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Zanzibar Serena Hotel

5.0 star property

Photo gallery for Zanzibar Serena Hotel

Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, lifeguards on site
View from property
Terrace/patio
Lobby sitting area
Honeymoon Suite | View from room

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Parking included
  • Room service
  • Spa
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View map
Kelele Square, Stone Town, Zanzibar Town
  • Place, Shangani Beach
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Forodhani Gardens
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Slave Market
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Airport, Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.)
    ‪11 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Standard Double room

Standard Double room

Standard Double room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(9 reviews)
  • 26 sq m
  • Partial ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Superior Double or Twin Room, Ocean View

Superior Double or Twin Room, Ocean View

Superior Double or Twin Room, Ocean View

  • 28 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Executive Suite

Executive Suite | Living room

Executive Suite

  • 58 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room

1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

Standard Room

  • Sleeps 2

Sea View Room

  • Sleeps 2

Executive Double Suite

  • Sleeps 2

Premium Double Suite

  • Sleeps 2

Single Prime Suite For Single Use

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Executive Suite

Living area

Executive Suite

  • Sleeps 2

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About the area

Zanzibar Town

With a stay at Zanzibar Serena Hotel, you'll be centrally located in Zanzibar Town, steps from Nakupenda Beach and within a 5-minute walk of Shangani Beach. .This beach hotel is 0.3 mi (0.4 km) from Old Fort and 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Forodhani Gardens.

What's nearby

  • Shangani Beach - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Old Fort - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Forodhani Gardens - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Zanzibar Ferry Terminal - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Slave Market - 10 min walk - 0.9 km

Getting around

  • Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ) - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Forodhani Park - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪House of Karafuu - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Zenji Garden Café - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Beach House Restaurant - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪6 Degrees South - ‬2 min walk

About this property

Zanzibar Serena Hotel

Luxury Zanzibar Town hotel connected to a shopping center, steps from Nakupenda Beach
Zanzibar Serena Hotel offers 51 air-conditioned accommodations with minibars and laptop-compatible safes. Rooms open to balconies. Each accommodation is individually furnished. Beds feature premium bedding. 21-inch LCD televisions come with premium satellite channels. Bathrooms include separate bathtubs and showers, bathrobes, slippers, and designer toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones. Additionally, rooms include complimentary bottled water and coffee/tea makers. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered daily. Amenities available on request include in-room massages.

An outdoor pool and a children's pool are on site.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

The onsite spa has 2 treatment rooms including rooms for couples. Services include facials, body scrubs, body treatments, and manicures and pedicures. The spa is open daily.
Make yourself at home in one of the 51 individually furnished guestrooms, featuring minibars and LCD televisions. Rooms have private balconies. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms feature separate bathtubs and showers, designer toiletries, and hair dryers.
Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages, body treatments, and facials. You can take advantage of recreational amenities such as an outdoor pool and bicycles to rent. Additional features at this hotel include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and babysitting (surcharge).
Grab a bite at Baharia Restaurant, one of the hotel's 2 restaurants, or stay in and take advantage of the 24-hour room service. Snacks are also available at the coffee shop/cafe. Mingle with other guests at the complimentary reception, held daily. Unwind at the end of the day with a drink at the bar/lounge or the poolside bar.
Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in Zanzibar Town? This hotel has 621 square feet (58 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available 24 hours), and free self parking is available onsite.
A complimentary manager's reception is offered each day.
Baharia Restaurant - Overlooking the ocean, this restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Terrace Restaurant - Overlooking the ocean, this restaurant specializes in seafood and serves dinner only. Reservations are required. Open daily.
24-hour room service is available.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • 24-hour return airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Free self parking on site
  • Onsite parking includes off-street options

Food and drink

  • 2 restaurants
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A poolside bar
  • Couples/private dining
  • Free daily manager's reception
  • Private picnics
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Baharia Restaurant
  • Terrace Restaurant

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Children's pool
  • Full-service spa
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Children's pool
  • In-room babysitting
  • Laundry facilities
  • Lifeguards on site
  • Outdoor pool
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service

Business services

  • 24-hour business centre
  • 621 square feet of conference space
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Garden
  • On the beach
  • Picnic area
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • 2 treatment rooms
  • Body scrubs
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Facials
  • In-room massages
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Spa open daily

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No lift
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • 1 building
  • 3 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Lifeguards
  • Mosquito nets

