Zanzibar hotels reflect the island’s rich heritage of Arabian, Swahili, Indian and European cultures in the architecture and wide range of local cuisine.
Often called the Spice Island, Zanzibar is famous for picture-perfect white beaches, amazing tropical weather, inviting crystal blue waters where you will find some of the best snorkelling, kite surfing and diving spots anywhere in the world.
Romantic bungalows, infinity pools, spas and beach dining make Zanzibar hotels and resorts the perfect honeymoon destination. There are also plenty of activities to keep children busy on a family holiday.
My ultimate guide looks at the best value for money, mainland Zanzibar accommodation options according to price range. Starting from the most expensive to the lowest price per night. Let's go!
My Quick Takeaways:
Planning a stay in Zanzibar? Here are some of my favourite Zanzibar hotels:
Luxury Resorts:
- Baraza Resort and Spa: A 5-star, all-inclusive boutique resort on Paje Beach, Bwejuu. Features 30 Arabian-style villas with Swahili arches, private plunge pools, and antique furnishings.
- Elewana Kilindi: A luxury boutique hotel with 15 white-domed pavilions set in a 50-acre tropical garden along a remote beach on the northeast coast. Offers private plunge pools and personal butlers.
Mid-Range Hotels:
- Z Hotel: Located in Nungwi, this hotel offers contemporary design with a range of amenities, including an infinity pool and spa.
- Pongwe Beach Hotel: Situated on a secluded beach, this hotel provides a tranquil setting with traditional Swahili-style rooms and a focus on personalised service.
Budget-Friendly Options:
- The Waterfront Zanzibar Beach Hotel: Located in Paje, this hotel offers affordable beachfront accommodation with basic amenities and easy access to local attractions.
- Zanzibar Bay Resort: Situated in Marumbi, this resort provides budget-friendly rooms with a range of facilities, including a swimming pool and restaurant.
Looking for more? Let's jump into my review of the best Zanzibar hotels.
Day tours in Zanzibar? Here are my top picks...
- Quad bike tour to a local village (4 hours)
- Stonetown food market and street food walking tour (3 hours)
- Zanzibar spice tour with traditional cooking lesson (3 hours)
- Rock restaurant and cave tour (6 hours)
- Private tour to Prison Island (3 hours)
Zanzibar Hotels
Ultimate Luxury Hotels and Resorts in Zanzibar
1. Best Luxury Resort – Baraza Resort and Spa (9.5/10)
Overall Rating | 9.5/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 9/10 |
Rooms | 9/10 |
Facilities | 10/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 10/10 |
Services | 9/10 |
A 5-star, all-inclusive boutique resort on Paje Beach, Bwejuu. 30 Arabian style villas with Swahili arches and spacious interiors decorated with brass lanterns, antique furnishings and cement carvings. There are several dining facilities available as well as a spa and a gym.
Selling Factors:
- Private plunge pools
- Walk-in dressing rooms
- Yoga
- Beach walks, volleyball and soccer
- Bicycles
Price: Villas from $613
Read more customer reviews.
2. Elewana Kilindi – 9.5/10
Overall Rating | 9.5/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 8/10 |
Rooms | 8/10 |
Facilities | 8/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 10/10 |
Services | 9/10 |
This luxury boutique hotel has 15 white-domed pavilions set in a 50 acre, tropical garden along a remote beach on the northeast coast. Eastern influences are evident in the design and decor of the rooms. Guests have a choice of available watersports, private dining options and access to a spa.
Features:
- 25m infinity pool and private plunge pools
- Private butlers
- Rainfall showers
Price: Suites from $1,300
Read more customer reviews.
3. Zawadi Hotel – 9.5/10
Overall Rating | 9.5/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 10/10 |
Rooms | 9/10 |
Facilities | 10/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 10/10 |
Services | 10/10 |
5-star hotel in Dongwe on the southeast coast. 12 exclusive villas sit on top of a cliff with ocean views and calming white interiors. Guests have access to a hidden beach below the cliffs. Activities on offer include learning traditional weaving and cooking lessons.
Features:
- Dive centre
- Private plunge pools
- Nature gym with 900m jogging trail
Price: Rooms from $792
Read more customer reviews.
Day tours in Zanzibar? Here are my top picks...
- Quad bike tour to a local village (4 hours)
- Stonetown food market and street food walking tour (3 hours)
- Zanzibar spice tour with traditional cooking lesson (3 hours)
- Rock restaurant and cave tour (6 hours)
- Private tour to Prison Island (3 hours)
4. Zuri Zanzibar – 9/10
Overall Rating | 9/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 9/10 |
Rooms | 8/10 |
Facilities | 9/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 9/10 |
Services | 8/10 |
56 individual bungalows and villas on a remote beach, 13miles from the city centre. Zuri is set in a beautifully landscaped garden and most of the suites have direct ocean views. The eco-friendly hotel is dedicated to sustainable practices. Guests can enjoy spa treatments, live music and dining on the beach.
