibar: Stone Town and Jambiani.

Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links. If you end up booking a trip, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you!

Best Hotels to Stay in Zanzibar – Stone Town

Stone Town is not just a historical treasure, it’s also home to some of the best hotels to stay in Zanzibar for culture lovers, foodies, and history buffs alike.

It has this raw, magnetic energy that pulls you in the moment you arrive. I stayed here for 4 and a half days, and what stood out to me was how vibrant and alive everything felt. The streets buzz with conversation, but at the same time, it has this small, close-knit, almost village-like charm.

The alleyways, though narrow and winding, feel like secret passageways. Every turn leads to a hidden café, a local shop, or the scent of spices and grilled beef. It’s not just beautiful, it’s layered. As the historic heart of Zanzibar City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stone Town blends Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences into a cultural mosaic that’s unlike anywhere I’ve ever been. It’s one of the best places to stay in Zanzibar if you want to be immersed in the island’s rich heritage.

Kholle House

The Area

Kholle House Boutique Hotel is Kholle House is easily one of the best hotels to stay in Zanzibar if you’re looking for charm, character, and comfort in the heart of Stone Town.

It’s located in the heart of Stone Town, Zanzibar, 20 minutes away from the International airport. The streets are very winding and can be confusing for anyone who doesn’t live there, but the hotel is about a 3-minute walk from the main road, and Google Maps works well for directions, so I never felt unsafe.

However, as a solo female traveller, I exercised caution, like never going out alone late at night, and each door in the hotel can be locked with a HUGE bolt on the inside.

The Amenities

For a boutique hotel, Kholle House has quite a few open spaces and amenities to help make your stay better. There’s a STUNNING pool, but I’m biased because I have yet to find a pool I dislike. There are multiple balconies to relax and enjoy fresh air, from the balconies inside the suites to the communal spaces.

Lastly, there is a quaint little courtyard where meals can be eaten and a rooftop terrace where afternoon tea with sweet local treats is served. You can’t leave Zanzibar without going for afternoon tea, it’s a daily ritual in their culture. I missed it and have added it to the itinerary for my next visit.

The Rooms

I stayed in the Swahili Prestige Suite (the most expensive option at $180 a night), which has a living space, a private balcony that opens up to breathtaking views of the old town and Indian Ocean, plus it has an extra-large ensuite bath. When I travel, I hate staying in places that make me feel trapped, which is why I particularly loved my suite. It had a lot of open space, and I never felt constricted.

The architecture was quintessentially Zanzibar, the details were very thoughtful, from the water to the Zanzibar guide book on the coffee table, which had information on must-do activities in Zanzibar, which could be booked through the hotel.

All my needs were anticipated and very well provided for. As a solo female traveller, my safety is always a number one concern, but I felt safe in the room because I could bolt it from the inside; it was literally an unbreachable fortress (not an exaggeration).

There are other room options such as the:

• French Prestige ($170/night), which has a living area and a door that opens up to the terrace (it, however, doesn’t have the extra-large ensuite bath).
• While not as large as the Prestige suites, the Deluxe rooms ($140/night) have the same unique Zanzibari design that every other room has (and 2 of the Deluxe rooms open up to a terrace as well).
• The Classic Double rooms ($100/night) have four-poster beds and are just as comfortable as the other spaces, but they do not have balconies or direct access to the terrace.
• While not as large as the other rooms, the Classic Single ($80/night) is great for any solo traveller who wants to experience luxury.
• If you’re travelling in a group, you can opt for self-catering in one of two adjacent, spacious apartments, each accommodating up to 4 guests. These apartments enjoy all the same hotel services and amenities (from $240/night)

The Food & Drink

Each room booking comes with an a la carte breakfast. I enjoyed a wonderful feast of fruits (so good that a fruit bat stole a pineapple off my plate), Spanish omelette with bacon, sausages and grilled tomatoes, pancakes with honey, all accompanied by passionfruit juice. Dinner, of course, is also a la carte, and everything is just delicious.

If you don’t get the chance to spend a night here, you can still eat here and experience one of their many dining experiences, like the:

• Taarab Music Dinner, a 3-course Swahili dinner with live music for $20
• Rooftop Swahili Dinner, a 3-course menu with traditional Swahili dishes for $25
• Traditional Swahili tea service with local pastries, spiced drinks and sweets served from 1 pm to 6 pm on the rooftop for $15.

Is it worth booking?

100%. I stayed in 2 other hotels in Stone Town, and Kholle House is easily my favourite. From the pool, the delicious breakfast spread, to the amazing customer service, idyllic views and INSANE architecture. I have no notes, go experience it for yourself.

Maru Maru Hotel

The Area

I think the location is my favourite thing about this hotel. Like most hotels in Stone Town, Maru Maru is very central. It’s 20 minutes away from the International airport, a short 5-minute walk from the main road and the Forodhani Night Market and right opposite it are a row of shops selling souvenirs.

