Zanzibar hotel vicini a Stone Town

Punti positivi: Serena Hotel was our first stop in Zanzibar on what has turned out to be one of the best trip of our lives. We spent two nights in stone town at the Serena Hotel. The hotel is really quite a heritage in stone town. Fantastically located, just a short walk from the old city. An excellent breakfast spread and really charming room which still has lots of classic touches that make it quite authentic. Tip: book a sun down dinner at the Emerson Spice which is a 10 min walk from the hotel! And book in advance to get the roof top/terrace!

Punti negativi: There was a wedding on our last night and whilst it was quite entertaining to watch, I do wish the hotel had informed us as we could not go to bed until after 11pm when the wedding ended.

Punti positivi: view was ok from the room

Punti negativi: no lifts you have to walk up the stairs to whatever floor you are on

Punti positivi: The staff were very friendly and eager to help. However we were given some incorrecr information which completely derailed our plans for the final night.

Punti negativi: The room we stayed in was poorly located and didn't catch any breeze and so was stiflingly hot and the a/c was glacial. A ceiling fan might be a possible option to ensure the rooms can stay cool. The bathroom was ridiculously small and in need of some upgrades to the fittings, particularly the taps and the showerhead which were encrusted with lime from the water. The sad little shower curtain was not a great look either. The breakfast has been the worst breakfast I have had at a supposedly 5* hotel. Both the hot and cold options were severely limited and underwhelming. The food was not particularly tasty either.

Punti positivi: Staff is very friendly and we had some nice conversations with everyone. We really enjoyed the atmosphere and the options available to us. My wife had a massage and she loved it, breakfast buffet was perfect, and the food at the restaurant was very good. The location was perfect for venturing out to local bars and eateries for a change of scenery. The beach view from our room was perfect. Great hotel all in all.

Punti negativi: The bathroom tub/shower area could be fixed. There was mildew/mold in certain spots, and a lot of rust. The shower water also was finicky, we couldn’t seem to get any cold water going, so showers were very hot. Also, we had written to the hotel that we would be celebrating our honeymoon, and were told to expect flowers and fruits, but we only got fruits. We weren’t treated in any way special to make us feel like we were celebrating our honeymoon. It wasn’t even in the room notes, so none of the staff really knew. At our other hotel, we were greeted with congratulations and champagne and flowers. This is definitely an area you can improve upon for other couples celebrating special occasions.

Punti positivi: Wonderful staff, the views, the character of this hotel a

Punti positivi: I loved the hotel but I do think that all the Serena and all the higher ranking hotels in Stonetown charge far too much money in general. It’s a beautiful hotel and the staff are wonderful but I’d say £900 or thereabouts for 3 nights is too much. Those are big city prices

Punti positivi: Massage

Punti negativi: Incompetence in planning a birthday

Punti positivi: Beautiful period rooms with great views to the sea. Hotel from a bygone era that maintains its charm and quality without modernizing too much. Nice outdoor patio area and pool. Great location.

Punti negativi: Lack of late check out beyond 10am although bag storage provided for the meantime. Breakfast was very limited and poor quality for the price of the stay and the elegant restaurant surroundings. Expensive for the services provided although a treat for a short stay.

Punti positivi: 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.

Punti negativi: Nothing I can think of

Punti positivi: The location is perfect. Everything worth seeing in Stone Town is about 3-15 minutes away. We walked everywhere and never took more than ten minutes to get to the beach.

Punti negativi: Coffee was not good and the breakfast options are limited.

Punti positivi: Staff where very pleasant

Punti negativi: The fact that I had to take another room because I traveled with my 5yr old kid who slept with me in any case. The other just layed empty

Punti positivi: The room was a nice size and very comfortable. Just a bit dusty above the mosquito netting. Breakfast venue with stunning views and good food. Nicely decorated with great antiques and a wonderful history.

Punti negativi: No lift so quite a walk up to the room via the stairs so not recommended for people who struggle with stairs or ask fro a lower floor room.

Punti positivi: Beautiful city hotel in a historic building, nicely renovated. Staff well trained and super friendly.

Punti negativi: In my view too expensive for what you get. We paid around 260$ night, which is just about 100$ more than it should, compared too my (vas) travel experiences. But this is just my opinion...

Punti positivi: Gli arredi dell’hotel sono meravigliosi, la colazione viene servita su una splendida terrazza vista mare... e la vasca in camera è spaziale!

