Find Beach Resorts in Zanzibar Town

For beachside stays in Zanzibar Town, the 5-star Park Hyatt Zanzibar, with an excellent guest rating of 9.4, and the 5-star Zanzibar Serena Hotel, rated 9.0, are highly recommended.


The Park Hyatt Zanzibar offers luxurious suites, many boasting stunning ocean views, and features an inviting outdoor pool with comfortable sun loungers and a vibrant poolside bar, superb for soaking up the sun.


Meanwhile, the Zanzibar Serena Hotel also provides partial or full ocean views, and guests particularly appreciate its excellent breakfast and delicious food offerings, alongside a great pool for relaxation.


For those seeking a charming experience near the beach, the 3.5-star Emerson Spice Hotel, rated 9.6, is a fantastic choice. It includes a complimentary continental breakfast to start your day right and is conveniently located near Shangani Beach.


Another great option is the 3.5-star Zanzibar Coffee House, with an impressive 9.6 rating, which offers a complimentary full breakfast and is also situated near the beach, making it easy to enjoy the coastal atmosphere.

Prices for beach hotels in Zanzibar Town vary, but you can find a great deal from £46 on Expedia. You're likely to find lower rates if you're travelling during the off-peak season or mid-week. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by "Price: low to high" for our cheapest rates.

Shangani / Stone Town's seafront is the top choice for beach access directly within Zanzibar Town. Several travel sources identify Shangani Beach as the primary nearby beach for visitors, offering convenient access to the turquoise waters and historical charm of Stone Town. Here, you can easily combine relaxing by the sea with exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site's labyrinthine alleys, bustling markets, and historical landmarks.


For those seeking a more relaxed beach setting just outside the bustling town centre, Mbweni and Mazizini are excellent options. These areas offer a tranquil escape with beautiful waterfront views and proximity to beaches, great for a peaceful retreat while still being a short journey from Stone Town's attractions.


While these areas offer convenient beach access within or very close to Zanzibar Town, it's worth noting that the most spectacular beaches in the wider Mjini Magharibi region, such as Nungwi and Kendwa, are located further afield.

For an unforgettable beachfront stay in Zanzibar Town, consider the Emerson Spice Hotel, Park Hyatt Zanzibar, Zanzibar Coffee House, Zanzibar Serena Hotel, and Maru Maru Hotel.


The 3.5-star Emerson Spice Hotel, with an outstanding guest rating of 9.6, is conveniently located near Shangani Beach. Guests rave about the beautiful and clean rooms, fantastic food, and attentive staff, and you'll enjoy complimentary continental breakfast and free WiFi during your stay.


The 5-star Park Hyatt Zanzibar, rated 9.4 by our guests, boasts stunning ocean views and is situated close to the sea, offering suites and a lovely outdoor pool with sun loungers and a poolside bar. Guests frequently praise its beautiful architecture, excellent service, and friendly staff.


The 3.5-star Zanzibar Coffee House, with an impressive 9.6 rating, is another excellent choice near the beach. This hotel provides a complimentary full breakfast and a 24-hour airport shuttle, and guests appreciate the friendly and helpful staff, as well as the superb and cheap rooms.


The 5-star Zanzibar Serena Hotel, rated 9.0, offers partial ocean views and is ideal for couples, with dedicated dining options. It's located near Shangani Beach, and guests consistently highlight the excellent and free breakfast, fabulous food, great location, and large rooms.


The 3-star Maru Maru Hotel, with a solid 8.8 guest rating, is situated near the ocean and provides an area shuttle and a 24-hour airport shuttle.

The most popular time to stay in a beach hotel in Zanzibar Town is from June to October, when the weather is at its driest and sunniest. During this period, you'll experience comfortable temperatures, typically ranging from 25°C to 30°C, making it ideal for relaxing on the beach and enjoying water activities. This is peak season, so the beaches and hotels will be bustling, but you're guaranteed fantastic conditions for swimming, snorkelling, and soaking up the sun.


The low rainfall and calm sea conditions during these months mean excellent visibility for diving and other water sports, which is great if you're looking to make the most of Zanzibar's stunning marine life. Families and couples will find this period particularly appealing for a quintessential tropical getaway, with everything operating at full capacity to cater to visitors.


January to February offers another excellent window for a beach holiday. While it's generally hotter and more humid, with temperatures often pushing above 30°C, the sea is wonderfully warm. This period is fantastic for those who truly love the heat and want a classic hot beach experience.

For beach activities in Zanzibar Town, Shangani Beach is an excellent choice for a relaxed afternoon. You can unwind with ocean views, sunbathe, and enjoy leisurely walks along the shoreline, perhaps even collecting some unique seashells. Its convenient location makes it great for a carefree experience right in town.


