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Zanzibar Serena Hotel

Shangani Street, Stone Town, Zanzibar City, Tanzania – Excellent location – show map

Excellent location – rated 9.6/10! (score from 85 reviews)

Real guests • Real stays • Real opinions

8.5
Very Good
85 reviews

the entire property held onto a unique cultural vibe of the many influences of Zanzibar while at the same time having all the modern amenities of a nice clean, professionally run luxury hotel anywhere in the world. All the negative comments in the review sections are confusing because for my girlfriend and I at least, our stay was perfect! Being able to check in early for our stay and having the option to leave our bags in the hotel the day of checkout to explore stone town while we waited for our taxi was so convenient. The staff we encountered where all extremely friendly and professional! :)

Jacob United States of America

Gorgeous first line hotel really, the interior is incredible, pool area perfect, cocktails and breakfast amazing. My sea view room was really pretty.

Olimpiya Bulgaria

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.

Tang United States of America

the location was excellent and the staff were super friendly.

Nabil Qatar

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!

Christian Denmark

Excellent breakfast, courteous and efficient staff

Jacqueline Ivory Coast

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

Mariam Bahrain

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.

Jack United Kingdom

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.

Amr United Arab Emirates

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.

Barbara United States of America
8.5
Very Good
85 reviews
  • What guests loved the most:
  • “the entire property held onto a unique cultural vibe of the many influences of Zanzibar while at the same time having all the modern amenities of a nice clean, professionally run luxury hotel anywhere...”
    Jacob Jacob United States of America United States of America
  • “Gorgeous first line hotel really, the interior is incredible, pool area perfect, cocktails and breakfast amazing. My sea view room was really pretty.”
    Olimpiya Olimpiya Bulgaria Bulgaria
  • “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.”
    Tang Tang United States of America United States of America
  • “the location was excellent and the staff were super friendly.”
    Nabil Nabil Qatar Qatar
  • “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!”
    Christian Christian Denmark Denmark
  • “Excellent breakfast, courteous and efficient staff”
    Jacqueline Jacqueline Ivory Coast Ivory Coast
  • “I stayed in the same hotel chain in other locations and found them all to be wonderful”
    Mariam Mariam Bahrain Bahrain
  • “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.”
    Jack Jack United Kingdom United Kingdom
  • “The hotel is more than a 100 years old and previously was a telecom company. This somehow gives it charm and elegance.”
    Amr Amr United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates
  • “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.”
    Barbara Barbara United States of America United States of America

Categories:

  • Staff9.1
  • Facilities8.4
  • Cleanliness8.7
  • Comfort8.7
  • Value for money7.3
  • Location 9.6
  • Free WiFi8.5
High score for Zanzibar City

Get the celebrity treatment with world-class service at Zanzibar Serena Hotel

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Located on the sea-front of ancient Stone Town, Zanzibar Serena Inn offers 5-star accommodations with a view of the Indian Ocean. There is an outdoor pool with sun loungers, a café and 2 restaurants. Zanzibar Serena Inn offers free private parking.

All rooms are decorated with traditional furnishings and feature a satellite TV, mini bar and a tea and coffee maker. Each has a private bathroom with a bath and shower with free toiletries. There is 24-hour room service and free Wi-Fi.

The Terrace Seafood Restaurant features an open-air rooftop terrace and has ocean views. International and Swahili dishes are available at the Baharia Restaurant. The Pool Terrace Bar and coffee shop serve a wide selection of drinks, snacks and traditional pastries.

Guests can relax and sunbathe poolside or on the beach. Other local activities include swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and diving. House of Wonders is a 5-minute drive away.

Zanzibar International Airport and Zanzibar Ferry Terminal are within a 10-minute drive away.

This is our guests' favorite part of Zanzibar City, according to independent reviews.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.4 for a two-person trip.

