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Mbweni Ruins & Gardens

4.0 star property
Family-friendly beachfront location with outdoor pool

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Photo gallery for Mbweni Ruins & Gardens

Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; international cuisine, ocean views
Exclusive Double Room | Terrace/patio
Exterior
Quadruple Room, 2 Bedrooms | Desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets
Beach bar

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Breakfast available
  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Room service
  • Air conditioning

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 3 of 3 rooms

View all photos for Junior Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Sea View

Junior Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Sea View | Desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Junior Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Sea View

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Bidet
Free bottled water
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Exclusive Double Room

Exclusive Double Room | Desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Exclusive Double Room

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Hair dryer
Separate bathtub and shower
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Quadruple Room, 2 Bedrooms

Quadruple Room, 2 Bedrooms | Desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Quadruple Room, 2 Bedrooms

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Bidet
Free bottled water
Electric kettle
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

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About the neighborhood

Map
Mbweni, Zanzibar Town

What's nearby

  • Slave Market - 9 min drive - 4.7 miles
  • Nakupenda Beach - 9 min drive - 4.7 miles
  • Old Fort - 10 min drive - 5.1 miles
  • Zanzibar Ferry Terminal - 10 min drive - 5.1 miles
  • Forodhani Gardens - 11 min drive - 5.3 miles

Getting around

  • Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ) - 10 min drive

Restaurants

  • Cape Town Fish Market
  • ‪Jahazi Cafe - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Ccm Social Hall - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Lukmaan - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Zanzibar Coffeehouse - ‬9 min drive

About this property

Mbweni Ruins & Gardens

Upscale family-friendly hotel near Slave Market
Located close to Old Fort and House of Wonders, Mbweni Ruins & Gardens provides a terrace, a garden, and a hair salon. This hotel is a great place to bask in the sun with a beachfront location and sun loungers. Treat yourself to spa services, such as a facial, a massage, or a body scrub. The on-site international cuisine restaurant, Raintree Restaurant, offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and ocean views. In addition to dry cleaning/laundry services and a snack bar/deli, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Other perks at this hotel include:
  • An outdoor pool with sun loungers
  • Free self parking
  • Cooked-to-order breakfast (surcharge), a free area shuttle, and a vending machine
  • Beach towels, beach umbrellas, and a front-desk safe
Room features
All guestrooms at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens offer thoughtful touches such as laptop-friendly workspaces and air conditioning, in addition to amenities like free WiFi and free bottled water.
Extra amenities include:
  • Bathrooms with bidets and hair dryers
  • Balconies or patios, wardrobes/closets, and childcare services

Languages

English, Italian, Swahili

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free area shuttle up to 6 km
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily cooked-to-order breakfast available 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee: TZS 35,000 for adults and TZS 25,000 for children
  • A restaurant
  • Couples/private dining
  • Private picnics
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Mangrove Bar
  • Raintree Restaurant
  • Sundowner Bar

Things to do

  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Free area shuttle
  • In-room babysitting (surcharge)
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • Hair salon
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Outdoors

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Garden
  • On the beach
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

Spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Facials
  • In-room massages
  • Manicures/pedicures

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • 10 buildings
  • 2 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 1994
  • Mosquito nets
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Bidet
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Slippers
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Electrical adapters
  • Laptop workspace
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 7:00 AM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: TZS 37500
Late check-in subject to availability
Late check-in fee: TZS 37500 for check-in between midnight and 6:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: TZS 128000

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 24 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after noon please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours must contact this property in advance to arrange check-in.

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between June 1 and June 17.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • A tax is imposed by the city: TZS 13103.85 per person, per night

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Fee for cooked-to-order breakfast: approximately TZS 35000 for adults and TZS 25000 for children
  • Airport shuttle fee: TZS 35000 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 4)
  • Airport shuttle fee per child: TZS 33300.00 (one-way), (from 7 to 16 years old)
  • Early check-in fee: TZS 37500 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-in fee: TZS 37500 for check-in between midnight and 6:00 AM
  • Late check-out fee: TZS 128000 (subject to availability)
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Commitment to Clean (Marriott)
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Reservations are required for massage services; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation

Property is also known as

Mbweni
Mbweni Hotel Zanzibar
Mbweni Ruins
Mbweni Ruins Hotel
Mbweni Ruins Zanzibar
Mbweni Zanzibar
Ruins Hotel
Zanzibar Mbweni
Zanzibar Mbweni Ruins Hotel
Protea Hotel Mbweni Ruins
Protea Mbweni Ruins Zanzibar
Protea Mbweni Ruins
Mbweni Ruins & Gardens Hotel
Protea Hotel Zanzibar Mbweni Ruins
Mbweni Ruins & Gardens Zanzibar Town
Mbweni Ruins & Gardens Hotel Zanzibar Town
Jungle Paradise Beach Resort Spa Mbweni Ruins
Protea Hotel by Marriott Zanzibar Mbweni Ruins

Frequently asked questions

Does Mbweni Ruins & Gardens have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Mbweni Ruins & Gardens pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?

