The Swahili House

Hotels
8.3 (424 reviews)
Stone Town , Zanzibar City , TZ
+255 777 510 209

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Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Family rooms
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Friendly service
Cons:
Limited breakfast options
Cleanliness issues noted

Categories

Cleanliness
7.84
Some reviews mention cleanliness positively, but significant issues affecting comfort were noted.
Service
9.31
General sentiment is positive; guests noted the staff's kindness and efficient service.
Location
9.35
Multiple reviews praise the hotel's excellent central location, making it easy to explore.
Room Quality
7.8
Rooms were described with some comfort, but issues like outdated decor were mentioned.
Amenities
7.33
Some amenities like the pool and Wi-Fi reception are below expectations.
Value for Money
9.29
Guests frequently commented on the good value for the price paid.
Food and Beverage
6.84
Breakfast options were noted to be limited and disappointing.
Overall Experience
8.61
Overall satisfaction was high, with specific highlights being location and service.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-08 04:13

Property Description

Charming Boutique Hotel in the Heart of Stone Town

Traditional Swahili Decor
Experience the charm of traditional Swahili style in our beautifully decorated rooms. Each room offers a comfortable stay with a fan and mosquito nets for a restful night's sleep.

Rooftop Dining and Relaxation
Indulge in fresh seafood and Mediterranean Tapas at our rooftop restaurant with stunning views. Unwind in the hot tub while overlooking the Indian Ocean, creating a truly memorable experience.

Convenient Location and Excursions
Located in the center of Stone Town, explore the bustling markets and nearby attractions easily. Let us arrange exciting excursions to Spice Tours, Jozani Forest, and more upon your request.

Book now to enjoy a unique stay at The Swahili House and create unforgettable memories!

Important information:

A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 09:30 AM
Airport code: ZNZ

Location

Guest Reviews

8.3
Based on 424 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.84
Service: 9.31
Location: 9.35
Room Quality: 7.8
Amenities: 7.33
Value for Money: 9.29
Food and Beverage: 6.84
Overall Experience: 8.61
L
Lise • family_with_children • tz
9
Séjour très agréable, je recommande !
Pros:

Jolies chambres, roof top très agréable et super petit déjeuner, personnel très souriant et serviable

Cons:

Un peu bruyant, comme tous les hotels du centre ville (muezzin et générateurs en marche quand le courant saute)

2026-10-28 • via Nuitee
T
Tanja • solo_traveller • de
7
2026-10-25 • via Nuitee
A
Annabel • family_with_children • gb
8
Pros:

The hotel was very clean and comfortable and very well located. Patricia and team were welcoming and helpful with ideas, however top tip do shop around for better prices for excursions and taxis.

2026-10-25 • via Nuitee
P
Paul • solo_traveller • gb
9
2026-10-13 • via Nuitee
A
Adriano • solo_traveller • it
10
Hotel fantastico
Pros:

Secondo me è una sistemazione ideale per visitare Zanzibar. Questo hotel è in pieno centro a Stone Town, vicina alle attrazioni principali, e la struttura in sé ha un fascino incredibile. La colazione in terrazza è fantastica, lo staff gentile e disponibile. Siamo al Top,

Cons:

Nulla di nulla. Tutto bellissimo

2026-10-12 • via Nuitee
H
Hiroshi • solo_traveller • jp
10
2026-10-09 • via Nuitee
N
Nabil Touloute • solo_traveller • fr
8
Belle maison mais
Pros:

La vue panoramique de la terrasse, la gentillesse du staff et le petit déjeuner

Cons:

En plus de l'emplacement qui est excellent, Nous avons choisi cet hôtel pour la piscine mais malheureusement c'est juste un micro bassin, impossible de nager ou de profiter des transats car le flux des guides qui montrent la vue a des groupes de touristes ne s'arrête pas le long de la journée.

2026-10-08 • via Nuitee
C
Claudio • couple • it
10
Tra i vicoli caratteristici di Zanzibar City
Pros:

Tutto. Camera grande e spaziosa, rooftop bellissimo soprattutto al tramonto, staff, soprattutto del ristorante, posizione.
L’alloggio è anche tappa di tour con guida per lo stile riad al suo interno.

2026-10-08 • via Nuitee
D
Dalit • solo_traveller • za
8
Good value for money in the middle of stone town.
Pros:

It’s got a traditional feel. Aircon in the room. Location. Rooftop bar and restaurant.

Cons:

No WiFi in the room. Was forced to buy an eSIM.