Zanzibar Serena Hotel has been welcoming Booking.com guests since May 21, 2012

Show me more

Most popular amenities

1 swimming pool
Free WiFi
Beachfront
Airport shuttle
Family rooms
Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
Bar

Currency Exchange: Need local currency? This property has currency exchange on site.

Property Highlights

Located in the best-rated area in Zanzibar City, this hotel has an excellent location score of 9.6

Breakfast Info

Full English/Irish, Buffet

Free private parking available at the hotel

Saved to 1252 lists

Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

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Travel Sustainable property
Travel Sustainable property
This property is part of the Travel Sustainable program, which means it’s taken significant steps to make your stay more sustainable.

4 reasons to choose Zanzibar Serena Hotel

  • Prices you can't beat!
  • Booking is safe
  • Manage your bookings online
  • The staff speaks English
Closest beach

  • Stone Town Beach

    7.1 Good beach
    100 feet from property

Guest reviews

8.5
Very Good · 85 reviews
Read all reviews
Categories:
  • Staff9.1
  • Facilities8.4
  • Cleanliness8.7
  • Comfort8.7
  • Value for money7.3
  • Location 9.6
  • Free WiFi8.5
High score for Zanzibar City

Select topics to read reviews:

See what guests loved the most:

  • Jacob
    United States of AmericaUnited States of America
    “the entire property held onto a unique cultural vibe of the many influences of Zanzibar while at the same time having all the modern amenities of a nice clean, professionally run luxury hotel anywhere in the world. All the negative comments in the...”
  • Olimpiya
    BulgariaBulgaria
    “Gorgeous first line hotel really, the interior is incredible, pool area perfect, cocktails and breakfast amazing. My sea view room was really pretty.”
  • Tang
    United States of AmericaUnited States of America
    “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.”
  • Nabil
    QatarQatar
    “the location was excellent and the staff were super friendly.”
  • Christian
    DenmarkDenmark
    “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!”
  • Jacqueline
    Ivory CoastIvory Coast
    “Excellent breakfast, courteous and efficient staff”
  • Mariam
    BahrainBahrain
    “I stayed in the same hotel chain in other locations and found them all to be wonderful”
  • Jack
    United KingdomUnited Kingdom
    “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...”
  • Amr
    United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates
    “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...”
  • Barbara
    United States of AmericaUnited States of America
    “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.”
Property questions and answers
Browse questions from guests for anything extra you want to know about the property
The property usually replies within a few days
  • 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 hotel
    Answered on December 22, 2020
  • 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 forward
    Answered on May 14, 2021
  • 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 SI...
    Answered on February 14, 2020
  • 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 ...
    Answered on October 11, 2020
  • 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
  • Still looking?
Hotel area info *
Excellent location – show map
* All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.
1 Restaurant On Site