Although I loved the location, it felt a bit like a tourist trap because every time I stepped out, I felt compelled to buy an item or two. As for my safety, the area is very well lit, there is a lot of foot traffic, and there are security guards at the entrance of the hotel, so I felt very safe.

The Amenities

This hotel is pretty huge compared to the other hotels I stayed in in Stone Town. There’s a large rooftop terrace where meals are served and evening performances are held, there’s a rooftop pool with one of the most beautiful views, a bar, lounge area and a 360 view of Stone town and the Indian Ocean.

If you’re into wellness, there is a spa and a well-stocked gym, plus many open and green spaces like playgrounds for children, courtyards and family rooms. Also, they offer airport transfers, room service and of course fast and free WiFi.

The Room

I stayed in Maru Maru Hotel for 2 nights and was impressed with everything, apart from the rooms. As someone who loves aesthetics, modern and unique stays, the rooms fell below expectations. First, we booked twin rooms, which have two individual beds, but were given queen rooms on our first night because of some sort of mix-up. They did offer to move us to twin rooms for the second night, but there was no point.

The queen room, regardless of the mixup and slightly dated style, was comfortable, and the bed was large enough to fit 2 people. A safe was also made available to store your valuables, and there was a fridge which proved useful on days we had leftovers from dinner. It also had a tea/coffee maker, a work desk, water and a mosquito net, which I appreciated.

A con for me was the bathroom. It was basic and unmemorable. Apart from that, I enjoyed my stay.

• Check In 2 pm
• Check out at 12 pm

The Food & Drink

A full buffet breakfast is served on the rooftop every morning from 7 to 10 a.m., a mixture of local and continental dishes. I never had lunch or dinner at the hotel, but there is a restaurant and room service to order from if you need to.

Something ALL Zanzibar hotels got right is the fresh fruits daily. They were juicy, delicious and always available. If you ever book this stay, try the mango; it was an out-of-body experience.

The Cost

The prices of the rooms start from $115. I stayed in the Queen room for $135 a night, and a buffet breakfast was included.

*Something I think is worth mentioning is when my roommate needed to warm some food she brought into the hotel, they brought a microwave to our room at no extra charge. Little things like that deserve recognition.

So, will I stay here again? Probably not. I loved the food, amenities, service and location, but I didn’t like the rooms, and for me, that’s a deal breaker. A hotel isn’t somewhere for me to just “lay my head”; it adds to my travel experience, so I always aim to stay in the best places I can afford.

Related Hotel Reviews

1. Natura Luxury Lodge, Ouidah
2. St. Regis Hotel, Abu Dhabi
3. Where to stay in Kenya – Nairobi, Lamu & Diani
4. Casa Del Papa Beach Resort

Emerald Palm Boutique Hotel

Nine times out of ten, I’ll book a hotel with a pool. If it doesn’t have a pool, it needs to have charm, and it needs to be unique. Emerald Palm Boutique Hotel was exactly that. This was my last stay of the trip and my third favourite overall.

This hotel was the smallest and didn’t have a pool, but it was an 8 out of 10. I loved the architecture, and the hotel had so much charm. I felt very safe, and across the street was its restaurant where I had a delicious complimentary breakfast.

The Area

It’s only a 2-minute walk away from Maru Maru Hotel, so a 20-minute drive from the International Airport, walking distance to the ferry station and a 5-minute walk to the Forodhani night market and Stone Town beach. I appreciated the prime location, but the front door was located in an alley, which was a bit isolating, so I made sure I didn’t go out alone past 8 pm.

The Amenities

This hotel is pretty unconventional. The building itself is small, so there’s only enough space for the rooms, a small garden/terrace and some seating outside the rooms.

Other amenities are free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, housekeeping, room service, and luggage storage.

The Room

The hotel on arrival is a bit off-putting. The reception and entrance look quite rundown, but other than that, it’s very well maintained. The rooms, architecture and furnishings were all Swahili styled, and I LOVE traditional architecture and design. This hotel fully embraces the Zanzibari culture, and that’s what I loved.

I stayed in the deluxe double room, and when you first enter, there’s an “ante room” with a chest of drawers with a full assortment of teas and coffee, a kettle and a safe. In the rest of the room, there’s a double poster bed with mosquito nets (of course), 2 side stools, and a bench for extra seating and windows with a nice view of the city. This room is an ensuite, so the bathroom was small but beautifully designed.

My room opened up to a courtyard, with a lot of seating space, and I worked from there for some time. I actually had a nice interaction with the owner while seated here, and it added to my experience.

The Food & Drink

There’s a family-friendly restaurant across the street from the hotel where the complimentary breakfast is served and a variety of cuisines are available, like Indian cuisine with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, full English breakfasts, fruits, juices, teas and more. Guests can enjoy lunch, dinner, and high tea here.

