The Swahili House

Very central location for Stone Town. Easy to walk to local attractions. Less easy to get back to but that is due to the many narrow streets rather and geography of the area and nothing to do with the hotel! The hotel is known by everyone so if you get lost someone will help you get back. It is noisy with building work going on nearby, calls to prayer, and the church bells ringing but we expected that to be the case and soon got used to it. The air conditioning, fan and turn down service including bug spray were greatly appreciated. Great shower and toiletries provided. Front desk and cleaning staff were very friendly and helpful. Most restaurant staff were also very good - 1 or 2 seemed to stand back and not help out much. The food was ok - some was excellent (the chickpea curry was delicious), but other things (tuna and burgers) we had better outside of the hotel. Happy hour includes all cocktails, beer and wine so well worth sitting on the roof top at sunset to enjoy some drinks with a great view. As we stayed on the 3rd floor we were very grateful for the elevator. You cannot park outside the hotel so be aware you will need to walk from your transport to the hotel (short walk through market) - our driver helpfully took our cases for us.

We highly recommend this stunning hotel in the heart of StoneTown. The people are wonderful and the rooftop restaurant has delicious food and spectacular views. Don’t hesitate! Book your room now.

The Swahili House is well positioned in the old town and is an authentic renovation merchants house. The rooms are simple but spacious, clean with aircon and hot water. The staff were all welcoming and accommodating. They helped us find our way around d and even escorted us to an a**! The roof top restaurant is one of only a handful in the old town and offers great views of the city. The food might be a little more expensive because of this but it was good. A good breakfast is served on the roof also. Overall we very much enjoyed staying here.

Great views from the rooftop. Food was just ok, but a bit to expensive.It was actually the most expensive restaurant that we visited on our trip to Zanzibar yet the food was the worst of all the places we ate in on the island.I would recommend but only for a drink because of the view.

Lovely large rooms with wonderful roof top terrace and friendly, helpful staff.

The place is amazing, with beautiful decor and beautiful view form the terrace. I would definitely go back.

Fantastic accomodation, very friendly and competent employees, quick answers, good airport transfer and on time, just enjoyed the hotel the second time and I would come again. Thank's to the host, warm regards Magda