Check-in start time: 7:00 AM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM. Early check-in is available for a fee of TZS 37500 (subject to availability). Late check-in is available from midnight– 6:00 AM for a fee of TZS 37500.

What time is check-out at Mbweni Ruins & Gardens?

Check-out is at 11 AM. Late check-out is available for TZS 128000 (subject to availability).

Does Mbweni Ruins & Gardens provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle. A fee of TZS 35000 per vehicle applies.

Where is Mbweni Ruins & Gardens located?

Located in Zanzibar Town, this beachfront hotel is in the historical district and within 6 mi (10 km) of Slave Market, House of Wonders, and Nakupenda Beach. Old Fort and Forodhani Gardens are also within 6 mi (10 km).

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Mbweni Ruins & Gardens Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 72 out of 149 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 55 out of 149 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 13 out of 149 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 149 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 149 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Devyn

Liked: Amenities
Great!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

William or Ann Marie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This is a cute old hotel complex that is right on the beach. They have a neat restaurant overlooking the beach from a platform.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Walter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent management and staff the new manager is fantastic
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Walter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Excellent manger and staff
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Oren

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

great beach

The hotel is in a very nice jungle area, it fitted us as we wanted to stay near stonetown/airport for the night but did not like the places in the city - this one certinantly has that resort feeeling - beach right out the resort, beautfull sunset etc..its not your typical luxary resort.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We only stayed one night but it was so relaxing and lovely.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

6/10 Okay

Teresa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
It was okay
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Neil

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Historic setting of a beach-side property located away from the city centre. The extremely personable and enthusiastic new Manager has an attitude, qualities and resume that deserve to make this hotel a major success.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Maik

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent environment and the combination of the old historical buildings with the new hotel is absolut unique. The service of the stuff is over average. You guys made our anniversary unforgettable, thanks a lot.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good choice close to airport

The staff were friendly and very helpful. The rooms were beautiful and comfortable with interesting wood furniture. Overall, nice, clean and enjoyable. Massage was great. More sophisticated and relaxed than Stone Town and close to the airport. The restaurant is good but prepare for taking it pole, pole.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Victor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Property was good and good location on beach and near the airport. Only issue was I was given the lobby WI-FI password which only worked in the lobby area. I later found out there is another WI-FI that works in my room and common areas. Also the restaurant was very lacking of many of the items I tried to order. Perhaps it was just a bad time and they had not gotten supplies in.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Bradley

Good
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

2/10 Terrible

Anthony

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
This facility is completely inaccessible to persons with walking disabilities.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

romina

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort

A bit old but getting better and better.

The pier is no longer there, it should nto be the first pciture of the hotel. Overall, people were absolutly lovely with us! Their electricity generator always work (and that is a BIG PLUS in Zanzibar) Rooms are a bit old but according to the pictures. Thank you ! we have a good time in your hotel. We were so happy to have some doggies around, kittens, even a MONKEY ! The hotel has many beautiful spots for pictures!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

6/10 Okay

Italo

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
Staff is not properly trained to serve international customers. All the rest is fine, but quality of service could improve a lot in terms of food and drinks. I also think stuff should manage a good level of English, which was lacking.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

4/10 Poor

Nadja

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The name is program: ruins and garden. When you enter the first thing you see is the ruin ( literally speaking) the staff is very friendly, The entrance is very muddy and even with the taxi hard to access. We were led to the new part of the hotel. Theroom had hardly any furniture, the cupboard and drawers very damp and almost falling apart. The rooms smmelled fungy. We booked a room for one grown up and two teenagers and there was only one double bed, no safe in the room. Since we only stayed one night we didn’t ask for neither. The garden has jungle flair. The sand beach and the ocean were beautiful. The restaurant was located a pit higher up like a big tree house and from there you can have an amazing view over the ocean - which really made up for the room. Food and drinks were also good.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Helt ok, dock missvisande bilder på Piren

Helt ok standard för Afrika, kall AC och fräscha lakan. God frukost och ok mat i restaurangen. Ett OK hotell om man vill bo nära Stonetown. Obs de borde byta bilder då ”Piren” som visas inte finns kvar.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janet

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a fantastic property set in the ruins of an old school. Rooms clean and comfortable. Wonderful outdoor dining area with delicious food and a small private beach. So relaxing and close to airport and Stonetown. A highlight of our stay in Zanzibar.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jean Paul

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michele

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Posto spettacolare, direttamente sulla spiaggia, con un bellissimo giardino tropicale, compresa una piccola colonia di scimmie rosse. Ristorante ottimo per la colazione, ma anche per i vari pasti. Servizio in spiaggia, piscina, lettini ed asciugamani. Le camere necessitano di un rinnovamento, ma sono spaziose e pulite. La zona è molto tranquilla e sicura.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Deograsias

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

z

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

6/10 Okay

Manirakiza

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

6/10 Okay

Sofia

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great staff

GREAT staff. Room was shockingly damp, musty, spotted and worn. We could not understand how Marriott could be affiliated with this hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2020

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2020