Punti positivi: L'hotel è arredato con gusto, il letto comodo, pulizia impeccabile, personale gentilissimo, location ideale (centrale ma silenziosa). Ottima ed abbondante la colazione servita in terrazza vista oceano. Ci sono già stata in passato e ci ritornerei sicuramente.

Punti negativi: Il servizio wi-fi non funzionava. Puzza di ritorno di fogna in bagno (ma si sa che a Stone Town le fogne sono quel che sono...).

Punti positivi: Ottimo staff posizione pulizia

Punti negativi: Wi-Fi nn sufficiente e nelle camere si moriva di caldo nonostante il rumoroso ventilatore soffitto..,, più che nn piaciuto un suggerimento la colazione ottima ma ripetitiva... nelle camere qualcosa X appendere vestiti.. almeno un paio di sedie esterne x godersi in serata nel giardino la frescura

Punti negativi: Prenoto una stanza doppia con letti singoli mesi prima del mio soggiorno, pensando che per piu' di 100$ dollari a notte avrei dormito bene la mia ultima notte a Zanzibar. Avevo gia' letto nelle recensioni che sarebbe potuta essere stata rumorosa la struttura, per questo nelle note della prenotazione chiedo cortesemente che mi venga assegnata una camera ai piani alti, possibilmente rivolta non sulla strada. Quando arrivo mi viene assegnata la camera dietro la reception (quella che di solito e' del personale), piano terra fronte strada. Faccio notare allora la mia richiesta di prenotazione chiedendo un' altra camera. Mi viene subito detto che non c'e' alcuna possibilita' di cambio stanza e che quella e' l' unica che corrisponde al mio tipo di prenotazione, cosa per altro discutibile dato che nelle foto ci sono almeno altre due stanze doppie con letti singoli diversa da quella assegnatami. Ma anche facendo finta che sia come loro dicono, stante la mia nota avrebbero per correttezza potuto avvisarmi all' atto della prenotazione che la stanza era piano terra fronte strada, giusto perche' avevo esplicitamente richiesto piani alti cortile interno e invece no, nessuno mi ha detto niente fino al mio arrivo. Comportamente assai discutibile in termini di correttezza e gentilezza. Essendo la struttura priva di ogni tipo di insonorizzazione acustica capisco subito l' incubo che andro' a vivere perche' il vicolo e' stretto e di passaggio per i mezzi che suonano il clacson ogni secondo, mentre la notte, le luci dei fanali degli scooter entrano nella stanza. Non mi resta che arrendermi al disagio aspettando l'alba per andarmene. Per gli stessi soldi ma anche meno troverete di meglio nei dintorni. P.s. Materasso non comodissimo, tipo vecchio stile a molle, decisamente scarso per una struttura 4 stelle.

Punti positivi: Tutto perfetto.

Punti negativi: Arredamento d'epoca, camera spaziosa e pulita, wifi ottimo, buona e varia colazione.

Punti positivi: Letti grandi e puliti, camera spaziosa, wifi eccezionale, frigo in camera, eccellente ricezione tv con molti canali

Punti negativi: Il primo giorno non abbiamo avuto acqua calda. L'hanno fissata la seconda, ma la pressione dell'acqua non era molto buona - non ho capelli spessi e ci è voluto un po' per risciacquare lo shampoo... E 'arretrato un modo dalla strada, in modo da avere bisogno di aiuto con le vostre borse e il cibo nel ristorante è limitato e i prezzi sono alti. La colazione al Serena è migliore

Punti positivi: Staff are freindly especially at the Taraab restaurant. Chef Alex is an amazing chef and a wonderful person. Always approaching people and having friendly chats.

Punti negativi: All good.

Punti positivi: It is walking distance from the busy old town yet clean, comfortable and reclusive while having a cozy flavor

Punti negativi: The rooftop restaurant is nothing to write home about

Punti positivi: It was a beautiful hotel and the staff were very accommodating.

Punti negativi: I recommend the hotel ask guests if they are catching the Ferry from Dar-es-Salaam to purchase tickets in advance. Or, they offer the service to guests for a fee. If possible, the hotel should assign a driver and/or guide to guests to prevent guests from being hounded when out touring the town.

