ZANZIBAR SERENA HOTEL, Zanzibar – A Smart Stay in the City
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Key details
About the Hotel
P.O. Box 4151,
Zanzibar,
Tanzania,
Mjini Magharibi Region
-
Steps from Stone Town Beach
Great
8.4
8.7
/10
4.5
4.5
/5
Loved by Zanzibar Serena Hotel guests
Authentic atmosphere
Excellent food
Fantastic sea views
Beautiful rooms
Amazing staff
Delicious breakfasts
"The location is superb, nestled in the Stone Town, perched over the ocean; waves break at your feed."
Felipe from Spain
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"Our room was a superior double with a sea view and what a view it was."
Roz from United Kingdom
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"The Serena had, maybe, the best location as they are right on the water and have an accessible beach."
Jim H from United States
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Location
Zanzibar Serena Hotel is situated on the seafront of Stone Town, surrounded by historical landmarks such as Portuguese forts and sultan's palaces. Its proximity to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including The National Museum of Zanzibar and the House of Wonders, provides a cultural immersion. The hotel is located just 15 kilometers from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, with airport transfers available upon request.
Accommodations
The hotel offers 51 rooms and suites designed in traditional Swahili style, each with private balconies overlooking the Indian Ocean. Accommodations include Sea Front Prime Rooms with L-shaped balconies and Executive Suites featuring a separate sitting area. Every room is equipped with king-sized four-poster beds draped in mosquito nets and air conditioning.
Dining
Dining options at Zanzibar Serena Hotel include the Terrace Seafood Restaurant, which serves fresh-caught seafood with bay views from the rooftop. Baharia Restaurant features international dishes and traditional Swahili banquets, enjoyed poolside. The Masahani Bar offers signature cocktails with live performances from Taarab bands.
Wellness
The hotel provides wellness experiences with Maisha Treatments, focusing on transformative skin and body care services. Every treatment begins with a 15-minute African Foot Ritual Ceremony, promoting relaxation and rejuvenation. The skilled aesthetician conducts personalized consultations to address individual skin concerns.
Family-Friendly Amenities
Zanzibar Serena Hotel offers various activities for children, including guided tours of Stone Town and day trips to nearby islands. Families can request adjoining rooms for convenience. The hotel also provides a children's pool supervised by qualified lifeguards and highchair availability in restaurants.
Highlights
Location: UNESCO World Heritage Site Stone Town
Rooms: Sea Front Prime Rooms with L-shaped balconies
Dining: Terrace Seafood Restaurant with bay views
Wellness: Maisha Treatments focusing on skin care
Family-Friendly: Children's pool supervised by lifeguards
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
305 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Sea view
Shower
Bathtub
room details
Standard Double Room
2 persons
280 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Shower
Bathtub
room details
Executive Suite
2 persons
625 sq. feet
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
Facilities:
Great
8.5/10Review score
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
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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.
Set against the backdrop of the sea wall, offering captivating ocean views from the central swimming pool and the rooftop, Baharia exudes a relaxed, seaside charm perfect for lunch or sunset drinks.
Key Offerings
Indulge in signature dishes featuring locally-sourced ingredients and fresh-caught seafood, alongside a vibrant selection of spices including vanilla, nutmeg, and clove. For a truly unique experience, the hotel organizes individual dinners on the beach for a personalized touch.
Reservation
recommended
Hours vary.
Zanzibar Serena Hotel 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
3300 ft
Museum
House of Wonders
2300 ft
Museum
Sultan's Palace
2200 ft
Landmark
Hamamni Persian Baths
2200 ft
Market
Darajani Market
3500 ft
Landmark
The Peace Memorial Museum
2900 ft
Church
Old Slave Market
3000 ft
Gallery
Hurumzi Henna Art Gallery
2200 ft
Landmark
Marahubi Palace
2300 ft
Landmark
Shree Shiv Shakti Temple
2200 ft
Landmark
Kiponda
3400 ft
Landmark
Malindi Mosque
2600 ft
Church
Christ Church
2500 ft
Landmark
Hurumzi Street
2300 ft
Landmark
Slave Chambers
2900 ft
Nearby
Museum
Old Fort of Zanzibar
1500 ft
Historic Site
Stone Town
1900 ft
Kenyatta Road
Mercury House
1000 ft
Church
Christ Church Cathedral
1600 ft
Park
Forodhani Park
2000 ft
Kelele Square
400 ft
Gallery
Hellen Art Gallery
500 ft
Cathedral St
St Joseph's Roman Catholic Cathedral
1400 ft
Hamamni Street
Cultural Arts Centre Zanzibar
1800 ft
Princess Salme Museum at Emerson on Hurumzi
2000 ft
Gallery
The Beautiful Eyes
1900 ft
Zanzibar
Tippu Tip's House
400 ft
Shangani
800 ft
Shangani St
Mambo Msiige
500 ft
Vuga
1100 ft
Restaurants
Travellers Cafe
300 ft
Kelele Square
Buni
100 ft
Shangani Street
Sunset Bar at the Africa House
600 ft
Shangani Street
swaad restaurant
200 ft
Shangani St Shangani
Taarab Restaurant
500 ft
90 / 90A Shanghani St DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Zanzibar
Stone Town Cafe
900 ft
Kenyatta Road Shangani River
Explore Zanzibar
Local Highlights Near Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
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.
Maisha Mazuri Horse Riding Club
10 minutes' drive
Horse riding experiences through scenic trails, suitable for riders of all levels.
Stone Town Walking Tours
7 minutes' walk
Guided tours revealing the rich history and architecture of Stone Town, available daily.
Snorkeling at Astaztour Beach
5 minutes' drive
Thrilling snorkeling adventures amid vibrant coral reefs, with gear rentals available on-site.
Taarab Music Night
10 minutes' walk
An immersive experience of local music culture, held at various venues throughout the week.
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
City Centre
Zanzibar12 min
·
3300 ft
Airports
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)13 min
·
5.0
mi
Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR)119 min
·
49.2
mi
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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
Wireless 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
Guest Ratings & Reviews
Real Guest Experiences & Ratings
Review score
Based on 209 verified reviews
8.7/10
Great
89%
Recommend
Breakfast
9.3/10
Cleanliness
9.0/10
Comfort
9.1/10
Facilities
8.5/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.8/10
Location
9.5/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.0/10
Staff
9.2/10
Value for money
8.0/10
Pros
Excellent location
Exceptional service
Small beach access
Good massage
Cons
Tepid shower
Dusty hotel
Inefficient staff
Outdated hotel
Guest reviews
based on 882 reviews
4.5/5
based on 353 reviews
8.4/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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Questions of the users
About Zanzibar Serena Hotel
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.
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.