The Zanzibari

The hotel is 4.5 stars for luxury. It doesn't have the opulence (or cost) of Essque next door. But it has the feeling of family intimacy and warmth and caring that, to me, is worth far more than opulence. For example, my arrival flight to Zanzibar was delayed for hours. The hotel driver stayed at the airport for hours waiting for me, with frequent communication between me and the reception manager, Khatib. Khatib stayed until 10:30 at night until I arrived, and then suggested I check in the next morning so I could sleep first (but offered me food in case I was hungry). My walking tour of the village was done by the hotel manager, who introduced me to the weavers, fishermen, and boat repair people he's known for 20 years, giving me chance to try my skills at these tasks. This was a personal, not a commercial experience. I booked only the breakfast (half board), which was excellent with many choices. I then also ate all my dinners at the outdoor, covered, hotel restaurant because the food was so good, reasonably priced, and convenient. When I checked out after a 3 day stay I accidentally left a credit card that was found by housekeeping. Khatib called me that afternoon and took a taxi 1 1/2 hours (each way) to Stonetown to personally deliver my card to me at my next hotel. The staff at the hotel included me as part of their family. My observations of interactions with other guests is that this was not unique to me, but is part of the culture.

Great location on the coast, extremely friendly and helpful staff and good sized rooms. Strangely, not many taxi drivers knew how to get there from Stonetown, best to contact the hotel directly to arrange a transfer to get there. The local zoo is also well worth a visit. A great place for couples and families, a little quiet for solo travellers but I still had a good visit.

The Zanzibari is an enchanted getaway. It has very beautiful grounds with its own cliff beach. We are a family of 5 and just came off a safari and found it so peaceful and relaxing. The service and food was top notch. It is away from the action, but you can call for a taxi and be where there is a lot of activity and tourists only 15 minutes away. It is 1 1/2 hours from Stonetown which is a bit far, but you can still get a boat that picks you up from the Zanzibari and will take you to an island for snorkeling and some time on a sand bar. There is also a sunset boat cruise 15 minutes away. The room was so good, my teenaged, 20 something kids did not want to leave to go anywhere! If you are looking for a lush, tropical getaway with high quality rooms that is not too far from the tourist area, this is the place. I highly recommend the Zanzibari

We absolutely loved our stay at the Zanzibari. We felt welcome and home from the first minute. The property is beautiful and super quiet. You can walk on the beach to Nungwi or Kendwa when the tide is low or take a taxi/motobike for just a few dollars. The staff is super friendly, always smiling and very attentive. It is a rather small hotel with only few rooms so you feel like a little family. We definitely recommend staying at The Zanzibari and Zanzibar in general. Just a beautiful island with wonderful people