Find hotels in Zanzibar Town from £39

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

Stone Town is a labyrinth of narrow alleyways, bustling markets, and intricately carved wooden doors. It's very walkable and offers a unique blend of Swahili, Arab, Indian, and European influences. You'll find many historical buildings, including the Old Fort and the House of Wonders, as well as a wide array of shops, restaurants, and guesthouses. The Forodhani Gardens, a popular evening food market, is located along the waterfront.

Couples often find Stone Town ideal for a romantic and culturally rich experience. The historic architecture and hidden courtyards create a charming backdrop, and there are many opportunities for leisurely strolls, enjoying sundowners on rooftop terraces, and discovering local crafts.

For travellers interested in history and local life, Stone Town offers an authentic experience. You can easily spend days exploring the various museums, visiting the Darajani Market, and simply soaking in the atmosphere of the winding streets.

For excellent hotels in Zanzibar Town that travellers frequently recommend, consider the Zanzibar Serena Hotel, Tembo House Hotel, and Zanzibar Palace Hotel.

The 5-star Zanzibar Serena Hotel, with an impressive 9.0 rating, offers luxurious amenities such as premium bedding, 24-hour room service, and a poolside bar. It is exceptionally well-located near attractions like Shangani Beach, just 0.1 km away, and Forodhani Gardens, 0.4 km away. Guests consistently praise its excellent breakfast, great food, and fantastic pool.

Another highly-rated option is the 4-star Tembo House Hotel, which has an 8.6 rating. This hotel provides air conditioning, 24-hour room service, and stunning sea views. Its location is a key highlight, being only 0.2 km from Forodhani Gardens and 0.3 km from Zanzibar Night Market. Reviewers often praise the friendly and helpful staff, as well as the good breakfast and comfortable, large rooms.

The 4-star Zanzibar Palace Hotel, rated 9.2, is also a superb choice. It features executive rooms, 24-hour room service, and deep soaking bathtubs for a relaxing stay. The hotel is conveniently situated 0.3 km from Zanzibar Night Market and 0.4 km from Forodhani Gardens. Guests frequently highlight the delicious breakfast, excellent showers, and helpful staff.

For families travelling to Zanzibar Town, several highly-rated hotels offer excellent amenities and convenience, including 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, provides a playground, on-site childcare, and children's meals. Guests frequently praise the friendly and helpful staff, secure and spotless rooms, and great breakfast. It is conveniently located just 0.1 km from Zanzibar Night Market and 0.2 km from Forodhani Gardens.

The 4-star Golden Tulip Zanzibar Airport, rated 8.8, features a swimming pool, a playground, sofa beds, children's meals, and a children's club. Travellers often highlight the good food, gorgeous rooms, and excellent staff.

The 4-star Tembo House Hotel, with an 8.6 rating, offers a swimming pool, complimentary cribs and rollaway beds, a playground, and children's meals. Its location is excellent, just 0.3 km from Zanzibar Night Market and 0.2 km from Forodhani Gardens. Guests often comment on the friendly staff, comfortable rooms, and good breakfast.

The 3.5-star Golden Tulip Zanzibar Resort, rated 8.2, provides a children's pool, cribs, on-site childcare, and children's meals. Visitors appreciate the friendly staff, great food, and lovely rooms.

The 4.5-star Hotel Verde Zanzibar - Azam Luxury Resort & Spa, with an impressive 9.0 rating, includes sofa beds, a swimming pool, a children's pool, supervised childcare, and a playground. Guests praise the clean rooms, friendly staff, excellent food, and convenient location.

For a luxurious and highly-rated stay in Zanzibar Town, consider the Zanzibar Serena Hotel or the Park Hyatt Zanzibar.

The 5-star Zanzibar Serena Hotel, with a 9.0 rating, is much-loved for its excellent breakfast and delicious food. It is conveniently located near Shangani Beach, Marahubi Palace, Forodhani Gardens, and the Zanzibar Night Market. Guests also appreciate the spacious rooms and great pool, along with amenities like 24-hour room service, a poolside bar, and premium bedding.

Another excellent choice is the 5-star Park Hyatt Zanzibar, which boasts an impressive 9.4 rating. This hotel is praised for its beautiful architecture and friendly, excellent service. It offers premium bedding, Egyptian cotton sheets, and 24-hour room service. Its location also places it close to Shangani Beach, Marahubi Palace, Beit el-Sahel (Palace Museum), and Hamamni Persian Baths. Find more luxury hotels in Zanzibar Town

For a relaxing stay with excellent spa facilities in Zanzibar Town, consider the Zanzibar Palace Hotel, the Zanzibar Serena Hotel, or Habari House.

