Zanzibar Serena Hotel: Historic Luxury in the Heart of Stone Town

Opened in 1997, Zanzibar Serena Hotel was created through the meticulous restoration of two historic buildings: the 19th-century Extelcoms building and the 18th-century “Chinese doctor’s residence.” This respectful transformation preserved the original architectural integrity and decorative finishes of these structures, both inside and out.

The interior and exterior spaces reflect a blend of early 19th-century cultural influences typical of the Sultans of Zanzibar, allowing guests to experience and connect with the history, culture, and lifestyle that define the “Zanzibar Style” today.

As part of Stone Town’s visual fabric, this restoration was among the factors that led UNESCO to designate Stone Town a World Heritage Site, making the hotel itself a living piece of Zanzibar’s rich heritage.

A Stunning Oceanfront Setting in Ancient Stone Town

Tucked along the Zanzibar seafront, amid exotic sultan’s palaces, Portuguese forts, ancient dhow harbors, and bright bazaars of Stone Town, the hotel comprises two historic buildings in the traditional Swahili style.

This lavish retreat captures the elegance of a bygone era while offering all modern comforts. A relaxed, sophisticated ambiance has been created in each of the 51 rooms and suites, with wood-framed louver doors opening onto private balconies that offer uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean.

Cool white walls, high ceilings, and crisp royal blue and white accents convey Zanzibar’s coastal serenity and charm, providing a quiet haven and escape from the bustling heat of Stone Town.

51 Elegant Rooms & Suites in Traditional Swahili Style

All accommodations, from Standard Rooms to the spectacular Presidential Suite, are designed as quiet havens with high ceilings, shuttered windows, and cool white walls that create a sense of airiness.

Arched niches, antique plates, brass lamps, and traditionally carved basket-weave furniture with ceramic inlays infuse each room with authentic Swahili charm. Wooden louver doors open to private balconies with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean.

Executive Suite
Spacious and elegant, the Executive Suites feature a magnificent bedroom with a four-poster bed, a sumptuous bathroom with a bath and shower, and a relaxing sitting room with a TV and minibar. The suite opens onto a magnificent L-shaped balcony with panoramic ocean views, its own alfresco cocktail area, and a double hammock.

In-room amenities: Four-poster bed, sitting room, private balcony with panoramic ocean views, cocktail area, double hammock, complimentary Wi-Fi, coffee/tea station, minibar, bathrobe and slippers, 24-hour room service, air conditioning, flat-screen TV with cable channels, safe, 3-pin and shaver sockets.

Prime Room
The exceptionally spacious Prime Rooms are presented in traditional Swahili style, featuring traditional niches, fretwork cabinets, and brightly colored coastal cotton soft furnishings in cool blue. The generously sized king-sized four-poster beds are draped in mosquito nets.

In-room amenities: King-size four-poster bed, complimentary Wi-Fi, coffee/tea station, minibar, bathrobe and slippers, 24-hour room service, air conditioning, flat-screen TV with cable channels, safe, 3-pin sockets, private balcony with hammock, and Indian Ocean views.

Standard Room
The 41 standard rooms are presented in traditional Swahili style, featuring niches, fretwork cabinets, and a cool blue-and-white color scheme. Each room has either a king-size bed with mosquito netting or twin beds.

In-room amenities: One king or two twin beds, complimentary Wi-Fi, coffee/tea station, minibar, bathrobe and slippers, 24-hour room service, air conditioning, flat-screen TV with cable channels, safe, 3-pin sockets, and a private balcony.

Exquisite Dining & Unforgettable Experiences

The rooftop Terrace Seafood Restaurant offers fresh-caught seafood and extraordinary views of the bay, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day’s venture into Spice Town or exploring Stone Town’s labyrinthine streets.

By the pool at Baharia Restaurant, guests can enjoy weekly authentic Swahili banquets, while the Masahani Bar offers signature cocktails and live performances by traditional Taarab bands, immersing you in the island’s cultural rhythms.

FAQs About Zanzibar Serena Hotel

Q: Where is Zanzibar Serena Hotel located?
A: The hotel is on the Zanzibar seafront in the heart of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by sultan’s palaces, Portuguese forts, and ancient dhow harbors.

Q: What makes this hotel historically significant?
A: The hotel was created by restoring two historic buildings—the 19th-century Extelcoms building and the 18th-century Chinese doctor’s residence—preserving their original architectural integrity, which contributed to Stone Town’s UNESCO designation.

Q: How many rooms does the hotel have?
A: The hotel offers 51 rooms and suites, including Standard Rooms, Prime Rooms, Executive Suites, and the Presidential Suite, each with traditional Swahili design and a private balcony with ocean views.

Q: Is the hotel suitable for a Zanzibar honeymoon?
A: Absolutely. The romantic oceanfront setting, elegant Swahili-style rooms, private balconies with hammocks, and rooftop seafood dining create an ideal atmosphere for honeymooning couples in Zanzibar.

Q: What dining options are available?
A: Guests can enjoy the rooftop Terrace Seafood Restaurant with bay views, Baharia Restaurant, which serves weekly Swahili banquets by the pool, and Masahani Bar, which offers signature cocktails and live Taarab music performances.

Q: What attractions are nearby?
A: The hotel is steps away from Stone Town’s main attractions, including the House of Wonders, Old Fort, Forodhani Gardens, Darajani Market, and the former slave market, making it an ideal base for exploring Zanzibar City.

Q: Is the hotel suitable for families?

A: Yes, families are warmly welcome. The spacious rooms, central location for exploring Stone Town, and variety of dining options make it a comfortable choice for families visiting Zanzibar.

Q: Can I combine a stay here with a Tanzanian safari?

A: Yes, many travelers combine a Zanzibar beach and cultural stay at Serena Hotel with a northern Tanzanian safari visiting the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire for a complete Tanzanian vacation experience.

Ready to step into Zanzibar’s living history? Book your stay at Zanzibar Serena Hotel and experience the elegance, culture, and oceanfront charm of Stone Town’s most historic luxury hotel.

Contact Blessing Safaris Tanzania to book your stay at Zanzibar Serena Hotel and combine it with a complete Tanzania safari and beach holiday package.