Kisiwa House

Tanzania , Zanzibar
STONE TOWN, Baghani Street, 572
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100 reviews shown

8/10

Excellent

03 Dec 2021

Verified traveler

Very comfortable

- Hotel in great condition, rooms really big and the decor all around the property is lovely.
- A/c in the rooms and the power works most of the time and they have a backup generator.
- Staff super friendly and knowledgeable
- Internet is okay. I was there for work so I probably needed it more than the average traveller.
- Could do with a bit more bottled water in the rooms
- Good location close to everything
- Breakfast a bit boring (fruit, cereal, eggs, crepe). Wish they had an option for a Swahili breakfast.

Business

10/10

Exceptional

02 Dec 2021

Kate

The hotel is beautiful and everything was spotlessly clean. The reception staff were amazing especially Frank and also the lady whose name I forgot who was working when I arrived very early and arranged a room for me. She also arranged two tours at short notice. Would highly recommend this lovely hotel

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

02 Dec 2021

Tamara

Good but no airport transfer

Hotel was lovely and clean. Despite the listing saying they offer an airport transfer, no one was waiting for us. Overall good.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Oct 2021

jana

Great location within Stone-town. The staff was exceptionally helpful and friendly. Comfortable rooms with air conditioning.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

28 Feb 2021

Heather

Great stay

We had a great stay. Perfect location and rooms are nice and clean. Breakfast was delicious and service was wonderful!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

08 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

Didnt The noise made by guests checking out eRly morning when they take down their luggage dragging them down the wooden stairs.
The step in the room should be clearly marked in red to avoid guests falling as no one expect a step just after one gets into a room.
Liked the staff who are extremely friendly and polite. The breakfast is also great in quantity and variety...

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

26 Nov 2019

antonio

Perfect location to explore Stone town.

Very nice vintage boutique hotel,close to everything,perfect to explore Stone town,nice decoration.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Nov 2019

Verified traveler

Beautiful space, great staff, convenient location. I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again.

8/10

Excellent

16 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

Loved the decor, location, friendly staff, wifi speeds & more.
A leaking bathroom was a downer.

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

15 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

3* hotel

A 3*hotel, the rooms need to be renovated.AC, TV, Hair dryer were not working. It took over 2h for someone to check on it, it wasn’t possible to fix any of it. It was the only hotel in the area which you could easily enter in the evening hours without someone at the front desk (poor security). Positive: central location, delicious breakfast with a sea view, nice style of furniture.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

13 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

Nice hotel in Stone Town, traditional design and architecture. I had a pleasant stay, service was good. My only complaint was with my room. I was #1 on the ground floor facing the street. It’s very noisey, you hear foot/Moto traffic all night as well as anything happening at reception. Plus side is you don’t have to walk the stairs (there are a lot) to access your room, but you will for breakfast. Be prepared. If you can, request a room on a higher floor in the back. In a great location for exploring Stone Town... around the corner from lots of shops and a few cafes.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

What a beautiful property, good location. Very clean and friendly staff

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

07 May 2019

GToor

Better than expected. In the heart of Stonetown. Very good location for everything you wanna do in Zanzibar. Spacious rooms and bathrooms. Very cool vibe at the restaurant. Very tasteful decor. I loved everything here. Go. Go. Go.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

23 Apr 2019

Ton

Great room with beautiful big bathroom and bathtub . Corridors on all floors very specially decorated.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

07 Mar 2019

Roger

Everything was very good apart from the bed which was very hard.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

01 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

Great helpful staff. Beautiful old house. It’s located in a neighborhood in the old town that is inhabited by locals with all the noise, color and smells.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jan 2019

Selam

Beautiful place to stay in Stone Town

This hotel really provided the best service. The staff were all very friendly, accommodating, and made you feel welcome. The breakfast was very nice, and the location is in the heart of Stone town so it made a great base for walking around. The room was really clean, and the furniture very comfortable. L

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

Service was good, people were good, but there was a sewer smell in the toilet

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

18 Dec 2018

Verified traveler

Kisiwa is a beautiful period property nestled amoung the historic buildings of Stone Town. The hotel staff were very friendly and helpful. The room was large clean and with some nice period features. Breakfast on the rooftop had eveeything we needed and tasted great. Only downside is they charge double for any trips or tours. I would advise you to book with one of the tour guides as it is exactly the same tour but a lot cheaper.

