gallery of 6 photos

Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

236 Hurumzi Hotel

Formerly called Emerson & Green, this is our 'go to' in Stone Town. The rooms are all individually decorated in traditional Zanzibari style with big stone baths. We love the new suites and the rooftop restaurant with live entertainment!

Some of the rooms do not have air conditioning and Zanzibar can be quite warm. There are lots of steep stairs to reach the higher floors. The location is central in town but through some dark streets at night. If alone - get an escort.

There are reports of 'hit and miss' service recently, but this property is still the most interesting option in Stone Town in our opinion.

 — Mango's view

236 Hurumzi, formerly known as Emerson & Green, is a beautifully restored sultan's palace that once was the home of one of the richest men in the Swahili Empire. The accommodation is traditional and elegant with spacious rooms, stone baths and ornately carved doors.

The 16 guest rooms are beautiful and romantic, each representing Zanzibari traditions in a distinct way. All rooms except for the Kipembe room are equipped with large stone bathtubs providing unusual bathing pleasure where a bubble bath and a bottle of wine are a frequent request. Ceiling fans keep our guests cool along with the constant breeze on the upper floors. Second and first floor rooms as well as the South room are equipped with air conditioning for added comfort.

The sultan-sized rooms on the first and second floors have 20 foot ceilings, carved doors, original stucco décor and hand painted glass lamps and window panes. All guest rooms have large Zanzibari beds complete with netting.

From here, you can explore and photograph the harbor, mosques and narrow streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Zanzibar was for years the center of an ancient trading empire with vessels coming from as far as Persia, India and China. Among the many interesting sites of Stone Town are the Palace Museum, the Old Fort, the Slave market, the House of Wonders and the Hamamni Baths.

An optional excursion is a Spice Tour to the many plantations to learn about the history of the island and its cultivation of spice plants. You are sure to enjoy an evening of Swahili magic at 236 Hurumzi's famous rooftop restaurant. Local musicians play, the trade winds blow and the food is incredible.

Includes: Bed & Breakfast