Nothing at all.

Incredible position overlooking the ocean and stunning sunsets. Close to all activities and restaurants around and nearby Stonetown. Staff were extremely friendly and helpful at all times. Restaurants and food were great and lovely position. Day spa was amazing also. Totally recommend.

Stayed in August 2025

A little dark

Authentic architecture

Stayed in August 2025

Nothing much

Great location and good to have choice of fruits, cereals and someone frying omelettes, eggs for you.

Stayed in August 2025

Nothing

Amazing location and the staff were very nice and helpful

Stayed in July 2025

The WiFi is a bit erratic but as it’s not (thank goodness) a sterile business hotel we were fine about that.

This is possibly my favourite hotel worldwide. It’s luxurious in a relaxed tropical way, and felt homely and welcoming. The location is incredible - it’s so close to the sea and there’s always something to see. The swimming pool is large and the sunbed space never felt overcrowded. We had a gorgeous first floor room with a balcony and a hammock. The service is impeccable and the staff really friendly and helpful (shout out to Big Joe who was just brilliant!). The bed was large and really comfortable and we appreciated the mosquito net. The bathroom came with all the usual touches (and I actually needed the sewing kit this time!). The position within the town is fantastic- we pottered around Stonetown a lot and it was very easy for taxis and boat trips.

Stayed in July 2025

Booked twin room for two persons, which we got but it was down as twin room for solo occupancy. They then tried to charge me additional $100 which would obviously have gone direct to them rather than booking.com. Claimed it was a very good price! Had already paid in advance through booking.com Finally agreed on $50 after asking to see the manager. I accepted it was down as one person but felt everything at hotel was trying to get as much as they could out of you. Turned out to be an expensive room and definitely not worth what I paid. Bathroom was very old with shower that just gave a trickle of water. Very basic. Obviously got the weakest room having booked through booking.com. Standard twin room. Breakfast was also very poor but great view if the sea. They could do so much more with the restaurant but it just about passes.

Location, pool area and views of the sea.

Stayed in July 2025

Liked everything!

Excellent location and exceptional service. It’s located within the stone town and has amazing ocean views. Also has access to a small beach. The food is their restaurant is great for days when you don’t feel like going out. Breakfast in the morning is elaborate with buffet style options as well as an omelette station. The staff is excellent and very helpful in anything you need. We stayed here a few days and enjoyed our stay very much. If we ever visit Zanzibar again, we’d likely prefer staying here.

Stayed in July 2025

Old very stylish hotel. Great breakfast, amazing restaurant with sea view. Cosy room with view balcony and charming canopy bed with quality mosquito net.

Stayed in June 2025

Nothing, everything was wonderful

Location, Location, Location. Also amenities and staff was very accommodating

Stayed in June 2025

2 things. On step from hotel to pool is just one small step before 5 or 6 other steps. I tripped on this because you cannot see it very well sit is all the same colour. A strip of white would help you to see it better especially at night. After these steps from there to restaurants there is lighting but not enough at night. Also as I had a sore knee and I was li.ping it would be nice to have hand rails at all of the steps on the property outside.

The room was exquisite. Balcony on 2 sides with pool and sea views. Staff were fantastic. Food was great. Everyone genuinely friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend.

Stayed in June 2025

We had a fantastic stay, the staff were absolutely fantastic and made us feel so welcome as soon as we arrived. We arrived early morning from a long plane journey and they were incredibly welcoming. Big Yusef in particular went above and beyond and he easily organised taxis, walking tours and visits to Prison Island for us. All of the staff were really friendly and helpful. The pool and bar area is ideally located and a great spot for watching the sunset. The breakfast was really varied.

Stayed in June 2025

Nothing

Great Location on the Beach. Nice restaurants nearby, amazing breakfast buffet.

Stayed in May 2025

Everything!

Stayed in April 2025

Location: close to Stonetown, easy walking to shops and old streets of Stonetown.

Stayed in March 2025

Nothing

Classy, elegant.

Stayed in January 2025

Would have preferred a large jug of drinking water- we often ran out of water in the bottles and prefer not to use plastic bottles where possible. Food service was a little slow at restaurant, but taste was excellent

Location, building style, staff, facilities

Stayed in February 2025

The only thing is, I wish we could’ve stayed longer.

Amazing property, overlooking the Indian Ocean with a beautiful pool and everything you would want in a Zanzibar resort.

Stayed in March 2025

I loved it

Location and authenticity. Magic On ocean. In stone town. Perfect

Stayed in March 2025

So many positive attributes. Location is superb. Rooms are beautiful, with balconies. Terrace is wonderful. Cuisine is also superb. And most importantly, the staff. They are very nice, helpful, courteous, and kind. Among the staff I interacted with Zainb at reception, Yussuf at concierge, and Jackson at the restaurant. It’s my second visit to Zanzibar and second stay at this hotel.

Stayed in February 2025

Friendly, peacefull and happy…

Stayed in February 2025

Great hotel with terrace overlooking the beach and lovely pool, Breakfast was fantastic and there was even an impromptu ceremony for a guest who was ceebrating their birthday.

Stayed in January 2025

Still waiting for the room safe to be fixed (room 25). Returned home today and no need for the safe anymore but for the next guest.

The best was the staff from the reception to cleaners to restaurant/bar/pool/spa and concierge and the driver. Attentive, kind, polite and professional. And very funny. The location was great and within easy reach of places of interest to us. A lovely hotel with old world charm. Fully enjoyed.

Stayed in February 2025

Hotel is right on the beach, room has a great view. Very quick to get into the main area

Stayed in January 2025

We stayed for three nights and on the first morning I asked for a chapati with my breakfast and I was refused. I assumed it was something the chef didn’t know how to make so I dropped it. But later that day I saw chapatis were on their menu for lunch so for the second morning I asked for a chapati (I wanted something plain to settle my tummy) and received a really abrasive “no”. Eventually another waitress intervened and the chef made me some chapatis and did so on the third and final morning too. As I said to the abrasive waitress, I don’t understand how such a basic request for a basic item could be met with a “no” in a five star hotel charging five star prices. I’ve stayed at the Hyatt down the road a few times and I can assure you they bend over backwards to go above and beyond. I’m not convinced this Serena can say the same.

Stunning hotel. Great location. Great food. Incredible views from the balcony facing the sea. Great pool. Loved it. Most of the staff were very professional and helpful.

Stayed in January 2025