The name Zanzibar came from a combination of two Arabic words, 'Zinj', meaning black, and 'barr', being the Arabic word for land, the result meaning 'Land of the Blacks'.
Zanzibar is a series of many islands, the main ones being Unguja and Pemba and lies off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean. In addition to the two main islands, there are many other islands and islets in the Zanzibar archipelago which stretches from the top of Pemba to the south point of Unguja. Zanzibar is famous for once being the commercial centre of East Africa and the last place to abolish the slave trade. Today it combines ancient Islamic ruins, noble Arabic houses with miles of white sandy palm fringed beaches and coves.
ACCOMMODATION HOTELS IN STONE TOWN
Our selected hotels in Stone Town include: Zanzibar Serena Inn , 236 Hurumzi , Mbweni Ruins, Tembo Hotel and Dhow Palace
Zanzibar Serena Inn Idyllically situated on the sea front of ancient Stone Town, washed by the aquamarine waters of the Zanzibar channel, redolent of the scent of cloves and flanked by an exotic melange of sultan’s palaces, Portuguese forts, ancient dhow harbours, dark slave markets, and bright bazaars, the Zanzibar Serena Inn is a haven of tranquillity and opulence amongst the bustle of Zanzibar. Faithfully restored and lavishly embellished with a jackdaw collection of antique clocks, crystal chandeliers, fretwork screens, carved staircases, Persian rugs and brass-studded doors, the interior design concept is a fusion of authenticity and opulence that reflects the very essence of Zanzibar.
The Rooms Each room is cool, white and constructed to the traditional design of a Swahili house, which is dependant upon the length of the mangrove poles that make up its ceilings. Adorned with arched niches, antique plates and brass lamps and featuring traditionally carved furniture, cool-ceramics, intricate fretwork, draped beds and louver doors giving onto wrought-iron balconies overlooking the Persian-bath pool and azure bay beyond, each room reflects a blend of essential Zanzibar and world-class elegance. Dining
Constructed so that the waves lap to within inches of its open windows and the lateen-sailed dhows pass within metres of its tables, the Baharia Restaurant features lazily whirring fans, a jewel-glass atrium, mangrove-pole ceiling, fretwork screens, Omani carvings, Persian rugs and bright Swahili artefacts.
The Zanzibar cuisine, meanwhile, is a glorious melee of freshly caught seafood, fresh picked spices, luscious fruit and delicately flavoured vegetables. You will enjoy exclusive Seafood Restaurant on our open-air terrace with magnificent views over the Zanzibar channel; We offer a selection of dining and entertaining venues to include: The Baharia Restaurant, the Mdele Coffee Shop, the Masahani Bar and the exclusive Mangapwani Beach Resort.
236 Hurumzi In the heart of Stone Town, 236 Hurumzi rises above standard accommodation by providing elegant, traditionally furnished, airy rooms and a Tower Top Restaurant with a view of the world.
The second tallest building in Stone Town Zanzibar, the hotel has been restored to its former glory when it was the residence of one of the richest men in the Swahili Empire. Atmosphere is of principal import as the furnishings are all original Zanzibari antiques of varied origins and styles that, together, create the impressions of Arabian Nights and sultan princesses escaping in the dead of the night for romance.
The hotel has sixteen guestrooms are beautiful and romantic, each representing Zanzibari traditions in a distinct way. All rooms except for the Kipembe room are equipped with large stone bathtubs providing unusual bathing pleasure where a bubble bath and a bottle of wine are a frequent request. Ceiling fans keep our guests cool along with the constant breeze on the upper floors. Second and first floor rooms as well as the South room are equipped with air conditioning for added comfort. The sultan-sized rooms on the first and second floors have 20 foot ceilings, carved doors, original stucco décor and hand painted glass lamps and window panes. All guest rooms have large Zanzibari beds complete with netting.
