The Swahili House

Hotels
8.3 (408 reviews)
Stone Town , Zanzibar City , tz

listing image 1
Show all photos
Children allowed

Facilities

Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Family rooms
Lift / Elevator
Luggage storage
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Rooms were described with some comfort, but issues like outdated decor were mentioned.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!

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

Property Policies

  • Parking

    No parking available.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    Children from 3 years old to 12 years old stay for US$60 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    People 3 years old and over stay for US$60 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.3
Based on 408 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
S
Sandra • couple • us
9
Very enjoyable for a 2 night stay
Pros:

It was a beautiful old building, nicely decorated, liked the roof bar

Cons:

The food on the resturant wasn’t very good

2026-03-04 • via Nuitee
U
Uffe • extended_group • dk
7
2026-02-13 • via Nuitee
D
David • couple • fr
8
2026-01-25 • via Nuitee
E
Endimion67 • family_with_children • fr
9
Very nice place to stay in stone town
Pros:

This is a very nice place with very nice and friendly staff. The room are really nice too, we love the style very traditional.

Cons:

The AC wasn't working very well in one of the three rooms but still enough to sleep properly. The restaurant was alright but the breakfast selection could improve. The fruits and juices are excellent and the cocktails too especiallywhen it's the main bartenderdoing them.

2026-01-25 • via Nuitee
A
Alyssa • family_with_children • fr
10
Pros:

L’emplacement centrale était parfait, la literie super et le personnel aux petits soins. Notre chambre était spacieuse et très propre. Je vous le recommande.

2026-01-24 • via Nuitee
J
John • family_with_children • pt
9
Pros:

Bedroom

Cons:

N/A

2026-01-21 • via Nuitee
A
ANDREW • couple • gb
8
This hotel served as a convenient base from which to explore old Stone Town.
Pros:

It is an original local Arab style house that has been improved for modern expectations, and is situated in the very heart of the old town.

Cons:

The Air Con. unit was very noisy.

2026-01-20 • via Nuitee
M
MAGALI • couple • fr
7
Bon emplacement mais petit déjeuner décevant
Pros:

L’emplacement au cœur de la vieille ville.

Cons:

Petit déjeuner pourrait être mieux (peu de choix et peu qualitatif).

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
S
Stuber • family_with_children • de
8
Pros:

Sehr nettes Personal, gutes Frühstück, saubere Zimmer und Restaurant.

2026-01-14 • via Nuitee
G
Giancarlo • family_with_children • it
9
Pros:

Il personale gentilissimo!
Camere ariose e spaziose e molto pulite.
Posizione centrale, bella terrazza!
Sul ristorante c'è margine di miglioramento!
Molto consigliato

2026-01-13 • via Nuitee
I
Isabella • family_with_children • gb
10
2026-01-08 • via Nuitee
J
Jasmin • solo_traveller • de
10
2026-01-05 • via Nuitee
O
OSNAT • solo_traveller • il
8
בסך הכל מי שלא מפריע לו קריאות במגפון מהמסגדים יכול להנות ולהיות שבע רצון במלון הזה.
Pros:

הצוות מקסים ונענה לכל הבקשות. המיקום מרכזי ביותר. העיצוב של המלון והחדרים מיוחד ונעים. האוויר והנוף מקומת הגג שבה נמצאת המסעדה מושלמים. מנהל המלון, אדם נעים, חם ועוזר בכל מה שצריך. האוכל במסעדה טעים. זרם המים מצויין, מים חמים בשפע ומזגן מצויין בחדרים.

Cons:

את המלון מקיפים מסגדים ולכן 5 פעמים ביום שומעים חזק את קריאות המואזין כולל ב 4:00 בבוקר. המחירים במסעדה של המלון מאוד יקרים.

2026-01-04 • via Nuitee
M
Monika • family_with_children • de
8
Pros:

Die Lage ist optimal, man kann alle Sehenswürdigkeiten von dort erkunden, ist aber trotzdem nicht mittendrin.

Cons:

Vielleicht sollte die Bezeichnung "Pool" eine andere Beschreibung bekommen oder gestrichen werden.

2026-01-03 • via Nuitee
C
Christina • family_with_children • de
5
2025-12-14 • via Nuitee
A
Aiste • family_with_children • lt
8
Var veldig kjekk personale og service
Pros:

Mennesker og service

Cons:

alt var bra for valuta 🙌🏻

2025-12-01 • via Nuitee
K
Klara Papp • extended_group • hu
10
Charming.
Pros:

We enjoyed every minute of our stay! It is in a great location, stylish building, amazing view from the roof. But above all, amazing kindness and hospitality. They fulfilled all our wishes, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Cons:

none

2025-10-30 • via Nuitee
I
Ingrid • solo_traveller • de
8
sehr passabler angenehmer Aufenthalt in bester Lage mit toller Dachterrasse und gutem Preis-Leistungsverhältnis
Pros:

am besten war die Lage und ich hatte als Einzelperson ein Doppelzimmer mit viel Platz

Cons:

das Zimmer hatte keinen Balkon, aber das ist in dieser Preisklasse nicht zu erwarten

2025-10-25 • via Nuitee
M
Martin • solo_traveller • gb
10
Perfect location for sexy
Pros:

Authentic building very central lovely rooftop terrace

2025-10-19 • via Nuitee
G
Gilles • couple • fr
10
Pros:

Le charme suranné de cet ancien hôtel particulier du sultan d'Oman.
La vue depuis le rooftop.
Le personnel aux petits soins.
La localisation très centrale.

Cons:

Manque le wi-fi dans la chambre.
Un safe aurait été apprécié.

2025-10-14 • via Nuitee