Can guests easily access the beach from the Zanzibar Serena Hotel?
20 November 2024
Yes, the beach is just in front of the hotel, making it convenient for guests to stroll to the sandy shore.
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ZANZIBAR SERENA HOTEL, Zanzibar – A Smart Stay in the City
292US$
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Up to 10% cheaper
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Key details
About the Hotel
P.O. Box 4151,
Zanzibar,
Tanzania,
Mjini Magharibi Region
- Steps from Stone Town Beach
Great
8.5
8.7
4.5
4.5
Loved by guests
"The location is superb, nestled in the Stone Town, perched over the ocean; waves break at your feed."
"Our room was a superior double with a sea view and what a view it was."
"The Serena had, maybe, the best location as they are right on the water and have an accessible beach."
Rooms with Swahili Style
Zanzibar Serena Hotel offers 51 rooms and suites decorated in traditional Swahili style, featuring carved wooden beds with mosquito nets, kilim rugs, and brass lamps. All rooms include a private balcony with Indian Ocean views, a flat-screen TV, minibar, and tea/coffee facilities. The Executive Suite has a king-sized four-poster bed, a sitting room, and an L-shaped balcony with a hammock. Sea Front Prime Rooms open to ocean-view balconies with a cocktail area.
Dining by the Ocean
The Terrace Seafood Restaurant on the rooftop serves fresh-caught seafood with views of Zanzibar Bay. Baharia Restaurant offers international dishes and weekly Swahili banquets by the pool. Masahani Bar features signature cocktails and live Taarab music. All dining options emphasize local ingredients, including spices grown on nearby plantations.
Stone Town Exploration
The hotel is a 15-minute drive from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport and steps from UNESCO sites like the House of Wonders and Arab Fort. Guests can tour Stone Town's narrow streets, visit the Freddie Mercury Museum, or take a spice tour to local farms. Boat trips to Prison Island and Pange Sandbank include snorkeling and seafood BBQs.
Events with Historic Backdrops
The hotel's Conference Suite hosts up to 40 guests, with options for larger events at the Sultan Hamoud's Palace or Old Dispensary. Wedding packages include beachfront ceremonies, Swahili receptions, and traditional Taarab music. Business services include secretarial support, AV equipment, and team-building programs.
Family and Wellness Services
Children's menus, early dining times, and supervised pool access are available. The Maisha Spa offers treatments with African-inspired rituals, including hot beanbag therapy. Airport transfers, babysitting, and adjoining rooms can be arranged. The concierge organizes dolphin tours, Jozani Forest visits, and dhow cruises.
Must-do experiences
- Visit Stone Town for its rich history and stunning architecture.
- Savor a Zanzibar pizza from the night market for a local delight.
- Explore Jozani Forest to see the rare Red Colobus monkeys.
- Relax at Nungwi Beach and enjoy sunset views over the Indian Ocean.
- Take a spice tour to discover why Zanzibar is the 'Spice Island.'
View all
Choose the Room
From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.
Superior Double Room Sea View
2 persons
28 m²
1 King-size bed
Sea view
Shower
Bathtub
room details
Standard Double Room
2 persons
26 m²
1 King-size bed
Shower
Bathtub
room details
Executive Suite
2 persons
58 m²
1 King-size bed
Shower
Bathtub
room details
Check Dates & Room Rates
See what's available for your travel dates
Amenities
Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay
General
- No smoking on site
- Free Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- VIP check-in/ -out
- No pets allowed
- 24-hour security
- Luggage storage
- Locker room
- Currency exchange
- Coffee shop
- Fireplace
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Key access
Sports & Fitness
- Wind surfing
- Diving
- Snorkelling
- Canoeing
- Horseback riding
- Cycling
- Yoga class
- Sports trainer
- Fishing
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Services
- Paid airport shuttle
- Room service
- Housekeeping
- Car hire
- Laundry
- Dry cleaning
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Welcome drink
- Happy hour
Dining
- In-room breakfast
- Restaurant
- Snack bar
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Picnic area/ Tables
- Dinner
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus
Business
- Business centre
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Cots
- Babysitting/Child services
- Children's buffet
- Children's pool
- Children's play area
- Game room
Spa & Leisure
- Infinity pool
- Beach access
- Beach umbrellas
- Sun loungers
- Live entertainment
- Sun terrace
- Garden area
- BBQ facilities
- Leisure/ TV room
- Spa & wellness centre
- Pedicure
- Waxing
- Body scrub
- Facial
- Treatment room
- Back massage
- Head massage
- Full body massage
- Foot massage
- Make up services
Room features
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Mini-bar
- Sitting area
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Ironing facilities
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
Media
- Flat-screen TV
- AM/FM alarm clock
Show more
Dining Onsite
Delight in the culinary offerings at Zanzibar Serena Hotel, where local flavors and fresh seafood fuse seamlessly. Guests can experience a spectrum of tastes, inspired by Zanzibar's rich spice heritage, all while enjoying stunning ocean views and inviting settings.