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Designer toiletries
  • Dressing gowns
  • Hair dryer
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 21-inch LCD TV with premium cable/satellite channels

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service
  • Champagne service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Individual furnishings
  • Laptop-compatible safe
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: noon; Check-in end time: midnight
Early check-in subject to availability
An early check-in fee will be charged
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 48 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 48 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after noon please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • A tax is imposed by the city: USD 5.00 per person, per night

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 90800 per person (one-way)
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Property Registration Number Z0000010668

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property

Property is also known as

Hotel Serena Zanzibar
Serena Hotel Zanzibar
Serena Zanzibar
Serena Zanzibar Hotel
Zanzibar Serena
Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Zanzibar Serena Hotel Hotel
Zanzibar Serena Hotel Zanzibar Town
Zanzibar Serena Hotel Hotel Zanzibar Town

Zanzibar Serena Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 158 out of 239 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 54 out of 239 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 15 out of 239 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 239 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 239 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Esther

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness
Was suppose to get a bottle of wine- did not get. Had to schlep an ok. Bottle of wine back to the us. Almost not worth it. Also 10 dollar credit was not honored u til u brought t it up. I get asked to hire their colleagues for tour guide (which was fine, but I felt like a source of commodity). It did t make me feel very good. Also did t feel so good getting feeling somewhat whenever I was buying wine when I was by myself in
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hotel was marvelous - great location, fabulous views of the ocean and the friendliest staff we've ever had
Our balcony overlooking the Indian Ocean
Wonderful room
Interesting decor
Architectural delight
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nesan

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property Amazing Staff Shoutout to David and the breakfast staff they are amazing!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

stacy

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was wonderful, staff was great and pool was beautiful and the live music was the best!!! I will stay there again if I go back!!!
View from room
Same but sunset
View from pool
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

katherine

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property, great service, delicious food!!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Hisham

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wonderful and very special hotel
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dale

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Cathy

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

4/10 Poor

Noor, Houston

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Property rundown and staff doesn’t care
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

4/10 Poor

Darren

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Overpriced for what is on offer. Room wasn’t ready for check-in time and even though we had to wait 1.5 hours to check-in, they would not provide a late checkout when the hotel wasn’t at full capacity. For the room price, you would be better off staying at the much nicer hotel next door.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Diana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Absolutely amazing! I will definitely be back. Everyone treats you like family. Excellent service. Fabulous food. Beautiful accommodations.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

melissa

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

cindy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely property in a quiet corner of Stonetown. Great swimming pool. Historic quality of hotel added a charming feel. Most rooms overlook the ocean. The amenities were complete and the room was very comfortable. Spend a little extra to get an outside balcony or verandah. The staff was wonderful and helpful. There are lots of restaurants nearby. I can't speak for the food at the on property restaurant since I had to leave early and skipped the breakfast. I would definitely stay here again on a Stonetown visit.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Zachariah

Liked: Amenities
This was a great stay
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

4/10 Poor

Ian

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The property is in a good location but is extremely tired and old fashioned. They are installing an elevator but this was right next to our room so very noisy works. The entire facilities need a major renovation. The staff were wonderful especially Johannes in the concierge.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Angela

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location and pool were great. The restaurant food was excellent, free breakfast excellent. Pool service from Damian especially was fabulous.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laureen

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My third stay here! I love Zanzibar and love staying here. It's so convenient to everything and the staff are exceptional. Big Joe is always there to welcome us! And Johannes and Suliman also are great. Food is good, view is spectacular, rooms are big and have an "Old World" feel. I love it here!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

6/10 Okay

Rozmin, AURORA

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Hotel does not have an elevator. People struggle to take stairs up to their floors. Rooms look tired and need refurbishing. Rooms also need more lighting - feel dark and depressing.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

2/10 Terrible

Igor

Disliked: Cleanliness
Upon check out I received the bill which had 2 same numbers in it. When I argued, they cancelled one of them but afterwards, on the way to ferry they called the driver and started asking for more moneys. Even after check out. Hotel after all is good, most of the staff are friendly. But guys, check the bills and be careful.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

6/10 Okay

Alkarim

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sharyon

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Serena Hotel

Amazing experience at the Hotel Serena. The staff here are incredible I cant imagine staying anywhere else in Zanzibar. The views, the food, the drinks, everything was top notch!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jane, Memphis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, staff very courteous. I had a great room with a balcony facing the ocean. Very comfortable. Breakfast was plentiful and delicious.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Diane

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024