10/10

Exceptional

08 Dec 2018

Verified traveler

Nicely decorated boutique hotel in the historical area of Stonetown. Good location for walking and touring the town. Spacious and comfortable rooms. Very nice bed. Room was air-conditioned and had a television. The bathroom was large and clean. Never saw an insect in the room. The rooftop restaurant had a nice breakfast included with the stay. The hotel communicated with us days before we arrived and set up a car to pick us up at the airport. Good service. The hotel is in a quieter area of Stonetown away from the mosque loudspeakers. The prayers can still be heard but at a fainter volume. I would definitely stay at this hotel again.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

05 Dec 2018

Verified traveler

Perfect location, typical and very unique Zanzibar style property in top top condition. Our room 10 seemed rand new rennovated :-) Loved it and would be back anytime! Thank you all!!!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Dec 2018

Jonathan

Our stay at Kisiwa House was great. It is very centrally located in Stone Town. We found local restaurants within a 5 minute walk as well as various tourist attractions. The staff were amazing and looking after all our needs and questions. The breakfast in the morning was also quite nice.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

27 Nov 2018

Atiyah

Kisiwa House is conveniently located in the busy part of Stone Town where shops, restaurants and markets are all walking distance. My standard room was really large with a comfortable bed, fan, air conditioning, fridge, safe and huge bathroom. The decor is beautiful and little touches like cookies on a plate and toiletries are great. Breakfast on the rooftop is just fantastic; choose freshly prepared eggs and pancakes, along with a fruit platter and bread and pastries. You won't need lunch after this morning complimentary feast! My only issue is the noise. It's an old building so no sound proofing and loud people on the street can be heard until midnight. Roosters will wake you up early in the morning too.
Aside from noise, it's a cosy yet stylish place to stay for a couple of nights.

8/10

Excellent

11 Oct 2018

Fred

Comfortable hotel nestled in the small streets of Stonetown but within easy and safe walking distance to all of the attractions and restaurants. Only concern was we were not advised regarding the room AC so had an uncomfortable and quite noisy first night as had to open windows to let in some cooler air. Breakfast was wonderful on the upper terrace overlooking the water.

10/10

Exceptional

31 Aug 2018

Valerie

Beautifully decorated and spacious. Very clean. Good location and friendly staff!

10/10

Exceptional

29 Aug 2018

Verified traveler

Lovely staff and beautiful, intimate hotel right in Stonetown and close to water-view dining. We were disconcerted when we arrived because cars cannot drive straight up to the hotel, and it looked like we were in some dreary alley, but people arrived to take our bags a very little distance and there was our beautiful hotel. We loved it and highly recommend it!

6/10

Pleasant

28 Jul 2018

veronica

Not 5stars

Room was clean and reception staff pleasant. Breakfast was extremely slow and not all items on menu were available. I wouldn’t have given this 5 stars and it was not worth the money compared to similar hotels in stone town.

Family

8/10

Excellent

18 Jun 2018

Pascale

Nice discovery

Nicely located with great service from the staff.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jun 2018

Andy

Lovely renovated historic building in the centre of Stone Town. Traditional wooden floors / ceilings, with antique furniture and decorations throughout. Small courtyard in the back.
Daily breakfast on top floor with sea views.

10/10

Exceptional

20 Apr 2018

Verified traveler

Fabulous!

Beautiful guest house! Very central and the service was excellent .. definitely recommend!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Apr 2018

Clodagh

What a Gem!

It was a great decision to check into Kisiwa House for one night before our departure the next day. Opportunity to explore Stone Town and the sights. From the welcome, wonderful rooms and breakfast. Highly recommended. Great location for walking to loads of tourist spots. Also made it a quick 15 minutes to the airport, no long bus trips! Thank you!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Apr 2018

Verified traveler

Stunning!

