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Emerson Spice Hotel

3.5 star property
Zanzibar Town hotel with 2 restaurants and bar/lounge

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Emerson Spice Hotel

Room (Violetta) | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished
Room (Belle) | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished
Interior
2 restaurants, lunch, dinner served; seafood
Room (Camille) | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished
Located in historic Stone Town, Emerson Spice Hotel offers a tranquil retreat with continental breakfast, seafood dining options at two on-site restaurants and relaxing spaces like the garden and terrace. Enjoy laundry facilities, luggage storage and tour assistance during your stay. Previous guests rave about the helpful staff.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Airport transfer
  • Bar
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry facilities
  • Free WiFi

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Near the beach
  • 2 restaurants and bar/lounge
  • Beach towels
  • Room service
  • Airport shuttle
  • Terrace
  • Air conditioning
  • Garden
  • Front-desk safe
  • Self-serve laundry
  • Luggage storage

Feel at home (6)

  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Laundry facilities
  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Deep soaking bathtub
$107 nightly
The total price is $132
Sep 6 - Sep 7
Total includes taxes and fees

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 5 of 5 rooms

View all photos for Room (Camille)

Room (Camille) | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished

Room (Camille)

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Separate bedroom
Ceiling fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • 1 bedroom
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Room (Violetta)

Room (Violetta) | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished

Room (Violetta)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Separate bedroom
Ceiling fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • 1 bedroom
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Room (Semele)

Room (Semele) | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished

Room (Semele)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
Separate bedroom
Ceiling fan
  • 1 bedroom
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Design Twin Room (Mimi)

Design Twin Room (Mimi) | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished

Design Twin Room (Mimi)

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(10 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Separate bedroom
Ceiling fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
Deep soaking bathtub
  • 344 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Large Twin Beds

View all photos for Room (Belle)

Room (Belle) | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished

Room (Belle)

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Separate bedroom
Ceiling fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • 1 bedroom
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Similar properties

Interior detail

Zanzibar Palace Hotel

  • Free breakfast
  • Spa
  • Airport transfer
  • Free WiFi
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, 139 reviews
$143 nightly
The price is $175
Aug 20 - Aug 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Zanzibar Palace Hotel
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About the neighborhood

Map
Stone Town, Zanzibar Town

What's nearby

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

Getting around

  • Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ) - 15 min drive
  • Airport shuttle (surcharge)

Restaurants

  • ‪Passing Show Hotel - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Meeting Point Cafe - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Lukmaan - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Livingstone Beach Restaurant - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Zenji Garden Café - ‬6 min walk

About this property

Emerson Spice Hotel

Located just 4.9 mi (7.9 km) from the airport, Emerson Spice Hotel offers a shuttle (available 24 hours). Guests looking for a bite to eat can check out Rooftop restaurant, one of 2 restaurants, which serves seafood and is open for lunch and dinner. Other features include a bar/lounge, a terrace, and a garden. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff.

Languages

English, Swahili

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 10 rooms
    • Arranged over 5 floors
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
    • Minimum check-in age: 18
    • Check-out time is 10:00 AM
DONE

Special check-in instructions

    • This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
    • The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
    • Front desk staffed during limited hours
    • This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE

Pets

    • No pets or service animals allowed
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • No onsite parking
DONE

Transfers

    • Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours)*
DONE

Other information

    • Designated smoking areas

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast each morning 7:00 AM–10:00 AM
  • 2 restaurants
  • Bar/lounge
  • Room service (limited hours)

What to do

  • Beach nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby

Services

  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Beach towels
  • Bike storage

Facilities

  • 1 building/tower
  • Built in 1870
  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Bicycle parking
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • At least 80% organic food
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian dining options
  • Locally-owned & organized tours & activities
  • Local artist showcase
  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community & sustainability
  • Local culture & ecosystem education
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • No plastic soda bottles
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Reusable cups only
  • Reusable tableware only
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan

Sleep well

  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Turndown service
  • Bed sheets provided

What to enjoy

  • Individually furnished and decorated

Freshen up

  • Partially open bathroom
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Shower/tub combination
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Towels
  • Toilet paper

Stay connected

  • Laptop-friendly workspace
  • Free WiFi
  • Electrical adapters/chargers

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Water-efficient toilets only
  • Guidebooks/recommendations
  • Local maps

Special features

Dining

Rooftop restaurant - This seafood restaurant specializes in seafood and serves lunch and dinner. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting). Reservations are required.
Secret Garden - Overlooking the garden, this restaurant specializes in local and international cuisine and serves lunch and dinner. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting). Open daily.