Features:
- Private terraces
- Garden tours
- Cooking classes
- Beach bar
Price: Bungalows from $624
Read more customer reviews.
5. White Sands Luxury Villas and Spa – Relais and Chateaux (8.5/10)
Overall Rating | 8.5/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 9/10 |
Rooms | 8/10 |
Facilities | 9/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 9/10 |
Services | 8/10 |
An eco-luxury resort on the east coast along Paje beach. There is an on-site kite surfing facility and you can take lessons or rent equipment.
Spa treatments incorporate seaweed, spices and coconut and the resort has its own organic vegetable garden.
Features:
- Outdoor bathtubs and showers
- Hot-tubs
- Rooftop champagne bar
- Bicycle, kayak and paddle board rentals
Price: Rooms from $570 per night (minimum 2-night stay)
Read more customer reviews.
6. Park Hyatt Zanzibar (8/10)
Overall Rating | 8/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 9/10 |
Rooms | 8/10 |
Facilities | 8/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 9/10 |
Services | 8/10 |
From its authentic dining experiences and spacious guest rooms to its scenic infinity pool and palm-fringed beaches – Park Hyatt Zanzibar offers the ideal setting to immerse yourself in the timelessness of Stone Town.
Features:
- Oceanfront infinity pool
- The old Mambo Msiig mansion and the new Zamani Residence
- Authentic Zanzibari restaurants and casual dining
- The Library and Veranda, Dining Room and Living Room
- Spa
Price: Rooms from $360 per night
Read more customer reviews.
Best Value Mid-Range Hotels in Zanzibar
1. Best Mid-Range Zanzibar Hotel – Fumba Beach Lodge (8/10)
Overall Rating | 8/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 8/10 |
Rooms | 7/10 |
Facilities | 8/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 8/10 |
Services | 7/10 |
26 whitewashed bandas on the southwest coast, 30min from Zanzibar Airport. The cottages are set on the forest edge with sea views and private terraces.
The lodge has a pool, spa and gym. Fresh vegetables and herbs are grown in the on-site garden and used to prepare delicious meals for the restaurant.
Features:
- Private beach
- Secluded location in a conservation area
- Kayaking
- Dive centre
Price: Minimum 2-night stay, cottages from $330
Read more customer reviews.
2. Z Hotel – 8/10
Overall Rating | 8/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 8/10 |
Rooms | 8/10 |
Facilities | 8/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 9/10 |
Services | 8/10 |
Located on the northern tip of the island along Nungwi, famous for amazing diving, fishing and snorkelling spots.
The popular hotel and rooms are strewn with cheerful prints and bespoke, coconut wood furniture. Z Hotel’s Sexy Fish restaurant comes highly recommended for fresh seafood dishes.
Features:
- Beach and rooftop dining
- Open air yoga
- Dive centre
- Pool, gym and spa
Price: Rooms from $225 (minimum 4-night stay)
Read more customer reviews.
3. Melia Zanzibar – 8.5/10
Overall Rating | 8.5/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 8/10 |
Rooms | 8/10 |
Facilities | 9/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 10/10 |
Services | 8/10 |
When it comes to size and class, Melia Zanzibar is one of the most impressive resorts found in Zanzibar.
This all-inclusive luxury beach resort is strung out along the North-Eastern coast of Zanzibar, boasting a private stretch of pristine beach-front. A standout feature for guests of the hotel is the world-class service.
Features:
- Private beach, infinity pool, spa and tennis court.
- The Level – private area facilities and suits.
Price: Rooms from $225 (minimum 4-night stay)
Read more customer reviews.
Day tours in Zanzibar? Here are my top picks...
- Quad bike tour to a local village (4 hours)
- Stonetown food market and street food walking tour (3 hours)
- Zanzibar spice tour with traditional cooking lesson (3 hours)
- Rock restaurant and cave tour (6 hours)
- Private tour to Prison Island (3 hours)
4. Riu Palace Zanzibar – 8.5/10
Overall Rating | 8.5/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 8/10 |
Rooms | 8/10 |
Facilities | 9/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 9/10 |
Services | 8/10 |
All-inclusive 5-star hotel on Nungwi beach. Chandeliers hang from the ceilings and rooms are spacious and elegantly furnished with earth-toned decor. Guests can choose from 3 themed restaurants. The spa offers hydro-massage and steam baths.
Features:
- Overall great value
- Private balconies
- Complimentary kayaks and paddleboards
- Gym
- Show-cooking stations
Price: Suites from $377
Read more customer reviews.
5. Kasha Boutique Hotel – 7/10
Overall Rating | 7/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 7/10 |
Rooms | 7/10 |
Facilities | 6/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 8/10 |
Services | 6/10 |
11 private villas on the northeast coast. The spacious bungalows are simply furnished with touches of bright colours. The staff are exceptionally friendly and helpful. Unfortunately, there is no wifi in the rooms and dining options are limited and pricey.