For those seeking more adventure, a trip to Nakupenda Sandbank is highly recommended. This pristine sandbank offers fantastic opportunities for swimming and snorkelling in crystal-clear waters. Many excursions to Nakupenda also include a delightful seafood lunch right on the beach, making for a memorable day out.


Couples looking for a romantic and picturesque experience should consider a sunset dhow cruise. These traditional boat trips offer breathtaking views as the sun dips below the horizon, providing a truly magical end to your day on the water from Stone Town.


For families and those keen on marine life, day trips often combine beach time with exciting activities. You can opt for excursions that include snorkelling around nearby islands or reefs, with some even offering the chance to swim with turtles or dolphins. Prison Island, often paired with beach visits, provides a fascinating historical interlude alongside opportunities for swimming and snorkelling.

For families seeking a memorable beach holiday in Zanzibar Town, the 5-star Park Hyatt Zanzibar, with a guest rating of 9.4, is an excellent choice. This hotel boasts stunning ocean views and a lovely outdoor pool, superb for a refreshing dip after a day of exploring.


Another fantastic option for families is the 5-star Zanzibar Serena Hotel, rated 9.0 by our guests.

For breathtaking ocean views in Zanzibar Town, consider these superb hotels.


The 5-star Park Hyatt Zanzibar, with a stellar guest rating of 9.4, is renowned for its beautiful architecture and excellent service. Many of its elegant suites offer stunning ocean vistas, and you can enjoy the sea from the poolside bar or the outdoor pool.


Another fantastic option is the 5-star Zanzibar Serena Hotel, rated 9.0 by our guests. This hotel provides partial ocean views and is celebrated for its excellent, complimentary breakfast and fabulous food, making it an ideal choice for couples seeking a romantic dining experience with a view.


The 4-star Zanzibar Palace Hotel, also rated 9.0, offers partial ocean views and is conveniently located near the sea and Shangani Beach. Guests often praise the delicious breakfast and helpful staff.


For a more contemporary experience, the 4.5-star Hotel Verde Zanzibar - Azam Luxury Resort and Spa - Dry Hotel, with a 9.0 rating, boasts superb sea views. It's a great spot for families, featuring an outdoor pool with dedicated areas for children, and guests consistently highlight the friendly staff and excellent food.


Finally, the 4-star Tembo House Hotel, rated 8.6, offers direct ocean views and is situated right by the sea.

For couples seeking a romantic getaway in Zanzibar Town, the 5-star Zanzibar Serena Hotel, with a guest rating of 9.0, offers an exquisite experience with its partial or full ocean views and dedicated couples' dining options.


The 4-star Zanzibar Palace Hotel, rated 9.0 by our guests, is another excellent choice, providing a charming setting with partial ocean views and proximity to the beach, ensuring a delightful stay for two.

In Zanzibar Town, several top beach hotels offer exciting water sport activities, including the 3.5-star Emerson Spice Hotel, the 5-star Park Hyatt Zanzibar, the 3.5-star Zanzibar Coffee House, the 5-star Zanzibar Serena Hotel, and the 4-star Turaco Spice Tree, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel.


The 3.5-star Emerson Spice Hotel, boasting an impressive guest rating of 9.6, is conveniently located near the beach and offers access to various water sports such as scuba diving, sailing, kayaking, and snorkelling. Guests also benefit from complimentary continental breakfast and a 24-hour airport shuttle.


For a luxurious experience, the 5-star Park Hyatt Zanzibar, rated 9.4 by guests, provides stunning ocean views and nearby access to sailing, snorkelling, and scuba diving. The hotel features an outdoor pool with sun loungers and a poolside bar, superb for relaxing after a day on the water.


The 3.5-star Zanzibar Coffee House, with a fantastic guest rating of 9.6, is situated near the beach and offers snorkelling opportunities. Guests can enjoy a complimentary full breakfast and a 24-hour airport shuttle service.


The 5-star Zanzibar Serena Hotel, rated 9.0, is another excellent option with partial ocean views and access to snorkelling and windsurfing activities. It's known for its fabulous food and a great pool.


Finally, the 4-star Turaco Spice Tree, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, with a guest rating of 8.8, provides nearby snorkelling opportunities.

Many Expedia hotel reservations are refundable, provided that you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline. This is often within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. For maximum flexibility, use Expedia's "Fully refundable property" filter during your search to find the right beach hotel in Zanzibar Town for you.

There are plenty of ways to save on a beach hotel in Zanzibar Town. Join One Key™, our free travel rewards programme, to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices across a range of hotels. Typically, booking in advance will help you save on your hotel. If you're feeling spontaneous, be sure to check for last-minute deals.

Booking a beach hotel and flight package on Expedia can be cheaper than booking flights and hotels separately. Savings vary depending on factors like destination, travel dates, and availability, so it's wise to compare options. With access to over 300,000 hotels worldwide, Expedia makes it easy to build the perfect travel package. *Savings vary and are not available on all flight and hotel bookings.