About Dhow Palace Hotel
The Dhow Palace Hotel in Stone Town is a beautiful old building full of Swahili character.
Originally, the building belonged to a wealthy Arab from the Omani royal family. It then remained as a private house until nineteen years ago, when it was fully renovated and became a hotel. The original structure is 150 years old (an extension was added several years ago) and the Dhow Palace still houses many antiques from the era of Arabian rule.
The Dhow Palace Hotel is one of the more charming hotels that we saw in Stone Town. It is very atmospheric, friendly and welcoming. For the quality of service, standard of room and general feel of this excellent mid-range hotel – it is great value.
Our view
The Dhow Palace Hotel is one of the more charming hotels that we saw in Stone Town. It is very atmospheric, friendly and welcoming. For the quality of service, standard of room and general feel of this excellent mid-range hotel – it is great value.
Zanzibar expert
Accommodation
30 rooms
Children
Good for any age
Open
All year
Activities
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Self-guided walking
Snorkelling
Watersports
Traveller reviews of Dhow Palace Hotel
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View galleryDhow Palace Hotel: Our full report
The Dhow Palace Hotel in Stone Town is a beautiful old building full of Swahili character.
Originally, the building belonged to a wealthy Arab from the Omani royal family. It then remained as a private house until nineteen years ago, when it was fully renovated and became a hotel. The original structure is 150 years old (an extension was added several years ago) and the Dhow Palace still houses many antiques from the era of Arabian rule.
The Dhow Palace Hotel sits amongst the streets of Shangani, in the heart of Stone Town. It isn't by the sea, but from the rooftop restaurant there are some wonderful views across the multi-coloured iron roofs of Stone Town. It is an Islamic hotel, owned by the same people that own the Tembo Hotel and is alcohol free. Though there are plenty or nearby bars and restaurants where you can stop for a drink.
Built around two central courtyards, the Dhow Palace Hotel is relatively small, though it does have a central swimming pool, a pool table, and a table-football table. The pool is of a reasonable size and always has a few people lounging around it to cool off. Surrounding it is a red-tiled floor and lovely stone seats, one of which was occupied by the resident cat on our last visit. It is a great hotel for families and when we were last there, there were a number of families staying so the atmosphere was quite bustling and fun. To the side of the pool is a small games area with a pool table and a table-football table. This seems to be where most of the children hang out to compete against each other for championship titles! The adults can then relax to the side of this, where there is a lovely lounge area furnished with Zanzibari antiques.
The rooms tower up on either side of these two courtyards, and are reached by two sets of stairs. Along the wide corridors are some fascinating pieces of furniture, including an antique gramophone, and even an old upright piano!
There is also a lovely rooftop restaurant which serves a variety of fairly good international cuisine – though the main reason for dining here would be to enjoy the view - the open-sided terrace is wonderful on a bright day as you can see right across Stone Town and over roofs to the ocean.
The hotel has 29 Standard Suites and one slightly larger and grander Presidential Suite. All of the rooms are furnished with a mixture of locally crafted Zanzibari furniture, and items imported from India. The rooms are not spectacular or particularly large, but they are very comfortable and full of character and charm.
Geographics
- Location
- Stone Town, Zanzibar
- Ideal length of stay
- 1 or 2 nights to give you time to explore Stone Town.
- Directions
- It takes around 35 minutes to fly to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam, and then it is a further 10 minutes to Stone Town and the Dhow Palace Hotel.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- Breakfast is served between 7.00am until 9.30am. It is a buffet style breakfast consisting of fruit, cereal, tea & coffee and eggs of your choice. For the adventurous there are also a few 'mandazis' to nibble on – these are essentially a Tanzanian version of the doughnut!
Lunch is served from 12 until 3pm, and is a simple snack menu with a variety of sandwiches, salads, chips etc to choose from. Dinner is then a more extensive 3-course a la carte menu which is available between 7pm and 9.30pm in the evening.
