Best Hotels in Zanzibar — The Ultimate 2025 Guide (Detailed & Practical)
Zanzibar’s mix of turquoise sea, spice-scented markets and coral-fringed beaches has created one of the most desirable small-island hotel scenes in the Indian Ocean.
From boutique Swahili villas to full-service resorts and barefoot private-island escapes, each property has a distinct personality that matters as much as price.
This guide is built to help you choose the right hotel for your trip — not just the most famous name. (Real-time rates & availability: search hotels here.)
How to Choose the Right Hotel
Before you book, use this short checklist — it will save time and money:
Which side of the island do you want?
What matters most, really?
Sleep comfort (A/C + blackout), proximity to the sea, or food & spa? Pick priorities in order.
Transport implications
Stone Town rooms save taxi fares. Remote beaches might need pre-booked transfers (30–90 mins). Factor transfer costs into your budget.
Room type vs price
Villas & suites: pricier but give privacy and space (best for families/honeymoons).
Standard rooms: cheaper but may lack sea view or balcony.
Sustainability & impact
If eco-credentials matter, look for solar power, local sourcing, and community programs.
Top Luxury Hotels — detailed profiles & what to book
These properties offer the highest level of service, privacy and on-site experiences.
Baraza Resort & Spa — Bwejuu / Paje area
Why stay: Authentic Swahili architecture, private villas with plunge pools, and an intimate atmosphere (small property).
Top room to book: Oceanfront villa with private plunge pool and butler service.
Who it’s for: Honeymooners, couples celebrating milestones.
Price-range guidance: Expect premium rates (mid-high USD per night during peak season; lower in shoulder months).
Practical tip: Book dinner at the on-site fine dining restaurant — portions are generous, ingredients sourced locally.
See live Baraza options
Zuri Zanzibar — Kendwa
Why stay: Strong sustainability focus blended with contemporary design; wide sandy beach and excellent sunset viewpoint.
Top room to book: Bungalow with sunset view or private deck.
Who it’s for: Couples and design-minded travelers who want eco-luxury.
Practical tip: Kendwa has minimal tidal variation, so time at the beach is guaranteed any hour.
Check Zuri availability
White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa — Paje
Why stay: Small, highly curated property with modern villas and an emphasis on renewable energy. Quiet, private and well suited to wellness travelers.
Top room to book: One-bedroom villa with garden and private hot tub.
Who it’s for: Families wanting privacy; eco-conscious travelers.
Practical tip: East coast winds make Paje kite-surf friendly—book a beachfront villa if you want easy gear access.
View White Sand deals
&Beyond Mnemba Island — Private island
Why stay: Exclusivity and marine conservation. Very limited rooms, high service level. Snorkeling off the house reef is outstanding.
Who it’s for: Affluent travelers seeking total seclusion and a marine-focused experience.
Booking tip: Book months in advance; private island properties fill early.
Explore Mnemba options
Mid-range hotels — real value with charm
These properties blend comfort, personality, and affordability.
Aluna Nungwi
Vibe: Friendly, boutique, minutes from the beach.
Best for: Couples and small groups.
Booking tip: Request a room on the upper floors for breeze + view.
Mwezi Boutique Resort — Jambiani
Vibe: Rustic-chic bungalows with ocean views, perfect for long stays.
Best for: Yoga retreats, remote work weeks, creative travelers.
Melia Zanzibar — Kiwengwa
Vibe: Large resort, family friendly, often runs promos that lower nightly cost.
Best for: Families who want facilities and children’s programming.
Want to compare mid-range options side-by-side? Search live mid-range hotels here.
Budget-friendly stays — authenticity and local connection
Great options for budget travelers who still want comfort and safety.
Stone Town guesthouses: Walk to Forodhani Market; choose ones with good reviews for safety & cleanliness.
Aluna Paje & Jambiani Villas: Good for kite surfers and backpackers — reliable, social, and affordable.
Homestays & small villas in Matemwe / Pingwe: Quiet beaches, easy snorkel access.
Budget tip: For cheaper rates, aim for shoulder months (April–May, late October–November) but check weather — April–May is wetter.
Family & Honeymooner Recommendations
Families: Look for kids’ clubs, interconnecting rooms and all-inclusive options. Melia Zanzibar and larger resorts in Kiwengwa or Nungwi fit this brief.
Honeymooners / romantic escapes: Choose a private villa with sunset deck. Baraza, Zuri and The Palms are standout choices.
Booking note: For family rooms and connecting suites, confirm bed configuration directly with the property before booking (not all “family rooms” are the same).
Arrival & transport — practical logistics
From Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
To Stone Town: 15–25 minutes by taxi (fixed price or meter depending on time of day).
To North / East beaches: 45–90 minutes by private transfer depending on traffic and road conditions.
Tip: Pre-book airport transfers through the hotel or secure a private transfer on your booking page for peace of mind — many hotels offer this option during booking. Check transport options with your chosen hotel via this booking search.
When to book & seasonal advice (exact months)
High season: December – February (Christmas/New Year), and June – August (European summer). Expect crowds and higher prices.
Best shoulder months: March–May and September–November. Lower rates, but March–May has more rain (short, heavy showers typical).
Booking window: For luxury hotels, book 3–6 months ahead for peak dates; mid-range 1–3 months; budget a few weeks can work but be flexible.
Booking Smart
Compare rates on the same dates — some sites show exclusive packages. Use our partner search to compare live. Compare hotels now.
Look for packages that include transfers or breakfast — they can be a true saving when factoring taxis and meals.
Check the cancellation rules — flexible booking can be worth a slightly higher rate.
Message the hotel after booking — confirm room location, transfer, and any dietary requests. A short pre-arrival message improves service on arrival.
Local extras — if you want day trips (spice tour, Jozani forest, Mnemba snorkel), ask hotels for trusted operators rather than booking street side.
Final Words — Choose Intentionally, Book Confidently
Zanzibar’s hotels are as varied as the island itself. The “best” hotel is the one that matches your priorities — kids’ entertainment, total privacy, epic kitesurf access, or Swahili charm. Use this guide to narrow your choices, then check live availability and read recent guest feedback before you commit.
Ready to lock in the right room? Compare real-time prices, read verified reviews and secure flexible options here: Find Zanzibar hotels & book securely.
