Zanzibar Serena Hotel

5.0 star property
Luxury hotel with full-service spa, connected to a shopping centre, near Nakupenda Beach
your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Zanzibar Serena Hotel

Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, lifeguards on site
Boating
View from property
Honeymoon Suite | View from room
On the beach, white sand, sun-loungers, beach umbrellas
VIP Access

Reviews

9.0 out of 10

Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Airport transfer
  • Spa
  • Free parking
  • Air conditioning

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • On the beach
  • 2 restaurants and bar/lounge
  • Full-service spa
  • Outdoor pool
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Beach sunloungers
  • Beach towels
  • Children's pool
  • Pool bar
  • 24-hour room service
  • Coffee shop/cafe

For families (6)

  • Free cots/infant beds
  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Children's pool
  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bath and shower
  • Premium TV channels
The price is AU$463
includes taxes & fees
16 Jan - 17 Jan 2025

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 3 of 3 rooms

Executive Suite

Highlights

Balcony
Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Superior Room

Highlights

Balcony
Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Separate bath and shower
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Double room

Highlights

Balcony
Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
LCD TV
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Separate bath and shower
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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About the area

Map
Kelele Square, Stone Town, Zanzibar Town

What's nearby

  • Shangani Beach - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Old Fort - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Forodhani Gardens - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Slave Market - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Zanzibar Ferry Terminal - 15 min walk - 1.3 km

Getting around

  • Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.) - 16 min drive
  • Airport shuttle (surcharge)

Restaurants

  • ‪Cape Town Fish Market - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Passing Show Hotel - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Meeting Point Cafe - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Lukmaan - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Livingstone Beach Restaurant - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Zanzibar Serena Hotel

At Zanzibar Serena Hotel, you can hit the beach to enjoy the shade from a beach umbrella or relax on a sunlounger, plus activities such as snorkelling and windsurfing are nearby. The outdoor pool is perfect for guests looking for a bit of fun, while those in the mood for pampering can visit the spa to indulge in massages, facials and manicures and pedicures. Baharia Restaurant, one of 2 restaurants, offers ocean views and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. A poolside bar, a children's pool and a snack bar/deli are other highlights at this luxurious hotel. Fellow travellers say great things about the helpful staff.

Languages

English

At a glance

Hotel size

  • 51 rooms
  • Arranged over 3 floors

Arriving/Leaving

  • Check-in start time: noon; check-in end time: midnight
  • Contactless check-in and check-out are available
  • Early check-in subject to availability
  • Late check-in subject to availability
  • Check-out time is 10:00 AM
  • Contactless check-out
  • Late check-out subject to availability

Restrictions related to your trip

  • Check COVID-19 restrictions

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
  • 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 more details, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Required at check-in

  • Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
  • Government-issued photo ID may be required

Children

  • Babysitting*

Pets

  • No pets or service animals allowed

Internet

  • Free WiFi in public areas
  • Free WiFi in rooms

Parking

  • Free on-site self-parking
  • On-site parking includes off-street options

Transfers

  • Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours a day)*

Other information

  • Designated smoking areas

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • 2 restaurants
  • Bar/lounge
  • Poolside bar
  • Coffee shop
  • Private dining
  • Private picnics
  • Free daily reception
  • 24-hour room service
  • Snack bar/deli

Travelling with children

  • Children's pool
  • Childcare in room (surcharge)
  • Lifeguard on-site

What to do

  • On the beach
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horse riding nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby

Working away

  • 24-hour business centre
  • Meeting room
  • Conference space (621 square feet)

Services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Concierge services
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Dry cleaning/laundry services
  • Free newspapers in reception
  • Luggage storage
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Bike hire
  • Beach sunloungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Romance packages

Facilities

  • 1 building/tower
  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace
  • Library
  • Mosquito nets
  • An outdoor pool
  • Arcade/games room
  • Full-service spa
  • Massage/treatment rooms
  • Banquet hall

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

Room amenities

Be entertained

  • 21-inch LCD TV
  • Premium satellite channels

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Minibar
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Dressing gowns and slippers

Sleep well

  • Blackout curtains
  • Turndown service
  • Premium bedding
  • Free cot/infant bed

What to enjoy

  • In-room massage
  • Balcony
  • Individually furnished

Freshen up

  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bath and shower
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Towels

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free WiFi
  • Phone

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Free bottled water

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • In-room safe (laptop compatible)

Special features

Spa

The on-site 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.

Dining

Baharia Restaurant – Overlooking the ocean, this restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Terrace Restaurant – Overlooking the ocean, this restaurant specialises in seafood and only serves dinner. Reservations are required. Open daily.