Fees & policies

Refundable deposits

  • Deposit is payable by bank transfer and is due within 24 hours of booking the reservation

Mandatory fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or check-out. Fees may include applicable taxes:
  • A tax is imposed by the city: USD 4.00 per person, per night

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of USD 25 per vehicle (one-way)

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between April 21 and May 20.

Children & extra beds

  • Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve cribs/infant beds and high chairs

Policies

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.
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed.
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have elevators.
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit on site.
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard

Also known as

Emerson Spice Hotel Hotel
Emerson Spice Hotel Zanzibar Town
Emerson Spice Hotel Hotel Zanzibar Town

Frequently asked questions

Is Emerson Spice Hotel currently open?

The property is closed between April 21 and May 20.

Are pets allowed at Emerson Spice Hotel?

Sorry, pets and service animals aren't allowed.

Is parking offered on site at Emerson Spice Hotel?

Sorry, there's no onsite parking at Emerson Spice Hotel.

Is airport shuttle service offered by Emerson Spice Hotel?

Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is USD 25 per vehicle one-way.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Emerson Spice Hotel?

Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

What is there to do at Emerson Spice Hotel and nearby?

Have fun with nearby activities like boat tours, kayaking, and scuba diving. Emerson Spice Hotel also has a garden.

Are there restaurants at or near Emerson Spice Hotel?

Yes, there are 2 onsite restaurants, featuring alfresco dining, seafood, and garden views.

Does Emerson Spice Hotel have rooms with private hot tubs?

Yes, each room has a deep soaking bathtub.

What's the area around Emerson Spice Hotel like?

Emerson Spice Hotel is in Stone Town, a short 3-minute walk from Slave Market and 6 minutes' walk from Old Fort.

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Emerson Spice Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Popular mentions

Room
Service staff
Ambience
Rooftops
Breakfast
Elevator

What guests liked

  • Breakfast was excellent with a great variety of fruits and a magical rooftop experience. (8 reviews)
AI Sparkle IconFrom real guest reviews summarized by AI.

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

One of the most charming places we've ever stayed at. Antique, yet very clean and safe. Food was delicious, best we had on Zanzibar. Staff wonderful. Highest recommendation.
Niels Søndergaard, 3-night trip

10/10 Excellent

Incredibly historic building with unique individually decorated rooms! Perfect location for walking around Stonetown. Delicious breakfast served on rooftop! Request Belle room if you don't want a lot of stairs. It has a huge balcony along the front of the building so it's fun to see tourists stop and take photos!
Sandra, 2-night trip

10/10 Excellent

Everything amazing!

Amazing, great people, great food, great hotel. Rooms are beautiful, comfy, clean!
2-night trip

8/10 Good

Very delicate staff. Well situated in stone town Glorious breakfast.
cécile, 2-night trip

10/10 Excellent

Excellent stay in a place immersed in history.

10/10 Excellent

Fantastic place in heart of old Stonetown. Beautiful unique rooms, fantastic food in a rooftop restaurant with an an amazing view, and and a very helpful staff.
Janet, 3-night trip

10/10 Excellent

Great ambience

Great ambience, a special experience. Set menu dinner at the rooftop restaurant was good, breakfast as well.
Heidi, 2-night trip

10/10 Excellent

We had a fantastic experience staying here! The staff went above and beyond to accomodate our needs. They let us keep our luggage there before check in time with no extra charge, and they gave us a room upgrade to one of the best rooms (the Katherine Hepburn room), which was a really nice surprise. The staff were all super friendly and helpful. When we decided to have dinner in the Secret Garden Restaurant on a night when there was music, we complained that we had to pay extra for the music, and the manager was so kind. He didn't make us pay, and arranged for us to eat upstairs where it was quieter. We later realized that the music cost was explained in our welcome letter, so we appologized and paid for it the next day and the manager was so nice.The whole place was spotlessly clean, the bed was very comfortable and the room and the hotel were beautifully decorated. I loved the extra touches like the handmade scented soaps and the flowers in the room. We loved the balcony that was off of our room and asked if we could eat breakfast there instead of going downstairs. The servers forgot about us and we had to wait extra long for our food, but it was worth it! We can't say enough about how much we enjoyed staying at this hotel. We would definately stay here again and even though it's a little bit pricier than other hotels, it's totally worth it. We would highly recommend to others.
Karen, 1-night trip

10/10 Excellent

The staff are beyond friendly
Marcela A., 2-night trip

10/10 Excellent

A wonderful hotel

Lovely hotel Really good and friendly service Fabulous ambience Beautiful breakfast
Greg, 4-night trip

