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The 10 Best Guest Houses in Zanzibar City, Tanzania

Check out our pick of great guest houses in Zanzibar City

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Superb: 9+ Very good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
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The hotel organises an important range of indoor services such as massages in our spa room, live band swahili dinners happening in the tea house on the roof top and outdoor activities including visits to Stone town and Spice plantations.

The hotel is an excellent location just behind the Old Dispensary (historical building), making it convenient to ask for directions in case you get lost in the small winding streets of the old town. Hotel embodies the traditional charm that Zanzibar is known for, both in its decor and kindness. Furthermore, every nook of the hotel exudes an Instagram-worthy aesthetic, providing ample opportunities to capture beautiful photos. Finally, don't miss the chance to enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere from the stunning rooftop terrace. P.S. During my stay at the hotel, I noticed that they upgrading the electrical sockets to accommodate all types of plugs, eliminating the need for any adapters.

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8.8
Fabulous
993 reviews
Price from
£30
per night

Situated within 10 km of Peace Memorial Museum and 8.9 km of Cinema Afrique in Zanzibar City, The House of Royals provides accommodation with seating area. This beachfront property offers access to free WiFi and free private parking. The guest house offers garden views, a sun terrace and a 24-hour front desk.

It's an amazing house, that has been wonderfully restored and maintained. The garden, in particular, is spectacular. Szilvia has done a brilliant job and is a fantastic host. Highly recommended

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8.9
Fabulous
21 reviews
Price from
£95
per night

The units come with a toaster, fridge, a kettle, a shower, free toiletries and a wardrobe. All units feature private entrance. At the guest house, the units are equipped with bed linen and towels.

Sightseeing tours are available in the neighbourhood. A car rental service is available at the guest house.

The host and his stuff members were very friendly and helping with everything we needed. The host arranged a taxi driver to pick up us from the airport for a very reasonable price. The location is great, you are just in couple minutes at the beach, where you can enjoy your drink at some beach bar. Regarding excursions, feel free to ask the host what he recommends. He organised for us a day trip to prison island and nakupenda. All in total was a great value for money and a nice experience. A very concrete sign, that the satisfaction of his guests is the main interest of this host, is that he asked everytime if everything went well during our stay in stone town. I totally recommend this place to stay!

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7.8
Good
453 reviews
Price from
£21
per night

Malindi Guest House is located in Zanzibar City, 210 metres from the harbour and 450 metres from the ferry terminal. It has a 24-hour front desk, restaurant and guest lounge.

At Malindi Guest House breakfast can be served in the room upon request, or enjoyed in the restaurant. Other facilities offered include a library, 24-hour front desk and activities include karaoke.

It was just wonderful 😊, personal very kind and helpful and very good services and the room is so clean so beautiful, the hôte is near to everything, 8 minutes to go to faradhani Park 🥰 and commercial centre and souk 😍 I'm in love and I recommend this hôtel to all travels 🥰🥰 you will like it really..

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7.1
Good
723 reviews
Price from
£17
per night

Situated in Ngambo in the Zanzibar region, with Stone Town Beach and Peace Memorial Museum nearby, Rafiki Guest House features accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking. Popular points of interest nearby include St Joseph's Roman Catholic Cathedral, Old Fort of Zanzibar and House of Wonders. Sultan's Palace, Zanzibar is less than 1 km from the guest house and Kichwele Forest Reserve is 25 km away.

Location quite central, price was alright, I liked the balcony and that the room had an AC.

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6.5
Review score
11 reviews
Price from
£14
per night

Featuring a balcony with sea views, a garden and a bar, Best View Malindi Guest House can be found in Mwembe Maepe, close to Stone Town Beach and 1.7 km from Peace Memorial Museum. This beachfront property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, a concierge service and currency exchange for guests.

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7
Good
1 reviews
Price from
£119
per night

Flamingo Guest House ZNZ is located in Stone Town, 600 metres from Stone Town Beach, 500 metres from Peace Memorial Museum, as well as 300 metres from Hamamni Persian Baths. Among the facilities at this property are full-day security and a concierge service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a sun terrace.

We stayed twice in this very nice guesthouse in the middle of Stonetown. The rooms and private bathroom are basic, comfortable and clean. You eat your breakfast, that comes with fresh fruit, on the rooftop terrace. The owner is very helpful and tries to do everything to make your stay as comfortable as possible. You also can arrange your tours here, they are of great value. The location is ideal. No cars around, close to the old slave market and the food market. If you visit Stonetown, we can definitely recommend this place!

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8.7
Fabulous
17 reviews
Price from
£15
per night

Located in Ngambo, near Stone Town Beach, Peace Memorial Museum and Old Dispensary, Nashu House Stone Town has a shared lounge. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and a shared kitchen, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The guest house features family rooms.

