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Prices you can't beat!
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The staff speaks English
Hotel
Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Shangani Street, Stone Town, Zanzibar City, Tanzania – Excellent location – show map
Excellent location – rated 9.5/10! (score from 71 reviews)
Real guests • Real stays • Real opinions
Oceanview, proximity and access to the beach. Customer service of the concierge and front desk was excellent. The beach view at breakfast was calm and relaxing.

the location was excellent and the staff were super friendly.

Views and room style is awesome. Fantastic breakfast and very nice facilities and wonderful staff and perfect location for exploring Stonetown. Wish we were staying longer!

Excellent breakfast, courteous and efficient staff

I stayed in the same hotel chain in other locations and found them all to be wonderful

Great location in the heart of Stone Town but with views to make you think you’re on a desert island. The variety and taste of the breakfast was great. Drinks / cocktails by the pool were also very well made (and strong 😁). The staff are what make this place special, with a special mention to Ally and Suleiman, who were a joy to be around.

The hotel is more than a 100 years old and previously was a telecom company. This somehow gives it charm and elegance. The staff is very hospitable and kind and the view from the balconies is picturesque. Very close to old stone town from one side and modern rooftop bars and restaurants from the other side.

Excellent service. Spa services were terrific, especially Susan. Everyone went out of their way to make me feel comfortable and happy. Ali was a great resource and support.

Perfect location, and an easy walk to main sites in Stone Town. Mollel at reception was very helpful in booking two nice excursions for me on a very short notice. Yousif Kabir at reception is also very nice and kind. Rabia, Amina at reception and another lady that I cannot recall her name unfortunately. The hotel terrace overlooking the Indian ocean is very nice. I could spend hours just sitting there. Restaurants are very good with excellent quality and taste of food. Excellent service too. Housekeeping is excellent too and very kind and helpful. If I visit Stone Town again, very likely I will stay at the same hotel.

Serena Hotel has an excellent location in front of the beach it offers an outdoor pool and a wide range of restaurants and bars near the hotel. Staff follows all safety protocols as directed by local authorities.