10/10 Excellent

Exceptional

This small hotel is in the middle of Stone Town, and it is beautiful. The staff are attentive, without being intrusive, the manager is so professional and knowledgeable, and the standard of comfort is of the highest order. Breakfast was served on the roof terrace and consisted of a wonderful selection of fruit followed by eggs and a pastry. We had the taster menu one evening, and it was exceptional. This is a very special hotel, and we had an unforgettable stay.
heike, 2-night trip

10/10 Excellent

Amazing historic hotel

Beautiful histric hotel in the heart of Stonetown. Lots od stairs and no elevator but the views are amazing! Great breakfast too!
Suzanne, 2-night trip

10/10 Excellent

An older building, filled with antiques. Incredible service. Thoroughly loved our stay.
Michael, 3-night trip

10/10 Excellent

From the moment we walked in, this place was fantastic! We were promptly greeted and we were being shown to our rooms within a few minutes. Our room (Camille) was great! We thoroughly enjoyed the windows and balconies and people watching the street below. The room was spacious and the bed was comfy. Dinner upstairs was wonderful...although the stairs were steep (but the views were lovely). The food was inventive and delicious and the service was top notch. Highly recommend. We also had food and drinks at the Secret Garden and that was also quite nice. I expected the included breakfast to be buffet style but was pleasantly surprised that it was a beautiful made to order breakfast with delicious coffee. Shuttle to the airport was quick and easy. Would definitely stay here again when in Stone Town.
Jamie, 2-night trip

10/10 Excellent

Loved the character of the building. The details were tasteful and well designed. Such a unique place to stay!

10/10 Excellent

The staff was welcoming and friendly. The hotel was clean and elegant. The atmosphere was perfect but the call to prayer at 5:15 was a bit disturbing.
Robert, 3-night trip

10/10 Excellent

The house is spectacular…as is the service! It’s a “living museum” reminiscent of the bygone era of a Sultan’s exquisite existence.
Donna, 2-night trip

10/10 Excellent

From a warm and professional welcome through to the art as if antiques in the room, Emerson Spice was a most positive and enjoyable experience.
Gary, 2-night trip

10/10 Excellent

Great service, elegant & clean rooms, friendly & professional staff. They made our stay extremely comfortable and pleasant. The roof top breakfast/dinner experience was magical which we had meals in both hotels. There is no elevator in both hotels - so, it's a big hike. Will definitely come again!!!
Selvamuthu, 2-night trip

6/10 Okay

This hotel does not have elevator, not good for older people.The area is too crowded and loud, but if you are looking for antique hotel this might be for you.
Anil, 4-night trip

10/10 Excellent

Amazing

Amazing. The best hotel experience I have ever had. I’ve traveled to 52 countries and stayed at many places. This is the best so far. I will be back. Amazing staff so kind .
Alexa, 2-night trip

8/10 Good

It is a very nice old hotel which maintains the feel of past times. The only problem for me, as an old man with bad knees is having to climb more than 70 stairs to my room, the last part on very creaky stairs. The view is magnificent from the roof and the breakfast was excellent with a great variety of frutis
Richard, 2-night trip

8/10 Good

The Emerson Spice Hotel used to be the Swahili Sultan's place. The rooms are beautifully appointed. Rustic furniture adds to the ambiance. My room was on the top floor which means 3 flights of stairs. The hotel is located on a narrow street. This means that taxis cannot come up to the hotel.
Kulendran, 3-night trip

8/10 Good

cozy ambience

Great location in Stone Town, very cozy ambience and nice staff. Fantastic outdoor bathroom. Not very practical, many floors and no lift, beds very hard for our European body. Hotel arranged band/music Friday evening, which unfortunatly disturbed many guests, as rooms do not have propper doors/windows.
Mark, 2-night trip

10/10 Excellent

Fabulous and unforgettable stay in Stone Town

Staying two nights at Emerson Spice Hotel was such a memorable experience that I would happily recommend to anyone visiting Stone Town. The property itself is gorgeous; all of the walking tours stop in front of the hotel to point it out. Each of the guest rooms is unique and truly spectacular, and it was such a pleasure being encouraged to explore the unoccupied ones during our time there. The front desk staff was so helpful with everything from airport transfers, ferry ticket purchases, restaurant reservations, taxis, and laundry services. We loved the generous breakfasts on the rooftop each morning and thought that our dinners at the Tea House and the Secret Garden were both excellent. We weren't so lucky with the weather during our visit, so we were extra grateful to pass the time in such a beautiful and friendly hotel. Thank you to the entire team for making our stay so lovely.
2-night trip