    Baharia

    Food: African, British, Indian, Pizza, Seafood, Local, Asian, Grill/BBQ

    Menu: Buffet & À La Carte

Amenities of Zanzibar Serena Hotel

Most popular amenities

1 swimming pool
Free WiFi
Beachfront
Airport shuttle
Family rooms
Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
Bar
Outdoors
  • Outdoor fireplace
  • Picnic area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Beachfront
  • Sun deck
  • BBQ facilities Additional charge
  • Terrace
  • Garden
Activities
  • Live music/Performance
  • Cooking class
  • Tour or class about local culture Additional charge
  • Happy hour Additional charge
  • Themed dinners Additional charge
  • Bike tours Additional charge
  • Walking tours Additional charge
  • Beach
  • Evening entertainment
  • Water sports facilities on site Additional charge
  • Entertainment staff
  • Snorkeling Off-site Additional charge
  • Horseback riding Off-site Additional charge
  • Diving Off-site Additional charge
  • Cycling Off-site
  • Canoeing Off-site
  • Windsurfing Off-site Additional charge
  • Game room
  • Fishing Off-site Additional charge
Food & Drink
  • Coffee house on site
  • Fruit Additional charge
  • Wine/Champagne Additional charge
  • Kid-friendly buffet
  • Kids' meals Additional charge
  • Special diet meals (on request)
  • Snack bar
  • Breakfast in the room
  • Bar
  • Restaurant
Internet
WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Parking
Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).
  • Secure parking
Transportation
  • Airport drop-off Additional charge
  • Airport pickup Additional charge
Front Desk Services
  • Lockers
  • Private check-in/out
  • Baggage storage
  • Tour desk
  • Currency exchange
  • 24-hour front desk
Entertainment & Family Services
  • Indoor play area
  • Babysitting/Child services Additional charge
Cleaning Services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Suit press Additional charge
  • Ironing service
  • Dry cleaning Additional charge
  • Laundry Additional charge
Business Facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying Additional charge
  • Business center
  • Meeting/Banquet facilities Additional charge
Safety & security
  • Fire extinguishers
  • CCTV outside property
  • CCTV in common areas
  • Smoke alarms
  • Security alarm
  • Key access
  • 24-hour security
  • Safe
General
  • Shared lounge/TV area
  • Airport shuttle (additional charge)
  • Shuttle service (additional charge)
  • Designated smoking area
  • Air conditioning
  • Smoke-free property
  • Heating
  • Car rental
  • Packed lunches
  • Family rooms
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Room service
Outdoor swimming pool
  • Open all year
  • All ages welcome
  • Infinity pool
Spa
  • Personal trainer
  • Yoga classes
  • Full-body massage Additional charge
  • Hand massage Additional charge
  • Head massage Additional charge
  • Couples' massage Additional charge
  • Foot massage Additional charge
  • Neck massage Additional charge
  • Back massage Additional charge
  • Spa/Wellness packages
  • Spa lounge/Relaxation area
  • Spa facilities
  • Body scrub
  • Body treatments
  • Pedicure
  • Makeup services
  • Waxing services
  • Facial treatments
  • Beauty services
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Beach chairs/Loungers
  • Massage Additional charge
Languages Spoken
  • English

House rules Zanzibar Serena Hotel takes special requests – add in the next step!

Check-in

From 2:00 PM

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in

Check-out

Until 11:00 AM

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

0 - 3 years
Crib by request
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.

Mastercard Visa American Express Zanzibar Serena Hotel accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

The fine print

In accordance with government guidelines to minimize transmission of the coronavirus (COVID-19), this property may request additional documentation from guests to validate identity, travel itinerary, and other relevant info on dates where such guidelines exist.

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

  • Zanzibar Serena Hotel offers the following activities/services (charges may apply):

    • Massage
    • Cycling
    • Game room
    • Snorkeling
    • Diving
    • Fishing
    • Canoeing
    • Windsurfing
    • Evening entertainment
    • Beachfront
    • Beauty services
    • Bike tours
    • Beach
    • Walking tours
    • Horseback riding
    • Cooking class
    • Swimming pool
    • Personal trainer
    • Facial treatments
    • Happy hour
    • Waxing services
    • Water sports facilities on site
    • Makeup services
    • Live music/Performance
    • Pedicure
    • Themed dinners
    • Body treatments
    • Tour or class about local culture
    • Body scrub
    • 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

  • From the nearest airport, you can get to Zanzibar Serena Hotel by:

    • Taxi 20min

  • 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

  • Yes, Zanzibar Serena Hotel is popular with guests booking family stays.

  • Room options at Zanzibar Serena Hotel include:

    • Double
    • Twin/Double

  • Check-in at Zanzibar Serena Hotel is from 2:00 PM, and check-out is until 11:00 AM.

  • Zanzibar Serena Hotel is 1.5 miles from the center of Zanzibar City.

  • 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.

  • Zanzibar Serena Hotel has 1 restaurant:

    • Baharia

  • Yes, this hotel has a pool. See details about the pool and other facilities on this page.