Zanzibar Serena Hotel - A historic oceanfront retreat in Stone Town with traditional Swahili design
Facing the Indian Ocean in Stone Town, the 5-star Zanzibar Serena Hotel occupies two historic buildings decorated in 19th-century Swahili style. The 51 rooms and suites feature four-poster beds with mosquito nets, private balconies with ocean views, and a blue-and-white coastal color scheme. Three restaurants serve fresh seafood and Swahili cuisine, including rooftop dining with bay views and weekly poolside banquets. Leisure facilities include a central swimming pool, spa treatments with African rituals, and a children's playground. The hotel is 5 km from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport and within walking distance of UNESCO sites like the House of Wonders and Arab Fort. Guests at Zanzibar Serena Hotel can also arrange beachfront dinners or boat trips to Prison Island for tortoise encounters.
Pros
The rooftop Terrace Seafood Restaurant offers fresh local catches with panoramic bay views.
Rooms feature four-poster beds draped in mosquito nets and private ocean-view balconies.
Weekly Swahili banquets by the pool include live Taarab music performances.
Proximity to multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, all within walking distance.
Airport transfers are available upon request.
Cons
The pool area lacks shade and can get crowded during peak hours.
Some rooms may experience noise from nearby busy streets in Stone Town.
Select your room type
Zanzibar Serena Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Prime Room Sea View
2 persons
28 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Standard Double Room
2 persons
26 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Executive Suite
2 persons
58 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
July 2026 - July 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
Zanzibar Serena Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.6/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Free parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
VIP check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Locker room
Currency exchange
Coffee shop
Fireplace
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access
Sports & Fitness
Wind surfing
Diving
Snorkelling
Canoeing
Horseback riding
Cycling
Yoga class
Sports trainer
Fishing
Guest Parking
Electric kettle
Services
Paid airport shuttle
Room service
Housekeeping
Car hire
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink
Happy hour
Dining
In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Picnic area/ Tables
Dinner
Packed lunches
Special diet menus
Business
Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying
Children
Cots
Babysitting/Child services
Children's buffet
Children's pool
Children's play area
Game room
Spa & Leisure
Infinity pool
Beach access
Beach umbrellas
Sun loungers
Live entertainment
Sun terrace
Garden area
BBQ facilities
Leisure/ TV room
Spa & wellness centre
Pedicure
Waxing
Body scrub
Facial
Treatment room
Back massage
Head massage
Full body massage
Foot massage
Make up services
Room features
Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-bar
Sitting area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock
Show more
Location
Shangani Street, Stone Town, Zanzibar,
Explore Zanzibar
Zanzibar Serena Hotel Activities
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
House of Wonders
9 minutes' walk
Historic palace showcasing Zanzibar's culture, famous for its towering structure and museum exhibits on Swahili history.
Sultan's Palace
9 minutes' walk
Once a royal dwelling, this palace offers a glimpse into the life of past sultans and features fascinating architectural details.
Old Fort of Zanzibar
6 minutes' walk
Ancient fortress with cultural events and live performances; a significant landmark boasting local craftsmanship and stunning views.
Mercury House
4 minutes' walk
Birthplace of the famous singer Freddie Mercury, this house features his statue and carries a rich musical legacy from Zanzibar.
Snorkeling Tours
15 minutes driving
Thrilling snorkeling opportunities around the coral reefs of Mnemba Atoll; equipment rental available, booking recommended.
Maisha Mazuri Horse Riding Club
10 minutes driving
Horse riding experiences through lush scenery; suitable for all skill levels, with guided rides available in a tranquil setting.
Travellers Cafe
1 minute' walk
Casual eatery serving local dishes and international favorites, renowned for its seafood and outdoor seating in a vibrant atmosphere.
Sunset Bar at the Africa House
3 minutes' walk
Rooftop bar offering stunning sunset views; specializes in tropical cocktails and light bites in a relaxed, stylish setting.
Forodhani Park Night Market
7 minutes' walk
Lively outdoor market with street food and local crafts; ideal for families, with a vibrant atmosphere and cultural performances.
Zanzibar International Film Festival
10 minutes driving
Annual film festival featuring local and international films, workshops, and discussions; a cultural highlight of Zanzibar's events calendar.
Getting around
City Centre
Zanzibar 12 min · 3300 ft
Airports
Kisauni (ZNZ) 13 min · 5.0 mi
Julius Nyerere (DAR) 119 min · 49.2 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 12:00-23:59
Check-out
from 09:00-10:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
At the hotel Zanzibar Serena guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
13
Former name
Zanzibar Serena Inn
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Zanzibar Serena Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 278 verified reviews
8.7 /10
Great
87 %
Recommend
Breakfast
8.5/10
Cleanliness
9.0/10
Comfort
9.0/10
Facilities
8.6/10
Free WiFi
8.7/10
Location
9.5/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.1/10
Staff
9.2/10
Value for money
8.1/10
Pros
Beach location
Friendly staff
Great breakfast
Ocean views
Cons
Cramped rooms
Slow service
Guest reviews
based on 882 reviews
4.5/5
based on 356 reviews
8.6/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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FAQs
About Zanzibar Serena Hotel
How far is Zanzibar Serena Hotel from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport?
The hotel is 5 km from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, approximately a 10-minute drive.
What attractions are located near Zanzibar Serena Hotel?
Nearby attractions include the House of Wonders (1 km), the Old Fort of Zanzibar (1 km), and the National Museum of Zanzibar (1 km).
What dining options are available at Zanzibar Serena Hotel?
The hotel features two on-site restaurants: the Baharia Restaurant serving international and Swahili cuisine, and the Terrace Seafood Restaurant with ocean views.
Does Zanzibar Serena Hotel provide free internet access?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms and public areas.
What amenities are included in the rooms at Zanzibar Serena Hotel?
Rooms include air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, a coffee maker, and a private bathroom with free toiletries.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Zanzibar Serena Hotel?
Check-in is at 12:00 and check-out is at 10:00.
Is parking available at Zanzibar Serena Hotel?
Yes, private parking is available on-site for free.
What facilities does Zanzibar Serena Hotel offer for business travelers?
The hotel provides a meeting room and conference space, accommodating up to 40 guests.
What recreational activities can be enjoyed at Zanzibar Serena Hotel?
Guests can participate in swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, bicycle rental, and cooking classes.
Does Zanzibar Serena Hotel have a pool?
Yes, the hotel features an outdoor infinity pool with sun loungers.
Is breakfast available at Zanzibar Serena Hotel?
Yes, breakfast is available for an additional charge of 20 USD.
What types of spa services are offered at Zanzibar Serena Hotel?
Spa services include massages, facials, and beauty treatments, as well as access to a spa lounge.
What children's facilities are available at Zanzibar Serena Hotel?
The hotel offers a children's pool, a kids' play area, and babysitting services.
Can guests organize excursions through Zanzibar Serena Hotel?
Yes, the hotel organizes tours and excursions exploring local culture and historical sites.