- What guests loved the most:
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Tang
United States of America
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Nabil
Qatar
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Christian
Denmark
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Jacqueline
Ivory Coast
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Mariam
Bahrain
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Jack
United Kingdom
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Amr
United Arab Emirates
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Barbara
United States of America
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Rabie
United Arab Emirates
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Pilotb787
Oman
Categories:
4 reasons to choose Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Stone Town Beach
7.1 Good beach100 feet from property
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The property usually replies within a few days
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is it possible to go to the beach on foot from the hotel ?we are on the beach - the beach is just in-front of the hotelAnswered on December 22, 2020
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If we want to keep our room until 1am in the morning (we have a night flight), what would the charge be?Dear Esteemed Customer, thank you for your enquiry,please note we can offer a day room at $102 till that time, kindly advise the way forwardAnswered on May 14, 2021
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May you please kindly advise on the activities that the hotel offers. If none please recommend a place closer to the hotel. Thanks.ACTIVITIES ORGANIZED BY THE HOTEL AND FOUND ONLY IN ZANZIBAR Stone town is the historical and cultural heart of Zanzibar (a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE). With its mystical, old-world charms and exotic mix of African, Arabic and European influences, you can reach a whole host of activities to try your hand at. Some of the signature activities we recommend to do in Zanzibar are as follows: • Stone Town, Spice Tour, visits to the Sultan’s baths, slave caves and slave market • Safari blue, dhow trips and idyllic island escapes, dolphin and turtle watching • Experiencing and living the Swahili culture, Swahili feasts with Taarab music • Swimming in pools and in the sea and taking a laid back restful day! STONE TOWN TOUR Stone Town is the heart of the historical Zanzibar with its old buildings and narrow streets dating back to the Slave Trade era hence a heritage protected site. The tour includes visit to the Darajani town market, the former slave market, slave caves and cells, Forodhani gardens, the house of wonders, Sultan palace and the Old Portuguese Fort. SPICE TOUR The tour provides a rare experience why Zanzibar is referred to as the 'Spice Island' with a tour of the rural Zanzibar to small hold farms and plantations where the locals are growing spices such as Vanilla, Nutmeg, Clove, Cardamon, Cinnamon etc., medicinal and ornamental plants and variety of tropical and local fruits. You get detailed description of the spices and learn how to use the different plants for local dishes, herbal medicine and traditional ceremonies which are an important aspect of the Zanzibaris life. PRISON ISLAND Also known as Changuu Island, lies about 30 minutes from Stone Town. The island was formerly owned by an Arab trader and was meant to be confinement for refractory slaves but no prisoners were ever housed; on the contrary the island became a quarantine station for yellow fever epidemics. It was bought by General Lloyd Mathews and the jail which still stands was built in 1893 and hence the name ‘’PRISON ISLAND’’ In 1919 the British Governor of Seychelles sent a gift of four Aldabra’s giant tortoises to Changuu. Presently this species is considered vulnerable and has been placed on IUCN Red List. There is a dedicated foundation on the island which looks after the tortoise welfare. During visiting, you will be able to watch and feed the tortoises. SAFARI BLUE Located 40 minutes away on the beautiful West Coast of Zanzibar, Safari Blue is Zanzibar’s most talked about sea Adventure. You are sure to spend a magical day exploring the Menai Bay Conservation Area and a host of aquatic activities. Tour the area in traditional wooden dhow, enjoy swimming and guided snorkeling in the beautiful clear waters, or watch dolphins at play! Feast on delicious Swahili seafood barbeque and indigenous tropical fruit tasting. Enjoy a fun-filled day with all the drinks and snacks throughout the day. A never miss unique Zanzibar outing. FORODHANI OPEN FOOD MARKET You will find all sorts of Tanzanian and majorly Swahili style cuisine. Forodhani park is an ample garden-like open square in the heart of Stone town. It gets quite vibrating during the night time and many tourists go to taste some of the local bites. Prices are very cheap for international standards and all food is very tasty. Must-see attraction in Stone town. FREDDIE MERCURY MUSEUM The first ever Museum dedicated to the world legend Freddie Mercury, located in Shangani, in the heart of Zanzibar Stone Town, officially inaugurated on Sunday the 24th of November 2019, in order to commemorate the 28th anniversary of the beloved passing of the rock legend. The Freddie Mercury Museum is officially partnered with Queen Productions Ltd. in the United Kingdom, who have loaned the museum the exclusive pictures of Freddie Mercury throughout different stages in his life. The Museum showcases a detailed accord of the birth town of Farrokh Bulsara, his roots with the Zoroastrian religion, his childhood and upbringing in Zanzibar, followed by his schooling in Panchgani, and then the rest of his journey to becoming one of the greatest stars of all time. He famously professed “I’m not going to be a Star; I’m going to be a Legend” The Hotel partners with the Museum and visits just 0.5 kilometers away can be arranged directly from the hotel. DIRECT BEACH ACTIVITIES AT SERENA A DAY OUT AT PANGE SANDBANK! The enchanting tiny sandy island, is located approximately 1 kilometer from the hotel and accessible by boat in just 30 minutes. Surrounded by the amazing sea, in the most beautiful shades of turquoise water, you can enjoy spectacular sea views in every direction. Spend the day enjoying the unspoiled white sand beach just the way nature created it; you can swim, snorkel and of course sunbath and relax. For a group visit you can partake various fun games and water activities, or simply find a peaceful spot with a stunning seascape backdrop to sit and watch the world go by! The beauty of the white sand, the cooling wind and the blue sea make your visit unforgettable. The sandbank can be visited depending on the tides, but it is accessible all day. Transport to the sandbank is done by traditional dhows and