Stone Town is a common place to stay if you are visiting the island on your own and want to explore as many places as possible.

As the main international airport , Zanzibar ZNZ, is located close to this town, Stone Town is often the first place to stay overnight during your stay in Zanzibar.

With an extensive historic centre and a range of boat trips on offer, I would recommend spending at least 2 nights in Stone Town.

Prices and when to book a hotel?

There is a wide range of accommodation on offer and prices are usually lower than in larger resorts such as Nungwi or Jambiani.

Prices for cheaper 2* or 3* hotels with private bathrooms range between 50 usd and 80 usd depending on the season.

Better 4* hotels offer rooms from 80 usd in low season and 100 usd in high season.

Top 10 hotels in Stone Town

Where to stay - the best hotels

We pick the best hotels for you in several categories.

International chains

The selection of multinational hotels in Stone Town is very small and there are currently only two hotels operating here:

• Golden Tulip Stone Town Boutique **** - A cheap and simple 4* hotel with a great location directly opposite the ferry port to the mainland or Pemba Island.
• Park Hyatt Zanzibar ***** - the most luxurious hotel in town with a top location right on Shangani Beach

Local well rated hotels

If you're looking for good value for money at a local 3* in the city centre, choose from these deals:

• Tembo B&B Apartments - Great value for money, perfect location in the centre and close to the embarkation point of the Prison Island / Nakupenda Sandbank cruises, recommend from personal experience
• Mizingani Seafront Hotel **** - good hotel on the Forodhani promenade near the harbour
• Shaba Boutique Hotel **** - well rated hotel right in the centre of Stone Town just a few steps from Darajani market

Cheap guesthouses

Stone Town is full of very cheap local guesthouses with prices starting quietly from 20 usd per night in a double room.

Expect less comfort, but most accommodation is clean and with private bathrooms in the room.

We would recommend this accommodation:

• Zanzibar Town Nest Hotel *** - Great location in a quieter part of Stone Town