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Mbweni Ruins & Gardens

4.0 star property
4-star beachfront hotel with outdoor pool

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Photo gallery for Mbweni Ruins & Gardens

On the beach, sun loungers, beach umbrellas, beach towels
Outdoor banquet area
Outdoor banquet area
Quadruple Room, 2 Bedrooms
Beach/ocean view

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Breakfast available
  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Room service
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Mbweni, Zanzibar Town
  • Place, Slave Market
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Place, Old Fort
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Place, Forodhani Gardens
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Airport, Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.)
    ‪6 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Junior Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Sea View

Junior Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Sea View

Junior Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Sea View

  • 1 bedroom
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Quadruple Room, 2 Bedrooms

Quadruple Room, 2 Bedrooms

Quadruple Room, 2 Bedrooms

  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Exclusive Double Room

Exclusive Double Room

Exclusive Double Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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About the area

Zanzibar Town

Beachside getaway.Within 6 miles (10 km) of this Zanzibar Town hotel, you'll find Slave Market and House of Wonders. Nakupenda Beach and Mbweni Ruins are also within 6 miles (10 km).

What's nearby

  • Slave Market - 9 min drive - 7.5 km
  • Christ Church Cathedral - 9 min drive - 7.5 km
  • Nakupenda Beach - 9 min drive - 7.8 km
  • Old Fort - 10 min drive - 7.8 km
  • Forodhani Gardens - 10 min drive - 8.2 km

Getting around

  • Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ) - 10 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Jahazi Cafe - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Lukmaan Restaurant - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Poa'zz Grill - ‬8 min drive
  • Cape Town Fish Market
  • ‪Beach House Restaurant - ‬8 min drive

About this property

Mbweni Ruins & Gardens

4-star beachfront hotel with outdoor pool
Along with a restaurant, there's a snack bar/deli on site. Public spaces have free WiFi. A free area shuttle within 6 km is available. An outdoor pool, spa services, and a terrace are also featured at the family-friendly Mbweni Ruins & Gardens. The hotel can provide concierge services and wedding services. Self parking is free.

This 4-star Zanzibar Town hotel is smoke free.

  • 13 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • 10 buildings
  • Built in 1994
  • Deli
  • Beach lounge chairs
  • Towels for the beach
  • Umbrellas for the beach
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Staff is multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Beauty salon
  • No smoking on site
  • Dining venue
Mbweni Ruins & Gardens offers 13 air-conditioned accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature complimentary bottled water and slippers. Rooms open to balconies or patios. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access.

Bathrooms include bidets and hair dryers. Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones. Housekeeping is offered daily and in-room massages can be requested.

Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite spa services. Services include facials, body scrubs, body treatments, and manicures and pedicures. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy.

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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Free area shuttle
  • In-room babysitting (surcharge)
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Snack bar/deli

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free area shuttle up to 6 km
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily cooked-to-order breakfast available 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee: TZS 35,000 for adults and TZS 25,000 for children
  • A restaurant
  • Couples/private dining
  • Private picnics
  • Snack bar/deli

Things to do

  • Outdoor pool

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Well-lit path to entrance

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Bidet
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Slippers
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Electrical adapters
  • Laptop workspace
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 7:00 AM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: TZS 37500
Late check-in subject to availability
Late check-in fee: TZS 37500 for check-in between midnight and 6:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: TZS 128000

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 24 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours must contact this property in advance to arrange check-in.

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between June 1 and June 17.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

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

  • A tax is imposed by the city: TZS 12373.85 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.

  • Fee for cooked-to-order breakfast: approximately TZS 35000 for adults and TZS 25000 for children
  • Airport shuttle fee: TZS 35000 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 4)
  • Airport shuttle fee per child: TZS 33300.00 (one-way), (from 7 to 16 years old)
  • Early check-in fee: TZS 37500 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-in fee: TZS 37500 for check-in between midnight and 6:00 AM
  • Late check-out fee: TZS 128000 (subject to availability)
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge

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

You need to know

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; cash is not accepted
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
This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Commitment to Clean (Marriott)
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. 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. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Diners Club. Cash is not accepted. This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Commitment to Clean (Marriott).

We should mention

  • Reservations are needed for massage services. For reservations, contact the hotel before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Mbweni
Mbweni Hotel Zanzibar
Mbweni Ruins
Mbweni Ruins Hotel
Mbweni Ruins Zanzibar
Mbweni Zanzibar
Ruins Hotel
Zanzibar Mbweni
Zanzibar Mbweni Ruins Hotel
Protea Hotel Mbweni Ruins
Protea Mbweni Ruins Zanzibar
Protea Mbweni Ruins
Mbweni Ruins & Gardens Hotel
Protea Hotel Zanzibar Mbweni Ruins
Mbweni Ruins & Gardens Zanzibar Town
Mbweni Ruins & Gardens Hotel Zanzibar Town
Jungle Paradise Beach Resort Spa Mbweni Ruins
Protea Hotel by Marriott Zanzibar Mbweni Ruins

Reviews

Mbweni Ruins & Gardens Reviews

8.4

Very good

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

7.2/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 72 out of 156 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 56 out of 156 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 15 out of 156 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 156 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 156 reviews

Reviews

6/10 Okay

David

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Very small hotel only 14 rooms, so don't expect a lot of people around. Extremely limited bar drinks options, as well as the breakfast food options. Shower didn't have enough pressure in my second floor room. Rooms very clean and well presented and AC worked well.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Achma, New York

