How to find the best hotel deal in Zanzibar
The same magic that drives our flight search can also help you find the best room rates around. Use these hacks to search smarter and save big on your Zanzibar hotel.
Lock in some of the best Zanzibar hotel prices by organising your plans early. Hotels sometimes offer special rates or early booking discounts to help fill rooms in advance.
That being said, booking at the last minute can end up being a smart move. Some places cut their rates a day or two before arrival to help fill empty rooms.
Another secret to finding cheaper hotels? Flexibility. If your itinerary isn't locked in, check rates across different dates and discover just how much you can save.
Skip the risk of extra fees by searching for stays that offer free cancellation. If your plans fall through or you find a better deal, you can easily cancel your booking.
Where to stay in Zanzibar
Central Zanzibar
Choose the city centre and be where it all happens. Take your pick of these stays that keep you close to the main attractions in central Zanzibar.
If you're searching for hotels near House of Wonders, make your base at Stone Town Cafe and Bed &Breakfast. This 3-star Zanzibar hotel is around 0.32 kilometres from this major sight and tends to attract families.
When it comes to hotels near Zanzibar travel tours, Shaba Boutique Hotel is hard to beat. Unpack your suitcase at this 4-star hotel in Zanzibar and you'll be roughly 0.64 kilometres away. While it's a solid choice for most travellers, it especially appeals to couples.
Or experience the city at its best from one of the hotels near Old Fort. Kisiwa House is 0.32 kilometres or so from this leading sight. It's a leading choice for couples and has a 4-star rating.
When to go to Zanzibar
If you're planning a peak season trip, book your hotel in Zanzibar for December. This is when the city's calendar is packed with events and activities, giving you plenty to plan your days around.
September is the quietest month to visit. Lock in a Zanzibar hotel then to explore at a slower pace.
Factor in the type of weather you prefer when deciding your travel dates. With maximum highs of 33ºC (91ºF), March brings the warmest conditions.
August is the coolest month, with lows of 21ºC (70ºF).
Want to visit when you're less likely to need an umbrella? Search for Zanzibar hotels in July. It's the driest time to visit, with two days of rain on average.
Rain is most common in April, which gets around 22 days of wet weather.
Best hotels in Zanzibar
Best budget hotels
Simply looking for a place to sleep? Budget Zanzibar hotels provide the basics so you can spend your cash on what really matters: adventures and filling your suitcase with souvenirs. Often equipped with money-saving amenities like self-service laundries and kitchenettes, you'll find at least 30 of these affordable stays across the city.
Settle in with just the right amount of comfort at New Amaan Hotel. It has a 3-star rating and amenities such as room desks and an airport shuttle.
Alternatively, make a booking at Green Turaco. Featuring conveniences such as an airport shuttle and a barbeque, this 3-star Zanzibar hotel delivers what you need, without overdoing it.
An airport shuttle and heating are just a couple of the things you'll find at Sea View Beach Hotel. Another win for your finances, this place is rated 3 stars.
Best 4-star hotels in Zanzibar
Go a little luxe without going all in at one of the 4-star hotels in Zanzibar. Take your pick of around 20 of these stays, many of which come with perks like rooftop bars, fitness centres, and in-house restaurants. From the rooms to the amenities and service, it's all about extra attention to detail.
Choose Bellissimo Boutique Hotel and enjoy the elevated comforts that come with this 4-star stay. Take advantage of room service and car hire options here.
Kisiwa House is another stylish option. Make the most of amenities such as room service and concierge assistance at this Zanzibar hotel.
Asmini Palace Hotel is one more to bookmark. It comes with concierge assistance and a restaurant, among other things.
Best luxury 5-star hotels
When only the best will do, you'll find around eight 5-star hotels in Zanzibar ready to treat you like the main event. These types of stays generally come with perks like signature restaurants, personalised spa treatments, and concierge services. Stone Town is home to the majority of the city's luxury hotels.
Live your best life at The Neela Boutique Hotel Stone Town. This accommodation option offers concierge assistance, room service and other features that make it a total dream getaway.
Best hotels in Zanzibar for families
Family travel can be hectic, but your hotel should be the relaxing part. You'll find at least 30 family-friendly hotels in Zanzibar that know what kids want and adults need. These stays often come with handy features like connecting rooms, early check-in options, play areas, and games rooms.
If you'd like a little more luxury, spoil the kids (and yourself) with a stay at Bawe Island Zanzibar. This 5-star Zanzibar hotel features a fitness centre and luggage storage.
Another one for your list is Tausi Palace Hotel. This option comes with a 24-hour front desk and a safe deposit box.
Best hotels with a spa
Swap sightseeing for some serious downtime at a Zanzibar hotel with a spa. With roughly 30 to choose from, they're designed to help you relax. Many offer features like hot tubs, steam rooms, beauty treatments, and hydrotherapy pools. You'll find most of these stays in Stone Town.
Ready to hit pause for a while? Come rest at Zanzibar Palace Hotel. This 4-star option has concierge assistance and massage services.
Or get cosy at Jafferji House. With a spa and a beauty salon, this 4-star hotel in Zanzibar has what you need to unwind.
Tausi Palace Hotel lets you write your own version of a perfect wellness escape. You'll find a garden and a fitness centre at this option.
Best hotels with a pool
There are around 30 pool hotels in Zanzibar, each bringing something different to the table. City hotels tend to come with indoor or rooftop pools, while resorts generally go big with outdoor setups and more room to lounge. Whether you're here for rest or fun, there's a stay made for you.
Enjoy lazy days by the water at Spice Tree by Turaco. Along with an indoor swimming pool, this Zanzibar hotel comes with a pool bar and a 24-hour front desk.
Golden Tulip Zanzibar Resort will also have you reaching for your swimsuit and goggles. Settle into this popular option and take advantage of a children's pool, express check-out and parking.
Alternatively, make room for a little fun at Golden Palm Boutique Zanzibar. An outdoor swimming pool, this hotel comes with ironing services and express check-out.
Best pet-friendly hotels
Planning an escape with your furry friend? Pet-friendly hotels often come with comfy pet beds, feeding bowls, and outdoor areas to run around. Some even go the extra mile with things like grooming or pet-sitting services. With around ten Zanzibar hotels that welcome pets, your best buddy can be part of the adventure.
At Flamingo Guest House, thoughtful pet perks are part of every visit. A 24-hour front desk and luggage storage are some other amenities you'll find at this hotel in Zanzibar.
There's room for every member of the family at Smiles Stone Town Hotel. A laundry and a garden are part of what's offered at this pet-approved accommodation option.
Malindi Boutique will have you all settled in no time. Its amenities include Wi-Fi and parking.
Flying to Zanzibar
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
Most flights to Zanzibar touch down at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), this city's main airport. From there, the centre is about 6 kilometres away.
It takes around 15 minutes to reach central Zanzibar by taxi or ride-share. The journey by public transport is roughly 30 minutes.
If you're flying in late, consider booking Mbweni Ruins & Gardens Previously Jungle Paradise. This convenient option is not far from the runway and offers car hire options, among other features.
Also close to ZNZ, Madinat Al Bahr Business & Spa Hotel remains a trusted pick. This 5-star stay holds an impressive overall rating of 4-plus out of 5 based on traveller feedback.