Punti positivi: Awesome staff, very clean, comfortable bed

Punti negativi: They don’t have a lounge/ place for guests to relax in They should introduce a Swahili/ Zanzibar local food menu day

Punti negativi: albergo vecchio e non pulito

Punti positivi: la posizione ideale la terrazza con ristorante l'ampia stanza da letto

Punti negativi: la mia stanza era troppo vicino alla porta dell ascensore; gli altri ospiti dell hotel nella notte hanno fatto confusione entrando in stanza;

Punti positivi: Accoglienza check in con biscottino caldo, karkade freddo e sorrisi

Punti negativi: Toiletries in bathroom lacking

Punti positivi: Il ristorante in terrazza è stato qualcosa di magico, il cibo davvero ottimo. L'hotel è ben posizionato, praticamente al centro di Stone Town e vicinissimo alla spiaggia. Lo staff è stato davvero sempre molto premuroso. La stanza era un pochino piccola ma esattamente come da descrizione e foto presenti sul sito. Letto confortevole.

Punti negativi: La stanza al nostro arrivo era un po' umida e una luce non funzionava. A mio avviso costa un pochino troppo rispetto a quello che offre ma nel complesso un buon hotel.

Punti positivi: Everything

Punti positivi: la colazione... ottima.

Punti positivi: Mi sono piaciuti molto: l'arredamento e lo stile interni, la professionalità del personale, la pulizia della camera, la qualità della colazione a buffet.

Punti positivi: The interior was gorgeous. Very open and airy space. Rooms were huge. Shower/bathroom very big and nice.

Punti negativi: Nothing.

Punti positivi: Go see the rooftop terrace! Under-advertised and underutilized, absolutely magical for a nightcap.

Punti positivi: Breakfast could've been better. Everything else was tope notch.

Punti positivi: The location was very good and near all the attractions. Staff very polite and friendly.

Punti negativi: My TV in the room had a bad signal could not watch or hear anything.

Punti positivi: Perfect location. Great breakfast. Beautiful pool area.

Punti positivi: Il palazzo,l'atmosfera del posto, la posizione centralissima, la cordialità dello staff, la camera molto spaziosa , la vista dalla terrazza e la colazione a buffet.

Punti positivi: Bella struttura in zona centrale a due passi dalla spiaggia. Ottima colazione Bel panorama dalla terrazza dell'ultimo piano. Acqua calda sempre presente.

Punti positivi: Piscina, arredi caratteristici, colazione super.

Punti negativi: Camera, bagno, balcone piccoli, muffa su soffitto e pareti ed anche i cuscini odoravano di umido.

Punti positivi: Stile moresco

Punti negativi: Camera inadeguata

Punti positivi: This is a very unique and beautiful hotel...They take care of a lot of little details. I believe it was a little pricey - but it was also during the holiday season. Some nickel and diing- too much for taxis and so forth - ut a kind and attentive staff.

Punti positivi: L'ubicazione e il personale

Punti positivi: Very charming place. It’s NOT modern, so don’t expect that. Antique, old charm. Door still squeak to tell you about that. Beautiful view..few steps away from backyard you are on the beach. It’s located in stone town, which is the older version of Zanzibar. Cute shopping nearby (either say no to them right away or negotiate).

Punti negativi: Pool wasn’t so big.

Punti positivi: Curata e penso sia l’unica con accesso diretto alla spiaggia, piccola ma attrezzata

Punti positivi: Staff were really friendly and were happy to accommodate our request for access to a shower in the afternoon after check out. Location is fantastic. Beds were very comfy and had everything you needed.

Punti negativi: The first room we stayed in was ground floor just by the pool so was really loud early in the morning as people walk past a lot. Also, there are a few pianos in reception for anyone to play which is great but not so good for kids to be messing around on for half-hour at 8am!

Punti positivi: Good Location Triple Room is spacious

Punti positivi: Conoscevo gia' la posizione dell'hotel e quindi l'ho scelto sia per la piscina che per la vista dalla suite 201 e per godersi la spiaggia con le tipiche imbarcazioni che vanno e vengono e con le persone locali che di sera si tuffano e fanno esibizioni di ginnastica o giocano all pallone. Perfetta la vicinanza alla piazza del centro per la serata nei barbecue locali.

Punti negativi: In un hotel di questo charme mi aspetto che servano alcolici! Così non è! Però basta fare due passi in spiaggia nel tipico bar sotto le piante proprio di fianco : merita!

Punti positivi: Location Breakfast

Punti positivi: Il letto è stato comodo. L’aria condizionata ha funzionato bene

Punti negativi: Io sconsiglio vivamente quest’albergo. Si trova precisamente nella zona di Stone Town dove si trovano tutti i “papasi”. Quest’è la gente fastidiosa che ti segue ovunque e non ti lascia mai in pace. Per quanto riguarda l’albergo, la gestione proibisce l’alcool nonostante sia permesso nel paese e c’è un negozio dove si può comprare molto vicino. Meglio andare a Nungwi (la spiaggia) dove si rilassa meglio che Stone Town dove sono tutti rompiscatole.

