Zanzibar hotels reflect the island’s rich heritage of Arabian, Swahili, Indian and European cultures in the architecture and wide range of local cuisine. Often called the Spice Island, Zanzibar is famous for picture-perfect white beaches, amazing tropical weather, inviting crystal blue waters where you will find some of the best snorkelling, kite surfing and diving spots anywhere in the world.
Romantic bungalows, infinity pools, spas and beach dining make Zanzibar hotels and resorts the perfect honeymoon destination. There are also plenty of activities to keep children busy on a family holiday.
This guide looks at the best value for money, mainland Zanzibar accommodation options according to price range. Starting from the most expensive to the lowest price per night.
In this article:
- Luxury hotels and resorts: Elwana Kilindi, Zawadi Hotel, Zuzi Zanzibar, White Sands Villas and Spa
- Best Luxury Resort – Baraza Resort and Spa
- Mid-Range Hotels: Riu Palace, Kasha Boutique Hotel, The Z Hotel, Sunshine Hotel
- Best Mid-Range Hotel – Fumba Beach Lodge
- Best Hotels Under $200 per night: Kiwenga Beach Resort, SeVi Boutique Hotel, Tembo Hotel and Apartments, DoubleTree in Stone Stown (Hitlon)
- Best Budget Hotel – Sea Cliff Resort and Spa
Ultimate Luxury Hotels and Resorts in Zanzibar
1. Best Luxury Resort – Baraza Resort and Spa (9.5/10)
A 5-star, all-inclusive boutique resort on Paje Beach, Bwejuu. 30 Arabian style villas with Swahili arches and spacious interiors decorated with brass lanterns, antique furnishings and cement carvings. There are several dining facilities available as well as a spa and a gym.
Selling Factors
- Private plunge pools
- Walk-in dressing rooms
- Yoga
- Beach walks, volleyball and soccer
- Bicycles
Price: Villas from $613
Rating
| Location | 9/10 |
| Rooms | 9/10 |
| Facilities | 10/10 |
| Staff Friendliness | 10/10 |
| Services | 9/10 |
2. Elewana Kilindi – 9.5/10
This luxury boutique hotel has 15 white-domed pavilions set in a 50 acre, tropical garden along a remote beach on the northeast coast. Eastern influences are evident in the design and decor of the rooms. Guests have a choice of available watersports, private dining options and access to a spa.
Features
- 25m infinity pool and private plunge pools
- Private butlers
- Rainfall showers
Price: Suites from $1,300
Rating
| Location | 8/10 |
| Rooms | 8/10 |
| Facilities | 8/10 |
| Staff Friendliness | 10/10 |
| Services | 9/10 |
3. Zawadi Hotel – 9.5/10
5-star hotel in Dongwe on the southeast coast. 12 exclusive villas sit on top of a cliff with ocean views and calming white interiors. Guests have access to a hidden beach below the cliffs. Activities on offer include learning traditional weaving and cooking lessons.
Features
- Dive centre
- Private plunge pools
- Nature gym with 900m jogging trail
Price: Rooms from $792
Rating
| Location | 10/10 |
| Rooms | 9/10 |
| Facilities | 10/10 |
| Staff Friendliness | 10/10 |
| Services | 10/10 |
4. Zuri Zanzibar – 9/10
56 individual bungalows and villas on a remote beach, 13miles from the city centre. Zuri is set in a beautifully landscaped garden and most of the suites have direct ocean views. The eco-friendly hotel is dedicated to sustainable practices. Guests can enjoy spa treatments, live music and dining on the beach
Features
- Private terraces
- Garden tours
- Cooking classes
- Beach bar
Price: Bungalows from $624
Rating
| Location | 9/10 |
| Rooms | 8/10 |
| Facilities | 9/10 |
| Staff Friendliness | 9/10 |
| Services | 8/10 |
5. White Sands Luxury Villas and Spa – Relais and Chateaux (8.5/10)
An eco-luxury resort on the east coast along Paje beach. There is an on-site kite surfing facility and you can take lessons or rent equipment. Spa treatments incorporate seaweed, spices and coconut and the resort has its own organic vegetable garden.
Features
- Outdoor bathtubs and showers
- Hot-tubs
- Rooftop champagne bar
- Bicycle, kayak and paddle board rentals
Price: Rooms from $570 per night (minimum 2-night stay)
Rating
| Location | 9/10 |
| Rooms | 8/10 |
| Facilities | 9/10 |
| Staff Friendliness | 9/10 |
| Services | 8/10 |
Best Value Mid-Range Hotels in Zanzibar
1. Best Mid-Range Zanzibar Hotel – Fumba Beach Lodge (8/10)
26 whitewashed bandas on the southwest coast, 30min from Zanzibar airport. The cottages are set on the forest edge with sea views and private terraces. The lodge has a pool, spa and gym. Fresh vegetables and herbs are grown in the on-site garden and used to prepare delicious meals for the restaurant.
Features
- Private beach
- Secluded location in a conservation area
- Kayaking
- Dive centre
Price: Minimum 2-night stay, cottages from $330
Rating
| Location | 8/10 |
| Rooms | 7/10 |
| Facilities | 8/10 |
| Staff Friendliness | 8/10 |
| Services | 7/10 |
2. Riu Palace Zanzibar – 8.5/10
All-inclusive 5-star hotel on Nungwi beach. Chandeliers hang from the ceilings and rooms are spacious and elegantly furnished with earth-toned decor. Guests can choose from 3 themed restaurants. The spa offers hydro-massage and steam baths.