2026-10-08 • via Nuitee
L
Lisa • couple • de
10
Einfach wunderbar.
Pros:

Das Frühstück war sehr gut, auf der schön angelegten Dachterrasse mit herrlichem Ausblick über die Altstadt. Die Lage ist hervorragend, man lernt die Gassen und Winkel der Altstadt kennen und zu erkunden. Die Zimmer mit dem Bad sind sehr schön, im orientalischen Stil. Das Personal ist freundlich und zugewandt.

2026-10-07 • via Nuitee
M
Marion • couple • fr
10
Nous avons passé 3 nuits très agréables au sein de l’établissement, je recommande vivement
Pros:

Nous avons beaucoup aimé la propreté des chambres, le personnel est adorable et le rooftop offre une vue magnifique sur Stone Town.

Cons:

Rien nous avons tout aimé

2026-09-17 • via Nuitee
C
Cornelia • solo_traveller • at
9
Pros:

Sleeping in the historic sultans palace in stone town was magnificent! The room was spaceous and elegantly furnished as well as prepared.
Also the restaurant on the top roof gave a great view of the city and had very good food and cocktails.

Cons:

The toilet is separated just by a wall and not in a separate room.
The muezzins are noisy but thats everywhere im stone town.

2026-09-16 • via Nuitee
M
Mehmet • couple • tr
8
Konaklamak için iyi , manzara çok güzel
Pros:

Tesis tam merkezde ara bir sokakta. Taksi kapı önüne kadar getiremiyor. Oda geniş ve temizdi. İçmek için su koymuşlar. Banyo temiz ve banyo malzemeleri vardı. Havlular çok temizdi. Kahvaltı ya beklemedik erken çıktık.Hava alanına 8 km kadar yakın. Üst katta dolar ile iş yapan bir restaurant var. Çalışanları çok cana yakınlar. Yemekler lezzetli ama porsiyonları az. Fiyatlar biraz pahalı.

Cons:

Tesisten taksi kiralaması hava alanı için 30 dolar biz kullanmadık. 11 dolara internetten bulduk. Belki biraz daha ucuza bulunabilirdi. Otelde bir koku yok temiz ancak otele yakın bölgelerde çok pis kokular var.

2026-09-10 • via Nuitee
C
Camilla • solo_traveller • dk
9
Comfortable, good location and helpful staff
Pros:

The atmosphere was incredible. Like going back in time.
I like that it was right in the centre of Stone Town.
Such an incredible view from the rooftop and the staff was extremely helpful.

Cons:

It was a bit noise as it is placed right in the centre. And you can her people outside your room as it’s an old building.
Problems with the hot water and pressure in the shower - but that seems to be an issue all over Tanzania.

2026-09-09 • via Nuitee
A
Arzu • family_with_children • fr
10
2026-09-07 • via Nuitee
S
Scott • extended_group • us
8
Pros:

Terrace restaurant

2026-09-06 • via Nuitee
J
Jonas • solo_traveller • se
10
Tiptop !
Pros:

Personalen 5 +. Deras enorma servicekänsla ,5 + Men framförallt Patricia 5 miljarder+. Om du är arbetsgivare så var väldigt mån om den kvinnan. Hon är fantastisk.Sen var rummen skitfina. Rooftopen skön. Har absolut inget att klaga på.

Cons:

Antagligen mitt fel, men nio gånger av tio så hittade jag inte trots Google Maps. Som tur är fanns det sköna människor som hjälpte mig.

2026-09-03 • via Nuitee
G
Gvidas • couple • lt
7
2026-09-03 • via Nuitee
A
Armin • solo_traveller • za
8
Amazing blessing in disguise
Pros:

I had a booking at another place that was falsely advertised, so I rebooked at Swahili House last minute late at night. The staff on shift were so friendly and helpful to welcome me and make sure the room is perfect for me. The room was very comfortable. The views from the rooftop, my word... the absolute highlight.

2026-09-03 • via Nuitee
H
hideaki • solo_traveller • jp
8
Pros:

Los empleados son muy atentos.
El desayuno está listo a tiempo, a las 7.
Es algo excepcional en Zanzíbar donde casi ningún hotel lo tiene listo puntualmente, por lo que a menudo perdía el desayuno por tener que a ir al trabajo.

Cons:

No hay wifi en las habitaciones. Debía ir al restaurante para navegar.
No había nevera en la habitación. Y una botella de cerveza costó un poco cara, 3.5 USD.

2026-09-01 • via Nuitee