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Zanzibar Serena Hotel

5.0 star property
Luxury hotel on the beach, with outdoor pool

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Photo gallery for Zanzibar Serena Hotel

Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, lifeguards on site
Honeymoon Suite | View from room
Lobby sitting area
Executive Suite | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually furnished
Terrace/patio

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Parking included
  • Room service
  • Spa
  • Air conditioning

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 3 of 3 rooms

View all photos for Executive Suite

Executive Suite | Living room | 21-inch LCD TV with satellite channels, TV

Executive Suite

Highlights

Balcony
Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cribs/infant beds
LCD TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Superior Room

Superior Room | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually furnished

Superior Room

Highlights

Balcony
Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
LCD TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Premium bedding
Separate bathtub and shower
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Double room

Standard Double room | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually furnished

Standard Double room

Highlights

Balcony
Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
LCD TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Premium bedding
Separate bathtub and shower
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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About the neighborhood

Map
Kelele Square, Stone Town, Zanzibar Town

What's nearby

  • Shangani Beach - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Old Fort - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Forodhani Gardens - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Zanzibar Ferry Terminal - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Slave Market - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles

Getting around

  • Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ) - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Passing Show Hotel - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Meeting Point Cafe - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Lukmaan - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Livingstone Beach Restaurant - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Zenji Garden Café - ‬8 min walk

About this property

Zanzibar Serena Hotel

Luxury family-friendly hotel near Nakupenda Beach
Located close to Shangani Beach and Old Fort, Zanzibar Serena Hotel provides a poolside bar, a free daily manager's reception, and a terrace. With amenities like a white sand beach and sun loungers, this hotel is the perfect place to soak up the sun. Treat yourself to a massage, a facial, or a body scrub at the onsite spa. At the two on-site restaurants, enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and seafood. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with a coffee shop/cafe and a garden.
You'll also enjoy perks such as:
  • An outdoor pool and a children's pool, with pool umbrellas and a lifeguard on site
  • Free self parking
  • Bike rentals, a roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), and babysitting (surcharge)
  • Massage treatment rooms, beach umbrellas, and concierge services
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the helpful staff
Room features
All 51 individually furnished rooms feature comforts such as 24-hour room service and premium bedding, as well as thoughtful touches like laptop-compatible safes and air conditioning.
More amenities include:
  • Childcare services and free infant beds
  • Bathrooms with designer toiletries and separate tubs/showers
  • 21-inch LCD TVs with premium channels
  • Balconies, electric kettles, and daily housekeeping

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Free self parking on site
  • Onsite parking includes off-street options

Food and drink

  • 2 restaurants
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A poolside bar
  • Couples/private dining
  • Free daily manager's reception
  • Private picnics
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Baharia Restaurant
  • Terrace Restaurant

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Children's pool
  • Full-service spa
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Children's pool
  • In-room babysitting (surcharge)
  • In-room crib
  • Laundry facilities
  • Lifeguards on site
  • Outdoor pool
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

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

Business services

  • 24-hour business center
  • 621 square feet of conference space
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

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

Full-service spa

  • 2 treatment rooms
  • Body scrubs
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Facials
  • In-room massages
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Spa open daily

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
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • 1 building
  • 3 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Lifeguards
  • Mosquito nets

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Free crib
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 21-inch LCD TV with premium satellite channels

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service
  • Champagne service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Individual furnishings
  • Laptop-compatible safe
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: noon; Check-in end time: midnight
Early check-in subject to availability
An early check-in fee will be charged
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 48 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 48 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
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

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Free cribs are available on request at the property

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: USD 5.00 per person, per night

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

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 90800 per person (one-way)
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

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, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
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
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Property Registration Number Z0000010668

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property

Property is also known as

Hotel Serena Zanzibar
Serena Hotel Zanzibar
Serena Zanzibar
Serena Zanzibar Hotel
Zanzibar Serena
Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Zanzibar Serena Hotel Hotel
Zanzibar Serena Hotel Zanzibar Town
Zanzibar Serena Hotel Hotel Zanzibar Town

Frequently asked questions

Does Zanzibar Serena Hotel have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool and a children's pool.

Is Zanzibar Serena Hotel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Zanzibar Serena Hotel?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Zanzibar Serena Hotel?

Check-in start time: noon; Check-in end time: midnight. A fee applies for early check-in (subject to availability). Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Zanzibar Serena Hotel?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM. Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability).

Does Zanzibar Serena Hotel provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of USD 90800 per person applies.

Where is Zanzibar Serena Hotel located?

Located in Stone Town, this beachfront hotel is in the city center, just steps from Nakupenda Beach and Shangani Beach. Old Fort and Forodhani Gardens are also within 10 minutes.

