Tembo Palace Hotel

Hotels
8.6 (423 reviews)
Shangani/Forodhani street , Zanzibar City , tz

listing image 1
Show all photos
Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Fitness facilities
WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Room service
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly Staff
Good Breakfast
Great Location
Cons:
Cleanliness Issues
Room Condition
Safety at Night

Categories

Cleanliness
6.98
Report of poor cleanliness and hygiene, including issues with the swimming pool and cleaning staff.
Service
9.45
Staff were generally described as helpful, friendly, and accommodating.
Location
8.99
Location received positive feedback, though some mention of being in an alley that felt unsafe at night.
Room Quality
7.94
Varied feedback on room quality; some rooms described as spacious while others needed updates.
Amenities
8.97
Amenities mentioned included good breakfast options and location access.
Value for Money
8.93
Perception varied, but generally positive given the experience described, despite some complaints.
Food and Beverage
8.48
Food was generally praised; breakfast options noted as good, but some issues with meal quality.
Overall Experience
9.05
The overall sentiment was favorable with positive remarks about the stay.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-16 04:04

Property Description

Luxurious Accommodation

Tembo Palace Hotel in Zanzibar City offers a unique experience with its beautifully decorated rooms featuring Swahili four-poster beds and traditional hammam baths. The wood carved furniture adds a touch of elegance, while modern amenities like air conditioning and TV ensure a comfortable stay.

Delicious Dining Options

Indulge in a culinary journey at Bahari Restaurant, where you can savor local and international cuisine. For ultimate convenience, room service is available, and packed lunches can be arranged for your day trips or excursions.

Abundance of Amenities

Enjoy the convenience of 24-hour front desk service, meeting facilities, and concierge and laundry services. With three swimming pools on-site, including a rooftop pool, relaxation is guaranteed. Plus, take advantage of the various activities offered, from diving to city tours.

Experience luxury and comfort at Tembo Palace Hotel - book your stay now for an unforgettable getaway 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.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 10:00 AM

Property Policies

  • Internet

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

  • Parking

    Free public parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is not needed).

  • 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 available cot.
    Children from 3 years old to 7 years old stay for US$30 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    Children from 8 years old to 12 years old stay for US$35 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    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

8.6
Based on 423 reviews
Cleanliness: 6.98
Service: 9.45
Location: 8.99
Room Quality: 7.94
Amenities: 8.97
Value for Money: 8.93
Food and Beverage: 8.48
Overall Experience: 9.05
A
ABDULSHAKOOR • extended_group • tz
8
2026-07-24 • via Nuitee
A
alnour • family_with_children • re
6
2026-07-24 • via Nuitee
D
Daniela • solo_traveller • de
9
Pros:

Das Hotel ist toll am Meer und zentral in der Altstadt gelegen. Wir hatten zwar ein Zimmer im Nebengebäude, aber das hat nicht weiter gestört. Beim Frühstücksbuffet gab es für jeden Geschmack etwas und es wurde alles immer wieder schnell aufgefüllt. Auch das Essen im Restaurant war soweit gut.

2026-07-23 • via Nuitee
L
Labiod • solo_traveller • gb
10
Amazing hotel, exceptional staff
Pros:

Fantastic hotel next to the water whilst being central to everything in town. Staff went above and beyond, organising early check-in and takeaway breakfasts for early flight. Excellent pools and terrace. Restaurant food was exceptional. Highly recommend.

2026-07-23 • via Nuitee
Z
Ziya Onat • couple • be
7
2026-07-22 • via Nuitee
M
Muhammad Shah • family_with_children • tz
7
2026-07-21 • via Nuitee
L
Lucie • family_with_children • fr
10
Amazing stay
Pros:

The staff was extremely helpful and accommodating.
The family suite (across the street from the main building) is very spacious and quiet.
Very easy to walk to restaurants in the evening.
Very convenient to organize tours and activities from the hotel.

Cons:

Just as a side note: there is no alcohol served on the hotel premises.

2026-07-20 • via Nuitee
Z
ziad • solo_traveller • fr
10
Pros:

Emplacement top!
Accueil top!
Gentillesse du personnel top!

