Emerson Spice Hotel

3.5 star property
Zanzibar Town hotel with 2 restaurants and bar/lounge

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Emerson Spice Hotel

Room (Violetta) | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished
Room (Belle) | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished
2 restaurants, lunch, dinner served; seafood
Interior
Room (Camille) | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished
Located in historic Stone Town, Emerson Spice Hotel offers a tranquil retreat with continental breakfast, seafood dining options at two on-site restaurants and relaxing spaces like the garden and terrace. Enjoy laundry facilities, luggage storage and tour assistance during your stay. Previous guests rave about the helpful staff.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Airport transfer
  • Bar
  • Laundry facilities
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Near the beach
  • 2 restaurants and bar/lounge
  • Beach towels
  • Room service
  • Airport shuttle
  • Terrace
  • Air conditioning
  • Garden
  • Front-desk safe
  • Self-serve laundry
  • Luggage storage

Feel at home (6)

  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Laundry facilities
  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Deep soaking bathtub

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 5 of 5 rooms

Room (Belle)

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Separate bedroom
Ceiling fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • 1 bedroom
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Room (Violetta)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Separate bedroom
Ceiling fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • 1 bedroom
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Room (Semele)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
Separate bedroom
Ceiling fan
  • 1 bedroom
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

Room (Camille)

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Separate bedroom
Ceiling fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • 1 bedroom
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Design Twin Room (Mimi)

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(10 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Separate bedroom
Ceiling fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
Shower/tub combination
  • 32 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Large Twin Beds

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About the neighborhood

Map
Stone Town, Zanzibar Town

What's nearby

  • Forodhani Gardens - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Slave Market - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Shangani Beach - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Old Fort - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Zanzibar Ferry Terminal - 5 min walk - 0.5 km

Getting around

  • Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ) - 15 min drive
  • Airport shuttle (surcharge)

Restaurants

  • ‪Forodhani Park - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Zenji Garden Café - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪House of Karafuu - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Zenji Cafe &. Boutique - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Lukmaan - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Emerson Spice Hotel

Located just 4.9 mi (7.9 km) from the airport, Emerson Spice Hotel offers a shuttle (available 24 hours). Guests looking for a bite to eat can check out Rooftop restaurant, one of 2 restaurants, which serves seafood and is open for lunch and dinner. Other features include a bar/lounge, a terrace, and a garden. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff.

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 10 rooms
    • Arranged over 5 floors
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Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
    • Minimum check-in age: 18
    • Check-out time is 10:00 AM
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Special check-in instructions

    • This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
    • The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
    • Front desk staffed during limited hours
    • This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18
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Pets

    • No pets or service animals allowed
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • No onsite parking
DONE

Transfers

    • Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours)*
DONE

Other information

    • Designated smoking areas

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast each morning 7:00 AM–10:00 AM
  • 2 restaurants
  • Bar/lounge
  • Room service (limited hours)

What to do

  • Beach nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby

Services

  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Beach towels
  • Bike storage

Facilities

  • 1 building/tower
  • Built in 1870
  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Bicycle parking
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • At least 80% organic food
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian dining options
  • Locally-owned & organized tours & activities
  • Local artist showcase
  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community & sustainability
  • Local culture & ecosystem education
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • No plastic soda bottles
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Reusable cups only
  • Reusable tableware only
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan

Sleep well

  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Turndown service
  • Bed sheets provided

What to enjoy

  • Individually furnished and decorated

Freshen up

  • Partially open bathroom
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Shower/tub combination
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Towels
  • Toilet paper

Stay connected

  • Laptop-friendly workspace
  • Free WiFi
  • Electrical adapters/chargers

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Water-efficient toilets only
  • Guidebooks/recommendations
  • Local maps

Special features

Dining

Rooftop restaurant - This seafood restaurant specializes in seafood and serves lunch and dinner. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting). Reservations are required.
Secret Garden - Overlooking the garden, this restaurant specializes in local and international cuisine and serves lunch and dinner. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting). Open daily.

Fees & policies

Refundable deposits

  • Deposit is payable by bank transfer and is due within 24 hours of booking the reservation

Mandatory fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or check-out. Fees may include applicable taxes:
  • A tax is imposed by the city: USD 4.00 per person, per night

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of USD 25 per vehicle (one-way)

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between April 21 and May 20.