Features
- Overall great value
- Private balconies
- Complimentary kayaks and paddleboards
- Gym
- Show-cooking stations
Price: Suites from $377
Rating
| Location | 8/10 |
| Rooms | 8/10 |
| Facilities | 9/10 |
| Staff Friendliness | 9/10 |
| Services | 8/10 |
3. Kasha Boutique Hotel – 7/10
11 private villas on the northeast coast. The spacious bungalows are simply furnished with touches of bright colours. The staff are exceptionally friendly and helpful. Unfortunately, there is no wifi in the rooms and dining options are limited and pricey.
Features
- 2 swimming pools plus private plunge pools
- Seafood barbeques
- Breakfast included
Price: Rooms from $307
Rating
| Location | 7/10 |
| Rooms | 7/10 |
| Facilities | 6/10 |
| Staff Friendliness | 8/10 |
| Services | 6/10 |
4. The Z Hotel – 8/10
Located on the northern tip of the island along Nungwi, famous for amazing diving, fishing and snorkelling spots. The popular hotel and rooms are strewn with cheerful prints and bespoke, coconut wood furniture. Z Hotel’s Sexy Fish restaurant comes highly recommended for fresh seafood dishes.
Features
- Beach and rooftop dining
- Open air yoga
- Dive centre
- Pool, gym and spa
Price: Rooms from $225 (minimum 4-night stay)
Rating
| Location | 8/10 |
| Rooms | 8/10 |
| Facilities | 8/10 |
| Staff Friendliness | 9/10 |
| Services | 8/10 |
5. Sunshine Hotel – 7/10
An ocean-front hotel in the heart of Matemwe on the northeast coast. 16 Eco-friendly rooms decorated in chic Swahili style are designed to channel the cool breeze (there are no air-cons). There is a restaurant on-site and massages can be arranged.
Features
- 2 swimming pools
- Close to restaurants, bars and other attractions in Matemwe.
- Nearby dive centre
Price: Rooms from $220
Rating
| Location | 8/10 |
| Rooms | 7/10 |
| Facilities | 7/10 |
| Staff Friendliness | 8/10 |
| Services | 6/10 |
Best Budget Zanzibar Hotels under $200 per night
1. Best Budget Hotel – Sea Cliff Resort and Spa (8.5/10)
This 4-star, Arabian-meets-modern style resort with 48 rooms is located on a private beach on the west coast. All possible facilities are available including the only golf course and driving range on the island, stables and tennis courts. Guests can choose from 4 bars and 3 on-site restaurants or relax by infinity pools or at the spa.
Features
- Private beach
- Horse riding
- Jetty bar
- Table tennis
Price: Rooms from $190
Rating
| Location | 9/10 |
| Rooms | 7/10 |
| Facilities | 10/10 |
| Staff Friendliness | 8/10 |
| Services | 9/10 |
2. Kiwengwa Beach Resort – 7/10
In Kiwengwa, close to the beach and 40 minutes from Stone Town. There is a selection of over 150 rooms and suites. Rooms are neat with air conditioning and flat-screen TV’s. There is a fitness centre, three different restaurants and bars on site. Some of the cottages have jacuzzis
Features
- Saltwater pool
- 3 min from Obama Beach club
- Beach activities
- Live music
Price: rooms from $170
Rating
| Location | 7/10 |
| Rooms | 6/10 |
| Facilities | 7/10 |
| Staff Friendliness | 10/10 |
| Services | 6/10 |
3. SeVi Boutique Hotel – 8/10
Located near the fishing village of Kigomani on the northeast coast. 13 traditional thatched bungalows and one luxury villa spread out amongst tropical vegetation. The hotel supports the community through locally sourced furniture, decor and ingredients for the restaurant. Guests are encouraged to bring along supplies for Kigomani school.
Features
- Curio shopping
- Boat trips
- Fantastic diving and snorkelling
- Poolside bar
- Spa
Price: Rooms from $147
Rating
| Location | 9/10 |
| Rooms | 8/10 |
| Facilities | 7/10 |
| Staff Friendliness | 9/10 |
| Services | 8/10 |
4. Tembo Hotel and Apartments – 7/10m
On the beachfront in Stone Town, this colourfully decorated, antique furnished hotel has a rich history including once being the American Consulate, as well as offices of the largest trading company in the Indian Ocean. All rooms and apartments are air-conditioned and there is a swimming pool.
Features
- Close to local attractions
- Freddie Mercury Apartment
- Good breakfast selection
- Walking tours of Stone Town
Price: Rooms from $140
Rating
| Location | 8/10 |
| Rooms | 6/10 |
| Facilities | 6/10 |
| Staff Friendliness | 8/10 |
| Services | 7/10 |
5. DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton in Stone Town – 7/10
In the centre of Stone Town, close to the beach and market. Guests are greeted with a fresh cookie on arrival. The historical hotel is decorated in hand-carved furniture and has a rooftop restaurant, fitness centre and a spa
Features
- Walking distance to Sultan’s Palace, Old Fort and House of Wonders
- Room service
Price: Rooms from $123
Rating
| Location | 8/10 |
| Rooms | 6/10 |
| Facilities | 7/10 |
| Staff Friendliness | 7/10 |
| Services | 7/10 |