Punti positivi: The room was clean with a nice view of the pool and the sea from the terrace.. Also, location was just perfect. They have fridge and water kettle in the room. Don't know how was breakfast as we were not able to take it as we left early in the morning. Their restaurant also is really nice in front of the sea and i love the mango shake and fish dishes they have...also service was good.

Punti negativi: Nothing for an overnight stay...just that we booked 3 rooms with sea view and paid extra just for the view when we booked but then when we checked in 1 of the 3 rooms was not with sea view, thus we asked for room change which they immediately granted but have to wait for some time.

Punti positivi: Great location in city center. Professional staff and very good breakfast especially man who prepared omellete

Punti negativi: Tembo House hotel and Tembo Palace hotel is not same ... I booked Tembo House hotel and pool is just in Palace hotel but no House hotel. So pictures are sometimes confusing so think about it if your mobility is not that good...for me it was just easy few steps to second hotel

Punti positivi: The breakfast was lovely, beautiful views from the balcony and viewing deck. Very comfortable beds

Punti negativi: So many stairs up to our room

Punti positivi: The location was amazing..staying at Stone Town with access to the beach ..nothing beats it. The front desk staff were amazing and so was Rahim the manager who helped us with moving rooms closer together since it was originally in separate areas and also to extend the stay because we found the place so good. Easy access to all of Stone Town as well as the beach and the Prison Island tour that you can book from the beach. Breakfast was good too and the kids loved the pool.

Punti positivi: Bella posizione, staff gentilissimo e attento, clima rilassato e informale.

Punti negativi: Struttura da ristrutturare

Punti negativi: Arredamento molto bello ma organizzazione non all'altezza È piovuto nella stanza

Punti positivi: Beautiful decorated townhouse right in the centre of Stone town. Breezy roof terrace with stunning views on the House of Wonders and the harbour.

Punti negativi: That the reception wanted to charge 4% extra for the use of Visa card. That is an issue between visa and the hotel. I asked for a second croissant and was denied. A bit funny if you ask me.

Punti positivi: Struttura molto bella nel pieno centro di Stone Town, ci ritornerei!

Punti positivi: Great location Roof top breakfast view Staff were excellent, helping out way above expectation.

Punti negativi: Shower could’ve been hotter...

Punti positivi: Estetica molto curata e Africa oriented. Posizione ottima (a 2 passi da tutto). Colazione mista africana/europea (cosa non scontata a Zanzibar). Stanza con tutte le comodità.

Punti negativi: La ragazza della reception turno serale...un sorriso in più non farebbe male

Punti positivi: ottima come scelta e qualità

Punti positivi: Great location, Very friendly staff, Good breakfast with a great view.

Punti positivi: The location is great, in heart of stone town. The design is authentic and unique. Spacious.. extremely nice staff

Punti negativi: 1. Noise: very thin walls, I was awaken many times frightened that there might be someone in my room before I realized it was the room next to me.. also you can hear people walking in the outside alley very clearly.. I’m not a light sleeper and by the end of my 4 days stay I was exhausted from lack of sleep 2. Restaurant: my booking included breakfast. The service was extremely slow, it takes an average of 1 hr to get the order from a pre-set menu.. I was amazed why scrambled eggs took 30 minutes to prepare and the food was not good and totally not worth the money.. although I paid for breakfast I ended up going to nearby cafes after 2 days of failed tries at the hotel. One day I even had to leave without because I was there from 8:15-9 am and was going to miss out on my day trip

Punti positivi: Great hotel with an amazing g staff!

Punti positivi: Unique and spacious rooms; very helpful and friendly staff; conveniently located

Punti negativi: Poor wifi signal in the room

Punti positivi: La struttura è in pieno centro di Stone Town, in stile coloniale molto particolare, camera molto grande e confortevole. Staff un po' disorientato

Punti negativi: Bagno privato in camera senza porta (Mercury Room)

Punti positivi: Great location, beautiful building and great looking rooms.

Punti negativi: It rained at night and sounded like water on tin roof right above our head, it was very noisy. Breakfast was very simple compared to other places in Tanzania (compared to the room price) and slow. Lack of privacy in the bathroom as there's no door and it's one space as the room. The room had one window to the hallway, which obviously we didn't open...