Zanzibar Serena Hotel – Hotel in Zanzibar, Zanzibar

Name: Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Address: Shangani Street, Stone Town, Zanzibar, Mjini Magharibi Region
Price range: US$279+

Key details

Property Overview

Shangani Street, Stone Town, Zanzibar

Close to the historic old town

Great

8.7

8.8

/10

4.3

4.5

Guests love staying at Zanzibar Serena Hotel

ocean views

historic hotel

fresh tropical fruits

live band

swimming pool

"Beautiful location overlooking the ocean. Fantastic service. Outstanding pool area."

Gary from United States

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"The room was exquisite. Balcony on 2 sides with pool and sea views."

Lynda from New Zealand

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"The breakfast was exceptional! The staff were even more exceptional !!."

Odette from South Africa

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"I especially appreciated Chef Sunil for making excellent food that met all of our dietary restrictions."

Julia C from United States

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"Spacious rooms with view of the ocean from every room and pool with walk way around the hotel makes it very attractive."

Quest309875 from United States

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5-star seafront hotel in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site

Architecture & Location

Zanzibar Serena Hotel sits on the sea-front of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The architecture blends Swahili, Arab, and colonial styles across 51 rooms and suites. Many rooms provide balconies overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Dining

The Terrace Seafood Restaurant offers open-air rooftop dining with views of the Indian Ocean. The Baharia Restaurant serves International and Swahili dishes. A pool terrace bar and coffee shop provide additional dining and drink options.

Wellness & Recreation

A full-service spa provides massages, facial treatments, and body scrubs. The outdoor swimming pool is open all year and is furnished with sun loungers and sun umbrellas. Guests can arrange swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, and diving directly through the hotel.

Business & Family

Conference facilities accommodate up to 40 guests with a business centre and meeting rooms. Family rooms, babysitting services, and an indoor play area are available. Kid-friendly buffet menu and children's meals are available at the restaurants.

Local Access

The National Museum of Zanzibar and the Freddie Mercury Museum are within walking distance. The House of Wonders and the Old Fort are a 5-minute drive from the hotel. Zanzibar International Airport and the Ferry Terminal are a 10-minute drive away.

Highlights

Location: Sea-front of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site

Architecture: Swahili, Arab, and colonial building styles

Dining: Open-air rooftop seafood restaurant

Wellness: Full-service spa and outdoor pool

Rooms: 51 rooms with Indian Ocean balconies

Business: Conference facilities for up to 40 guests

Must-do experiences

Visit Jozani Forest for a chance to see red colobus monkeys.
Enjoy a spice tour to learn about Zanzibar's aromatic heritage.
Savor fresh seafood at Forodhani Market during sunset.
Explore the history at the Old Fort of Zanzibar for stunning views.
Don't miss St. Joseph's Cathedral for its Gothic architecture.

Location: Perfect

9.6/10Review score

See this property's location on the map

Highlights from guests

DiningTaste of Zanzibar

The grilled fish and shrimp were heavenly. Breakfast offered authentic, yummy options with a fantastic sea view.

Safa from United Arab Emirates

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Room FeaturesOcean Balcony Bliss

Our gorgeous room featured a large, wraparound porch with a hammock offering stunning ocean views.

Laurie from Qatar

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Spa & LeisureSunset Perfection

The pool and bar area provided an ideal spot to enjoy spectacular sunsets over the water.

Amelia from United Kingdom

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Guest ParkingConvenient Arrival

The doorman went above and beyond, helping with luggage and even fixing a broken suitcase wheel.

bz_traveling1 from United States

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Pick the room type that suits your Zanzibar stay

Zanzibar Serena Hotel offers double, family and suite rooms, each including breakfast, free cancellation and special rates for travelers exploring Zanzibar.

Prime Room Sea View
2 persons
28 m²
1 King-size bed
Sea view
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Standard Double Room
2 persons
26 m²
1 Queen-size bed / 2 Single beds
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Executive Suite
2 persons
58 m²
1 Queen-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details

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Room Rates & Availability Calendar

See live prices and availability for your selected dates!

