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Emerson Spice Hotel

3.5 star property
Stone Town's seaside retreat blends historic charm and ocean views, with fresh seafood dining and attentive service for easy Zanzibar exploration.

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Emerson Spice Hotel in historic Stone Town offers continental breakfast and seafood at two restaurants. Relax in the garden or terrace after exploring. Staff arranges tours and handles laundry and luggage storage.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Bar
  • Laundry room

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 5 of 5 rooms

View all photos for Room (Belle)

Room (Belle)

Room (Belle)

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Ceiling fan
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Room (Violetta)

Room (Violetta)

Room (Violetta)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Ceiling fan
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Room (Semele)

Room (Semele)

Room (Semele)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Room (Camille)

Room (Camille)

Room (Camille)

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Ceiling fan
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Design Twin Room (Mimi)

Design Twin Room (Mimi)

Design Twin Room (Mimi)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(11 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Ceiling fan
Deep-soaking bath
  • City view
  • 32 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Large Single Beds
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About the area

Located near the beach, Emerson Spice Hotel is in Stone Town, a neighbourhood in Zanzibar Town. Slave Market and Hamamni Persian Baths are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Masingini Forest and Forodhani Gardens. Kariakoo Amusement Park and Siso Spice Farm are also worth visiting. With kayaking, scuba diving and snorkelling nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water. Visit our Zanzibar Town travel guide
Map
Stone Town, Zanzibar Town

What's nearby

  • House of Wonders
    House of Wonders
    2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Forodhani Gardens
    Forodhani Gardens
    3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Slave Market
    Slave Market
    5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Old Fort
    Old Fort
    5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Hamamni Persian Baths
    2 min walk - 0.2 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • Forodhani Park
    6 min walk
  • Lukmaan Restaurant
    4 min walk
  • House of Karafuu
    4 min walk
  • Secret Garden
    1 min walk
  • Livingstone Beach Restaurant
    7 min walk

About this property

Emerson Spice Hotel

Hotel located in Stone Town
Take advantage of free continental breakfast, a terrace and a garden at Emerson Spice Hotel. Make sure that you enjoy lunch and dinner, along with seafood and al fresco dining at the two on-site restaurants. In addition to laundry facilities and a bar, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy perks such as:
  • A round-trip airport shuttle (surcharge), beach towels and a front desk safe
  • Bike parking, tour/ticket information and outdoor furniture
  • A porter/bellboy and luggage storage
  • Guest reviews say great things about the helpful staff
Room features
All rooms are individually furnished, and boast comforts such as laptop-friendly workspaces and air conditioning, in addition to perks such as free WiFi and free bottled water.
Extra amenities include:
  • Bathrooms with deep-soaking baths and free toiletries
  • Wardrobes/cupboards, ceiling fans and daily housekeeping

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • No on-site parking available
  • 24-hour return airport shuttle on request for a surcharge

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • 2 restaurants
  • A bar/lounge

Restaurants on site

  • Rooftop restaurant
  • Secret Garden

Things to do

  • Bicycle storage

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Guidebooks
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service

Outdoors

  • Beach towels
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • No lift

More

  • 1 building
  • 5 floors
  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • At least 80% organic food
  • Biodegradable coffee stirrers available
  • Biodegradable drinking straws available
  • Built in 1870
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Local artist showcase
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soft drink bottles
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Traditional architecture
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Partially-open bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Electrical adapters
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Laptop workspace
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between 21 April and 20 May.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • A tax is imposed by the city: USD 4.00 per person, per night
  • Deposit is payable by bank transfer and is due within 24 hours of booking the reservation.

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 25 per vehicle (one-way)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

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
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve cots/infant beds and high chair
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property

Property is also known as

Emerson Spice Hotel Hotel
Emerson Spice Hotel Zanzibar Town
Emerson Spice Hotel Hotel Zanzibar Town

Frequently asked questions

Is Emerson Spice Hotel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Emerson Spice Hotel?

This property doesn't offer parking.

What time is check-in at Emerson Spice Hotel?

Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; check-in end time: 10:00 PM. After-hours check-in is not available.

What time is check-out at Emerson Spice Hotel?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Does Emerson Spice Hotel provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of USD 25 per vehicle applies.

Where is Emerson Spice Hotel located?

Located in Stone Town, this hotel is steps away from Shakti Temple, Christ Church Cathedral and Hamamni Persian Baths. Malindi Mosque and House of Wonders are also within 5 minutes.

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Reviews

Emerson Spice Hotel Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

9.6

Cleanliness

9.2

Amenities

10

Staff & service

9.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 95 out of 112 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 112 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 112 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 112 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 112 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

lesley jane

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful building, great staff. Fantastic room (Violetta)
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rooms were decorated well and was very clean. Staff was so friendly and helpful. Loved the rooftop for breakfast and the location was perfect.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

emile

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a wonderful stay and couldn’t have asked for a better welcome. The staff were very friendly and accommodating, we arrived very early in the morning and were pleasantly surprised when they offered us breakfast and allowed us to check in early. The property itself is stunning: a beautiful historical building that has been thoughtfully and tastefully decorated. Our room was spacious, elegant, and very comfortable. The location is also great, in a pretty and vibrant street and just a few minutes away from the night market and the sights. Highly recommended!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Special place. The staff outstanding. A few remarkable days at this wonderful historic 'hotel'.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent stay in a place immersed in history.