The menu consists of fairly standard international cuisine, with a few traditional Swahili options. Everyone should find some thing to their taste. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is available at the Dhow Palace Hotel free of charge.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are not included.
Special interests
- Family holidays
- The charming, great-value Dhow Palace Hotel in Stone Town offers a stay full of Swahili character during your Zanzibar family holidays. Expect a pool, a table-football table, cots and high chairs and friendly service! Under-fives stay free.
- See ideas for Family holidays in Zanzibar
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children are welcome at the Dhow Palace
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions at the Dhow Palace Hotel - though children under 5 years can stay for free.
- Special activities & services
- There are no special services or activities for children.
- Equipment
- Cots and highchairs are available on request.
- Generally recommended for children
- Yes
- Notes
- This is a great hotel for children, as there are plenty of things to keep them occupied during their stay. Though parents should be aware, that their children are their own responsibility for the duration of their stay.
Communications
- Communications
- The Dhow Palace Hotel has phones in all of the rooms which can be used to order room service. There is free Wifi throughout the hotel and there is also a computer that can be used in the reception.
- TV & radio
- There is a TV in all of the rooms with local and international channels.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- The Dhow Palace Hotel is in Stone Town where there are plenty of doctors as well as a private hospital nearby.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- There are guards by the hotel doors around the clock.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in all of the passages.
Activities
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Self-guided walking
Snorkelling
Watersports
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- The laundry is an extra charge – when we were last there it was between $1 -2 per item.
- Money
- At the Dhow Palace Hotel you can exchange dollars, pounds and euros. The Dhow Palace cannot exchange travellers' cheques.
- Accepted payment on location
- You can pay for any extras in pounds, euros, dollars and shillings cash. Visa and Mastercard is also accepted and there is no surcharge for this.
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Dhow Palace Hotel's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Dhow Palace Hotel.
Excursions from Dhow Palace Hotel
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Dhow Palace Hotel. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
Jambiani Village Tour
Half-day - mornings
Tear yourself away from the soft white sands of Zanzibar to get under the skin of the history and culture of Jambiani village. Join a knowledgeable local guide to discover the intricacies of day-to-day life in this traditional coastal village, with much of the profits being ploughed back into the community.
More about Village Tour
Jozani Forest Tour
Half-day or combine with other tours
For nature lovers, Jozani Forest is a must. One of the last sanctuaries of the red colobus monkey, it features a diverse range of habitats, from mangrove forests to salt marshes. Keep your eyes peeled for other forest residents, including Sykes’ monkey, bushbabies, duikers and more than 40 species of bird.
More about Jozani Forest
Princess Salme Spice Tour
Half-day
Discover the captivating story of the smart and rebellious Princess Sayyida Salme, the youngest daughter of Sultan Said. Join a knowledgeable local guide to follow in her footsteps through palaces and plantations, as well as the fascinating Zanzibar spice trade on a working plantation.
More about Princess Spice Tour
Prison Island Tour
Half-day
Escape the hustle and bustle of Stone Town on a 30-minute boat ride to Changuu Island, now commonly known as Prison Island. This is your chance to find out about the darker side of Zanzibar history, as well as to get up close with the island’s Aldabra giant tortoises, and to engage in a spot of coastal snorkelling.
More about Prison Island
Stone Town Discovery Tour
Half-day
Spend a morning wandering through Stone Town’s maze of alleyways with an erudite Zanzibari resident, meeting the locals, marvelling at its fusion of architecture and cultures, learning about the food, music, beliefs and everyday life, for an utterly fascinating experience.
More about Stone Town Tour
Swahili Cooking Workshop
Half-day or combine with other tours
Zanzibar’s cuisine and culinary influences are as exotic as the island itself. This genuinely authentic culinary workshop will take you to the heart of the spice farm region, teach you how to select and blend an array of spices, create souvenir blends, and guide you through cooking a traditional Swahili meal.
