Hotel
Park Hyatt Zanzibar
Luxury seafront hotel in Shangani combining the 19th-century Mambo Msiige mansion with a modern wing, with 67 rooms, an infinity pool, spa and beachfront.
Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Seafront hotel created from an 18th-century residence and the 19th-century Extelcoms House, with 51 rooms and suites, a pool, spa and rooftop seafood restaurant.
At a glance
- Type
- Luxury seafront heritage hotel
- Area
- Stone Town seafront, Zanzibar City, Tanzania
- Price
- $$$$ · Luxury
- Official site
- serenahotels.com
Good to know
- Seafront
- Swimming pool
- Spa
- Three restaurants and bars
- Live taarab music
Why we recommend it
The Zanzibar Serena Hotel is an upmarket hotel on the Stone Town seafront, close to the Shangani area. It was created by restoring two historic buildings: an 18th-century residence that once belonged to a Chinese doctor and the 19th-century former Extelcoms House. The result is a hotel with heritage character in its public spaces and an outlook over the Indian Ocean.
Serena lists 51 rooms and suites. Guests have access to a swimming pool and to Maisha Spa, which offers massages and other treatments, and the hotel has meeting space for small events. It is run by Serena Hotels, so bookings, transfers and experiences can be arranged through the group's website as well as directly with the hotel.
There are three main places to eat and drink. Baharia Restaurant serves international dishes with Swahili flavours, including seafood and island spices, in a dining room with arched windows and ocean views, and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The rooftop Terrace Seafood Restaurant serves dinner only, with candlelit tables and an outdoor balcony over the bay. Masahani Bar, open from 10:00 to 23:00, has patio seating overlooking the ocean and live taarab music, Zanzibar's traditional sung poetry. Serena also runs a Swahili Night by the pool, which can be booked.
The hotel suits couples, older travellers and anyone wanting a comfortable, full-service stay in the old town with a pool to come back to after a hot day of sightseeing. It is a good choice for first-time visitors because the hotel can arrange experiences such as a Stone Town tour combined with the Freddie Mercury Museum. Prices are at the upper end, and families should check room configurations when booking.
The Freddie Mercury Museum in Shangani is a short walk away, as are 6 Degrees South, Tembo House and the Shangani waterfront. Forodhani Gardens, the Old Fort and the Old Dispensary are a stroll along the seafront. The ferry port, where boats from Dar es Salaam and Pemba arrive, is in the heart of the old town, so arriving by sea and transferring to the hotel is straightforward. Contact the hotel directly by phone on +255 774 440010 or by email to ask about transfers, room types and dining reservations.
Zanzibar Serena Hotel FAQs
How many rooms does the Zanzibar Serena Hotel have?
Serena lists 51 rooms and suites.
Is the hotel in a historic building?
Yes. It was created from an 18th-century residence and the 19th-century former Extelcoms House.
Does it have a pool and spa?
Yes. There is a swimming pool and Maisha Spa.
What restaurants are there?
Baharia Restaurant, the rooftop Terrace Seafood Restaurant and Masahani Bar.
Is there live music?
Masahani Bar has live taarab music.
Can the hotel arrange tours?
Yes. Serena offers experiences including a Stone Town tour with the Freddie Mercury Museum.
How do you contact the hotel?
By phone on +255 774 440010 or by email to [email protected].