boats, and refreshment (food and drink) are served. SUNSET DHOW CRUISE A leisurely cruise as the day slows down and the sun is setting over the distant horizon. It is a magnificent way to end the day. It is a pleasurable, indulgent and relaxing cruise with the refreshing sea breeze and a glass of chilled drink. The Zanzibar sunsets are a true sight to behold! DINING BY THE SEA! In Zanzibar Life is a Beach! And at Zanzibar Serena Hotel you can seat right by the beach listen to the sea waves kissing the shoreline as you sip on your chilled favorite drink and appreciate an exceptional dining experience. The hotel has a direct access to the beach front and with the weather collaborating the hotel organizes individual dinners for the lucky few who opt for a real beach experience. A complete setting with own dining table set right on the beach. SUNRISE BEACH WORK OUT AND LIGHT YOGA The beautiful stretch of sand right at the front of the hotel offers the ultimate refreshing and renewing beach fitness workout and light yoga experience, it is an escape to an enchanting and peaceful moment too! The Beach workout and light yoga is offered as part of the hotels activities and our professional instructor is at hand to ensure that you maximize on deep relaxation and enjoy the benefits of breathing the fresh sea air.Answered on February 14, 2020
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Can I have room for 2 persons and anther extra bed for a 3ed person?Greetings from Zanzibar. yes we do have the availability - we could make use of the suite adding extra bed at the leaving area. thanks for choosing SerenaAsked about: Standard Double Room • Answered on October 11, 2020
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When is the best time to visit your property for the perfect beach holiday?thank you for your valued question, it is from mid july to September and December to end of February.Answered on October 17, 2019
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St Joseph's Roman Catholic Cathedral0.2 miles
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Old Fort of Zanzibar0.3 miles
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House of Wonders0.3 miles
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The Zanzibar Curio shop0.3 miles
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Hamamni Persian Baths0.3 miles
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Sultan's Palace, Zanzibar0.4 miles
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Peace Memorial Museum0.4 miles
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Old Dispensary0.6 miles
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Cinema Afrique0.7 miles
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Maruhubi Historical Sites2 miles
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Prison Island - Changuu Private Island3.2 miles
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Cheetah's Rock7.2 miles
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Chumbe Island Coral Park CHICOP7.9 miles
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Stone Town Beach100 feet
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Abeid Amani Karume International Airport4.2 miles
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Julius Nyerere International Airport49.8 miles
Baharia
Food: African, British, Indian, Pizza, Seafood, Local, Asian, Grill/BBQ
Cancellation/
prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.
Children & Beds
Child policies
Children of all ages are welcome.
Children 18 and above are considered adults at this property.
To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.
Crib and extra bed policies
Crib by request
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Free |
Additional fees are not calculated automatically in the total cost and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.
This property doesn't offer extra beds.
The maximum number of cribs allowed depends on the room you choose. Double-check the maximum capacity for the room you selected.
All cribs and extra beds are subject to availability.
No age restriction
There's no age requirement for check-in
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Zanzibar Serena Hotel accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.
The fine print
In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.
Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), this property is taking steps to protect the safety of guests and staff. Certain services and amenities may be reduced or unavailable as a result.
Please inform Zanzibar Serena Hotel of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Payment before arrival by bank transfer is required. The property will contact you after you book to provide instructions.
FAQs about Zanzibar Serena Hotel
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Zanzibar Serena Hotel is 1.5 miles from the center of Zanzibar City.
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Zanzibar Serena Hotel has 1 restaurant:
- Baharia
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Room options at Zanzibar Serena Hotel include:
- Double
- Twin/Double
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Yes, this hotel has a pool. See details about the pool and other facilities on this page.
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Zanzibar Serena Hotel offers the following activities/services (charges may apply):
- Massage
- Cycling
- Game room
- Snorkeling
- Diving
- Fishing
- Canoeing
- Windsurfing
- Evening entertainment
- Beachfront
- Horseback riding
- Bike tours
- Beach
- Walking tours
- Beauty services
- Cooking class
- Facial treatments
- Personal trainer
- Waxing services
- Happy hour
- Makeup services
- Water sports facilities on site
- Pedicure
- Live music/Performance
- Body treatments
- Themed dinners
- Body scrub
- Tour or class about local culture
- Spa facilities
- Spa lounge/Relaxation area
- Spa/Wellness packages
- Back massage
- Neck massage
- Foot massage
- Couples' massage
- Head massage
- Hand massage
- Full-body massage
- Entertainment staff
- Yoga classes
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The prices at Zanzibar Serena Hotel may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.
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From the nearest airport, you can get to Zanzibar Serena Hotel by:
- Taxi 20min
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Guests staying at Zanzibar Serena Hotel can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast during their stay (guest review score: 9.1).
Breakfast option(s) include:
- Full English/Irish
- Buffet
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Yes, Zanzibar Serena Hotel is popular with guests booking family stays.
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Check-in at Zanzibar Serena Hotel is from 2:00 PM, and check-out is until 11:00 AM.