Amenities

Zanzibar Serena Hotel provides amenities designed for a relaxed stay and memorable experiences on the island.

Facilities: Great

8.7/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Free parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
VIP check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Locker room
Currency exchange
Coffee shop
Fireplace
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Wind surfing
Diving
Snorkelling
Canoeing
Horseback riding
Cycling
Yoga class
Sports trainer
Fishing

Services

Paid airport shuttle
Room service
Housekeeping
Car hire
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink
Happy hour

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Picnic area/ Tables
Dinner
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Babysitting/Child services
Children's buffet
Children's pool
Children's play area
Game room

Spa & Leisure

Infinity pool
Beach access
Beach umbrellas
Sun loungers
Live entertainment
Sun terrace
Garden area
BBQ facilities
Leisure/ TV room
Spa & wellness centre
Pedicure
Waxing
Body scrub
Facial
Treatment room
Back massage
Head massage
Full body massage
Foot massage
Make up services

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-bar
Sitting area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

See Where Zanzibar Serena Hotel Is Located

Shangani Street, Stone Town, Zanzibar

Map view

City landmarks

Landmark

Old Dispensary

980 m

Museum

House of Wonders

700 m

Museum

Sultan's Palace

670 m

Landmark

Hamamni Persian Baths

660 m

Market

Darajani Market

1.06 km

Landmark

The Peace Memorial Museum

880 m

Church

Old Slave Market

910 m

Landmark

The Zanzibar Curio shop

620 m

Landmark

Malindi Mosque

980 m

Gallery

Hurumzi Henna Art Gallery

640 m

Landmark

Marahubi Palace

670 m

Landmark

Shree Shiv Shakti Temple

640 m

Landmark

Kiponda

1.01 km

Church

Christ Church

750 m

Landmark

Hurumzi Street

690 m

Landmark

Slave Chambers

870 m

Nearby

Museum

Old Fort of Zanzibar

450 m

Historic Site

Stone Town

550 m

Kenyatta Road

Mercury House

290 m

Church

Christ Church Cathedral

440 m

Park

Forodhani Park

580 m

Kelele Square

120 m

Gallery

Hellen Art Gallery

140 m

Cathedral St

St Joseph's Roman Catholic Cathedral

400 m

Hamamni Street

Cultural Arts Centre Zanzibar

520 m

Princess Salme Museum at Emerson on Hurumzi

570 m

Gallery

The Beautiful Eyes

560 m

Zanzibar

Tippu Tip's House

80 m

Shangani

210 m

Shangani St

Mambo Msiige

140 m

Restaurants

6 Degrees South Grill and Wine Bar

130 m

Plot 60

The Beach House Restaurant

50 m

Shangani Street

Travellers Cafe

70 m

Kelele Square

Buni

10 m

Shangani Street

swaad restaurant

40 m

Shangani St Shangani

Stone Town Cafe

260 m

Kenyatta Road Shangani River

The Terrace at the Zanzibar Serena Inn

50 m

Kelele Square

Explore Zanzibar

Explore the Vibrant Surroundings

Old Fort of Zanzibar

6 minutes' walk

Historical fort with cultural events and exhibitions; perfect for a glimpse into Zanzibar's rich history.

House of Wonders

9 minutes' walk

Zanzibar's first electric building showcasing Swahili coastal culture; features stunning exhibitions and beautiful views.

Darajani Market

13 minutes' walk

Vibrant local market with fresh produce and local crafts; an authentic experience of everyday Swahili life.

Forodhani Park

7 minutes' walk

Popular evening gathering spot with food stalls; enjoy local snacks and views of the sea as the sun sets.

Maisha Mazuri Horse Riding Club

14 minutes' drive

Horse riding along scenic trails; great for families and offers lessons for all skill levels.