Beautiful guest house tastefully decorated in a stunning African style. Very centrally located with everything within walking distance. Our room was huge, very comfortable and spotlessly clean. We would definitely recommend it!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Apr 2018

Douglas

The perfect introduction to Zanzibar

We arrived to Kisiwa house straight from the airport. The driver (Salum) arranged by the hotel was pleasant and professional (we got his number and used him again on other journeys and even a Spice Tour). The reception we got on arrival was fantastic, as was the room and breakfasts but we never ate at the hotel. The hotel itself was right in Stone Town, very near the beach which has plenty shopping and eating options on offer. We walked everywhere, including round the Darajani market and the Slave Museum which were very interesting and worth a visit! Staff were always friendly and polite and would definitely stay there again.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Apr 2018

Rachel

Comfortable, inviting hotel close to the ocean.

The stress and heat of traveling evaporated immediately upon stepping into the lobby of Kisiwa House. Staff greeted us warmly and made us comfortable, providing fresh juice and cold towels, in a delightful lounge area. They soon showed us to our room, which was large and nicely appointed. The next morning, we ate a wonderful breakfast at the rooftop restaurant - excellent service and a stunning view. All in all, I highly recommend this place.

8/10

Excellent

22 Mar 2018

Enjoyable, comfortable stay

Professional, attentive and helpful staff. Great amenities and location. Overall an enjoyable and comfortable stay - I would return in a heartbeat!

8/10

Excellent

05 Mar 2018

nicole

Very central hotel with comfortable beds

Excellent location and very helpful staff.

Be aware restaurant is on rooftop three flights of stairs - so for anyone with mobility issues this may not be ideal.

Also avoid ground floor rooms if you plan on a lie in as they are near to reception.

Ask for suggestions on tours especially to Prison Island and around the Town

2/10

Poor

24 Feb 2018

Seamus

No receipt from hotel

Cancelled one night, contacted the hotel who stated this was fine, the hotel documentation stated that our stay was for one night. Asked for a receipt when checking out to ensure we were charged for 1 night. This was not provided and we were actually charged for two nights.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

06 Feb 2018

Great base for stone town

Full of character building that was once a merchantshouse.
Spacious room with proper bath and shower which is nice after a long day pounding the streets of stone town.
Breakfast on the roof terrace was always fresh and served with gracious service. May be an issue for elderly or infirm but food is on the 4th floor.

Location if this place is hard to beat. Ten mins walk to night food market..daranjani market. Old fort.

Only issue was the room was on the ground floor at street level
However you eventually get used to this background noise.

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jan 2018

caroline

A gem in the centre of Stone Town!!

This is the second time in 2 weeks we stayed here. Excellent again would recommend it highly!!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jan 2018

caroline

A little gem in stone town!!

Lovely hotel fantastic staff and warm welcome. Rooms are spacious and very comfortable with hugh bathroom. Breakfast on roof top cooked to order and was very good. Definitely will stay again infact I'm booked already!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jan 2018

AMAZING and worth it!!

Staff were so sweet and helpful, breakfast was fantastic and the room was beautiful. Location was excellent. Just all around a great place.

8/10

Excellent

29 Dec 2017

duncan

Great hotel and great location

Only downside was they had not prepared our take away breakfast in time for our 7am departure. Small issue massively outweighed by all the positives.

10/10

Exceptional

26 Dec 2017

Jackie

Great hotel and location

Very close to the centre. Staff very accommodating and helpful. My room was air conditioned, with mosquito nets and very comfortable and clean. Daily complimentary water bottles provided. Breakfast was delicious with many options available. Would definitely recommend!

2/10

Poor

27 Nov 2017

Verified traveler

Took advantage of me

Called to cancel one night in proper amount of time (2 weeks). then called again because never got a confirmation. by this time we were within the window to cancel, then they refused. i paid for a night i didn't stay there. then when we arrived the air conditioning was broken. i told the front desk and they offered no solution. the next morning we went to the included breakfast and there was an ant in my wheetabix cereal. i would like a full refund.

