Jafferji House

Jafferji House is a small, all-suite boutique hotel on Gizenga Street, one of the main shopping lanes of Stone Town. It is linked to the Jafferji family: Javed Jafferji co-founded the Freddie Mercury Museum, and the hotel's sister business is Gallery Tours and Safaris, a Zanzibar tour operator. The hotel describes itself as a house where family histories are woven into the building.

There are ten suites, divided into three Signature Suites named Stanley, Livingstone and Maasai and seven Superior Suites. The names nod to the explorers who passed through Zanzibar in the 19th century and to the mainland's Maasai people. The house is arranged around courtyards and public areas that give it a private, residential feel rather than that of a conventional hotel lobby.

Bibi's Restaurant Roof Top is the hotel's dining space. The hotel describes breakfasts and dishes influenced by African, Arabic and Indian cooking, which reflects the mix of cultures that shaped Stone Town. Earlier listings described live traditional music on the rooftop on Friday nights; ask when booking whether this still runs. Guests can also join Swahili cooking lessons and a Zanzibar coffee ceremony, both arranged by the hotel. The coffee ceremony is a good introduction to the strong black coffee served on Stone Town's street corners, such as at Jaws Corner.

The hotel suits couples and travellers who want space, since every room is a suite, as well as those interested in hands-on cultural experiences without leaving the hotel. It is less suited to travellers who want a pool or beach, which are not mentioned on the hotel's site. As in most old-town buildings, expect stairs and street sounds. The hotel's footer also links to separate spa and hammam businesses nearby, but treat these as independent.

Gizenga Street puts you close to the heart of the old town. St Joseph's Cathedral is just off Gizenga Street near its junction with Kenyatta Road, Jaws Corner and the Hamamni Persian Baths are within walking distance, and the Shangani waterfront, Forodhani Gardens and the Old Fort are all reachable on foot. Contact the hotel by phone on +255 776 179 709 or by email to its general manager.