The 4-star Zanzibar Palace Hotel, with a 9.2 rating, offers a full-service spa with a variety of treatments including deep tissue massage, hot stone massage, and Ayurvedic treatments. It also features couples' treatment rooms and manicures and pedicures. Guests have praised its delicious breakfast and food, and its good location near attractions like Marahubi Palace and Hamamni Persian Baths.

Another superb option is the 5-star Zanzibar Serena Hotel, which holds a 9.0 rating. This hotel provides a full-service spa with daily onsite treatments, including massages, body scrubs, and facial treatments. Couples' treatment rooms are also available. Guests frequently highlight the excellent and free breakfast, fabulous food, great location, and spacious rooms. It is conveniently located close to Shangani Beach and Marahubi Palace.

Habari House, with an impressive 9.6 rating, also offers excellent spa services. Its full-service spa provides Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and a steam room, with treatments available daily and by advance notice. It is situated very close to Marahubi Palace and Shangani Beach.

For hotels in Zanzibar Town that offer complimentary breakfast, consider the Emerson Spice Hotel, Zanzibar Coffee House, Zanzibar Palace Hotel, Dhow Palace Hotel, and Spice Palace Hotel.

The 3.5-star Emerson Spice Hotel, with an outstanding 9.6 rating, provides a free continental breakfast daily. Guests consistently praise the beautiful, clean rooms and the fantastic food. The hotel also offers a 24-hour airport shuttle. It is conveniently located near Forodhani Gardens, just 0.4 km away, and Christ Church Cathedral, only 0.2 km away.

Another excellent option is the 3.5-star Zanzibar Coffee House, also rated 9.6, which offers a free full breakfast. Guests frequently praise the friendly and helpful staff. This hotel is located close to Christ Church Cathedral and the Slave Market, both just 0.2 km away.

The 4-star Zanzibar Palace Hotel, with a 9.2 rating, provides a delicious free cooked breakfast. Travellers often highlight the helpful staff and the good location. It is situated 0.4 km from Forodhani Gardens and 0.3 km from Christ Church Cathedral.

The 4-star Dhow Palace Hotel, rated 8.6, also includes a free full breakfast. Guests appreciate the great location and the amazing breakfast buffet, as well as the wonderful rooms. This hotel is a short distance from Forodhani Gardens (0.4 km) and the Freddie Mercury Museum (0.2 km).

Finally, the 3.5-star Spice Palace Hotel, rated 8.4, offers a free continental breakfast in its club lounge. Guests often mention the comfortable, clean rooms and the great food and drinks. It is conveniently located near Forodhani Gardens (0.3 km) and the Freddie Mercury Museum (0.2 km).

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

With an impressive rating of 8.8, guests consistently praise its excellent and helpful staff, gorgeous rooms, and amazing food. The hotel features a full-service spa offering a wide array of treatments including deep tissue massage, aromatherapy, and Swedish massage, alongside body scrubs, wraps, and facials. Conveniently, the spa is accessible and available daily. There is also a Turkish bath and thalassotherapy treatments. The hotel's Art Deco design adds to its distinctive appeal.

For excellent budget hotels in Zanzibar Town, consider the Shoki Shoki Hotel Stone Town or the Maru Maru Hotel.

The 3-star Shoki Shoki Hotel Stone Town, with an 8.6 rating, offers a fantastic location, praised by guests for being great and central. It provides a complimentary continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Many guests highlight the friendly and great staff, and the clean rooms. It is conveniently located very close to the Freddie Mercury Museum and within a short walk of Forodhani Gardens, the Peace Memorial Museum, Christ Church Cathedral, and the Slave Market.

Another superb option is the 3-star Maru Maru Hotel, which has an 8.8 rating. This hotel also provides free Wi-Fi and complimentary toiletries, along with free parking in a nearby location. Guests frequently praise the friendly and helpful staff, as well as the secure and spotless rooms. It is just a short walk from Christ Church Cathedral and the Freddie Mercury Museum, making it easy to explore these key attractions.

For a romantic stay in Zanzibar Town, consider the Park Hyatt Zanzibar, Emerson Spice Hotel, or Zanzibar Palace Hotel.

