Where to Stay in Zanzibar: Best Hotels & Areas by Budget

Zanzibar’s accommodation ranges from Stone Town coral-stone guesthouses under USD 50 to private villa resorts at USD 1,000+ per night. The island is geographically small but accommodation is clustered by area, and where you stay determines your daily experience more than almost any other decision.

Stone Town

Stone Town is the historical and commercial hub of Zanzibar. Staying here gives you immediate access to the market, Forodhani Night Market, and ferry/flight connections, but the nearest swimmable beach is 30–40 minutes by road. It is best suited to short stays (1–2 nights) or travellers who prioritise culture over beach time.

Emerson Spice (boutique, mid-range–luxury): One of the most distinctive guesthouses in East Africa. 11 rooms in a restored 19th-century townhouse, each individually designed with antiques and Zanzibari furniture. Rooftop restaurant (booking essential). Doubles from approximately USD 160 per night, including breakfast. Book directly via their website.

Zanzibar Serena Hotel (mid-range–luxury): A converted telegraph building on the waterfront. 51 rooms. Consistently reliable service, good restaurant, sea views. Doubles from approximately USD 200 per night.

Park Hyatt Zanzibar (luxury): The most international hotel brand in Stone Town. 67 rooms, rooftop pool, and an infinity terrace overlooking the Indian Ocean. From approximately USD 380 per night. Part of World of Hyatt points programme.

Jambo Guest House (budget): One of Stone Town’s most reliable budget options. Basic but clean rooms, helpful front desk that books tours. From approximately USD 35 per room per night.

Mtoni Marine Residences (mid-range): North of Stone Town proper, on the waterfront. Better swimming access than central Stone Town, shuttle to town. Doubles from approximately USD 80.

North Coast: Nungwi

The busiest beach area on Zanzibar. Nungwi has the most consistent year-round swimming, the most dining and nightlife options, and a wide range of accommodation from backpacker hostels to large international properties.

DoubleTree by Hilton Zanzibar – Nungwi Beach (mid-range–luxury): 145 rooms on the beachfront, pool, three restaurants. Consistently good international standard. From approximately USD 200 per night.

RIU Palace Zanzibar (all-inclusive, luxury): 410 rooms at the northernmost tip of the island. Adults only. All meals, drinks, and most activities included. From approximately USD 280 per person per night.

Nungwi Beach Hotel (mid-range): Older property with direct beach access, pleasant pool area, and a working dive centre on site. From approximately USD 100 per room per night.

Z Hotel Zanzibar (boutique, mid-range): Adults-only boutique hotel with a small pool and bar culture. From approximately USD 170. Suits couples over families.

Langi Langi Beach Bungalows (budget–mid-range): 12 simple bungalows. Clean, well positioned near the dhow-building beach. From approximately USD 60.

North Coast: Kendwa

5 km south of Nungwi, Kendwa is quieter with fewer vendors and one of the best sunset views on the island. Property count is lower than Nungwi.

Sandies Baobab Beach (all-inclusive, luxury): Adults-only, 50 rooms. Smaller and more personal than RIU. Full board plus activities from approximately USD 320 per person per night.

La Gemma dell’Est (luxury): Italian-owned and managed. Small, beautifully maintained boutique resort. From approximately USD 280 per room.

Sunset Kendwa Beach Hotel (mid-range): Reliable mid-range with beachfront restaurant and pool. From approximately USD 90 per room.

Kendwa Rocks (budget–mid-range): Longer-standing budget property, well-known for its monthly full moon beach party. From approximately USD 75 per room.

East Coast: Paje

Paje is the kite surfing capital and has a strong backpacker-meets-adventure-sports culture. Budget guesthouses and self-catering apartments dominate.

Cristal Resort (mid-range): Pool, air-conditioning, beachfront location. From approximately USD 100 per room.

Hakuna Majiwe Beach Lodge (mid-range): Relaxed lodge with a good bar-restaurant. From approximately USD 70.

Paje by Night (budget): Social budget property with dormitory and private rooms. From approximately USD 25 (dorm) or USD 55 (private).

East Coast: Matemwe

For divers. Matemwe is close to the Mnemba Atoll boat departure and has the quietest beach on the island.

Matemwe Lodge (luxury): One of the Asilia lodges group. Exceptional service, individual beach cottages, house reef snorkelling. From approximately USD 350 per room per night all-inclusive. Book via Asilia Africa or their direct website.

Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas (luxury): Private pool villas. From approximately USD 500 per night.

Matemwe Beach Village (mid-range): Smaller property with a dive centre. From approximately USD 120 per room.

East Coast: Jambiani

Quieter than Paje, more local atmosphere.

White Sand Luxury Villas (luxury): Private villas with pools facing the beach. From approximately USD 200 per villa per night.

Red Monkey Lodge (budget–mid-range): Good value, locally managed. From approximately USD 60.

Sunshine Hotel Jambiani (budget): Very basic but functional. From approximately USD 45.

Booking Tips

• Book directly with smaller lodges where possible — most offer a small discount over booking platforms.
• For Stone Town guesthouses, email is often faster than booking platforms.
• High season (June–October, Christmas to New Year) requires advance booking 6–8 weeks minimum for mid-range; 3 months for top-end.
• Check-out times at beach properties can be strict — if your flight departs late, ask about late check-out or use the beach club facilities for the afternoon.
• Most resorts add a Zanzibar government tourism levy (USD 1–2 per person per night) not included in published rates.

For Zanzibar tours, day trips, and activities to book alongside your accommodation, browse Zanzibar tours. Travel insurance for Tanzania is recommended — it covers medical treatment and emergency evacuation for the Zanzibar leg as well as any mainland safari portion of your trip.