10/10

Exceptional

26 Nov 2017

Greg

The place to stay in Stone Town

Almost perfect. Great location, outstanding facility maintenance And lovely staff. Very nice roof, they should open the bar at 5 instead of 7.

8/10

Excellent

27 Sep 2017

Emma

Nice hotel in good location with great staff

Overall we enjoyed our stay in this hotel though after spending most of our time exploring the city, we needn't have spent so much on the superior room and could have stayed in a cheaper room. The hotel building is lovely with lots of authentic, antique decorations it feels part of the history of the city. The room was beautiful, big, light, clean, well maintained.
Staff were very helpful, friendly and accommodating.
My only negatives are: Breakfast choices were a little disappointing, pancakes were soggy. The bed was the firmest bed I've ever slept on which was personally too hard for me.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

19 Sep 2017

Stacia

The room was very comfortable but loud since on first floor facing street and right next to reception desk. The breakfast was wonderful on the rooftop.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Sep 2017

Sabyasachi

Great Base for Exploring Stone Town

One of the Cleanest and best maintained hotels in Stone Town, It is a short walk away from the more premium shops and from must see spots such as the Fort, Museum, Slave Market and Freddy Mercury's House. The food in the restaurant on the top competes with the view for attention, neither giving way. All in all, a fantastic way to experience a true Zanzibar house in modern comfort.

10/10

Exceptional

30 Aug 2017

Saad

Magnificent

Amazing location. Amazing, helpful and friendly staff. Amazing facilities and a lovely experiences.

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jul 2017

Verified traveler

We had a comfortable stay. The staff were friendly, room was clean, location was great and the breakfast was amazing.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

04 Apr 2017

Daniel

Classic old building in the heart of Stonetown

Our room was spacious and clean, with a large bathroom and a very comfortable bed. The staff was incredibly friendly and the breakfast was ample, including delicious fresh fruit. The hotel is centrally located to explore the fascinating maze of streets that is Stonetown.

8/10

Excellent

14 Mar 2017

Paul

Nice little hotel with history

Comfortable atmospheric colonial era hotel, nicely furnished comfortable rooms. In the southern part of Stone Town's 'old town' close to the markets and sights.

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jan 2017

Kay

Lovely local hotel close to beach

We were spoiled at this lovely local hotel in Stonetown - beautiful traditional furnishings, attentive staff and rooftop restaurant with views of the sea. Sister hotel on Paje beach also welcoming for day visit

4/10

Poor

30 Dec 2016

Brigitte

Be careful with your booking.

It was ok very upset that they name me paying for extra bed for th child when I clearly got a confirmation menti Bing that everything was paid for and of course the child mentioned in the booking.

Family

8/10

Excellent

19 Nov 2016

Ahmed

Nice and cool for an old stone hotel.

Everything went as planned, enjoyed my trip to the last drop. Hotel is at a walking distance to all attractions around stone town. Hotel staff were every helpfull.

6/10

Pleasant

11 Nov 2016

Martin

Not as good as it could be

Pretty basic accommodation, three star at best. I took a suite but it wasn't a suite just a larger room. Staff are pleasant, breakfast very basic. Nothing in hotel ( bar, pool, restaurant except a breakfast terrace) just conveniently located in Stone Town.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

31 Oct 2016

Verified traveler

A wonderful hotel

Great staff, wonderfully appointed hotel and so much attention to detail. Good breakfast on lovely rooftop setting

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Sep 2016

Suzy

Lovely hotel, beautifully positioned.

Beautiful old style hotel with great rooftop bar. Excellent service. We had a really gorgeous room - I'm not sure all of them are like that. We didn't eat there but good restaurants in easy walking distance.

10/10

Exceptional

13 Sep 2016

Verified traveler

Beautiful boutique hotel in a great location

Loved this cute, little hotel. Amazing food offered on a lovely rooftop. Great staff.

10/10

Exceptional

01 Sep 2016

joseph

Perfect location

Hotel is right in the centre of stone town, close to everything you would need access to!

