About The Seyyida Hotel
The Seyyida Hotel is in an excellent location, close to the waterfront and with wonderful views over the harbour.
It has 18 rooms, modern interiors and is within easy walking distance of the old town. It is also one of the few hotels in Stone Town with a swimming pool.
We particularly like the location of The Seyyida Hotel and the views from the rooftop restaurant are lovely. It certainly has a lot of character and provides a comfortable base for exploring Stone Town and the surrounding area. It is also one of the more economical hotels in this area.
Our view
We particularly like the location of The Seyyida Hotel and the views from the rooftop restaurant are lovely. It certainly has a lot of character and provides a comfortable base for exploring Stone Town and the surrounding area. It is also one of the more economical hotels in this area.
Accommodation
18 rooms
Children
Fine for all ages
Open
All year
Activities
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Self-guided walking
Snorkelling
Watersports







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View galleryThe Seyyida Hotel: Our full report
The Seyyida Hotel is in an excellent location, close to the waterfront and with wonderful views over the harbour.
It has 18 rooms, modern interiors and is within easy walking distance of the old town. It is also one of the few hotels in Stone Town with a swimming pool.
Set over three floors, The Seyyida Hotel consists of 18 rooms, 17 of these can be arranged as either a double or a twin, while one is a family suite which is capable of accommodating a family of four. The rooms feel smart and modern, with white wash walls and tile floors. Windows along one side of the room let in plenty of light and the rooms feel bright and spacious. Each has a comfy chair and coffee table, while a wooden vanity table stands against a wall. All rooms have air conditioning, which provides blissful relief from the hot Zanzibari sun. Four rooms have a balcony and come with a sea view.
Please note: we understand the Seyyida has no smoke detectors, so we are currently only happy to book ground-floor rooms.
All rooms have en-suite bathrooms. These are styled in a similar fashion to the bedrooms, with a shower, single basin, shelves and hanging rails. Bathrobes and complimentary toiletries are provided.
There is one family apartment at the Seyyida, located in a small courtyard which is connected to the main hotel. This consists of two bedrooms, one a double and one a twin, with an interconnecting lounge and kitchenette.
A lovely feature of the Seyyida is the large swimming pool, which is located in a courtyard on the first floor. Not many hotels in Stone Town have a swimming pool, so this is a real bonus, and this is a great spot to cool off after a morning exploring the old town.
The restaurant is located on the rooftop terrace and serves breakfast, light lunches and evening meals. This is a great location and gives lovely views over the harbor, come here to enjoy an evening drink and watch the sun setting over the sea.
Although many travellers will only stay a night on arrival in Zanzibar, or before flying home, we would recommend you stay for two or three nights, giving you the chance to explore Stone Town and soak up the atmosphere. There is plenty to do here, with lots of excursions on offer. If this is your first time to the island then we would recommend going on a Stone Town Discovery Tour which will give you a fascinating insight in to the history and culture of the area. Chat to us for recommendations and advice.
Geographics
- Location
- Stone Town, Zanzibar
- Ideal length of stay
- Stay for two or three nights to explore the area and go on excursions.
- Directions
- The Seyyida Hotel is a 15-minute drive from Zanzibar Airport.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- All meals are served at the terrace restaurant on the top floor of the hotel. Dishes are international in flavour, however expect to see traditional options on the menu such as a Zanzibari curry. When we have stayed here previously the food has been both plentiful and tasty.
- Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is available on request
- Drinks included
- Drinks are at extra cost, with beer around $4 and around $6 for a glass of wine. Bottled water is provided in the rooms.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- The Seyyida accepts children of all ages.
- Property’s age restrictions
- None
- Generally recommended for children
- The Seyyida is a good choice for families. The family apartment can work well for younger children and the swimming pool is a bonus.
Communications
- Communications
- There is good WiFi throughout the hotel.
- TV & radio
- There are TV’s in the bedrooms.
- Water supply
- Mains
Health & safety
- Medical care
- Staff are trained in first aid and there is a hospital in Stone Town.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- There are electronic safes in the rooms.
- Fire safety
- Fire extinguishers are dotted throughout the hotel.
Activities
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Self-guided walking
Snorkelling
Watersports
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is at extra cost with prices ranging from $2 - $5 per item. This is a 24-hour service.
- Accepted payment on location
- The Seyyida can accept most currencies as well as major credit and debit cards. There is a 5% surcharge for card payments.
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The Seyyida Hotel's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Seyyida Hotel.
Other 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.

Dhow Palace Hotel
The Dhow Palace is a very good-value, mid-range hotel, full of Swahili character, and the pool makes it appealing to families.

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.
When to go to Stone Town
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Seyyida 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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