Kholle House: Our full report

After three years of restoration work, Kholle House opened its doors in February 2011 as one of Stone Town’s newer boutique hotels. It manages to retain a lot of character with very reasonable prices.

Kholle House was originally 2 houses, which have been knocked together, and some original features, doors and furniture remains. The house is named after Princess Kholle the daughter of the first Sultan of Zanzibar, who built it in 1860 as a place to keep her prized collection of treasures.

Each of the ten rooms has been uniquely decorated, using antique furniture and traditional fabrics which maintain an air of history. Warm yellows, pinks and reds have been used on the walls and in the soft furnishings, adding plenty of colour and interest.

Kholle House has three different bedroom types. The Prestige Rooms and Deluxe Rooms both have a queen-sized bed, en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning and ceiling fan, mosquito net and WiFi. In addition the Prestige Rooms have a seating area and private balcony. The Classic Rooms have a double bed and en-suite bathroom plus air conditioning, and are smaller than the others room types.

The rooftop Swahili-style lounge offers panoramic views of Stone Town and the Indian Ocean from the traditional floor-level seating, strewn with cushions

Downstairs is a bright and airy breakfast room where light snacks, tea, coffee and alcoholic drinks are also available. Outside is a pretty little garden with a few seats, and a small swimming pool. Pools are somewhat of a rarity in Stone Town, especially in the smaller guesthouses, so this is a real bonus, especially on the hotter days.

Our view

Kholle House is a delightful addition to Stone Town’s guesthouses. For budget-conscious travellers who still wish to experience traditional Zanzibari hospitality and design, it’s a great choice.

Geographics

Location: Stone Town, Zanzibar

Ideal length of stay: Two nights for a full day to explore the narrow streets, museums and shops of Stone Town.

Directions: Kholle House is located right in the heart of Stone Town – a five minute walk from most of the sites and a ten minute drive from the airport.

Food & drink

Usual board basis: B&B

Food quality: A full cooked breakfast is offered including eggs cooked to order. For the less hungry there’s toast, jam, bread, fruit tea, coffee and juices. Dinners and lunches must be arranged in advance.

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor Dining

Cost of meal e.g. lunch: £10-15

Drinks included: No

Children

Attitude towards children: Children are welcome

Equipment: Cots are available for babies

Generally recommended for children: The pool should keep children entertained in the heat of the afternoon, so yes we would recommend Kholle House to families.

Notes: Children must be supervised at all times, especially at the pool.

Central communications

Power supply: Mains Electricity

Communications: There is phone reception in the building and WiFi is also available.

TV & radio: None

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: There are many doctors in Stone Town.

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Security measures: There is a 24 hour security guard at Kholle house and staff are willing to accompany walkers to local restaurants if they need directions or feel nervous.

Fire safety: Fire extinguishers are found in the communal areas.

Extras

Disabled access: On Request

Laundry facilities: A laundry service is available for an extra charge.

Money: An exchange service is provided for pounds, dollars and euros but the rates are not very favourable.