Only two small things: the so-called “plunge pool” was more a 2’ deep paddle pool or jacuzzi, or even water feature, and should really be advertised as that, rather than a pool. Also, the wifi is only in the reception and rooftop areas, not the rooms. Apparently this is quite standard, and I adjusted to this fast, but it would be good to know in advance. But for these things I would’ve given the hotel full marks.

Perfect central location, really gorgeous and thoughtfully restored building, efficient and helpful staff, good a/c, terrific roof top with amazing 360 rooftop views and lovely food. Overall terrific value. I would definitely stay again.

Stayed in August 2025

The hotel is part of the historic buildings in Stone Town and you feel it when you in it. The views from the terrace was breathtaking. You could even see parts of the harbor.

Stayed in July 2025

The restaurant's wine selection could be more extensive, but of course that's the biggest problem in life! :)

Excellent location, authentic and historic building, very friendly and helpful staff, amazing rooftop terrace with panoramic view.

Stayed in August 2025

Full of character

Stayed in August 2025

The bathroom door was a big problem, ironically, this was the third location in Zanzibar where we had issues with the bathroom door! In this case, it got stuck and i could not come out. Finally, it needed some brute force to open the door! Rest were all fine. We could not open the windows since there was construction work going on next door, but cannot fault the hotel for this discomfort

Beautiful house and lovely decor! The ambience and the view from the rooftop is amazing. Breakfast was okay, there is room for improvement. Facilities were decent for an independent hotel.

Stayed in January 2025

Atmospheric. Wonderful roof terrace. Nice decor. Friendly staff.

Stayed in January 2025

We stayed 2 nights and the first night we were given a room that did not meet our expectations at all and did not match any of the pictures online. I even wondered if we should have been charged at all for the room we were given, it felt we had the room that no one gets or when the hotel is at extra max capacity... there was a strong smell of damp and low ceilings with 2 single mattresses put together across the width (and not the length) to make it a double bed. The second day they came forward and changed us room, I have to say it was a NEW DAY, the new room was as per the hotel's standards, spacious, high ceilings and beautifully decorated with Swahili furniture. We appreciated the change especially as we did not complain to reception in the first place.

The staff at the restaurant and receptionist were absolutely lovely and helpful. The rooftop is as per the pictures and the views are wonderful with the breeze. Great spot to relax in busy Stone Town. The wifi works really well at the reception desk and rooftop areas (as mentioned on description there is no wifi in the rooms). No mosquitos either, big plus!

Stayed in February 2025

The pool was too small even for infants, as well as being filthy

The staff, the food and the atmosphere is all wonderful.

Stayed in January 2025

Great location, very comfortable beds and lovely rooftop restaurant with a beautiful view.

Stayed in February 2025

Wifi was just OK, and only in common areas. A/C worked well enough, but didn't quite cool down the whole room. Room could use a desk or table (something to put our stuff on or sit at).

What a gem! I will always remember staying at this historic "house" with a stellar view. Great breakfast, friendly staff who made us feel welcome, and a wonderful atmosphere. Sitting on the terrace overlooking Stone Town with a coffee or beer in hand - there was nothing better! The room was comfortable and spacious. Staff helped us organize an outing.

Stayed in January 2025

The pool is as big as a shoebox

Great service (special thanks to Mwinyi at the reception, who helped with great advice), beautiful building and decorations, comfortable rooms, amazing view from the rooftop, location in the midst of a labyrinth was lovely. We travelled with a baby and the staff at the kitchen were super helpful. Btw the coconut curry is to die for!

Stayed in January 2025

It was fine for us, but may be a bit tricky for some people to find on foot. Pool was very small, and we didn't use it as it's right next to the restaurant with lots of tour groups coming and going all day to see the building/view.

Staff were so friendly, good food in the restaurant. Breakfast was nice and view from rooftop lovely. Amazing building, big room. They organised a good guide for our walking tour and nice driver to our next hotel.

Stayed in December 2024

The room was small.

It had a super rooftop restaurant. The staff were very friendly and attentive.

Stayed in October 2024

The breakfast could be slightly better

Great location and nice set up

Stayed in October 2024

Would help if the WiFi went to the rooms. It would also be helpful to be able to pay with a normal portal atm machine rather than an app.

This is a very unique experience as the building is so historic. I stayed in a quiet room which gave a very special feel to the stay. The roof top restaurant is also lovely and you can watch the sunset from here.

Stayed in September 2024

It was a little basic for the price.

This is a nice place to stay the location was excellent and the staff and cleanliness great. It was expensive for what it was. The room and bathroom were huge and very authentic. The bed was rock hard, but suprisingly I slept quite well on it. This is a good hotel, i just felt it was expensive for what it was.

Stayed in August 2024

If your room is on the third floor it can get very nousy due to the rooftop kitchen being right on top of it.

Location was fantastic. Beautiful rooms, friendly staff and good breakfast.

Stayed in July 2024

Air con leaked water into our room overnight. Shower was a bit difficult to use.

Good location and nice rooftop bar. Staff were very helpful and friendly. Comfortable beds.

Stayed in July 2024

All good, restaurant is also good, but not top notch, especially breakfast bread rolls are a bit dry. Coffee machine was broken, so there was no real coffee, only powder which was a downer. Coffee machine needs to be fixed urgently :) This does not outweigh at all the overall quality and beauty of the hotel and the beautiful view from the roof terrace.

Beautiful Hotel in old House in the middle of the city. Highly recommendable - Fantastic view! Perfect sunset location!

Stayed in July 2024

The shower was difficult to use and you had to hand hold it. My partner was fine but I would have preferred something more flexible and a little lower!

Great location in the heart of Stonetown. Beautiful hotel and room. The staff were lovely and the roof top was great to have a cocktail at sunset and breakfast. The room was lovely although a tight squeeze to move around with the oversized bed!

Stayed in June 2024

The best bacony or roof terrace in Stone Town - and lovely helpful staff. I changed to Swahili House after injuring my head in another hotel in Stone Town. The staff were very sweet and helpful and it was close to the Global hospital to get my stitches checked.

Stayed in June 2024

Location, taxi cant reach it - have to walk

Style and arxhitecture

Stayed in March 2024

Amazing historical building, beautiful rooms. The restaurant on the roof is a brilliant place for a drink or food.

Stayed in February 2024

The mattress was really hard and a bit uncomfortable to sleep on.

The hotel is beautiful and has got some nice features. The room was quite spacious and the AC was a big plus.

Stayed in February 2024