The 5-star Park Hyatt Zanzibar, with an impressive 9.4 rating, offers beautiful architecture and excellent service. Couples can enjoy suites, an outdoor pool with sun loungers and a poolside bar, and rooms with ocean views and balconies. The hotel also provides free WiFi, a 24-hour airport shuttle, and free self-parking. It is conveniently close to Shangani Beach and Marahubi Palace.

The Emerson Spice Hotel, rated 9.6, is another highly recommended option. Guests consistently praise its beautiful and clean rooms, as well as the fantastic food. Some rooms feature a furnished balcony. The hotel provides a complimentary continental breakfast and a 24-hour airport shuttle. It is located near Beit el-Sahel (Palace Museum) and Hamamni Persian Baths.

The 4-star Zanzibar Palace Hotel, with a 9.2 rating, is known for its delicious breakfast and helpful staff. Couples can enjoy special dining experiences and access to couples treatment rooms. The hotel offers free WiFi, a 24-hour airport shuttle, and a free ferry terminal shuttle. It is situated a short distance from Beit el-Sahel (Palace Museum) and Hamamni Persian Baths.

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 Palace Hotel.

The 5-star Park Hyatt Zanzibar, with a superb 9.4 rating, is just 0.4 km from Forodhani Gardens and offers a refreshing outdoor pool with sun loungers and a poolside bar. This hotel is known for its beautiful architecture and excellent, friendly service. They also provide free cribs and child-friendly window designs, making it suitable for families.

Another excellent choice is the 3.5-star Emerson Spice Hotel, which boasts a remarkable 9.6 rating. It's only 0.4 km from Forodhani Gardens and provides a 24-hour airport shuttle, free breakfast, and free WiFi. Guests frequently praise its beautiful, clean rooms and fantastic food, alongside attentive staff.

The 3.5-star Zanzibar Coffee House, rated 9.6, is located 0.5 km from Forodhani Gardens. This hotel offers free breakfast, including a full breakfast option, and a 24-hour airport shuttle. Reviewers often mention the friendly and helpful staff and the perfect, affordable rooms.

The Neela Boutique Hotel Stone Town, a 4-star property with an outstanding 9.8 rating, is exceptionally close to Forodhani Gardens at just 0.3 km away. This hotel provides a 24-hour airport shuttle, rainfall showerheads, designer toiletries, and premium Egyptian cotton sheets. Guests consistently highlight the friendly and attentive staff, fantastic food, and convenient location.

Finally, the 4-star Zanzibar Palace Hotel, rated 9.2, is also very close to Forodhani Gardens, at 0.4 km. This hotel offers free cooked breakfast and a 24-hour airport shuttle. Travellers often compliment the delicious breakfast and food, excellent showers, and helpful staff.

For hotels near Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.), consider the Golden Tulip Zanzibar Airport.

The 4-star Golden Tulip Zanzibar Airport, with an 8.8 rating, is an excellent choice as it is located just 0.3 km from the airport, making it incredibly convenient for travellers. Guests frequently praise the good food, the gorgeous rooms, and the excellent staff, with the front desk often described as exceptional. It also offers a pool, a playground for children, and a children's club, making it a family-friendly option.

Overall, it is a highly-rated option for those looking for a comfortable stay close to Zanzibar International Airport.

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.

These periods offer consistently sunny weather with lower humidity, making it ideal for exploring Stone Town's narrow alleys and enjoying the beaches nearby. You'll find it comfortable for walking around and experiencing the local markets and historical sites without the interruption of rain.

For those planning water-based activities like snorkelling, diving, or simply relaxing by the coast, the dry seasons provide calm seas and excellent visibility. The waters around Zanzibar Town are particularly inviting during these months.

Zanzibar Town offers a more relaxed nightlife experience compared to some larger cities, but there are still several spots to enjoy after dark.

Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar Town, is where you'll find most of the evening activities. The Forodhani Gardens, especially, come alive at sunset with food stalls and a lively option. You'll find a selection of rooftop bars and restaurants within Stone Town offering drinks and views, particularly along the waterfront and within the labyrinthine streets. These often feature live local music or DJs playing a mix of international and African sounds. Some of the larger hotels also have their own bars which are open to non-guests.

For those looking for a beachfront experience, areas just outside Stone Town, like Kendwa and Nungwi, are known for their beach parties and bars directly on the sand.

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.

Prices for hotels in Zanzibar Town often vary, but you can find a great deal from £39 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.