Water Sports at Astaztour

16 minutes' drive

Thrill-seekers can partake in snorkeling and diving activities; equipment rentals available for a day at the beach.

Spa Day

5 minutes' walk

Relaxing spa options at nearby facilities, perfect for those seeking tranquility and rejuvenation.

6 Degrees South Grill and Wine Bar

2 minutes' walk

Sleek ambiance with a mix of local and international dishes; try their seafood specialties and signature cocktails.

Buni

1 minute's walk

Charming local spot offering traditional Zanzibari dishes; famous for its chicken biryani and vegetarian options.

The Beach House Restaurant

1 minute's walk

Chic beachfront dining; enjoy fresh seafood and stunning sunset views while savoring exotic cocktails.

Forodhani Food Market

7 minutes' walk

Evening food market with live music; enjoy local street food while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Stone Town.

The Old Dispensary

12 minutes' walk

Cultural venue offering performances and art exhibitions; perfect for an evening of local arts and entertainment.

Transportation options

City Centre
Zanzibar 12 min · 1 km
Airports
Kisauni (ZNZ) 13 min · 8.1 km
Julius Nyerere (DAR) 119 min · 79.2 km

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 12:00-23:59

Check-out

from 09:00-10:00

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs USD 20.0 per person.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Former name

Zanzibar Serena Inn

Guest Reviews & Ratings

Read authentic guest reviews sharing their experience at Zanzibar Serena Hotel.

Cleanliness

9.1/10

Comfort

9.2/10

Facilities

8.7/10

Free Wi-Fi

8.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Staff

9.3/10

Value for money

8.0/10

Pros

Really good staff

Prime location

Excellent food

Cons

Small rooms

Inconsistent service

Maintenance issues

based on 882 reviews

4.5/5

No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.

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Questions of the users

About Zanzibar Serena Hotel

Is there a designated area for veiled women to sunbathe privately?

12 December 2024

Currently, there isn't a specific private sunbathing area for veiled women, but the suggestion is appreciated for future considerations.

Can guests easily access the beach on foot from the hotel?

05 April 2025

Yes, the beach is conveniently located directly in front of the hotel, making it easily accessible on foot.

Are there any specific arrangements for a family of two adults and one child in one room?

18 August 2024

Accommodations for two adults and one child can be made, but there may be an additional charge if the room is booked as a double.

Does the hotel have an elevator for guests?

22 September 2024

Yes, there is an elevator available for guests, ensuring easy access to different floors.

What options are available if I need to keep my room later due to a night flight?

14 February 2025

A day room can be arranged if needed, typically at a charge. Please confirm upon arrival for availability.

What activities can guests enjoy while staying at Zanzibar Serena Hotel?

03 January 2025

Guests can explore various activities like visiting Stone Town, spice tours, dolphin watching, cultural feasts, and more. The hotel also offers organized excursions for a rich experience.

Is there a shuttle service available from the ferry terminal to the hotel?

09 May 2025

Yes, shuttle service is available from the ferry terminal to the hotel at a rate of $20.00 per van.

What are the recommended dining options within the hotel?

24 June 2024

There are several exceptional dining options at the hotel, including a rooftop seafood restaurant with stunning views and an array of traditional Swahili dishes offered at the poolside restaurant.

What are the check-in and check-out procedures at the hotel?

11 March 2025

Check-in is from 12:00 PM and checkout is until 10:00 AM. Early or late check-in/check-out can be requested, but cannot be guaranteed.

Is parking available at the hotel for guests traveling by car?

29 October 2024

Yes, free private parking is available on-site without the need for reservation.

Are there any notable attractions nearby the hotel?

17 November 2024

The hotel is conveniently located near many attractions including the National Museum of Zanzibar and the historic Arab Fort, all within easy walking distance.

Is there a swimming pool available for guests to use?

07 February 2025

Yes, Zanzibar Serena Hotel features a swimming pool for guests to enjoy.