Reviews of Emerson on Hurumzi
Wildlife sightings and reviews
7 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Emerson on Hurumzi and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
Ann
Pontesford
"Emerson on Hurumzi review"
2 nights Arrived 20 Jan 2023
"This was an interesting hotel but perhaps, not one for anyone wanting the usual western style rooms and amenities.
And anyone with mobility issues ...stairs are steep and no lift!
Our room, suite in fact, was very comfortable, breakfasts were good and staff helpful.
The rooftop restaurant was great for a sundowner but meal just ok
Two nights was fine. Location was as expected so it was easy to walk around and soak up the sights and atmosphere of Stone Town." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 6n in Zanzibar
And anyone with mobility issues ...stairs are steep and no lift!
Our room, suite in fact, was very comfortable, breakfasts were good and staff helpful.
The rooftop restaurant was great for a sundowner but meal just ok
Two nights was fine. Location was as expected so it was easy to walk around and soak up the sights and atmosphere of Stone Town." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 6n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Facilities:
Average
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Average
Ms E.
London
"Emerson on Hurumzi review"
2 nights Arrived 5 Sep 2022
"Hotel has many attractive period features. But it is very run down.
Roof top restaurant was a fun dining experience" See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania; 6n in Zanzibar; 1n in Kenya
Roof top restaurant was a fun dining experience" See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania; 6n in Zanzibar; 1n in Kenya
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Rooms:
Average
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Service:
Good
Activities:
Good
Feedback Response
We were pleased to hear that these travellers found the hotel attractive and that they enjoyed the rooftop dinner. However, we were very disappointed to note that they found it run-down. This was a great surprise to us at Expert Africa, as Emerson on Hurumzi has long been considered one of the finest traditional-style hotels in Stone Town. The hotel responded to this feedback to say they sincerely apologised for the poor impression received by these guests. During the pandemic, they told us, room occupancy was low, and while upgrades were rolling out in all the rooms, this was not the case in the room these guests stayed in. They greatly regretted that fact and were looking forward to all rooms being upgraded.
Mrs P.S.
Baldock
"atmospheric hotel"
1 night Arrived 23 Sep 2018
"An atmospheric hotel with amazing views from top floor restaurant.
Room had unusual decor and a great view across rooftops to the sea.
Staff were pleasant and helpful but it did not have the amenities of modern hotel....the washroom was on the 3rd floor and we could not get a cup of tea served in the afternoon even though there were numerous landings with the odd table and chairs set up.
There is no lift and the stairs are quite steep." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar; 1n in Kenya
Room had unusual decor and a great view across rooftops to the sea.
Staff were pleasant and helpful but it did not have the amenities of modern hotel....the washroom was on the 3rd floor and we could not get a cup of tea served in the afternoon even though there were numerous landings with the odd table and chairs set up.
There is no lift and the stairs are quite steep." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar; 1n in Kenya
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Mike & Janette
UK
"Amazing place to stay"
2 nights Arrived 30 Jun 2018
"Fabulous hotel and loved Stone Town"
See all these reviews: 7n in Zanzibar; 6n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Dad
UK
"Emerson on Hurumzi"
2 nights Arrived 19 Feb 2018
"We enjoyed staying in an historic house in the middle of the town. We had to have our driver carry our bags some way as cars cant reach the hotel. I was slightly jealous of those hotels along the beachfront with swimming pools, until I heard they were hassled by street sellers every time they left the hotel and went on to the beach or surrounding area, whereas we had no problems whatsoever. There were invitations to visit inside the shops but not too pushy.