Children & extra beds

  • Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve cribs/infant beds and high chairs

Policies

This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed.
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have elevators.
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit on site.
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard

Also known as

Emerson Spice Hotel Hotel
Emerson Spice Hotel Zanzibar Town
Emerson Spice Hotel Hotel Zanzibar Town

Frequently asked questions

Is Emerson Spice Hotel currently open?

The property is closed between April 21 and May 20.

Are pets allowed at Emerson Spice Hotel?

Sorry, pets and service animals aren't allowed.

Is parking offered on site at Emerson Spice Hotel?

Sorry, there's no onsite parking at Emerson Spice Hotel.

Is airport shuttle service offered by Emerson Spice Hotel?

Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is USD 25 per vehicle one-way.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Emerson Spice Hotel?

Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

What is there to do at Emerson Spice Hotel and nearby?

Have fun with nearby activities like boat tours, kayaking, and scuba diving. Emerson Spice Hotel also has a garden.

Are there restaurants at or near Emerson Spice Hotel?

Yes, there are 2 onsite restaurants, featuring alfresco dining, seafood, and garden views.

Does Emerson Spice Hotel have rooms with private hot tubs?

Yes, each room has a deep soaking bathtub.

What's the area around Emerson Spice Hotel like?

Emerson Spice Hotel is in Stone Town, a short 3-minute walk from Slave Market and 6 minutes' walk from Old Fort.

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Reviews

Emerson Spice Hotel Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.6

Cleanliness

9.2

Amenities

10

Staff & service

9.4

Eco-friendliness

9.2

Property conditions & facilities

What guests liked

  • Breakfast was excellent with a great variety of fruits and a wonderful selection of dishes. (9 reviews)
AI Sparkle IconFrom real guest reviews summarized by AI.

Popular mentions

Room
Service staff
Ambience
Elevator
Rooftops
Breakfast

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

Everything amazing!

Amazing, great people, great food, great hotel. Rooms are beautiful, comfy, clean!
2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Incredibly historic building with unique individually decorated rooms! Perfect location for walking around Stonetown. Delicious breakfast served on rooftop! Request Belle room if you don't want a lot of stairs. It has a huge balcony along the front of the building so it's fun to see tourists stop and take photos!
Sandra, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Excellent stay in a place immersed in history.

8/10 Very good

Very delicate staff. Well situated in stone town Glorious breakfast.
cécile, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

A wonderful hotel

Lovely hotel Really good and friendly service Fabulous ambience Beautiful breakfast
Greg, 4-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Fantastic place in heart of old Stonetown. Beautiful unique rooms, fantastic food in a rooftop restaurant with an an amazing view, and and a very helpful staff.
Janet, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Really nice historic hotel

My sister and I stayed here for a few nights when arriving in Zanzibar. Our flight plans got brought forward and the hotel was great in bringing forward our airport pick up. A staff member met us in the traffic area and carried our bags to the hotel, making sure we were following too. It really was nice to be in the heart of Stone Town. We stayed in Mimi which is one of the top rooms, so lots of stairs to get there. Room was huge, light and airy. We had a problem with hot water for the shower but once we notified the staff it was quick to be resolved. Beds were comfortable. Turn down service was a lovely touch. Breakfast was wonderful and served at the roof top restaurant, which has a nice view over Stone Town. Also a great spot for sundowner drinks. We didn't try the set menu dinner there. We ate dinner at the onsite restaurant which was nice. They had a beach bag with towels which came in handy. We also liked the group tipping rather than needing to constantly tip. We'll return here if back in Zanzibar and recommend to others.
Melinda, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

The staff are beyond friendly
Marcela A., 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

An older building, filled with antiques. Incredible service. Thoroughly loved our stay.
Michael, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Exceptional

This small hotel is in the middle of Stone Town, and it is beautiful. The staff are attentive, without being intrusive, the manager is so professional and knowledgeable, and the standard of comfort is of the highest order. Breakfast was served on the roof terrace and consisted of a wonderful selection of fruit followed by eggs and a pastry. We had the taster menu one evening, and it was exceptional. This is a very special hotel, and we had an unforgettable stay.
heike, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing historic hotel

Beautiful histric hotel in the heart of Stonetown. Lots od stairs and no elevator but the views are amazing! Great breakfast too!
Suzanne, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

