Reviews of Serena Inn
(90%) From 45 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Serena Inn review
Although our stay at Serena was excellent, we have rated Serena as 'good' because of few small details.
There was a mix up at check in. They apparently didn't have our reservation - however there was a John Taylor from the UK on their list. Luckily we had our coupon handy and the matter was quickly resolved.
We were under the impression that Serena's restaurant was the best in town. We dined on the terrace, which was beautiful, however we were disappointed in the quality, taste and presentation of the food. The following evening we crossed the street to 'Beyt al Chai'. We loved their crab coconut soup so much that we returned the following day for lunchl! Also, the Serena's internet, when working, was very slow, so therefore we felt it was overpriced for the time required to use it. Although when the system quit on us, they were considerate enough not to charge us
A walking tour around Stone Town is a must and our guide, Soloman, was excellent. However, Fisherman's Tours didn't have our names on their roster for the day trip to Chumbe, and as the tour was booked up, we were not able to participate - no matter how much we begged! To fill in our day, we went on the half day trip to Prison Island. It was fun to feed the tortoises, and interesting to see the prison that was used as a quarantine station. I had great expectations for the snorkeling, but it cannot compare to snorkeling in the Caribbean. The fish were small and not exceptionally numerous or colourful. There were a great variety of corals and anemones, but the colours were not vivid.
The highlight of the day was on our return boat ride when 2 dolphins, not normally seen in this area, briefly swam along side the boat! That afternoon we rested, which was exactly what we needed after being on the go for the past 12 days. So, in the end, it was fortuitous that we had not been registered on the Chumbe day trip! Our last morning we visited Jozani Forest. As we had experienced so much wilderness and wildlife over the past 12 days, we did not find viewing the monkeys to be as exciting as we had anticipated.
With all this in mind, we would have preferred to visit Stone Town at the beginning of our African visit, staying for only one night at the Serena - enough time for a walking tour and to visit the monkeys at Jozani Forest. This would have been a good initial interaction with wildlife. If we were to stay longer on Zanzibar Island, then we would leave Stone Town and stay in the beach areas.
Serena Inn review
Perfect place to spend the last night of our holiday
Read more about the whole tripSerena Inn review
Warm service, great location, a good way to end a short but full break.
Read more about the whole tripSerena Inn review
Very nice hotel, particularly liked the pool and view. Ideal spot from which to explore Zanzibar town.
Read more about the whole tripSerena Inn review
wonderful , two days not enough to see and do everything we would have liked to have done
Read more about the whole tripSerena Inn review
If you put this hotel almost anywhere else in the world but Stonetown, then it would undoubtedly rate an "excellent". The room was fine, the staff were superb, the food was outstanding (particularly in the Terrace Restaurant) and the facilities available in the hotel were good.
But, Stonetown is such a God-awful place; it was filthy, run down, (even the taxi driver apologised for the state of the place, and this without us saying anything!) and expensive. How people manage to find it "fascinating" (this comment from someone else staying at the Mchanga Beach) is completely beyond us.
Short stay at the Serena Inn
We were given a poor room on arrivel = tiny twin bedded room at the top with a small window but they found a better one for us eventually.
It was a good place to explore Stonetown, very central, and we enjoyed having the pool to cool off.
Serena Inn Review
The Serena Inn was very nice indeed although the room was on the small side. It was lovely having a balcony, and the decoration and furnishings throughout the hotel were all in the best of taste.
Breakfasts were sumptious in the lovely dining-room overlooking the sea which was always busy with commuter dhows at the start of the day. It felt less personal than Fundu but then it is of-course a city hotel and considerably larger.
Luxury in Stonetown
We enjoyed our time at Serena Inn. It is what one would expect from that quality of hotel.
Read more about the whole tripDelightful & friendly Serena Inn
We decided to move to this hotel earlier than anticipated and arrived on Sunday 21st December. Although expensive, we thought every penny was worthwhile as this was a most delightful place to stay. Without exception, all the staff from the cleaners right through to the managers were all friendly and helpful. We were given a fabulous corner room with balcony to the side and front and complimentary basket of fruit. The hotel building was full of character and interest with beautiful features and furnishings.
The location was perfect as we had all the benefits of being by the beach but could meander through the very interesting streets of Stone Town at our leisure as the hotel was so well positioned. Stone Town is interesting with plenty to investigate and we never felt threatened or uncomfortable (except for the humidity) during our stay. An altogether memorable visit.
We have always believed that acting responsibly is the only way to approach tourism and we're one of
the few companies to hold AITO's original coveted 5-star status for responsible tourism. It's a lead
that others are now following.
