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Reviews of Maru Maru Hotel 4 stars

Gizenga Street, Stone Town, Zanzibar City, Tanzania

#33 of 73 hotels in Zanzibar City

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 556 hotel reviews

8.0

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.5

  • Comfort

    8.6

  • Location

    9.1

  • Facilities

    8.2

  • Staff

    8.6

  • Value for money

    7.8

  • Free WiFi

    7.9

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 28 August 2025

    8.0
    Really enjoyed our stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Twin Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Noisy depending on which room you stay.

    Location

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 28 August 2025

    8.0
    Enjoyed our stay!
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Noisy depending on room

    Location

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 19 August 2025

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Family Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Two of the staff were not very nice. The guy in charge at the restaurant, there were 2 and the african guy was really good. However the ?Indian guy was horrible to staff and NOT nice at all, I actually felt sorry for the staff when he was on. Also one of the reception staff (the girl in the blue uniform) had a bit of a bad attitude. All other staff were great.

    Most of the staff were wonderful. The food, hotel and location.

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 18 August 2025

    8.0
    Great location and roof terrace, but a bit noisy
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • King Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    It's a bit noisy from the street, and they also have live music on the roof terrace until 11pm every evening

    Great location and superb roof terrace with a pool and amazing views. Great breakfast buffet and sundowner drinks.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 14 August 2025

    7.0
    We were disappointed with the coffee and buffet breakfast. Not everyone wants a large breakfast.
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • King Room
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Very noisy. Either the band which played every night or the early morning staff members making noise.

    Location

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 14 August 2025

    8.0
    Comfortable, good location
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveller
    • King Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Live music till 10 pm almost every day

    Good location, comfortable room

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 7 August 2025

    8.0
    We had a comfortable stay.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Could be a bit noisy at times.

    Good location, pool and good food with clean rooms.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 6 August 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Queen Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    The hotel was great. The only issue I had was that it wasn't clear on Booking.com side that the charges did not include the tourist tax. It was only upon arriving that I was told that I had to pay the tourist tax. I'm happy to pay this tax, but it would be less confusing if this was clearly. Also, I originally clicked rooms with breakfast included, but when I went to pay, I was switched over to a room without breakfast, which I didn't realized till checking in.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 5 August 2025

    8.0
    Well maintained and perfect location.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Queen Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    If you have kids the live music at the roof top resturant might bother them as they stop at 10:30 pm or 11pm . Otherwise it is perfect .

    Excellent location as it is near the city attractions and market Roof top resturant offers great food

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 29 July 2025

    9.0
    Great hotel centrally located.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room
    • Stayed 3 nights

    Breakfast buffet wasn't included in our package which was disappointing as I think we were the only people not availing of it. Happens all over Tanzania but must be noted that the electricity/ power cuts are common. Unfortunately one such power cut happened when we were in the lift and we ended up being trapped in there for 5+ mins but got out eventually. Pool was on the roof next to the dining area so it felt a bit weird next to that.

    We were allowed to check in and leave our luggage in a storage room on arrival. Our room was also ready early so we were grateful for this after an early flight. Room was nice, airey, cleaned every day and mosquito net closed each evening. Shower was good too. Pool was nice and had towels up there to use. Dining area had great views especially at sunset. Staff were great. Location was also amazing. Could walk anywhere and everywhere we needed.

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 23 July 2025

    7.0
    The experience was good overall, though the bed was outdated
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Queen Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The bed

    The bathroom

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 15 July 2025

    9.0
    Ideal location for exploring Stonetown; beautiful rooftop view
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Queen Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Most properties in Stonetown are not very accessible for people with mobility issues.

    Location is perfect for exploring Stonetown. Also a great place to meet friends for a sundowner at the rooftop even if you aren’t staying at the hotel. We have stayed at Maru Maru multiple times. If you are new to Zanzibar, the staff will help you plan excursions. Also they will pick you up from the airport which is super helpful upon arrival.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 13 July 2025

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • King Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The room was very noisy!

    Very friendly and accommodating staff, the restaurant was very nice , great selection of dishes on the menu, location was perfect!

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 9 July 2025

    9.0
    Charming stay in the heart of Stone Town
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    The breakfast buffet offered variety, but the quality was disappointing. The loud music in the evening, playing until 10:30 PM, also made it difficult to fully unwind.

    Charming stay in the heart of Stone Town Maru Maru has a fantastic location—right in the middle of Stone Town, making it easy to explore. The rooms were spacious and had a lovely blend of boutique charm and traditional Zanzibar style. A great mix of comfort and character!

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 7 July 2025

    7.0
    My partner and I, really enjoyed our stay. The location was perfect, the room was cozy. We will definitely stay here aga
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The location.

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 16 June 2025

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Location, noise and some bugs.

    The facilities..

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 1 June 2025

    8.0
    Maru Maru truly a Zanzibar experience
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Queen Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    My Room was just below the kitchen which caused a noise till late night .

    The location of as bang inside stone town. Hotel has a very Zanzibar local feel . The terrace restaurant was great food was very tasty !! Rooms were large and very comfortable. Live music added to the charm of the place

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: 28 May 2025

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • King Room
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Very friendly staff. Breakfast was very good

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: 15 May 2025

    8.0
    A Lucky find in Stone Town
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Queen Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    They have live music at night which travels to the rooms. The passages could have been cleaner.

    The rooms were clean and well kept. Their breakfast selection had an array of various selections. The staff us extremely friendly and helpful. It within walking distance to a lot of resturants, the market and the beach.

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: 5 May 2025

    7.0
    A little disappointed staff were amazing nd cheerful
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Twin Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The fridge was in a disgusting state had to complain 3 times then got changed front desk manager quite rude nd agresive mr Mahipal wish he was a little sensitive a guest at checkout was complaining about the breakfast nd services as well . Maybe if mr Mahipal was less aggressive nd more friendly it wouldn’t be soo off putting

    Staff

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: 28 April 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Twin Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The Girl in the bakery was everytime friendly with a big smile :)

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 23 April 2025

    7.0
    It was great staying at the hotel
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • King Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    There's too much light entering the room through the transom window over the door a blind/tint could be better. Waiters at the restaurant are too slow

    The breakfast was good, location great and the room was comfortable

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 11 April 2025

    8.0
    Great stay as usual
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    It's a bit noisy as it's in the middle of stone town street

    The staff were friendly and welcoming, the location its near Forodhani park, the check-in was fast. The rooftop is nice for hanging out in the evening. It's my favourite hotel whenever I visit Zanzibar

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 3 April 2025

    8.0
    A great spot to explore stone town
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Queen Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Gym was not great. Not very clean and machines not working.

    The rooftop bar was lovely. Great views of the city and surrounding areas. Breakfast was good.

    Stayed in April 2025

Showing 1 – 25

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