Zanzibar Serena Hotel

This is possibly my favourite hotel worldwide. It’s luxurious in a relaxed tropical way, and felt homely and welcoming. The location is incredible - it’s so close to the sea and there’s always something to see. The swimming pool is large and the sunbed space never felt overcrowded. We had a gorgeous first floor room with a balcony and a hammock. The service is impeccable and the staff really friendly and helpful (shout out to Big Joe who was just brilliant!). The bed was large and really comfortable and we appreciated the mosquito net. The bathroom came with all the usual touches (and I actually needed the sewing kit this time!). The position within the town is fantastic- we pottered around Stonetown a lot and it was very easy for taxis and boat trips.

Excellent location and exceptional service. It’s located within the stone town and has amazing ocean views. Also has access to a small beach. The food is their restaurant is great for days when you don’t feel like going out. Breakfast in the morning is elaborate with buffet style options as well as an omelette station. The staff is excellent and very helpful in anything you need. We stayed here a few days and enjoyed our stay very much. If we ever visit Zanzibar again, we’d likely prefer staying here.

Lovely staff who were very helpful and friendly, greeting you every time you entered the premises. Housekeeping was always done to a great level and any further requests we made, was actioned promptly. One of the places in Tanzania where wi-fi was actually good. Our room was a superior double with a sea view and what a view it was. A fantastic view and a hammock to enjoy it in, although initially, it was a bit tricky to gather yourself on it! The room was spacious enough for 2 people and the bathroom was of a decent size. The location is convenient as you can walk to all the main sites within Stone Town from the hotel. Plenty of taxi’s outside to take you anyplace nearby or further away. The immediate area is quiet and the closest beach is the largest, but you can still enjoy some time there. It can get a bit crowded with locals playing beach soccer. The dining area also has a fantastic view of the sea and has great options (for breakfast anyway as that was the only meal I had at the hotel). Lots of seating area weather inside or outside.

The location is perfectly set in Stone Town to all sites. The breakfast was to die for with a combination of local foods that switch each day. The room was big with a beautiful view of the ocean from the balcony. The staff treated you very well and went above and beyond to provide you with whatever you needed. Turndown service at night was a nice bonus not expected.

The best was the staff from the reception to cleaners to restaurant/bar/pool/spa and concierge and the driver. Attentive, kind, polite and professional. And very funny. The location was great and within easy reach of places of interest to us. A lovely hotel with old world charm. Fully enjoyed.