Features:
- 2 swimming pools plus private plunge pools
- Seafood barbeques
- Breakfast included
Price: Rooms from $307
Read more customer reviews.
6. Sunshine Hotel – 7/10
Overall Rating | 7/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 8/10 |
Rooms | 7/10 |
Facilities | 7/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 8/10 |
Services | 6/10 |
An ocean-front hotel in the heart of Matemwe on the northeast coast. 16 Eco-friendly rooms decorated in chic Swahili style are designed to channel the cool breeze (there are no air-cons). There is a restaurant on-site and massages can be arranged.
Features:
- 2 swimming pools
- Close to restaurants, bars and other attractions in Matemwe.
- Nearby dive centre
Price: Rooms from $220
Read more customer reviews.
Best Budget Zanzibar Hotels under $200 per night
1. Best Budget Hotel – Sea Cliff Resort and Spa (8.5/10)
Overall Rating | 8.5/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 9/10 |
Rooms | 7/10 |
Facilities | 10/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 8/10 |
Services | 9/10 |
This 4-star, Arabian-meets-modern style resort with 48 rooms is located on a private beach on the west coast. All possible facilities are available including the only golf course and driving range on the island, stables and tennis courts. Guests can choose from 4 bars and 3 on-site restaurants or relax by infinity pools or at the spa.
Features:
- Private beach
- Horse riding
- Jetty bar
- Table tennis
Price: Rooms from $190
Read more customer reviews.
2. Kiwengwa Beach Resort – 7/10
Overall Rating | 7/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 7/10 |
Rooms | 6/10 |
Facilities | 7/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 10/10 |
Services | 6/10 |
In Kiwengwa, close to the beach and 40 minutes from Stone Town. There is a selection of over 150 rooms and suites.
Rooms are neat with air conditioning and flat-screen TV’s. There is a fitness centre, three different restaurants and bars on site. Some of the cottages have jacuzzis.
Features:
- Saltwater pool
- 3 min from Obama Beach club
- Beach activities
- Live music
Price: rooms from $170
Read more customer reviews.
Day tours in Zanzibar? Here are my top picks...
- Quad bike tour to a local village (4 hours)
- Stonetown food market and street food walking tour (3 hours)
- Zanzibar spice tour with traditional cooking lesson (3 hours)
- Rock restaurant and cave tour (6 hours)
- Private tour to Prison Island (3 hours)
3. Sevi Boutique Hotel – 8/10
Overall Rating | 8/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 9/10 |
Rooms | 8/10 |
Facilities | 7/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 9/10 |
Services | 8/10 |
Located near the fishing village of Kigomani on the northeast coast. 13 traditional thatched bungalows and one luxury villa spread out amongst tropical vegetation.
The hotel supports the community through locally sourced furniture, decor and ingredients for the restaurant. Guests are encouraged to bring along supplies for Kigomani school.
Features:
- Curio shopping
- Boat trips
- Fantastic diving and snorkelling
- Poolside bar
- Spa
Price: Rooms from $147
Read more customer reviews.
4. Tembo Hotel and Apartments – 7/10m
Overall Rating | 7/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 8/10 |
Rooms | 6/10 |
Facilities | 6/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 8/10 |
Services | 7/10 |
On the beachfront in Stone Town, this colourfully decorated, antique furnished hotel has a rich history including once being the American Consulate, as well as offices of the largest trading company in the Indian Ocean. All rooms and apartments are air-conditioned and there is a swimming pool.
Features:
- Close to local attractions
- Freddie Mercury Apartment
- Good breakfast selection
- Walking tours of Stone Town
Price: Rooms from $140
Read more customer reviews.
5. DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton in Stone Town – 7/10
Overall Rating | 7/10 |
|---|---|
Location | 8/10 |
Rooms | 6/10 |
Facilities | 7/10 |
Staff Friendliness | 7/10 |
Services | 7/10 |
In the centre of Stone Town, close to the beach and market. Guests are greeted with a fresh cookie on arrival. The historical hotel is decorated in hand-carved furniture and has a rooftop restaurant, fitness centre and a spa.
Features:
- Walking distance to Sultan’s Palace, Old Fort and House of Wonders
- Room service
Price: Rooms from $123
Read more customer reviews.
Want to combine your Zanzibar holiday with a trip up north for some mountaineering and safari tours? Check out my other guides on hotels in Tanzania:
Day tours in Zanzibar? Here are my top picks...
- Quad bike tour to a local village (4 hours)
- Stonetown food market and street food walking tour (3 hours)
- Zanzibar spice tour with traditional cooking lesson (3 hours)
- Rock restaurant and cave tour (6 hours)
- Private tour to Prison Island (3 hours)
My Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed my Zanzibar Hotels guide! Whatever your desired budget is, you can realise it with a trip to one of East Africa's most exotic destinations.
You can learn more information about the best safari resorts from our guide and the best Zanzibar hotels from one of our recommended partners.