Fees & policies

Mandatory fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or checkout. Fees may include applicable taxes:
  • A tax is imposed by the city: USD 5.00 per person, per night

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of USD 90800 per person (one-way)
  • Early check-in can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)
  • Late checkout can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)

Children & extra beds

  • In-room babysitting is available for an extra charge

Policies

Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have lifts.
Guests can rest easy knowing that there's a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit on-site.
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash.
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property. The policies listed are provided by the property.
Property Registration Number Z0000010668

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

Does Zanzibar Serena Hotel offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Zanzibar Serena Hotel does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in, depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure that you check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Is there a pool at Zanzibar Serena Hotel?
Yes, there's an outdoor pool and a children's pool.
Are pets allowed at Zanzibar Serena Hotel?
Sorry, neither pets nor service animals are allowed.
Is parking offered on site at Zanzibar Serena Hotel?
Yes, there's free self parking.
Is an airport shuttle service offered by Zanzibar Serena Hotel?
Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is USD 90800 per person one-way.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Zanzibar Serena Hotel?
Check-in start time: noon; check-in end time: midnight. There's a charge for early check-in (subject to availability). Check-out time is 10:00 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge (subject to availability). Contactless social distancing and check-out are available.
What is there to do at Zanzibar Serena Hotel and nearby?
Have fun with nearby activities such as hiking, horse riding and snorkelling. Indulge in a treatment at the spa and enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool. Zanzibar Serena Hotel also has an arcade and a picnic area, as well as a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near Zanzibar Serena Hotel?
Yes, there are 2 on-site restaurants, featuring seafood and ocean views.
Does Zanzibar Serena Hotel have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a balcony.
What's the area around Zanzibar Serena Hotel like?
Zanzibar Serena Hotel is in Stone Town, a short 1-minute walk from Nakupenda Beach and 5 minutes' walk from Shangani Beach.

Zanzibar Serena Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

Absolutely amazing! I will definitely be back. Everyone treats you like family. Excellent service. Fabulous food. Beautiful accommodations.
Diana, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

The location and pool were great. The restaurant food was excellent, free breakfast excellent. Pool service from Damian especially was fabulous.
Angela, 3-night trip with friends
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

My third stay here! I love Zanzibar and love staying here. It's so convenient to everything and the staff are exceptional. Big Joe is always there to welcome us! And Johannes and Suliman also are great. Food is good, view is spectacular, rooms are big and have an "Old World" feel. I love it here!
Laureen, 5-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

6/10 Good

Hotel does not have an elevator. People struggle to take stairs up to their floors. Rooms look tired and need refurbishing. Rooms also need more lighting - feel dark and depressing.
Rozmin, 2-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

2/10 Poor

Upon check out I received the bill which had 2 same numbers in it. When I argued, they cancelled one of them but afterwards, on the way to ferry they called the driver and started asking for more moneys. Even after check out. Hotel after all is good, most of the staff are friendly. But guys, check the bills and be careful.
Igor, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

6/10 Good

Alkarim, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Great location, staff very courteous. I had a great room with a balcony facing the ocean. Very comfortable. Breakfast was plentiful and delicious.
Jane, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

Diane, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Very friendly staff, beautiful hotel.
Nancy, 2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

Great location
Excellent location next to the beach with a very nice pool. Shame the sea has some litter in it. The bar service around the pool is very slow. The young staff in particular need to learn more English and a sense of urgency. Stone town is very interesting but beware fake guides
Alastair, 4-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Excellent
Susan, 2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

I was not offered a room Upgrade or acknowledged for VIP on Expedia like usual . At check out I asked about bottle of wine and 10 usd credit . They forgot the wine and they usually give a fruit basket instead of 10 dollars credit . I didn’t receive the fruit basket after discussing they agreed to take 10usd off the restaurant bill. I rather be given the options stated when booked then ask for it . Also no elevator . One party member couldn’t use the stairs and this we didn’t realize . We had lunch at hotel and the food was amazing . The staff is not terrible just not aware of what’s going on . Also we booked the same morning for the room why there was confusion maybe . location is good . Property is old . It’s on the beach which is a plus . Breakfast is good . Room was clean and ac worked well .
Kimberly, 1-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Susan, 4-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Fantastic Amazing
Excellent Service with excellent Friendly Staff
Bashir, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Property is immaculate. Staff are utterly courteous. The hotel itself is beautiful and carefully maintained.
Kara, 6-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

4/10 Fair

Old glory and poorly managed
Ann, 4-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Superbly helpful and friendly staff. Located in a very central area….easy to walk to nearby attractions like Freddie Mercury house etc. Plenty of taxis right outside the hotel. Hotel staff very very friendly and helpful for organizing any tours/taxis.
Alka, 5-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Excellent
Excellent service from the time we arrived to the time we left.
2-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful, historic property with amazing views. Everyone working there was friendly.
Aateqa, 1-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

4/10 Fair

they give expedia customers the rubbish rooms, i had to fight to get my room changed, they gave me a horrible room.
Dialla, 1-night trip with friends
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

The Zanzibar Serena Hotel is a gem. The staff is extremely helpful and courteous. They helped us find guides, get to Prison Island, find places to shop for certain items, the list goes on. The room was quiet and very comfortable with a large balcony. The food was excellent. The location is fabulous -- right on the water. Also, we had a late flight out and were able to store our luggage and use the all the amenities of the hotel. We could even shower before leaving! I highly recommend this hotel. I can't imagine finding a better one.
Anne G, 1-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

Mitsuru, 3-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Wonderful staff. Responsive and friendly. Charming room. Well furnished and cared for. Pool is clean and attractive.
Jean A, 3-night trip with friends
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

An elegant traditional African hotel with a gorgeous setting right on the Indian Ocean. The views were spectacular with all of the colorful boats passing by. The breakfasts were great. The selection was extensive and well prepared. Our only complaint is that evening dining wasn’t very good, which may have explained why the place was nearly empty at 7:30 pm. Fortunately there are other excellent dining options in the neighborhood.
Ron and Cynthia, 2-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Lucille, 3-night business trip
Verified Expedia guest review