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 Spice
Boutique hotel in a restored aristocratic home on a pedestrian lane in Kiponda, with antique-filled rooms, a courtyard restaurant and a rooftop tea house.
At a glance
- Type
- Boutique heritage hotel
- Area
- Kiponda, Stone Town, Zanzibar City, Tanzania
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Official site
- emersonspice.com
Good to know
- Rooftop restaurant
- Courtyard restaurant
- Live music
- Breakfast included
- Free Wi-Fi
Why we recommend it
Emerson Spice is a boutique hotel in Kiponda, in the older Kasbah area of Stone Town, set on a pedestrian-only street a few minutes' walk from the seafront and the Old Fort. The Michelin Guide, which includes it in its hotel selection, describes a former aristocratic home made up of three landmark buildings, and the hotel itself describes a lovingly restored merchant's house. The lane is quiet enough to feel private despite being close to the main sights.
The rooms are the draw. The Michelin Guide counts 11, each decorated with antiques under high timbered ceilings, and the interiors blend Swahili and Arab influences in an eclectic style. Every room is different, so ask about layout, bathroom style and stairs when booking. Rates include a continental breakfast with fresh fruit, eggs and coffee or tea. Check-in is from 13:00 and check-out by 10:00.
Food and music are a big part of the stay. The Secret Garden restaurant in the ground-level courtyard serves lunch and dinner and hosts live music on Wednesday and Friday evenings from 20:00, with a small entrance fee. On the roof, the Rooftop Tea House runs a single evening seating: a sundown cocktail at 18:00 followed by a five-course tasting menu at 19:00, with reservations essential.
The hotel suits couples, design lovers and travellers who want atmosphere over facilities. There is no pool, and the antique furnishings and stairs make it less practical for families with toddlers or visitors with limited mobility, although cots and babysitting can be arranged on request. Free Wi-Fi, room service, a lounge, luggage storage, a wake-up service and multilingual staff are provided, credit cards are accepted and pets are not allowed, according to the Michelin Guide. Expect some street noise and the call to prayer, which are part of life in the old town.
Cars cannot reach the door on the pedestrian street, so plan to walk the last stretch with your luggage. From the hotel you can walk to Darajani Market, Christ Church Cathedral, the Old Fort and Forodhani Gardens. Book by WhatsApp or phone on +255 774 483 483, or email the reservations team.
Emerson Spice FAQs
Where is Emerson Spice?
On Tharia Street in Kiponda, on a pedestrian lane in the older part of Stone Town.
How many rooms are there?
The Michelin Guide lists 11 individually decorated rooms.
Is breakfast included?
Yes. Rates include a continental breakfast.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in from 13:00 and check-out by 10:00.
Does the hotel have a pool?
No. The hotel focuses on its rooms, courtyard and rooftop restaurants.
Is there live music?
The Secret Garden courtyard hosts live music on Wednesday and Friday evenings from 20:00.
Can you drive to the door?
No. The street is pedestrian-only, so you walk the last stretch.
How do you book?
By WhatsApp or phone on +255 774 483 483, or by email to [email protected].