Zanzibar Serena Hotel, Zanzibar ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2025

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About the Hotel

Stone Town Kelele Square, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar Serena Hotel, a 5-star retreat in Stone Town, offers stunning oceanfront views and a blend of traditional Swahili architecture. This luxurious hotel features 51 rooms and suites, multiple dining options, a pool, and direct beach access. Guests can enjoy authentic experiences and explore nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Rooms & Amenities

The accommodations at Zanzibar Serena Hotel include 51 well-appointed rooms and suites, designed in traditional Swahili style with private balconies offering uninterrupted ocean views. Each room features high ceilings, cool white walls, and antique furnishings, such as four-poster beds, flat-screen TVs, and minibar services. Guests can choose from Standard Rooms, Sea Front Prime Rooms, and an Executive Suite, providing ample options for relaxation.

Dining Options

Dining options at Zanzibar Serena Hotel include the Terrace Seafood Restaurant, renowned for its fresh-caught seafood and exceptional bay views. The Baharia Restaurant serves international dishes and hosts weekly Swahili banquets by the pool. Guests can also enjoy cocktails and light fare at the Masahani Bar, featuring live Taarab music performances.

Leisure & Activities

Leisure facilities at Zanzibar Serena Hotel include a swimming pool with ocean views, while the surrounding area offers various excursions such as dolphin watching and spice tours. Guests can venture into Stone Town to explore sites like the House of Wonders and the Old Portuguese Fort. The hotel also offers tailored family-friendly services and activities designed for younger guests.

Business & Transportation

Zanzibar Serena Hotel caters to both leisure and business needs, featuring an opulently appointed conference suite for up to 40 guests. Airport transfers can be arranged upon request, with Abeid Amani Karume International Airport located 9.5 miles away. Various transportation options, including nearby bus stops and daladala services, facilitate easy access to local attractions.

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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Superior King Room

Max:

2 persons

28 m²

Bed options:

1 King Size Bed

Sea view

Shower

Bathtub

room details

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King Room

Max:

2 persons

26 m²

Bed options:

1 King Size Bed

Pool view

Shower

Bathtub

room details

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Executive Suite

Max:

2 persons

58 m²

Bed options:

1 King Size Bed

Shower

Bathtub

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Getting around

A list of all available modes of transport

City Center

Zanzibar2700 ft

Airports

Kisauni (ZNZ) 5.0 mi

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Heavenly Meals!

“I had the grilled fish and shrimps for dinner, and it was truly divine. The rooftop restaurant provided an lovely dining experience with very nice flavors.” view full review

Stunning Views!

“Our room featured a wrap-around balcony that provided amazing views of both the sea and the pool, making it a perfect relaxing escape.” view full review

Thoughtful Touches

“The evening turn-down service with a mosquito net and room spray demonstrated a level of care that greatly enhanced our comfort.” view full review

Relaxing Grounds

“The hotel grounds were beautifully manicured, offering a peaceful environment to unwind while enjoying the magnificent view of the sea.” view full review

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

Stone Town Kelele Square, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Map view

Stone Town Kelele Square, Zanzibar, Tanzania

City landmarks

Mizingani Rd

Old Dispensary

3300 ft

Museums

House of Wonders

2300 ft

Museums

Sultan's Palace

2200 ft

Hamamni St

Hamamni Persian Baths

2200 ft

Market

Darajani Market

3500 ft

Benjamin Mkapa Rd

The Peace Memorial Museum

2900 ft

Church

Old Slave Market

3000 ft

Gallery

Hurumzi Henna Art Gallery

2200 ft

Marahubi Palace

2300 ft

Hurumzi St

Shree Shiv Shakti Temple

2200 ft

Kiponda

3400 ft

Jamatini Rd

Malindi Mosque

2600 ft

Church

Christ Church

2500 ft

Hurumzi Street

2300 ft

Tharia St

Slave Chambers

2900 ft

Nearby

Museums

Old Fort of Zanzibar

1500 ft

Historic Site

Stone Town

1900 ft

Kenyatta Road

Mercury House

1000 ft

Church

Christ Church Cathedral

1500 ft

Parks

Forodhani Park

2000 ft

Kelele Square

400 ft

Gallery

Hellen Art Gallery

500 ft

Cathedral St

St Joseph's Roman Catholic Cathedral

1400 ft

Hamamni Street

Cultural Arts Centre Zanzibar

1800 ft

Princess Salme Museum at Emerson on Hurumzi

2000 ft

Gallery

The Beautiful Eyes

1900 ft

Zanzibar

Tippu Tip's House

400 ft

Shangani

800 ft

Shangani St

Mambo Msiige

500 ft

Vuga

1100 ft

Restaurants

Travellers Cafe

300 ft

Kelele Square

Buni

100 ft

Shangani Street

Sunset Bar at the Africa House

600 ft

Shangani Street

swaad restaurant

200 ft

Shangani St Shangani

Taarab Restaurant

500 ft

90 / 90A Shanghani St DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Zanzibar

Stone Town Cafe

900 ft

Kenyatta Road Shangani River

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

80%

liked the hotel and would stay again

8.0/10

Great

Rooms

7.0

Location

9.0

Service

9.0

Dining

7.0

4.5/5 based on 882 reviews

#10 of 40 hotels in Stone Town based on Tripadvisor

Dean

United States of America, January 2024

8.0/10

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.

Rooms

7.0

The rooms, although a little aged, are fine, good size, and have nice balconies, but need some renovation.

Service

9.0

The service was top-notch. The staff members I encountered were extremely friendly and professional, making my stay more pleasurable.

Location

8.0

The location is brilliant for exploring Stone Town on foot and experiencing Zanzibar beach life. It's perfect for a city visit right on the Indian Ocean.

Dining

8.0

The morning breakfast offered everything I could imagine and more, including classic touches that made it authentic.

Facilities

The hotel offers a range of facilities for guests to enjoy their stay to the fullest.

James

United States of America, December 2023

8.0/10

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.

Rooms

7.0

The room I stayed in was unfortunately not well-located and didn't catch any breeze, making it stiflingly hot, despite the glacial air conditioning. However, it was fine for two people and had a huge size with a giant sea-facing balcony.

Service

9.0

The service at the hotel was top-notch. The staff, including Jackson and the waffle chef, were extremely friendly and welcoming. They even found me another room to sleep in, which was very nice and attentive.

Location

9.0

The hotel's location couldn't be better, right on the beach with a view of the popular parts of Stone Town. The efficient and friendly staff made the stay convenient, even assisting in switching to a better room.

Dining

7.0

The dining experience, unfortunately, didn't meet my expectations. The breakfast buffet was not as fulfilling as hoped, which was a bit disappointing. However, the grilled dishes were fantastic, offering a lot of choices.

Facilities

8.0

The facilities at the hotel were satisfactory, considering the setbacks. Despite the room not meeting expectations, the amenities provided were adequate.

Elizabeth

United Kingdom, December 2023

8.0/10

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.

Rooms

7.0

The rooms offered a reasonable size with a nice balcony.

Service

9.0

The service was excellent, with late snacks available, and the staff was friendly and very helpful, making our stay pleasurable. They were particularly accommodating to my special requests as a breastfeeding mother.

Location

10.0

The hotel is centrally located in Stone Town, Zanzibar, providing a brilliant base for exploring both the town and beach life. The proximity to the beach and popular tourism spots while maintaining a quiet atmosphere was amazing.

Dining

6.0

The dining experience, especially the breakfast buffet, was mediocre but still decent enough for a meal. The cold meat options were good.

Facilities

8.0

The hotel offers a variety of facilities to enhance your stay, including room service, car hire, and laundry services.