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Zanzibar Serena Hotel

5.0 star property
VIP Access

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Photo gallery for Zanzibar Serena Hotel

Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, lifeguards on site
View from property
Terrace/patio
Lobby sitting area
Honeymoon Suite | View from room

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
Kelele Square, Stone Town, Zanzibar Town
  • Place, Shangani Beach
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Forodhani Gardens
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Slave Market
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Airport, Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.)
    ‪11 min drive‬
VIP Access
Curated for quality and service, VIP Access stays consistently receive our highest guest ratings.
  • Expect exceptional service
  • Extra savings and perks for BONUS+ members
Learn more about VIP AccessOpens in a new window

Room options

View all photos for Standard Double room

Standard Double room | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

Standard Double room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(9 reviews)
  • 26 sq m
  • Partial ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Superior Double or Twin Room, Ocean View

Superior Double or Twin Room, Ocean View | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

Superior Double or Twin Room, Ocean View

  • 28 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Executive Suite

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

Executive Suite

  • 58 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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About this property

Zanzibar Serena Hotel

Luxury hotel on the beach, with outdoor pool
Catch some rays at the beach or spend the day relaxing at Zanzibar Serena Hotel's full-service spa. Then enjoy a meal at one of the hotel's 2 restaurants.
Zanzibar Serena Hotel offers 51 air-conditioned accommodations with minibars and laptop-compatible safes. Rooms open to balconies. Each accommodation is individually furnished. Beds feature premium bedding. 21-inch LCD televisions come with premium satellite channels. Bathrooms include a separate bath and shower, bathrobes, slippers and designer toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and telephones. Additionally, rooms include complimentary bottles of water and coffee/tea makers. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered on a daily basis. Amenities available on request include in-room massages.

An outdoor pool and a children's pool are on site.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on-site or nearby; fees may apply.

The on-site spa has 2 treatment rooms, including rooms for couples. Services include facials, body scrubs, body treatments and manicures and pedicures. The spa is open daily.
Our customers tell us that they can't get enough of the helpful staff at Zanzibar Serena Hotel. During your stay, you'll be connected to a shopping centre and just a quick walk from Nakupenda Beach. You'll find features such as free WiFi in public areas, free self-parking and a free manager's reception.
  • Free WiFi
  • Free self-parking
  • For dining with ocean views, stop by Baharia Restaurant, one of the property's 2 restaurants
  • Take a swim in the outdoor pool
  • Indulge with manicures and pedicures, facials or body treatments at the spa
  • Services include babysitting, a lifeguard on-site and dry cleaning/laundry
  • On-site recreation includes bicycles to rent
  • Steps from Nakupenda Beach and Shangani Beach
  • Airport shuttle service available for a fee
Enjoy the umbrellas and sunloungers for a relaxing day at the beach. Pamper yourself with a treatment at the full-service spa and enjoy amenities at Zanzibar Serena Hotel such as an outdoor pool and a children's pool.

A free manager's reception is offered daily. There are 2 restaurants on site, as well as a coffee shop/cafΘ and a nearby snack bar/deli. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include a poolside bar and a bar/lounge. WiFi is free in public spaces. This luxury hotel also offers a garden and a terrace. Free self parking is available.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 5-star Zanzibar Town hotel.

The hotel hosts a free manager's reception daily.
Baharia Restaurant – Overlooking the ocean, this restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Terrace Restaurant – Overlooking the ocean, this restaurant specialises in seafood and only serves dinner. Reservations are required. Open daily.
24-hour room service is available.

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • 24-hour return 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
  • 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 centre
  • 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 lift
  • 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
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Designer toiletries
  • Dressing gowns
  • Hair dryer
  • 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 and check-out are available
Late check-in subject to availability

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out
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

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at Zanzibar Serena Hotel

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Payment types at the property

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • A tax is imposed by the city: USD 5.00 per person, per night

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • 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)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that 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
Zanzibar Serena Hotel offers transfers from the airport (fees may apply). Please contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation 48 hours prior to arrival with your arrival details. To arrange for check-in, guests must contact the property at least 48 hours prior to arrival using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests arriving after noon must make advance arrangements by contacting the property using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in information. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property. For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation.
Property Registration Number Z0000010668

We should mention

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.

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

Zanzibar Serena Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 155 out of 236 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 54 out of 236 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 15 out of 236 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 236 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 236 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Hisham

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wonderful and very special hotel
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dale

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Cathy

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

4/10 Poor

Noor, Houston

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Property rundown and staff doesn’t care
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

4/10 Poor

Darren

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
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 Excellent

Diana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Absolutely amazing! I will definitely be back. Everyone treats you like family. Excellent service. Fabulous food. Beautiful accommodations.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

melissa

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

cindy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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

Zachariah

Liked: Amenities
This was a great stay
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

4/10 Poor

Ian

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
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

8/10 Good

Angela

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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 Excellent

Laureen

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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

6/10 Okay

Rozmin, AURORA

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
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

2/10 Terrible

Igor

Disliked: Cleanliness
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

6/10 Okay

Alkarim

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sharyon

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Serena Hotel

Amazing experience at the Hotel Serena. The staff here are incredible I cant imagine staying anywhere else in Zanzibar. The views, the food, the drinks, everything was top notch!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jane, Memphis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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

8/10 Good

Diane

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nancy

Travelled with partner, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly staff, beautiful hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Alastair

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service

Great location

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 Excellent

Susan

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Kimberly

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
I was not offered a room Upgrade or acknowledged for VIP on Expedia like usual . At check out I asked about bottle of wine and 10 usd credit . They forgot the wine and they usually give a fruit basket instead of 10 dollars credit . I didn’t receive the fruit basket after discussing they agreed to take 10usd off the restaurant bill. I rather be given the options stated when booked then ask for it . Also no elevator . One party member couldn’t use the stairs and this we didn’t realize . We had lunch at hotel and the food was amazing . The staff is not terrible just not aware of what’s going on . Also we booked the same morning for the room why there was confusion maybe . location is good . Property is old . It’s on the beach which is a plus . Breakfast is good . Room was clean and ac worked well .
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024