Location
P.O. Box 4151,
Zanzibar,
Tanzania,
Mjini Magharibi Region
Map view
P.O. Box 4151,
Zanzibar,
Tanzania,
Mjini Magharibi Region
City landmarks
Landmark
Old Dispensary
980 m
Museum
House of Wonders
700 m
Museum
Sultan's Palace
670 m
Landmark
Hamamni Persian Baths
660 m
Market
Darajani Market
1.1
km
Landmark
The Peace Memorial Museum
880 m
Church
Old Slave Market
910 m
Gallery
Hurumzi Henna Art Gallery
650 m
Landmark
Marahubi Palace
690 m
Landmark
Shree Shiv Shakti Temple
650 m
Landmark
Kiponda
1.0
km
Landmark
Malindi Mosque
790 m
Church
Christ Church
750 m
Landmark
Hurumzi Street
690 m
Landmark
Slave Chambers
870 m
Nearby
Museum
Old Fort of Zanzibar
450 m
Historic Site
Stone Town
550 m
Kenyatta Road
Mercury House
290 m
Church
Christ Church Cathedral
460 m
Park
Forodhani Park
580 m
Kelele Square
120 m
Gallery
Hellen Art Gallery
150 m
Cathedral St
St Joseph's Roman Catholic Cathedral
400 m
Hamamni Street
Cultural Arts Centre Zanzibar
530 m
Princess Salme Museum at Emerson on Hurumzi
580 m
Gallery
The Beautiful Eyes
570 m
Zanzibar
Tippu Tip's House
100 m
Shangani
220 m
Shangani St
Mambo Msiige
140 m
Vuga
310 m
Restaurants
Travellers Cafe
70 m
Kelele Square
Buni
10 m
Shangani Street
Sunset Bar at the Africa House
180 m
Shangani Street
swaad restaurant
40 m
Shangani St Shangani
Taarab Restaurant
150 m
90 / 90A Shanghani St DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Zanzibar
Stone Town Cafe
260 m
Kenyatta Road Shangani River
Explore Zanzibar
Local Highlights Near Zanzibar Serena Hotel
House of Wonders
9 minutes' walk
An iconic historical building showcasing exhibits on Zanzibar's cultural heritage and architecture.
Old Fort of Zanzibar
6 minutes' walk
Zanzibar's oldest building, featuring beautiful coral stone architecture and cultural performances.
Sultan's Palace
9 minutes' walk
Former royal residence with artifacts highlighting the history of the Sultans of Zanzibar.
Forodhani Park
7 minutes' walk
A vibrant park by the seafront, perfect for evening strolls and food stalls featuring local delicacies.
Buni
1 minute' walk
Offers a variety of local dishes in a cozy atmosphere with friendly service and vegetarian options.
Sunset Bar at the Africa House
3 minutes' walk
Casual dining with stunning sunset views, specializing in grilled seafood and refreshing cocktails.
Travellers Cafe
1 minute' walk
A relaxed spot featuring local and international dishes, popular for breakfast and light bites.
swaad restaurant
1 minute' walk
Serves delectable Indian cuisine in an inviting setting, known for its rich flavors and warm ambiance.
Old Fort of Zanzibar
6 minutes' walk
Hosts cultural events, live music, and markets, creating a lively atmosphere in the heart of Stone Town.
Mercury House
4 minutes' walk
A bar offering lively music and seasonal special events in a historic setting, ideal for nightlife enthusiasts.
Getting around
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 12:00-23:59
Check-out
from 09:00-10:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
is available in for free.
Breakfast
At the hotel Zanzibar Serena guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
13
Former name
Zanzibar Serena Inn
Questions of the users
About Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Is it possible for two adults and one child aged 12 to share a single room?
11 December 2024
Yes, one room can accommodate two adults and one child, but an additional charge will apply for the extra guest if the booking is for a double.
What is the fee for keeping a room until late at night on the day of departure?
05 January 2025
A day room can be arranged for $102, allowing guests to enjoy the facilities until their late departure.
What are some unique activities offered by the hotel that capture the essence of Zanzibar?
15 February 2025
The hotel organizes various activities including a Stone Town tour, Spice Tour, and Safari Blue excursions, showcasing Zanzibar's rich culture and natural beauty.
Are there special offerings for honeymooners at the hotel?
30 March 2025
Yes, honeymoon packages include room upgrades and complimentary services such as decorations, romantic dinners, and massages for an unforgettable experience.
Is there an airport shuttle service available for travelers?
23 September 2024
Yes, a shuttle service is offered for a fee of $40.00 per trip, which can accommodate up to six passengers.
What time is check-in for guests arriving at the hotel?
16 April 2025
The check-in time is at 1:00 PM, which accommodates late arrivals, though prior arrangements may be needed for late arrivals.
What is the best season for a beach getaway at the hotel?
22 October 2024
The ideal time to visit for a beach holiday is between mid-July to September and from December to the end of February.
Is the hotel suitable for those with mobility challenges?
14 November 2025
Yes, the property has wheelchair-accessible options, although the layout includes some steps throughout the building.
Are live football matches available for viewing at the hotel's bars or rooms?
25 December 2024
All hotel rooms feature television, and guests can enjoy live sports broadcasts in the Masahani Bar, which has a large screen for events.Next best alternative
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