I really enjoyed my stay here at The Emerson Spice Hotel. The rooms are clean and decorated nicely keeping the old feel of this historic building. I liked the old fashioned door style of the Camile Room. Which doesn’t use keycards like most hotels. You use a huge big padlock 🔐 to secure the door. All the staff were very nice and friendly. The only thing you need to be aware of is there is no elevator. All stairs only, so be prepared to get some stair exercises during your stay. LOL! 😃
Trina, 4-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

The house is spectacular…as is the service! It’s a “living museum” reminiscent of the bygone era of a Sultan’s exquisite existence.
Donna, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Kaunein hotellihuone tähän mennessä

Tämä hotelli on täydellinen! Huone missä me olimme oli nimeltään Camille ja se on kokemisen arvoinen. Palvelu on ensiluokkaista. Illallismenu yläkerran ravintolassa oli myös todella hyvä ja näkymät ihanat yli stonetownin.
Annamari, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

The staff was fantastic! Special thanks to Rashid and Wakili for going above and beyond to insure that I had everything I needed and then some! The rooms were spacious, clean, and, beautifully decorated.
karen, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

From the moment we walked in, this place was fantastic! We were promptly greeted and we were being shown to our rooms within a few minutes. Our room (Camille) was great! We thoroughly enjoyed the windows and balconies and people watching the street below. The room was spacious and the bed was comfy. Dinner upstairs was wonderful...although the stairs were steep (but the views were lovely). The food was inventive and delicious and the service was top notch. Highly recommend. We also had food and drinks at the Secret Garden and that was also quite nice. I expected the included breakfast to be buffet style but was pleasantly surprised that it was a beautiful made to order breakfast with delicious coffee. Shuttle to the airport was quick and easy. Would definitely stay here again when in Stone Town.
Jamie, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

The staff was welcoming and friendly. The hotel was clean and elegant. The atmosphere was perfect but the call to prayer at 5:15 was a bit disturbing.
Robert, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Excellent hotel

Le personnel est tres serviable, souriant, toujours pret a nous aider. Nous n etions pas certain pour la securite de l emplacement mais tout a ete parfait. Le restaurant sur le toit est excellent. Il faut absolument y aller. Tres bien situe pour decouvrir la ville.
Pierre, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

From a warm and professional welcome through to the art as if antiques in the room, Emerson Spice was a most positive and enjoyable experience.
Gary, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

An extraordinary hotel

Originally the building served as a residence for the last Swahili king and you can feel the atmosphere in this extraordinary hotel, perfectly located in the middle of Stone Town. Rooms are like suites and uniquely designed. Staff are very service minded and the restaurant on the roof top serves a unique and very well tasting fixed menu every night in an open air space. Both rates and price for 5 course dinner (40 USD) is very competitive in relation to what you get.
Jan, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing

Amazing. The best hotel experience I have ever had. I’ve traveled to 52 countries and stayed at many places. This is the best so far. I will be back. Amazing staff so kind .
Alexa, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Hoppas komma tillbaka!

Det här hotellet är helt unikt och vi hade en fantastisk vistelse. Det känns nästan som att vara med i en film från en svunnen tid. Rummen är individuellt inredda. Vi bodde i ”Violetta” och hade dessutom en lång inredd balkong som jag önskar att vi satt mer på. Frukosten serverades på deras ”roof top” med utsikt över alla tak, och var magisk. Missa inte att beställa bord där till kvällen också och ät deras fasta femrättersmeny för 40$. Det var en upplevelse att bo och äta här. Hoppas vi kan komma tillbaka snart igen!
Charlotte, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Great service, elegant & clean rooms, friendly & professional staff. They made our stay extremely comfortable and pleasant. The roof top breakfast/dinner experience was magical which we had meals in both hotels. There is no elevator in both hotels - so, it's a big hike. Will definitely come again!!!
Selvamuthu, 2-night trip

8/10 Very good

Secret Gem

Really authentic building. The building is old and the owners have tried to keep the originality of the building by keeping original features . Its in the winding streets of the old town , so no vehicles except scooters allowed. The staff are great , everyone smiles and are so helpful. The room we stayed in Lamore had a outside shower on a balcony , seems strange, but it was very private and great to have a shower outside
Alan, 2-night trip

6/10 Good

This hotel does not have elevator, not good for older people.The area is too crowded and loud, but if you are looking for antique hotel this might be for you.
Anil, 4-night trip