10/10 Excellent

Bo-Yu

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It is one of the best hotel I've ever stayed. Excellent room, staff, services. The hotel and the rooms are in traditional Zanzibar architecture style, which gave me great experience. Staff is considerate and detail oriented. The dinner at the rooftop is wonderful. One minor downside is the shower had low water pressure due to my room was in the top floor. Sometimes I had to wait for 1-2 minutes until the water came, which was not good when taking shower. The staff said there will be a major work to add a pump. Hope it will be better after it's done.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Everything amazing!

Amazing, great people, great food, great hotel. Rooms are beautiful, comfy, clean!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janet

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic place in heart of old Stonetown. Beautiful unique rooms, fantastic food in a rooftop restaurant with an an amazing view, and and a very helpful staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

cécile

Liked: Amenities
Very delicate staff. Well situated in stone town Glorious breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marcela A.

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff are beyond friendly
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Incredibly historic building with unique individually decorated rooms! Perfect location for walking around Stonetown. Delicious breakfast served on rooftop! Request Belle room if you don't want a lot of stairs. It has a huge balcony along the front of the building so it's fun to see tourists stop and take photos!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heidi

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

Great ambience

Great ambience, a special experience. Set menu dinner at the rooftop restaurant was good, breakfast as well.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne

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

Amazing historic hotel

Beautiful histric hotel in the heart of Stonetown. Lots od stairs and no elevator but the views are amazing! Great breakfast too!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
An older building, filled with antiques. Incredible service. Thoroughly loved our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was welcoming and friendly. The hotel was clean and elegant. The atmosphere was perfect but the call to prayer at 5:15 was a bit disturbing.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was fantastic! Special thanks to Rashid and Wakili for going above and beyond to insure that I had everything I needed and then some! The rooms were spacious, clean, and, beautifully decorated.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

heike

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

Exceptional

This small hotel is in the middle of Stone Town, and it is beautiful. The staff are attentive, without being intrusive, the manager is so professional and knowledgeable, and the standard of comfort is of the highest order. Breakfast was served on the roof terrace and consisted of a wonderful selection of fruit followed by eggs and a pastry. We had the taster menu one evening, and it was exceptional. This is a very special hotel, and we had an unforgettable stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jan

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

An extraordinary hotel

Originally the building served as a residence for the last Swahili king and you can feel the atmosphere in this extraordinary hotel, perfectly located in the middle of Stone Town. Rooms are like suites and uniquely designed. Staff are very service minded and the restaurant on the roof top serves a unique and very well tasting fixed menu every night in an open air space. Both rates and price for 5 course dinner (40 USD) is very competitive in relation to what you get.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Trina

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I really enjoyed my stay here at The Emerson Spice Hotel. The rooms are clean and decorated nicely keeping the old feel of this historic building. I liked the old fashioned door style of the Camile Room. Which doesn’t use keycards like most hotels. You use a huge big padlock 🔐 to secure the door. All the staff were very nice and friendly. The only thing you need to be aware of is there is no elevator. All stairs only, so be prepared to get some stair exercises during your stay. LOL! 😃
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alexa

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

Amazing

Amazing. The best hotel experience I have ever had. I’ve traveled to 52 countries and stayed at many places. This is the best so far. I will be back. Amazing staff so kind .
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jamie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
From the moment we walked in, this place was fantastic! We were promptly greeted and we were being shown to our rooms within a few minutes. Our room (Camille) was great! We thoroughly enjoyed the windows and balconies and people watching the street below. The room was spacious and the bed was comfy. Dinner upstairs was wonderful...although the stairs were steep (but the views were lovely). The food was inventive and delicious and the service was top notch. Highly recommend. We also had food and drinks at the Secret Garden and that was also quite nice. I expected the included breakfast to be buffet style but was pleasantly surprised that it was a beautiful made to order breakfast with delicious coffee. Shuttle to the airport was quick and easy. Would definitely stay here again when in Stone Town.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Kulendran

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The Emerson Spice Hotel used to be the Swahili Sultan's place. The rooms are beautifully appointed. Rustic furniture adds to the ambiance. My room was on the top floor which means 3 flights of stairs. The hotel is located on a narrow street. This means that taxis cannot come up to the hotel.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Alan

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

Secret Gem

Really authentic building. The building is old and the owners have tried to keep the originality of the building by keeping original features . Its in the winding streets of the old town , so no vehicles except scooters allowed. The staff are great , everyone smiles and are so helpful. The room we stayed in Lamore had a outside shower on a balcony , seems strange, but it was very private and great to have a shower outside
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

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

Beautiful Hotel

Amazing stay. From the warm welcome and services. Truly enjoyed the food in the Secret Garden and rooftop.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Niels Søndergaard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
One of the most charming places we've ever stayed at. Antique, yet very clean and safe. Food was delicious, best we had on Zanzibar. Staff wonderful. Highest recommendation.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025