Reviews of Zanzibar Palace Hotel
Wildlife sightings and reviews
51 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Zanzibar Palace Hotel and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
"Zanzibar Palace Hotel review"
The room was Quirky with a capital Q. Spacious with our own private ante-room/lounge to leave our luggage that had a big internal window that looked over the hotel staircase, so curtains needed to be kept shut. A large bathroom and enormous bath with overhead shower hose that served as a shower. Not the easiest bath to get in and out of, risk of slipping. Of some concern were the small steps throughout the room. All painted one colour, dark green, and hard to see. In the comments at the hotel we suggested perhaps painting the step a different colour as they really were a tripping hazard. The double bed was a small double, yet a superking would have fitted. I shared it with my daughter and my husband had the single bed. The decor was lush and vibrant, gold trims, rich greens and mustards, plentiful sequins. Excellent aircon and good mosquito nets were appreciated. Rodrick behind the desk was helpful and smiley. Spoke with an Italian lady also (owner?manager?) who was very helpful, making sure our driver from Fishermans Tours (or similar name) was going to arrive in time to get us to the boat for Chumbe.
Breakfast was tasty and service good. The crispiest bacon, delicious!" See all these reviews: 6n in Zanzibar; 4n in Tanzania
"Zanzibar Palace Hotel review"
I have stayed twice and the larger rooms are certainly worth it." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania; 1n in Zanzibar; 1n in Kenya
"Zanzibar Palace Hotel review"
There is a large variety in room style though - 3 different sized rooms on each floor, replicated over the 3 floors. We ended up in the smaller double room and had no space for luggage off the floor as the safe was positioned in the middle of the one and only shelf. It would have been helpful to have somewhere we could sort through our bags other than spreading out and covering the floor. If we were staying more than 2 nights this would have been a problem. The other room the teenagers had had 2 double beds, a massive bathroom and shelving and a seperate seating area. We just didn't trust them with all the luggage!
The cooked breakfast was lovely, the buffet was simple and the lunch/ dinner seemed expensive considering we ate at restaurants right by the sea for less." See all these reviews: 6n in Zanzibar; 5n in Tanzania
"Zanzibar Palace Hotel review"
Rooms not luxurious but full of character and quirks. Nice bar with friendly bar staff. Full breakfast in the morning before stepping out into the heart of Stone Town.
Lovely to be able to stay in our rooms until the evening as we had such a late flight home.
Fascinating place to spend spend 24hrs and to feel very much part of the town with its hustle and bustle on the door step." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar
"Zanzibar Palace Hotel review"
My room (a luxury room) was very small and I would recommend going for a larger room or a suite." See all these reviews: 7n in Zanzibar; 5n in Tanzania; 1n in Kenya
"Unique hotel with central location"
The breakfast was very tasty with a lovely selection of fresh fruit and cooked options.
The location is perfect for exploring old Stonetown." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania; 6n in Zanzibar
"Pleasant centrally-located stay in Stone Town"
Our room was very nice and spacious, as we had a suite on the top floor. The room had a mini balcony which we utilized in the evenings when the sun had gone down a bit - provided a nice view of the roofs around Stone Town.
Breakfast was included and very nice each morning, and we especially enjoyed the omelettes. The staff was very friendly and made conversation each day, remembering our names and asking about our experiences around town.
The only other piece of feedback is regarding accessibility - if anyone has difficulty navigating stairs, then the suites at the hotel may not be well-suited, as they are up 3 flights of stairs that are slightly uneven (which is expected given this used to a personal home)." See all these reviews: 5n in Zanzibar; 4n in Tanzania
"Quirky/old fashioned stay at Zanzibar Palace"
"Perfect beginning to our honeymoon"
The room and facilities were amazing; Dunia suite was superb with the great surprise of the outdoor bathroom and private roof terrace overlooking the whole of Stone Town.
The staff were all so friendly and extremely helpful-nothing was too much trouble for them. The hotel staff organised for us to have a personal tour guide; he was extremely knowledgable and very pleasant. Breakfast was superb with plenty of choice." See all these reviews: 9n in Zanzibar; 4n in Tanzania
"Zanzibar Palace Hotel review"
The restaurant was expensive with a limited choice - we enjoyed breakfast and never saw anyone eating otherwise." See all these reviews: 5n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar
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.
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.
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.
Park Hyatt
The Park Hyatt Zanzibar is a high-quality example of this group, with excellent facilities and service.
Maru Maru Hotel
In the heart of Stone Town, Maru Maru combines contemporary style and creature comforts with a Zanzibari twist.
Seyyida Hotel
The Seyyida is a characterful old hotel near the seafront in Stone Town, with the rare bonus of a swimming pool.
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.