2026-07-19 • via Nuitee
M
Michael • solo_traveller • ch
8
2026-07-19 • via Nuitee
K
Kety • family_with_children • mz
9
2026-07-19 • via Nuitee
C
Claire • solo_traveller • nz
9
Comfort and relaxed vibe right on the beach
Pros:

Spaciousness and comfort right on the beach

Cons:

Nothing

2026-07-19 • via Nuitee
S
Siddiq Balushi • extended_group • om
7
Pros:

Location is great, it is close to the beach, the swimming pools are great, and breakfast is fantastic.

Cons:

The Tembo Palace part is where the swimming pools are; however, the rooms on this side are too small, and the rate is much higher than the Tembo Apartment, which I stayed before. The Tembo Apartments is opposite the main building, and it has much more spacious rooms and better privacy.

2026-07-18 • via Nuitee
S
Siddiq Balushi • extended_group • om
8
2026-07-18 • via Nuitee
O
olivier • solo_traveller • fr
2
Plus jamais
Pros:

Difficile d’apprécier quoique ce soit dans ces conditions.

Cons:

Notre chambre n'était pas située dans le bâtiment principal mais dans un 2eme bâtiment plus loin dans une ruelle fort peu agréable, loin du front de mer annoncé. Je pense que booking devrait veiller à ce que la présentation de cet établissement sur le site explique clairement qu’il existe en réalité 2 hôtels qui n’offrent pas du tout la même prestation. Ne comptez pas sur l'établissement pour entendre votre mécontentement, le responsable vous soutiendra que lorsque vous réservez vous êtes avertis, ce qui est totalement faux. Nous ne recommandons absolument pas.

2026-07-17 • via Nuitee
S
Stephan • family_with_children • de
10
2026-07-17 • via Nuitee
L
Leonardo • couple • it
9
ottima soluzione
Pros:

Colazione eccellente, sia salato che dolce, succhi, frutta, uova, tutto ok
Posizione perfetta; direttamente sul mare , in pieno centro storico a piedi si va ovunque, in 15 minuti di taxi all' aeroporto
staff perfetto: disponibile, gentile
camera: dimensione normale, con tv, cassaforte

Cons:

assenza di aascensore al terzo piano

2026-07-17 • via Nuitee
R
Rebecca • extended_group • in
10
2026-07-15 • via Nuitee
P
Paula • couple • ao
9
Memorável
Pros:

Tudo : localização, comida, quartos, serviço e cortesia da equipa, comida já disse mas vou repetir porque foi 10/10

2026-07-13 • via Nuitee
G
Giovanni • couple • it
4
Disappointing Experience – Rooms Not Matching Booking and Poor Service Recovery
Cons:

Our stay at Tembo Palace Hotel did not fully meet the expectations created by the booking description and the services advertised.
Upon arrival, the check-in process was slow and we had to wait a significant amount of time before the rooms became available. In addition, the two rooms were delivered separately rather than at the same time.
The main issue concerned the accommodation itself. We had booked and paid for two Superior Double Rooms, expecting both rooms to be of the same category and standard. However, while one room matched the photographs and description shown on Booking.com, the second room was substantially different. It was significantly smaller, appeared to be of a lower standard, and did not correspond to the images or expectations associated with the room category booked. We immediately raised this concern with the reception team and later with the hotel manager, but no meaningful solution, room change, upgrade, refund, or compensation was offered.
A second disappointment involved breakfast. As we had an early departure scheduled before the normal breakfast service, we requested a takeaway breakfast box for 05:00 AM. The hotel confirmed that this would be arranged. However, on the morning of departure, there was nobody available at reception and no breakfast package had been prepared. As a result, we left the hotel without receiving the breakfast that had been included and paid for as part of the reservation.
Sleep quality was also affected by excessive noise. The room suffered from poor sound insulation, and throughout the night it was possible to hear noise from external air-conditioning compressors and other mechanical equipment. Even with the room air conditioning switched off, the background noise remained noticeable and disruptive.
What was most disappointing was not only the occurrence of these issues, but the absence of any effective service recovery despite them being reported directly to both the reception staff and management.

2026-07-13 • via Nuitee
G
giuseppe gabriele • family_with_children • it
8
Ottimo soggiorno
Pros:

Abbiamo soggiornato in questo hotel per una notte. La posizione è al centro della città vecchia e quindi è possibile andare in giro a piedi. Abbiamo usufruito del ristorante e delle sue 3 piscine che sono tutte belle e pulite

Cons:

la camera era leggermente rumorosa e al 3 piano senza ascensore

2026-07-13 • via Nuitee