The staff were helpful. The breakfast was in a small courtyard. It would have been lovely to have been on a terrace overlooking the town. I believe there was a restaurant on top, but the reviews I read did not give it a good write up, so we chose other restaurant for our evening meals. 2 nights and 1/5 days were just the right time, as it is extremely hot walking around the town." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar
The staff were helpful. The breakfast was in a small courtyard. It would have been lovely to have been on a terrace overlooking the town. I believe there was a restaurant on top, but the reviews I read did not give it a good write up, so we chose other restaurant for our evening meals. 2 nights and 1/5 days were just the right time, as it is extremely hot walking around the town." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Good
Service:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Miss M & Mr D
Kent
"West suite in 236 Hurumzi"
2 nights Arrived 2 Aug 2011
"Our 2 night stay at 236 Hurumzi was disappointing after our first leg. We were first shown to a room resembling a prison cell with no windows, generally grubby, and in the adjoining building. With a maisonette kitchen, it felt like a youth hostel, certainly not what we wanted on honeymoon! We then spoke to reception about our room and were offered a similar room next door. Finally we were begrudgingly offered the West suite which was a beautiful room. Unfortunately by that stage the experience had been tarnished by this poor start. We got the distinct impression that unless you knew to request one of the nicer suites, you would be put in the far less impressive part of the hotel.
Our stay at Hurumzi was so disappointing because you could see that as a hotel it had so much potential. Unfortunately, despite the good views and ideal location in Stone Town the overall experience was poor. The food was uneventful, overpriced and at times rather bland with very slow service. The decor was beautiful in places but starting to look shabby and unkempt. Large numbers of staff who loitered around the hotel gave it a strange and rather unrelaxing feel at times. The service was very average and not particularly friendly." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 2n in Zanzibar
Our stay at Hurumzi was so disappointing because you could see that as a hotel it had so much potential. Unfortunately, despite the good views and ideal location in Stone Town the overall experience was poor. The food was uneventful, overpriced and at times rather bland with very slow service. The decor was beautiful in places but starting to look shabby and unkempt. Large numbers of staff who loitered around the hotel gave it a strange and rather unrelaxing feel at times. The service was very average and not particularly friendly." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 2n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Poor
Location:
Good
Service:
Poor
Rooms:
Poor
Food:
Average
The Kites
Palo Alto
"236 Hurumzi review"
1 night Arrived 24 Jul 2008
"We stayed at 236 Hurumzi for one night at the conclusion of our trip to Zanzibar. It is known for its array of striking rooms, and we enjoyed the peculiar architecture of the building.
We stayed in the room called the Keep, which had an interesting open floor plan, a private bedroom with a large harem-style bed and air conditioning, and a private rooftop terrace with excellent views of the city. From their literature it is clear that the hotel, formerly known as Emerson and Green, underwent an impressive restoration in the late 90's making the hotel that it is today. Although it is still clear that a great deal of creative design energy went into the beautiful renovation, it is now beginning showing its age, and it seems that the hotel's upkeep is not quite equal to its original vision.
Service was adequate, but not as attentive as the high-end resorts or hotels.
We heard great things about the dinner at the rooftop restaurant, but we were unable to get a reservation. The included breakfast was served at the rooftop, and we had fantastic views of Stone Town and the sea. These appear to be the best views available from a hotel. The breakfast itself was unimpressive, however.
We did not utilize the hotel's expertise for local tours or excursions. It has a good location in Stone Town, as it is near most attractions.
All in all, my wife and I had a decent, but not unforgettable stay." See all these reviews: 1n in Zanzibar
We stayed in the room called the Keep, which had an interesting open floor plan, a private bedroom with a large harem-style bed and air conditioning, and a private rooftop terrace with excellent views of the city. From their literature it is clear that the hotel, formerly known as Emerson and Green, underwent an impressive restoration in the late 90's making the hotel that it is today. Although it is still clear that a great deal of creative design energy went into the beautiful renovation, it is now beginning showing its age, and it seems that the hotel's upkeep is not quite equal to its original vision.
Service was adequate, but not as attentive as the high-end resorts or hotels.
We heard great things about the dinner at the rooftop restaurant, but we were unable to get a reservation. The included breakfast was served at the rooftop, and we had fantastic views of Stone Town and the sea. These appear to be the best views available from a hotel. The breakfast itself was unimpressive, however.
We did not utilize the hotel's expertise for local tours or excursions. It has a good location in Stone Town, as it is near most attractions.
All in all, my wife and I had a decent, but not unforgettable stay." See all these reviews: 1n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Average
Rooms:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Showing
1-7
of
7
Holiday styles & special interests in Zanzibar
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Zanzibar.
Other lodges in Stone Town
Alternative places to stay in this same area.