The Tower Top Restaurant, a common stop for newlyweds and marriage proposers alike, is undoubtedly one of the most romantic restaurants in the world. Featuring a panoramic view of Stone Town and a spectacular view of the Indian Ocean, it is the perfect to watch the sun set. Eighty feet above the Stone Town and sitting on Persian carpets, more than one guest has told us that dinner here feels like a ride on a magic carpet. The dining room is open on all sides and guests sit Arabian-style on pillows and carpets, their shoes having been left at the door, while their dinner is served in five or more courses and accompanied by the sites and sounds of exotic Zanzibar.
Mbweni Ruins Set in botanic gardens by the ocean, the hotel is 10 minutes from Stone Town or from the Airport. Mbweni offers accommodation for no more than 30 guests.
All the rooms are air-conditioned, furnished in exotic Zanzibar style and offer views of the Indian Ocean and the gardens.
The crystal clear fresh water pool on the edge of the beach lies between the rooms and the restaurant where traditional spicy foods and a panoply of seafood delicacies
await the discerning diner.
The hotel offers many exciting activities including a dhow trip to the sandbanks opposite the hotel, swimming, fishing, diving, snorkelling, a nature trail and visits to see the spice plantations, stone town and to swim with dolphins.
Tembo Hotel The Tembo House Hotel is situated in the heart of Stone Town of Zanzibar at the Picturesque seafront, It is magnificent building. Which has functioned in many ways over the past years.
(As American Consulate in 1834) in 1884 it become the premises of Cowasjee Dinshaw and Partners which was the famous Trading Companies in the western Indian Ocean in those years. That name is till seen on the one of the main entrance of the hotel.
As it could be seen, it is only a half kilometer from the harbor and is 10 to 15 minutes driving from The Airport.
Most of the hotel rooms have balconies over looking the beach or the swimming pool courtyard. Each bedroom is self contained, air conditioned, equipped with fridge, telephone and satellite television.
Dhow Palace Hotel This small yet luxurious hotel is situated in the heart of Zanzibar's historic Stone Town, where East meets West. The hotel lounge has an impressive selection of antique ornaments and furniture, and adds to the relaxed ambience that is a Dhow Palace trademark.
All rooms have large balconies overlooking an attractive and cool central courtyard or the swimming pool.
This creates a tranquil atmosphere, making the Dhow Palace a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of Stone Town and one of the most popular hotels in Zanzibar Simply the best!
Idyllically situated on the sea front of ancient Stone Town, washed by the aquamarine waters of the Zanzibar channel, redolent of the scent of cloves and flanked by an exotic melange of sultan’s palaces, Portuguese forts, ancient dhow harbours, dark slave markets, and bright bazaars, the Zanzibar Serena Inn is a haven of tranquillity and opulence amongst the bustle of Zanzibar. Faithfully restored and lavishly embellished with a jackdaw collection of antique clocks, crystal chandeliers, fretwork screens, carved staircases, Persian rugs and brass-studded doors, the interior design concept is a fusion of authenticity and opulence that reflects the very essence of Zanzibar.
Each room is cool, white and constructed to the traditional design of a Swahili house, which is dependant upon the length of the mangrove poles that make up its ceilings. Adorned with arched niches, antique plates and brass lamps and featuring traditionally carved furniture, cool-ceramics, intricate fretwork, draped beds and louver doors giving onto wrought-iron balconies overlooking the Persian-bath pool and azure bay beyond, each room reflects a blend of essential Zanzibar and world-class elegance. 
In the heart of Stone Town, 236 Hurumzi rises above standard accommodation by providing elegant, traditionally furnished, airy rooms and a Tower Top Restaurant with a view of the world.
Set in botanic gardens by the ocean, the hotel is 10 minutes from Stone Town or from the Airport. Mbweni offers accommodation for no more than 30 guests.
The Tembo House Hotel is situated in the heart of Stone Town of Zanzibar at the Picturesque seafront, It is magnificent building. Which has functioned in many ways over the past years.
This small yet luxurious hotel is situated in the heart of Zanzibar's historic Stone Town, where East meets West. The hotel lounge has an impressive selection of antique ornaments and furniture, and adds to the relaxed ambience that is a Dhow Palace trademark.