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.
Emerson on Hurumzi
Privately owned 15-room hotel on Hurumzi Street with antique-style rooms, some with open-air baths, and a rooftop restaurant with sunset views over the old town.
At a glance
- Type
- Boutique heritage hotel
- Area
- Hurumzi, Stone Town, Zanzibar City, Tanzania
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
Good to know
- Rooftop restaurant
- Air conditioning
- Free Wi-Fi
- Room service
- Concierge
Why we recommend it
Emerson on Hurumzi is a small, privately owned hotel on Hurumzi Street in the centre of Stone Town, and it is included in the Michelin Guide's hotel selection for Zanzibar. It occupies a tall historic building whose rooftop is among the highest in the old town, and it has long been associated with the Rooftop Tea House restaurant on its top floor.
The Michelin Guide lists 15 rooms, furnished in an antique style. No two are the same: some have balconies or verandas, some have open-air bathtubs or showers, and the suites feature fine fabrics and ornate tiled floors. The variety means it is worth asking for details of a specific room when booking, especially if you prefer a conventional bathroom or want to avoid stairs. Air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, room service and a concierge are provided.
The rooftop restaurant, listed by the Michelin Guide as the Towertop, serves local cuisine with views over the old town and the Indian Ocean, at their best around sunset. Many visitors know it as the Tea House, with set menus of Persian, Omani and East African dishes and frequent live music. Non-residents need to book, and guests are wise to reserve too.
The hotel is a good fit for couples and travellers who want a characterful base in the heart of Stone Town. The Michelin Guide is candid that even the quietest rooms hear the town's night sounds and the morning calls to prayer, so light sleepers should pack earplugs. Families are catered for, with free cots subject to availability and babysitting on request, and adjoining rooms are available. A doctor can be called if needed, and there is a shopping area nearby. Credit cards are accepted, and luggage storage and a wake-up service help if you are catching an early ferry or flight on departure day.
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out by 10:00. Like most old-town hotels it cannot be reached directly by car, so expect to walk the final section through the lanes and pack light if you can. From Hurumzi Street it is a short walk to The 5th rooftop bar, Forodhani Gardens, the Old Fort and the seafront, and Darajani Market and Christ Church Cathedral are within easy reach on foot.
Emerson on Hurumzi FAQs
How many rooms does Emerson on Hurumzi have?
The Michelin Guide lists 15 rooms.
Do the rooms have unusual features?
Some have balconies, verandas or open-air bathtubs and showers, so ask about specific rooms when booking.
Is there a restaurant?
Yes. The rooftop restaurant serves local cuisine with views over the old town; book in advance.
Is it noisy?
The Michelin Guide notes that even quiet rooms hear night sounds and the morning calls to prayer.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in from 15:00 and check-out by 10:00.
Is it suitable for families?
Free cots are available subject to availability, babysitting can be arranged and there are adjoining rooms.
Can you drive to the hotel?
Cars cannot reach the door through the lanes, so expect a short walk.