Zanzibar Serena Hotel

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Photo gallery for Zanzibar Serena Hotel

Honeymoon Suite | View from room
View from property
Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, lifeguards on site
2 restaurants; breakfast, lunch, and dinner served
2 restaurants; breakfast, lunch, and dinner served

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Kelele Square, Stone Town, Zanzibar Town
  • Place, Shangani Beach
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Old Fort
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Forodhani Gardens
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Airport, Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.)
    ‪12 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Double room

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

Superior Double or Twin Room, Ocean View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Ocean view
  • 28 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

Executive Suite

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

Standard Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • Free WiFi

Prime Room Sea View

  • Sleeps 2
  • Free WiFi

Executive Double Suite

  • Sleeps 2
  • Free WiFi

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About the area

Zanzibar Town

On the beach.A stay at this Stone Town hotel places you steps from Shangani Beach and within a 5-minute walk of Nakupenda Beach. Forodhani Gardens and Old Fort are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • Shangani Beach - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Nakupenda Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Old Fort - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Forodhani Gardens - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Slave Market - 10 min walk - 0.9 km

Getting around

  • Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ) - 21 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Forodhani Park - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Livingstone Beach Restaurant - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪House of Karafuu - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Maru Maru Terrace Restaurant - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Mama Mia Gelato - Stone Town - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Zanzibar Serena Hotel

5-star luxury hotel near Nakupenda Beach, connected to a shopping center
Enjoy the umbrellas and sun loungers for a relaxing day at the beach. Pamper yourself with a treatment at the full-service spa and enjoy amenities at Zanzibar Serena Hotel like 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/café and a 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.

  • 1 building
  • 51 guestrooms or units
  • 3 levels
  • 2 dining venues
  • 621 sq ft of conference space
  • 58 sq m of conference space
  • Manager's reception (free)
  • Deli
  • Childcare (surcharge)
  • Beach lounge chairs
  • Towels for the beach
  • Umbrellas for the beach
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Business center (24 hours)
  • Conference space
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Staff is multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Game room or arcade
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Gift shop
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • Bellhop
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Bar or lounge
  • Coffee shop
  • Bar by the pool
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 separate bathtubs and showers, bathrobes, slippers, and designer toiletries.

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

The onsite 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.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Children's pool
  • In-room babysitting (surcharge)
  • Laundry facilities
  • Lifeguards on site
  • 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 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

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Children's pool
  • Full-service spa
  • Library
  • 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
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 21-inch LCD TV with premium cable/satellite channels

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

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 available
Late check-in subject to availability

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

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

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

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: USD 5.00 per person, per night
  • An effective city/local tax rate of 12.00 percent will be charged

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

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, 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
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, Diners Club, Union Pay, debit cards, and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

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

Frequently asked questions

How close is Zanzibar Serena Hotel to the airport?

Zanzibar Serena Hotel is 5.1 mi (21-min drive) away from the Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Zanzibar Serena Hotel?

As of Jun 3, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Zanzibar Serena Hotel on Jun 4, 2026 start from CA $449, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Zanzibar Serena Hotel have an airport shuttle?

Zanzibar Serena Hotel offers an airport shuttle 24 hours a day, on request, for a charge of USD 90800 per person, one-way.

How close is Zanzibar Serena Hotel to the beach?

This hotel is on the beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Zanzibar Serena Hotel offer free breakfast?

Zanzibar Serena Hotel does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Zanzibar Serena Hotel?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at Zanzibar Serena Hotel?

Check-in start time: noon; Check-in end time: midnight. A fee applies for early check-in.

Is there free parking at Zanzibar Serena Hotel?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does Zanzibar Serena Hotel have a pool?

Zanzibar Serena Hotel features an outdoor pool and a children's pool.

Does Zanzibar Serena Hotel have a restaurant?

There are 2 onsite restaurants, offering options like seafood and ocean views.

Does Zanzibar Serena Hotel have a spa?

This hotel has a spa, which features massages, facials, and body scrubs.

How close is Zanzibar Serena Hotel to downtown Zanzibar Town?

Zanzibar Serena Hotel is 0.9 mi away from Zanzibar Town.

Zanzibar Serena Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 168 out of 251 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 56 out of 251 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 15 out of 251 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 251 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 251 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sumaiya

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing place, good location and nice staff
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joachim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Perfect combination between town, beach and pool. Ideal location for walking excursions is Stone Town. Clean and comfy rooms overlooking the ocean, friendly and helpful staff all over the place.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

eildert

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Authentique Zanzibar luxuary experience
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eve

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were lovely, the hotel is beautifully located on the ocean with a great pool. Lots of character
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Teresa

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

Great Stay

Wonderful hotel on the beach in Stone Town. Very friendly staff, excellent breakfast buffet. Nice views and pool.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Muna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel with amazing staff
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

katherine

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property, great service, delicious food!!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hotel was marvelous - great location, fabulous views of the ocean and the friendliest staff we've ever had
Our balcony overlooking the Indian Ocean
Wonderful room
Interesting decor
Architectural delight
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The room was beautiful and very clean. Staff were very pleasant and helpful. The food was wonderful. And a great location for walking around Stone Town which was very safe. In all an excellent stay.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Zachariah

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

10/10 Excellent

Nesan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property Amazing Staff Shoutout to David and the breakfast staff they are amazing!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

stacy

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was wonderful, staff was great and pool was beautiful and the live music was the best!!! I will stay there again if I go back!!!
View from room
Same but sunset
View from pool
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nancy

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

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The bed was perfect and our room had a nice view of the pool and ocean. The staff, Rabia, Yunus, and Yussuf Big to name only a few were great. A perfect place to stay for 4 days before our safari.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

catriona

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This is a lovely hotel in a historic building. It’s walking distance to all the sights of Stonetown. Our room was clean and comfortable. The balcony looked out to the Indian Ocean. Staff were very helpful and friendly, particularly the receptionist who helped us with booking our transfer to the airport at the end of our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was great except I did not receive the food and beverage credit that was promised with my Expedia reservation.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ashley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location on the water perfect for sunsets. The staff was very friendly and the location was perfect to be able to walk to Stone Town to explore.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Angela

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sharyon

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Aateqa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful, historic property with amazing views. Everyone working there was friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lucille

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Zanzibar Serena is a lovely hotel in StoneTown. I wish I had stayed there for my leisure/personal visit as well. The staff are lovely. The pool is wonderful. The food is nice. All around, a terrific place to stay and conveniently located.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jane

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Excellent

Excellent service from the time we arrived to the time we left.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023