More about Swahili Cookery
Zanzibar Dhow Safari
Full day - approx. eight hours
Discover the coast and islands of the Menai Bay from a traditional Zanzibari dhow. Explore this beautiful marine conservation area with a local guide, snorkelling over coral reefs, swimming through mangrove lagoons and keeping an eye out for dolphins. To top it all, you’ll also be treated to a fabulous beach barbecue.
More about Zanzibar Dhow SafariOther lodges in Stone Town
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Zanzibar Coffee House
The Zanzibar Coffee House is a small quiet hotel tucked away in the back streets of Stone Town, with lovely, simple rooms.
Serena Inn
Now trumped by the nearby Park Hyatt, the Serena Inn, in its historic building, was formerly Stone Town's only international-style hotel.
Zanzibar Palace Hotel
The Zanzibar Palace Hotel is a highly regarded boutique hotel with very personal service and just nine rooms, all of them Zanzibari in style.
Beyt al Salaam
The Beyt al Salaam is a pleasant, boutique hotel with only six rooms and atmospheric and stylish Zanzibari décor.
Emerson Spice
Emerson Spice is a beautiful small hotel in the heart of Stone Town with individually designed rooms adorned with gorgeous fabrics.
Kholle House
Kholle House offers an atmospheric Stone Town stay in a historic building, and is very good value for money.
Jafferji House
Jafferji House is a converted old house that blends modern facilities with traditional style. The ten, unique rooms are show great attention to detail.
Swahili House
Swahili House is a traditionally styled boutique hotel furnished to a high standard with a convenient location in the centre of Stone Town.
Tembo Hotel
The Tembo Hotel is a good-value, family-friendly hotel right on the seafront in Stone Town, with 36 rooms and a good-sized swimming pool.
Emerson on Hurumzi
Emerson on Hurumzi was Stone Town's first boutique hotel, featuring antique furniture, unique, stylish rooms and a superb rooftop restaurant.
Mbweni Ruins Hotel
Mbweni Ruins Hotel is very convenient if you want to stay on the beach, but very close to Stone Town, or visit Chumbe Island.
Maru Maru Hotel
In the heart of Stone Town, Maru Maru combines contemporary style and creature comforts with a Zanzibari twist.
Park Hyatt
The Park Hyatt Zanzibar is a high-quality example of this group, with excellent facilities and service.
Kisiwa House
Kisiwa's central location in the heart of Stone Town's Shangani area makes it a great base to explore this fascinating town.
Seyyida Hotel
The Seyyida is a characterful old hotel near the seafront in Stone Town, with the rare bonus of a swimming pool.
When to go to Stone Town
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Dhow Palace Hotel in Stone Town
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Zanzibar in January
As on the Tanzanian mainland, January typically marks the start of the short dry season in Zanzibar. Conditions are likely to be hot and mostly dry, with temperatures exceeding 30ºC, although it is not uncommon to get a tropical shower in the afternoons. January can feel very humid at times, and this is particularly noticeable in Stone Town, although this can be tempered by the cooling sea breeze.
New Year is one of the most popular times to visit Zanzibar, with many hotels being fully booked over the festive period. The island generally becomes much quieter after 10th January, and prices drop too.
- Mostly hot with the occasional shower.
- High humidity, which can be relieved by the refreshing breeze.
- Very busy over New Year, with high prices and long minimum stays often
- Quieter and better value later in the month.
- Wind from the northeast, and so the southwest coast is more sheltered.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in January
Zanzibar in February
The weather in February is fairly similar to January, with days typically being hot and sunny although expect the occasional rainy spell. The humidity remains high, however the coastal areas often have a refreshing breeze. Zanzibar is fairly quiet in February, and with comparatively low prices it can be excellent value for money.
At this time the wind blows from the northeast, and so the southwest coast is often more sheltered and there can be good diving in the Menai Bay. The northeast winds can also lead to good conditions for kite surfing, with many kite surfers heading to the southeast coast and Michamvi Peninsula. For music lovers, Stone Town hosts an annual African music festival ‘Sauti za Busara’ each February. The festival's dates change each year; ask us for details.