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Zanzibar Serena Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 148 out of 228 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 53 out of 228 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 15 out of 228 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 228 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 228 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10

This was a great stay
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10

The location and pool were great. The restaurant food was excellent, free breakfast excellent. Pool service from Damian especially was fabulous.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10

Absolutely amazing! I will definitely be back. Everyone treats you like family. Excellent service. Fabulous food. Beautiful accommodations.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

6/10

The hotel has a great location, and a really nice pool. But there are stairs to get everywhere. No elevators. The staff was exceptionally service minded - and helpful. But we did not get any recognition for the Hotels.com membership - we should have gotten a bottle of wine and som discount on the VIP membership.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10

My third stay here! I love Zanzibar and love staying here. It's so convenient to everything and the staff are exceptional. Big Joe is always there to welcome us! And Johannes and Suliman also are great. Food is good, view is spectacular, rooms are big and have an "Old World" feel. I love it here!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10

Great location, staff very courteous. I had a great room with a balcony facing the ocean. Very comfortable. Breakfast was plentiful and delicious.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

4/10

Property rundown and staff doesn’t care
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

4/10

Overpriced for what is on offer. Room wasn’t ready for check-in time and even though we had to wait 1.5 hours to check-in, they would not provide a late checkout when the hotel wasn’t at full capacity. For the room price, you would be better off staying at the much nicer hotel next door.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10

Lovely property in a quiet corner of Stonetown. Great swimming pool. Historic quality of hotel added a charming feel. Most rooms overlook the ocean. The amenities were complete and the room was very comfortable. Spend a little extra to get an outside balcony or verandah. The staff was wonderful and helpful. There are lots of restaurants nearby. I can't speak for the food at the on property restaurant since I had to leave early and skipped the breakfast. I would definitely stay here again on a Stonetown visit.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10

Excellent Service with excellent Friendly Staff
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10

The Zanzibar Serena is a lovely hotel in StoneTown. I wish I had stayed there for my leisure/personal visit as well. The staff are lovely. The pool is wonderful. The food is nice. All around, a terrific place to stay and conveniently located.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10

Property is immaculate. Staff are utterly courteous. The hotel itself is beautiful and carefully maintained.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2024

4/10

The property is in a good location but is extremely tired and old fashioned. They are installing an elevator but this was right next to our room so very noisy works. The entire facilities need a major renovation. The staff were wonderful especially Johannes in the concierge.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10

Superbly helpful and friendly staff. Located in a very central area….easy to walk to nearby attractions like Freddie Mercury house etc. Plenty of taxis right outside the hotel. Hotel staff very very friendly and helpful for organizing any tours/taxis.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023

10/10

Excellent
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

8/10

Property is at best rustic, we had heard Serena is a top brand hotel group, not based on what this hotel looks and feels like
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10

Wonderful staff. Responsive and friendly. Charming room. Well furnished and cared for. Pool is clean and attractive.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10

Zanzibar Serena Hotel is a gorgeous property with spacious, sea-front balconies complete w hammock, chairs, and tables. All staff greeted me by name and went out of their way to ensure I was comfortable and happy. Wonderful service on all levels.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

8/10

Excellent location next to the beach with a very nice pool. Shame the sea has some litter in it. The bar service around the pool is very slow. The young staff in particular need to learn more English and a sense of urgency. Stone town is very interesting but beware fake guides
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10

The Zanzibar Serena Hotel is a gem. The staff is extremely helpful and courteous. They helped us find guides, get to Prison Island, find places to shop for certain items, the list goes on. The room was quiet and very comfortable with a large balcony. The food was excellent. The location is fabulous -- right on the water. Also, we had a late flight out and were able to store our luggage and use the all the amenities of the hotel. We could even shower before leaving! I highly recommend this hotel. I can't imagine finding a better one.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

2/10

Upon check out I received the bill which had 2 same numbers in it. When I argued, they cancelled one of them but afterwards, on the way to ferry they called the driver and started asking for more moneys. Even after check out. Hotel after all is good, most of the staff are friendly. But guys, check the bills and be careful.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10

An elegant traditional African hotel with a gorgeous setting right on the Indian Ocean. The views were spectacular with all of the colorful boats passing by. The breakfasts were great. The selection was extensive and well prepared. Our only complaint is that evening dining wasn’t very good, which may have explained why the place was nearly empty at 7:30 pm. Fortunately there are other excellent dining options in the neighborhood.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

6/10

Hotel does not have an elevator. People struggle to take stairs up to their floors. Rooms look tired and need refurbishing. Rooms also need more lighting - feel dark and depressing.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

4/10

they give expedia customers the rubbish rooms, i had to fight to get my room changed, they gave me a horrible room.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

2/10

Needs a serious upgrade The room was not worth the price paid