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The worst experience ever! Went there and left immediately
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Ocean view

Great hotel next to the ocean. Our room had an amazing view of the ocean. The restaurant had great food and the staff were extremely nice. Great customer service.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Devyn

Liked: Amenities
Great!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

William or Ann Marie

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This is a cute old hotel complex that is right on the beach. They have a neat restaurant overlooking the beach from a platform.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janet

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a fantastic property set in the ruins of an old school. Rooms clean and comfortable. Wonderful outdoor dining area with delicious food and a small private beach. So relaxing and close to airport and Stonetown. A highlight of our stay in Zanzibar.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Victor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Property was good and good location on beach and near the airport. Only issue was I was given the lobby WI-FI password which only worked in the lobby area. I later found out there is another WI-FI that works in my room and common areas. Also the restaurant was very lacking of many of the items I tried to order. Perhaps it was just a bad time and they had not gotten supplies in.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Oren

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

great beach

The hotel is in a very nice jungle area, it fitted us as we wanted to stay near stonetown/airport for the night but did not like the places in the city - this one certinantly has that resort feeeling - beach right out the resort, beautfull sunset etc..its not your typical luxary resort.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Walter, covington

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Excellent manger and staff
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Walter, covington

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent management and staff the new manager is fantastic
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

4/10 Poor

Nadja

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The name is program: ruins and garden. When you enter the first thing you see is the ruin ( literally speaking) the staff is very friendly, The entrance is very muddy and even with the taxi hard to access. We were led to the new part of the hotel. Theroom had hardly any furniture, the cupboard and drawers very damp and almost falling apart. The rooms smmelled fungy. We booked a room for one grown up and two teenagers and there was only one double bed, no safe in the room. Since we only stayed one night we didn’t ask for neither. The garden has jungle flair. The sand beach and the ocean were beautiful. The restaurant was located a pit higher up like a big tree house and from there you can have an amazing view over the ocean - which really made up for the room. Food and drinks were also good.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Neil

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Historic setting of a beach-side property located away from the city centre. The extremely personable and enthusiastic new Manager has an attitude, qualities and resume that deserve to make this hotel a major success.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jean Paul

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

2/10 Terrible

Anthony, Menifee

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
This facility is completely inaccessible to persons with walking disabilities.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

6/10 Okay

Italo

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
Staff is not properly trained to serve international customers. All the rest is fine, but quality of service could improve a lot in terms of food and drinks. I also think stuff should manage a good level of English, which was lacking.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

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

Good choice close to airport

The staff were friendly and very helpful. The rooms were beautiful and comfortable with interesting wood furniture. Overall, nice, clean and enjoyable. Massage was great. More sophisticated and relaxed than Stone Town and close to the airport. The restaurant is good but prepare for taking it pole, pole.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Deograsias

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Bradley, EDMONTON

Travelled with partner
Good
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

z

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

6/10 Okay

Manirakiza

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

6/10 Okay

Sofia

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great staff

GREAT staff. Room was shockingly damp, musty, spotted and worn. We could not understand how Marriott could be affiliated with this hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

Susan

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

A gem in Zanzibar

The grounds are beautiful and the location excellent. When our flight from Arusha was diverted and we arrived at night without our luggage, the night manager sent robes, slippers and a dental kits to our room. The restaurant stayed open late so we could get a bite to eat and a much appreciated glass of wine. The next day the front desk was helpful in contacting the airline to track our lost luggage which finally arrived by 1 pm. Shuttle to Stone Town is helpful. While the rooms show a little wear wear and tear, overall the hotel is well cared for. Despite the flight and luggage issue we enjoyed relaxing and exploring Zanzibar after our 12 day safari.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

sonja

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

a relaxed hide-away from the bustle of Stone Town

a relaxed hotel with very helpful and friendly staff
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What a terrific Hotel off the beaten path but with transportation to Stone Town. The staff was incredible and most helpful in ironing out tours for us and providing excellent service in the restaurant. Every need was looked after and the included breakfast was diverse and delicious.. The hotel is on the water and the breeze (so important in Zanzibar) keep conditions pleasant. It was both a great place to relax and "chill" (if one can use that word in Zanzibar) and a a base for tours of the area. No hesitation recommending this one!
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2020

4/10 Poor

Lisa

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Mosquito heaven

My hotel room smelled damp. There weren't enough surfaces to put anything on so my open suitcase ended up on the floor. I didn't realise until 3 days later that the air conditioning unit has been dripping onto my suitcase which now had a puddle under it. There were a lot of biting insects inside and outside and a large dead cockroach under the bed. The hotel staff made a big deal of spraying insecticide in the room every evening but it's not great breathing in a lot of insecticide so waiting outside for a bit helps. Unfortunately I had to wait outside with the swarms of mosquitoes that the insecticide was supposed to be protecting me against. There was a large mosquito net spread over my huge bed which was great. However it would be even more helpful if they got rid of the pond with stagnant water just a few metres from my bedroom door ( I was on the ground floor ). The pond was presumably a breeding ground for those mosquitoes. Another point is that breakfast and dinner was in the outside restaurant, I was still trying to fend off the mosquitoes there. It would be nice if they could clean my room and squirt insecticide around it while I was in the restaurant rather than when I was in my room. The restaurant food was nice. The large amount of cats in the outdoor restaurant provided the entertainment - a least 2 cats sat under every table, hissing and spitting at each other while we ate. The redeeming feature of this hotel was the proximity to the beach and the sea.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2020