6/10

Pleasant

07 Aug 2016

Protase

Needs improvement in records

The checkout was very disorganised as they couldn't even print a bill or issue a receipt. They could not even have computerised record of my statement

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2016

Verified traveler

Lovely boutique in Stone Town

Beautiful, beautiful room and hotel! The room was so beautiful that I didn't want to leave it. Lovely team of folks working there, and very accessible to good restaurants.

10/10

Exceptional

10 Apr 2016

LYNETTE

This is a really lovely boutique hotel. The staff is marvelous!

8/10

Excellent

24 Mar 2016

Laura

Architecturally beautiful

I arrived in Stone Town after dark and didn't see much; the entrance was dim. The taxi can park near but you must walk a bit, an itty bitty bit. Two floors of rooms with the restaurant on the roof, so there will be stairs. AC was terrific with a ceiling fan also. Slept soundly. Quite nice overall.

10/10

Exceptional

22 Feb 2016

lara

Welcoming and homely

The staff were so lovely and welcoming. The rooms were great, decent sized, AC and a spacious and modern bathroom. We had to check out early for our flightand the hotel kindly made us breakfast packs to take with us in the morning was a lovely touch to the end of our holiday.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

05 Jan 2016

Kimberly

Great escape in Zanzibar

Unique hotel out of a beautiful house. Very tastefully done. Probably enjoyed breakfast and dinner the best as the view and vibe was very nice. I stayed three nights with my mom on holiday. The rooms were large. Close to everything in town, walking distance to everything you need including the ferry. The food was great and the staff exceptional. I didn't mind that there were lots of stair to climb, but keep that in mind.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Nov 2015

Verified traveler

They nailed it!

I never write reviews but they nailed it. Perfect for the true Zanzibar experience. The staff goes way out of their way to help. One time he walked us all the way to the restaurant as it was dark and hard to find. The rooms are gorgeous and within walking distance of everything. We live in Africa now originally San Francisco and I would go back just to stay at that hotel again. Really great job.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Nov 2015

Dana

Very nice hotel and hospitable and helpful staff

Kisiwa staff have been great with us, we stayed there for three times in different 3 nights. we were allowed to keep our luggage in hotel several times in order to go on Safari.
Hotel very clean, spacious bedrooms, cozy authentic design. Highly recommended.

10/10

Exceptional

07 Nov 2015

Amy

Relaxing quiet hotel in busy Stone Town

Amazing building. Spacious rooms. Friendly staff. Yummy breakfasts in rooftop restaurant. Would definitely recommend to anyone heading for Stone Town. Rooms on top floor are nice and quiet. Quite a lot of stairs up to that floor though, so might be better to go lower down if any mobility issues.

8/10

Excellent

23 Oct 2015

Sanjaya

Gemstone in Zanzibar

We had a wonderful 3 nights stay at this hotel in Zanzibar. The hotel is located in the stone town and thus is conveniently positioned to explore through the market. The hotel is built on the 200 years old masion and still feels like you go back into the history of it. The hotel condition is well maintained and staffs are all friendly and helpful.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Oct 2015

Konstantinos

Great location, great people. Thumbs up!!

Zanzibar Town has a lot of beautiful buildings. However, only a handful of them (usually hotels) are still in good condition.

Kisiwa house is one of them. A very well restored historical building that has kept most of its original features. Located in the centre of the old town, just a 2 minute walk from the Post Office (central point in Stone Town), very close to lots of restaurants / shops / attractions and the little port where you can take fishing boats that will give you tours to the nearby islands!

Very helpful staff, extremely polite and always smiling as most of the Zanzibaris!!

Room was clean, tidy and good size.
Breakfast is a big plus to get you going for the most of the day. Good both quality and quantity wise.
It can get a little bit noisy in the mornings. That said, not sure you can really avoid that anywhere in the historical centre of the town, as the little alleys seem to multiple the noise of the little vibrant town of Zanzibar!!

