Emerson on Hurumzi

Hotels
8.4 (208 reviews)
Hurumzi Street , Zanzibar City , tz

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Facilities

Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
Air conditioning
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Private check-in/check-out
Concierge service
Staff adhere to local safety protocols
Physical distancing rules followed
Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Excellent service
Authentic local experience
Stunning historical property
Cons:
Noise from renovations
Steep stairs without elevator

Categories

Cleanliness
7.49
The room could have been cleaner, as mentioned by a guest.
Service
9.46
The staff are described as warm, welcoming, and attentive, exceeding expectations.
Location
9
The location is central and appreciated, adding to the overall experience.
Room Quality
7.95
Rooms are unique but may require climbing stairs, which some guests found tiring.
Amenities
7.98
Basic modern amenities are available, but some critics mention the need for an elevator.
Value for Money
8.34
Overall value is positively perceived relative to the unique experience offered.
Food and Beverage
8.49
Food options like the rooftop restaurant were well-received.
Overall Experience
8.46
Guests praised the hotel as a haven during their stay despite external issues.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-08 21:57

Property Description

Historic Charm and Modern Comforts

Exquisite Dining Experience

Breathtaking Views of Zanzibar City

Experience the perfect blend of historic charm and modern comforts at Emerson on Hurumzi. Indulge in an exquisite dining experience at our restaurant and enjoy a variety of breakfast options daily. Relax in our well-appointed rooms with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and some with balconies offering stunning sea views.

Unwind on our terrace while taking in the breathtaking views of Zanzibar City. With a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, and free WiFi, we ensure a seamless stay for our guests. Don't miss the chance to explore nearby attractions such as Peace Memorial Museum and Sultan's Palace. Book your stay at Emerson on Hurumzi for an unforgettable experience in Zanzibar City.

Important information:

Please inform 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.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: ZNZ

Location

Guest Reviews

8.4
Based on 208 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.49
Service: 9.46
Location: 9
Room Quality: 7.95
Amenities: 7.98
Value for Money: 8.34
Food and Beverage: 8.49
Overall Experience: 8.46
M
Maria Nieves • family_with_children • ar
8
EXCELENTE OPCIÓN PARA ESTAR EN EL CORAZÓN DE STONE TOWN.
Pros:

Tiene una arquitectura hermosa, acorde al lugar en donde está.

Cons:

Sufrimos bastante con los mosquitos en la
habitación a pesar de colocarnos repelente nosotros mismos y en los mosquiteros.
De noche nos picaron mucho.

2026-02-22 • via Nuitee
C
Christophe • couple • fr
10
2026-02-12 • via Nuitee
A
Andrea • extended_group • at
10
Imperiales Feeling mitten in Stonetown
Pros:

Wohnen wie eine Prinzessin im Sultanspalast. Megaaussicht,

Cons:

Sehr steile Treppen und nichts für gebrechliche oder hohes Alter, kein Lift

2026-02-11 • via Nuitee
M
M.A. • couple • nl
10
Historical building, great restaurant, friendly ang helpful staff.
Pros:

Historical landmark, beautifully decorated, a small gallery inside, next to a gem museum, and a great restaurant

Cons:

We didn’t mind but you may, there is construction in the hotel and steep stairs.

2026-01-28 • via Nuitee
A
Anette • couple • de
10
2026-01-28 • via Nuitee
T
Thomas • extended_group • de
9
2026-01-25 • via Nuitee
L
Luz • couple • es
10
2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
W
Walldin • solo_traveller • se
7
Speciell historisk känsla.
Pros:

Bra frukost. Cool middags upplevelse. Centralt läge.

Cons:

Det renoveras för fullt. Bra för framtiden men störande just nu.

2026-01-16 • via Nuitee
M
Marco • couple • it
8
2026-01-10 • via Nuitee
R
riccardo • couple • es
10
Pros:

La habitación, el estilo, la posicion

Cons:

Desayuno correcto

2026-01-09 • via Nuitee
P
Pascual • extended_group • es
9
2026-01-09 • via Nuitee
J
Johan • couple • se
10
Great hotel and great staff!
Cons:

You can’t get there with car which we didn’t know in advance. It’s like 2 min walking from closest parking space.

2026-01-08 • via Nuitee
A
Andrea • couple • nl
10
Beautiful building with a lot of character, wonderful stay to explore Stone Town and surroundings.
Pros:

Great location, rooftop room room with excellent view was a great 3 night experience to explore Stone Town and the beautiful sunsets from our private roof terrace. Restaurant in the building offers a similar amazing view combined with good food, good live music and wonderful hospitality.

Cons:

You need to be fit enough to climb many stairs. Was ok for us.

2026-01-05 • via Nuitee
J
Jeffrey • couple • us
8
A warm, welcoming, and personal embrace in the heart of the old town
Pros:

First and foremost, the Emerson staff is, to a person, warm, welcoming, and extraordinarily attentive. They actually do seem to go out of their way to get to know you. Sorry, but most larger hotels don't do that.
The hotel is what it sets out to be: a meticulously restored grand house of World Heritage Stone Town, lovingly refurbished but not tarted up with superfluous modern amenities. Emerson oozes Zanzibar's history.
Yet it also has excellent WiFi and, at least in my room, air conditioning.
However, one "modern" amenity it definitely needs is an elevator.

Cons:

As someone who developed issues with a hip joint since booking my stay, I found the steep ascent on the stairs difficult and exhausting, especially when you're already subject to Zanzibar's punishing heat and humidity outdoors. It doesn't have to be a refurbished 19C elevator -- even a modern one will do.

2026-01-03 • via Nuitee
N
Niko • couple • de
8
2026-01-03 • via Nuitee
T
tatiana • family_with_children • fr
10
Pros:

Hôtel magnifique avec beaucoup de soin apporté à le décoration qui crée une atmosphère magique hors du temps et un personnel aux petits soin!! Je recommande à 200%

2026-01-02 • via Nuitee
L
Lu Yen • couple • my
8
Pros:

This hotel transported us to the ancient times of spice trade and gave us a real Stone Town experience with its antique furniture and setup. The staff are so helpful and friendly they even accommodated our request for early check-in when they saw us arriving all tired from our journey.

Cons:

If you are used to walking barefoot in the bedroom, you will need to bring your own in-room slippers. But this could be a common issue with the hotels in Zanzibar .

2025-12-30 • via Nuitee
S
Silvia Maria • extended_group • ch
9
Man fühlte sich etwas in eine andere Zeit versetzt
Pros:

Lage und Einrichtung

Cons:

-

2025-12-29 • via Nuitee
C
Cristina • couple • it
7
2025-12-24 • via Nuitee
M
Michihiro • couple • jp
8
2025-12-24 • via Nuitee