We loved the traditional style of the building. Old features had been left, and maintained. The staff were all incredibly helpful and smiley. The breakfast was superb.

Stayed in August 2025

The rooms were beautiful, the beds were comfortable, the bathrooms were lovely to look at too. The cafe on the roof and breakfast were perfect. The service was really friendly and helpful

Stayed in August 2025

It was a delightful experience that perfectly captured the charm of this historic city. Housed in one of Zanzibar’s old buildings, the hotel exudes a sense of history and romance with its authentic Arabic architecture, antique furniture, and rich fabrics. Located in the heart of Stone Town’s maze-like alleys, the hotel is ideally situated for exploring the vibrant markets, the Darajani Market, and Forodhani Gardens; which is perfect for immersing yourself in the culture, with restaurants and shops right at your doorstep. However, the narrow lanes mean you’ll need to walk about five minutes from the nearest drop-off point, so light pack or arrange a a bajaji (tukutuk) from the last drop off. There are eight rooms, named after coffee varieties like Arabica and Espresso. Our room was clean, and tastefully decorated with a traditional Zanzibari four-poster bed, mosquito net, and antique lamps. The air conditioning was a blessing in the humid climate. The hotel’s coffee-themed atmosphere is warm and inviting, with the ground-floor café serving exceptional coffee. The rooftop terrace is a gem, offering 360-degree views of Stone Town’s rooftops and a serene spot for breakfast. The breakfast itself was a standout—fresh, generous, and paired with delicious Karak (masala chai). The café’s homemade cakes and light meals are also worth trying. The lack of a full restaurant or extensive facilities (it’s more of a B&B) keeps things simple. The staff were the heart of the experience—gracious, professional, and genuinely warm. From the welcoming Juice on arrival to the attentive service at breakfast, they made us feel like family. The early morning beautiful call to prayer from nearby mosques added to the cultural immersion. The hotel isn’t ideal for those with mobility issues due to multiple stairs and uneven floor levels. The absence of an elevator and the historic layout might be challenging.

Stayed in July 2025

Sometimes felt like the guy who stays up at night to let you in/ out wasn't very pleased with me, but could have just been communication issues. Also, it is impossible for a taxi to take you to the coffee house so you have to be careful if you have a lot of stuff/ book a tour

Breakfast was phenomenal. The staff were delightful and kind. The coffee is so good- I have been a barista in the UK and this place was top notch. My room was very sweet- quaint and clean. Had AC which was a blessing. Cleaned every day and the bed made for me. No security issues whatsoever.

Stayed in July 2025

Not their fault, but the construction across the alley was quite loud well past 17:00.

The building is beautiful and quirky and in a fantastic location within Stone Town. The staff are super friendly and helpful.

Stayed in July 2025

Very friendly and helpful staff. Wonderful coffee. The building had great character.. well-located in the labyrinth of Stone Town.

Stayed in July 2025

Could not enjoy breakfast fully due to early check out and hotel unable to accommodate for earlier breakfast time

Rooftop Terrance for breakfast and welcome drink with coffee options.

Stayed in July 2025

Bad experience with one of the drivers they booked for me.

Lovely breakfast one the roof and very friendly staff.

Stayed in July 2025

We couldn’t get the air conditioner to work on the second night, so the room got hot but it may have been user error. And the overhead fan worked great!

Breakfast on the rooftop was wonderful and felt so exotic.

Stayed in July 2025

My only complaint is really out of their control. There was loud construction just across the narrow street until 19:00. Difficult to rest or even enjoy a meal and coffee.

I loved the location, the building, and amenities. The staff were amazing, so kind and helpful. I had to leave early due to a family emergency and the staff could not have been more helpful and sensitive.

Stayed in July 2025

That I had to leave

Beautifully preserved and maintained house. Stylishly Decorated with all kinds of coffee related items. Rooftop breakfasts incredibly friendly and caring staff.

Stayed in July 2025

Fabulous hotel. 100% recommendation

Stayed in July 2025

The rooftop terrace was magical and the rooms were very well set up and elegant. The breakfast was excellent.

Stayed in July 2025

This is more a problem with booking.com than the property. We thought we had elongated our stay in the same room because the booking picture was the same, but we instead had to switch rooms by surprise.

Kind people. Beautiful architecture. Lovely roof top breakfast!

Stayed in July 2025

I liked everything

Location, super friendly staff, breakfast was served on the roof top. The room was beautifully Arabic/ Indian decorated, comfy bed

Stayed in June 2025

The originality of the the décor and the friendliness of the staff, made up from 100% local people made it all more pleasant.

Stayed in June 2025

A lot of stairs, but that’s also part of the charm.

The uniqueness of the rooms, cafe, rooftop - all of it. The staff are super friendly and accommodating.

Stayed in June 2025

Lovely rooms, charming staff, excellent breakfast!

Stayed in April 2025

I was a little too tall for the bed (I'm 6'2) and couldn't lay straight - air con was also very loud

Wonderful friendly staff, great location in a historical building

Stayed in February 2025

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The staff, environment, location, atmosphere, coffee and food! Everything was really great!

Stayed in March 2025

There’s nothing we didn’t like. Quirks give character

Fantastic location right in the middle of Stone Town. Bursting with character and they took excellent care of us. Special shout out for breakfasts on the rooftop with Mama Leah. Fabulous and set us up for the day

Stayed in March 2025

To manage expectations: this is a coffee bar in a historic building with rooms above, no more no less. Rooms are nice and very clean but basic, particularly the bathroom is sufficient but not more. The baristas are the receptionists, pleasantly providing your key and a welcome drink. Good value for money at less than 100 usd per night. I only say these things because the other reviews make it seem as though this is a gem of a luxury boutique hotel, which it is not. It led to a moment of re-setting for me because I was a bit surprised at first by the lack of atmosphere and finishes. If you are looking for a safe, value for money and comfortable room, then excellent choice. If you are looking for something more then you will be surprised.

Clean and spacious rooms above a coffee shop. Antiques in the rooms added character to the historic building. The rooftop is the star of the show, a wonderful place for breakfast and for an afternoon rest away from busy Stone Town. Breakfast was delicious and Leah, the server, is lovely. Bed was comfortable for 1 person, not sure about 2.

Stayed in March 2025

It's not the property, but the type of tourist that usually visits the island. I wished there was more local type of breakfast, this is common everywhere though.

We stayed at the Arabica room which is very spacious and the bed is big and comfortable.

Stayed in March 2025

Beautiful rooms and wood. Great roof terrace and balcony with seats and great breakfast. Stayed recommended by a friend and best place in Stone Town for my night and day there on route to the beach.

Stayed in February 2025