Zanzibar Serena Hotel, Zanzibar
About the Hotel
Zanzibar Serena Hotel, situated in the historic heart of Stone Town, showcases traditional Swahili architecture alongside modern amenities. The hotel is just moments away from prominent UNESCO World Heritage Sites, rich in cultural heritage. As a key player in Zanzibar’s tourism, it offers insight into the island's famous spice trade through nearby tours. The hotel harmoniously blends luxury with a deep respect for Zanzibar’s storied past.
Location
Zanzibar Serena Hotel is conveniently located 9.5 miles from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. Its prime setting allows easy access to Stone Town's historic streets and sites, including the Arab Fort and the Kidichi Persian Baths. The hotel offers airport transfers and is positioned along the seafront, providing guests with breathtaking views and immediate beach access.
Rooms
The hotel features 51 stylish rooms and suites, each designed in traditional Swahili style to reflect the beauty of Zanzibar's heritage. Accommodations range from standard rooms to spacious executive suites, all boasting air conditioning, minibars, and private balconies with ocean views. Interiors include high ceilings, cool white walls, and ornate decor that enhances the coastal charm. For added luxury, the presidential suite offers a sitting room and an al fresco cocktail area.
Eat & Drink
Zanzibar Serena Hotel offers a variety of dining experiences, with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients and seafood. The rooftop Terrace Seafood Restaurant serves exquisite dishes while providing stunning views of the ocean. Guests can enjoy weekly Swahili banquets at Baharia Restaurant, along with refreshing drinks from Masahani Bar, which features live Taarab music for added cultural flair. Dining settings are thoughtfully curated to enhance each culinary experience.
Leisure & Business
The hotel includes a central swimming pool with ocean views, a fully-appointed conference suite for up to 40 guests, and supportive event planning services. Leisure facilities include nature trails for exploration, with access to local attractions such as the Freddie Mercury Museum and the iconic House of Wonders. For family guests, children's amenities and supervised activities ensure a family-friendly atmosphere.
Select your room type
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Getting around
A list of all available modes of transport
Facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- VIP check-in/ -out
- No pets allowed
- 24-hour security
- Baggage storage
- Locker room
- Currency exchange
- Coffee shop
- Fireplace
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Key access
Sports & Fitness
- Wind surfing
- Diving
- Snorkeling
- Canoeing
- Horseback riding
- Cycling
- Yoga class
- Sports trainer
- Fishing
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Services
- Paid airport shuttle
- Room service
- Housekeeping
- Car rental
- 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 center
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Cribs
- 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 center
- 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
Location
Reviews and Ratings
My stay at the hotel was a mix of ups and downs. It's conveniently located near all the main visitor attractions of the old town, making it a great spot for a short stay. The rooms, although sea-facing, were a bit old and grubby, with dirty bathroom fixtures that need renovating. However, they were a good size with nice balconies, albeit showing some signs of aging.
I had a mixed experience at the hotel. While the room was stiflingly hot and poorly located, it was spacious and had a giant sea-facing balcony, making it enjoyable for two people. The service was excellent, especially from friendly and welcoming staff like Jackson and the gracious egg and waffle chef. The location was perfect, right on the beach with a quiet atmosphere yet close to the lively parts of Stone Town. The dining did not meet expectations, but the facilities were satisfactory.
The Serena Dar Se Salaam is a nice hotel with rooms starting from the 1st-floor that offer a good setup with a bedroom and living room separated by an outside balcony. While our stay was pleasant and met expectations, there were no standout surprises. The hotel provides reasonable room size with a nice balcony.
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