The Cost

If you’re looking for somewhere affordable that gives you good value for money, this is a great option. I stayed in the Deluxe double room for $59 a night.

Best Hotels to Stay in Zanzibar – Jambiani

La Luna Resort

I’ve stayed in some stunning properties worldwide, and this one is in my top three: La Luna Suite Apartments.

If you’re looking for a calm, aesthetically pleasing, beachfront stay in Zanzibar, this resort in Jambiani is one of the best hotels to stay in Zanzibar. It offers the perfect balance between comfort, design, and nature. It’s nestled within a lush tropical garden and is a testament to sustainable luxury.

I stayed here for 5 nights with a group of friends (during a group trip I hosted), and it’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, unplug, and soak in the stillness of island life. Let’s review this serene retreat!

Getting to La Luna Suite Apartments

After spending three days exploring Stone Town, we took a scenic hour-and-a-half drive to La Luna, where the resort manager greeted us with refreshing hibiscus and passion fruit juice before our check-in, a warm welcome that perfectly set the tone for the rest of our stay.

The Beachfront & Location

La Luna is located in Jambiani, a group of villages on the Tanzanian island of Unguja on the southeast coast of Zanzibar. It has some of the most stunning beaches on the entire island, with long stretches of white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters. It’s also more laid back and quiet compared to other areas like Paje, Kendwa or Nungwi.

Picking this beach was intentional because it’s not tourist-heavy, so it’s quiet and affordable and close to the nightlife in Paje, so you get the best of both worlds. If you are craving some nightlife, you can drive 10 minutes from Paje by tuk-tuk, have the reception book a tuk-tuk for around $5 or 13,000 tsh one way. It’s super easy and efficient.

La Luna is a boutique beachfront property and is part of Mwezi, a larger resort area. You can walk straight from your room to the beach through the main Mwezi resort area. The beach is stunning, with soft white sands, clear blue waters, and postcard-perfect views in every direction. There are often Maasai men selling jewellery and souvenirs along the shore.

A heads up: while they’re friendly, the prices are steep and inconsistent, so it’s better to shop elsewhere if you’re on a budget.

The Suites

La Luna is part of the wider Mwezi Boutique Hotels family and features three room categories: the La Luna Apartments, Pool View Rooms, and Garden Rooms. We stayed in the self-catered Suite Apartments, which start at about $150 per night, depending on the season.

Each suite is thoughtfully designed with an open-plan layout, featuring a cosy living area, a well-equipped kitchenette, and a spacious bedroom with a king-size bed. Large French windows flood the space with natural light and open up to a private terrace with picturesque views of the surrounding gardens and the central infinity saltwater pool.

One small but genius touch? A hollow concrete bowl filled with water is placed just outside each apartment, so you can wash the sand off your feet before going indoors. It’s emptied and refilled twice a day, it’s the little things.

A few things to consider:

• Two people in our group had issues with ants in their rooms. This isn’t unusual in tropical areas, but it was noticeable. That said, housekeeping was quick to respond, and management handled it well. They sprayed and cleaned immediately, which we appreciated.
• Also, some guests have noted that the mattresses are on the firmer side (I had no problem with it), which might not suit everyone’s preference.

Amenities & Services

La Luna doesn’t just stop at beautiful accommodations. Guests can enjoy daily housekeeping, air conditioning, and the convenience of optional services like grocery delivery or in-suite dining prepared by on-site chefs. The resort’s proximity to the beach means you’re just a short stroll away from the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean.

Dining Experience

Even the food adds to the charm, making La Luna not just a pretty stay but one of the best hotels to stay in Zanzibar for a wholesome and relaxed experience.

While each suite comes with a kitchenette, the on-site restaurant at the Mwezi Boutique Resort serves both La Luna and Mwezi guests. Here, you can indulge in a variety of dishes that cater to diverse palates. The restaurant’s ambience, combined with the friendly staff, makes for a delightful dining experience.

Breakfast is included, and the spread is decent; fresh fruits, pastries, eggs, and fresh juice plus an a la carte menu with hot meals like pancakes & waffles, avocado toast and bacon and sausages.

If you have an early excursion and will miss breakfast, let them know the night before, and they’ll pack it up for you to go. Very thoughtful and convenient!

P.S.: Crows are often flying around the restaurant, and if you leave your food unattended, they won’t hesitate to swoop in and help themselves.

Where Will You stay?

Zanzibar is a destination full of rich culture, stunning architecture, and breathtaking beaches, and where you choose to stay can truly shape your experience.

I hope this review helps you narrow down your choices and gives you a realistic insight into what to expect at each stay. Don’t forget to factor in the daily hospitality tax of $4–$5 per person when budgeting; it’s a small cost, but worth planning for.

Have you visited Zanzibar before? Or are you planning a trip soon? Let me know which property caught your eye, or if you have any questions, I’m always happy to help fellow travellers!

Safe travels and happy planning!