Reviews of The Swahili House 3 stars

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Full of character

Nothing.

No wifi, terrible food, power went out at night, extremely slow service

Location

Old, air conditioned fan noise, elevator stop working, shower water weak, no coffee and tea in the room, breakfast average

In the middle of the night (03:45) staff was talking on the rooftop and I had to go there twice to ask them to stop talking.

The location and history of the house. It’d be cool if they had pictures and written history of the house around the building.

The Muslim chanting was 5 times a day (over a loud speaker throughout the town) starting at 5:15AM! It sounded cool but was an early wake up time.

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.

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

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

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!

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, the food and the atmosphere is all wonderful.

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

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

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.

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).

Wonderful heritage hotel with superb decoration, lovely staff and great rooftop to spend time in between sightseeing trips. Going back there without a doubt.