- Variable: mostly hot and humid with some cloud and rainy spells.
- Fewer tourists and comparatively low prices.
- Popular time for kite surfing, especially around the southeast coast.
- North easterly wind, better diving in the south west of the island.
- ‘Sauti za Busara’ music festival in early February.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in February
Zanzibar in March
March sees the start of the ‘long rains’ in Zanzibar, although the exact start date varies every year. The weather can be unpredictable, with a combination of hot sunny days, rain showers, and the occasional tropical storm. The arrival of the rains lowers the humidity, and it can also lead to some beautiful sunsets – most obviously on the west coast where you can watch the sunset over the ocean. Prices remain low during March, and the island is likely to be relatively quiet.
Diving is generally not recommended during the rainy season, as variable conditions can lead to reduced visibility from rainfall runoff, and choppy water.
- Hot and humid, leading to heavy rains later in the month.
- Low prices, and the island is comparatively quiet.
- Variable weather leads to poor conditions for diving.
- The start of the rains can lead to beautiful sunsets.
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in March
Zanzibar in April
April is typically the wettest month of the year in Zanzibar, and the long rains are in full force. The average rainfall is more than 250mm during this month, and tropical storms are common. Flooding regularly occurs, which can impact the quality of the roads, and consequently cause difficult, slow journeys across the island. Many of the hotels and beach lodges close at this time, so accommodation options can be limited. Having said this, prices are at their lowest, and if you don’t mind the risk of bad weather you can get some real bargains.
Despite the poor conditions, Easter weekend is often popular, and advance booking is recommended. Due to the strong likelihood of rain and poor conditions diving is inadvisable at this time.
- Heavy rain and tropical storms expected throughout the month.
- Areas of flooding leading to poor travel conditions.
- Many hotels close for refurbishment at this time.
- Low prices and few other tourists.
- Diving inadvisable due to heavy rain and reduced visibility.
Our view
A time to avoid if possible
Weather in April
Zanzibar in May
The long rains continue into May, and as with April you can expect thunderstorms and heavy showers, although these typically ease up towards the end of the month. Parts of the island can experience flooding, causing damage to roads and impacting travel times. The temperature typically drops a little in May, with a daytime average of around 25ºC. The rains lead to a lower humidity too, and mornings and evenings can feel a bit cooler.
Many of the hotels and lodges are still closed, however a handful stay open and prices remain low. While diving is possible, the rain and storms mean that diving conditions are not at their best.
- Continuation of the long rains, with thunderstorms and lightning.
- Flooding common, but conditions becoming drier as the month progresses
- Drop in temperatures, with cooler mornings and evenings.
- Prices low, and many hotels remain closed.
Our view
A time to avoid if possible
Weather in May
Zanzibar in June
June marks the start of the long dry season in Zanzibar. While the island still gets rainfall, especially early in the month, it’s becomes less likely as the month progresses. Temperatures remain steady, with daytime highs averaging 25ºC, and it likely to be mostly dry. Any rain you do experience is likely to be in shorter bursts rather than heavy storms and hours of continuous rain, although conditions vary from year to year.
The wind direction switches to blow from the southeast, and the northeast coast is likely to be more sheltered at this time. Diving conditions can be variable, and while they are generally good there can be some rough days.
- Variable weather: mostly hot and dry, with some rainy showers.
- Wind from the southwest, and more sheltered in the north east.
- Diving conditions variable, dependent on the wind and rain.
- Lower prices and generally good weather can lead to great value.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in June
Zanzibar in July
July is a very popular time to go to Zanzibar, and this coincides with the long dry season. July and August are the school holidays throughout much of Europe, and Zanzibar can often be busy with families. Weather conditions are generally hot and dry and pretty ideal for a beach holiday, however there is still a chance of an occasional short shower. Conditions for diving are typically pretty good, however this will be dependent on recent weather conditions.
The Zanzibar International Film Festival takes place in July, with lots of people flocking to Stone Town to soak up the atmosphere. The dates for the festival change every year, so chat to Expert Africa for details.