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9
Superb
1 reviews
Price from
£20
per night

Nashu House Stone Town, a property with a shared lounge, is set in Ngambo, 100 metres from Stone Town Beach, 1.2 km from Peace Memorial Museum, as well as 200 metres from Old Dispensary. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and a shared kitchen, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The guest house has family rooms.

Room +private bathroom, clean , air conditioning perfect, lovely breakfast. Perfectly located in the old Town. Mrs Nashu Always there for any Need. Thanks for everything.

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8.8
Fabulous
6 reviews
Price from
£20
per night

Featuring a terrace and views of city, BABAbora house is a guest house situated in a historic building in Ngambo, 200 metres from Stone Town Beach. It is located less than 1 km from Peace Memorial Museum and offers a 24-hour front desk. The guest house provides a restaurant serving African cuisine, as well as free WiFi throughout the property.

Deserves a much higher rating on Booking. Lovely and welcoming staff. The owner is very responsive. Location is right in the heart of Stonetown, so it’s easy to walk everywhere, but still quiet. Large rooms and private bathroom was clean with hot water. Excellent value for money. The owner kindly arranged a very early morning taxi and checked if everything was going well. A very caring man. I would definitely stay here again. Google maps has it in the wrong place, so you need to head for the Hindu temple or Secret Garden.

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6.8
Review score
71 reviews
Price from
£15
per night

Looking for a guest house?

Warm and welcoming guest houses are ideal for travellers who prefer unfussy accommodation with a personal touch. They are usually family-run, and your host will provide local recommendations and optional meals. Often cheaper than regular hotels, guest houses can also feature a cosy living room and a garden.
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Most booked guest houses in Zanzibar City this month

Guest houses that travellers love in Zanzibar City

  • 7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 451 reviews
    Very spacious room- Genius upgrade! Lovely bed and working air condition. Very close to all amenities. Great hosts and very helpful staff. Amazing, fresh fruit and cooked breakfast, good coffee too!
    Mariola
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: £16.48
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,005 reviews
    Charming hostel in the historical center of Stone Town. Cheap and good value for money.
    Michal
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: £92.07
    8.9
    Scored 8.9
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 21 reviews
    Absolutely charming house with a history. Quiet and secluded, on a beach. Very hospitable host. Very personal touch and more like staying with family. Large comfortable beds. Dinner and breakfast available.
    Valerie
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: £24.02
    6.6
    Scored 6.6
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 737 reviews
    Great location. Nice roof terrace (if you can be bothered to climb 7 flights of stairs). Cheap drinking water. Friendly, helpful staff. Comfy bed with mosquito nets. Felt safe at night. Quiet location.
    Laura
    Solo traveller
  • 7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 451 reviews
    Really nice hotel. Great location in the city center. And very good value for the price you pay. I love the room, it was gorgeous. WIth AC and ceiling fan. Pretty quiet at night even though it's in the center. Breakfast is basic, but it's like that almost all over Zanzibar. I liked it though :) Staff is very friendly and happy to help with everything.
    Katarina
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: £5.60
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 555 reviews
    This hostel is in a great location, very central and close to restaurants, bars, the night food market, points of interest and all the lovely little streets of Stone Town. Rooms are big, comfortable and quiet with good AC. The staff are all friendly, most of them speak English and are always very helpful and smiley (Thanks Pili and the boys for answering all my questions).
    Carola Grana
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £54.76
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,281 reviews
    Charmingly styled boutique boutique hotel set in the narrow streets of Stone Town. clean and comfortable with friendly staff. good breakfast. Great location, just be ready that taxis will not be able to drive right up to property because of the narrow streets
    Sean
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £17.36
    7.1
    Scored 7.1
    Good
    Rated good
     · 722 reviews
    Rooms are amazing, breakfast is always fresh fruits, David is a great host
    Iveta De Serrano
    Solo traveller
  • 7.8
    Scored 7.8
    Good
    Rated good
     · 13 reviews
    Fresh fruits and fresh homemade bread, for breakfast. Delicious. The place is boutique and quiet, no mosques or local farms in close proximity.
    Jaroslaw
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £36.03
    7.6
    Scored 7.6
    Good
    Rated good
     · 561 reviews
    Great host. Made me feel like home and extremely friendly. Great breakfast. Extremely friendlye service everyday. We were also allowed to use the kitchen and bring our food which was lovely. The room and the atmosphere is amazing. Really Well located and quiet. Clean room, hot shower. Good internet if you neede to work. Would definitely book again and highly recommend!
    Bianca
    Solo traveller

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