- Typically hot and dry with clear skies, although showers are possible.
- Can become very busy, with many families traveling during holidays.
- Zanzibar International Film Festival takes place in Stone Town.
- Great beach weather result in high prices.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in July
Zanzibar in August
August is one of the most popular times of year to visit Zanzibar, and with good reason; this is one of the driest months and it is typically hot with clear skies – ideal for relaxing on the beach. Many families choose to visit during August, and the island can be busy, and this is particularly noticeable in Stone Town and around the more popular snorkelling sites.
High demand can mean that many of the more popular hotels and beach lodges can be booked up more than 6 months ahead, so advance booking is crucial. Due to the popularity and great beach weather prices are high.
- Hot and sunny, generally ideal for relaxing on the beach.
- Popular time for families and the island can be busy.
- High demand leads to higher prices, and advance booking is essential.
- With little rain falling and causing soil run-off, the sea is clear.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Zanzibar in September
September is an excellent time of year to visit Zanzibar. Weather conditions are typically very good, with clear skies and temperatures ranging from 20¬–30ºC. September is also one of the driest months, averaging 50mm of rain during the month, however rain showers are still possible. Due to the great beach conditions prices remain high, however with fewer families travelling in September the island can be a little quieter at this time.
September to December are often some of the calmest months at sea, which can result in superb conditions for diving. The wind typically blows from the southeast, and the northeast coast can often be a little more sheltered. You can find some beautiful snorkelling and diving spots around Mnemba Island.
- Warm temperatures and clear skies, with the off-chance of rain.
- Fewer families travelling, and the island can be a little quieter.
- Great beach weather means that prices remain high.
- Relatively calm seas result in good conditions for diving.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Zanzibar in October
October is the tail end of the dry season and you can generally expect hot, dry conditions. The short rains typically start in early November, and so this does mean that there is an increased likelihood of rainy spells as the month progresses. October remains a popular month to travel, particularly so during the European half-term school holidays, and advance booking is advised.
With high demand and great weather prices remain high, however there are some long-stay special offers to be found. South-easterly winds mean that the northeast coast can be more sheltered and conditions for diving can be good.
- End of the dry season, generally good beach weather.
- Increased chance of rain, particularly near the end of the month.
- Popular with families during the half-term school holiday.
- High demand means prices remain high.
- Northeast coast generally more sheltered.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Zanzibar in November
The short rains start during November, however their exact start varies year on year. You are likely to experience a mixture of hot, dry days with the occasional tropical shower, however we find that short showers can actually be quite refreshing. With the start of the rains the humidity can shoot up and while the coastal properties tend to receive a pleasant cooling breeze Stone Town and the island interior can feel quite hot and clammy.
Prices drop in November and there are some real bargains to be found. This time of year can be great value for money, especially near the start of the month when the weather conditions are very comparable to late October. The demand is generally lower, and the island starts to feel much quieter.
- Variable weather: mostly hot and dry but with some clouds and rain.
- Hot temperatures, with humidity on the rise.
- Less busy than October, and with lower prices it can be great value.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Zanzibar in December
December falls in to the short rainy season, and the weather can be variable. Days are likely to be hot and humid, with the occasional patch of rain, although showers can be a blessing in disguise as they help to lower the temperature. Early December is fairly quiet and prices are low, however this changes dramatically over Christmas and New Year.
The festive season, from around 20th December to 5th January, is arguably the most popular time to visit Zanzibar. Prices are at their highest, and long minimum stays are imposed. Due to the very high demand booking early is essential, especially if you’re a group or a large family. Book six months to a year in advance, or even more, if possible.
- Variable weather, with a mix of hot, sunny days and tropical showers.
- High humidity, which may be mitigated by the cool ocean breeze.
- Quiet with lower prices earlier in the month.
- Busy and exceptionally popular over Christmas and New Year.
- Advance booking over Christmas and New Year is essential.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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