Would be more than happy to use again in the future.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Sep 2015

Thomas

Jewel of Stone Town

We had a super stay at Kisiwa House and would return anytime. The property is beautifully refurbished and furnished. The rooms are good size and there are plenty of common areas (courtyard, roof terrace, landings and a few 'hidden' spots) where one can chill out or socialize. The staff were all super and breakfast was very good, too. We did have some aircon trouble, but the staff dealt with it immediately. The location is very good for all of Stone Town and perfectly safe. A definite winner.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

04 Jun 2015

Cory

Stonetown Hotel

It's a nice little hotel, no way five star, at least not to Americans...if you are going to Zanzibar, even in Stonetown, stay by the beach...there are quite a few hotels on the beach with a pool, I would have rather been there..but the staff here were so seer and helpful!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 May 2015

lingdi

Comfort like at home

We stayed in Kisiwa house 20th of May to 25th of May. The hotel is located in stone town old resident area. Here you can see the daily life of people. The hotel room is reasonable big, the ceiling is around 4 meters high, this gives you a very spacious feeling. The house keepers came 2 times a day to tidy up the room, spray mosquito, turn on the air conditioner for the guests. I never experienced such a good service in any other hotel.

The hotel staff are extremely friendly and helpful, and always greet you with smile. They don't take tips which are left in the room, only if you put the tip in the tip box at reception, which is for all the hotel staff to share.

The day we left, almost all the hotel staff came out to say good bye to us. We will never forget this place and will definitely come back!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 May 2015

SoCal family

Good choice for stone town.

Booked two rooms. Overall very positive stay. Centrally located. Clean and spacious rooms. Great AC and large bathrooms with tubs showers etc. restaurant is not amazing but fine for breakfast. Ask for rooms on top floors. Easy walk to nice bars such as Six Degrees. Good choice for a romantic getaway.

8/10

Excellent

21 May 2015

Great location in heart of Stone town

Tucked in the maze of the narrow streetwo of Stoen town....this boutique hotel Is a jewel. An old former residence, there is old beautiful wood everywhere. Breakfast is included in price and consists of coffee/tea, fruit, eggs, sausage or bacon and assorted breads. Tasty! The hotel is well appointed with antiques and pieces from that era. Rooms are large and comfortable and air conditioned! The staff Is friendly and accommodating. We were able to have them keep our bags while we had one more walk around before taking the ferry back to Dar...the ferry launch is within walking distance from hotel along with plenty of history, shopping, and restaurants! Loved the hotel and would stay there again.

8/10

Excellent

27 Apr 2015

Patrick

Good option for Stonetown

Only stayed one night but it was a very nice hotel. Rooms are clean and relaxing. Breakfast was nice and hotel is in a very convenient location for a walk around Stonetown.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Apr 2015

Adam

Great Staff

I was blown away with the helpfulness of the staff. One guy in particular, Abdullah, actually even gave me his mobile phone to use when I was having trouble making a phone call. The room was always cleaned and the staff even came in and turned on the AC while we were out to make sure our room was cool when we returned.

The place is far enough away from the beach that it's quiet, but close enough that you're where the action is after a 4 minute walk.

10/10

Exceptional

02 Mar 2015

lillian

Kisawa holiday

We loved being so close to the main street, Kenyatta street , & yet tucked away around a corner from the busyness & traffic. A great bookstore/coffee shop was steps away as well as post office & large tourist shop & restaurants. We were also within short walking distance from the Old Fort where a 4 day music festival was in progress. The personnel at this hotel were excellent, as well as the rooftop dining service, food & view. Love this place!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

23 Feb 2015

Yan

Secluded & private-feel beachside boutique resort.

One of the most beautiful and private-feel beachside boutique resorts we have ever been around the world. Wonderful, friendly, and responsible staff. Room has ocean view and is decorated with local African flavors. The views inside and towards the ocesn are breathtaking. The small bay by the resort interacting with local village fishing boats and kids paying in the water, especially at the sunset moment, makes it the most beautiful life scene in the world! The \"Samaki Samaki\" dinner with local musicians playing by the bay was so great and so memorable! We love HMBL and will come back.

10/10

Exceptional

09 Feb 2015

Verified traveler

Great hotel in the middle of Stone Town

Great hotel right in the middle of Stone Town. Staff were helpful and enjoyed a cold beverage upon check-in.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

29 Jan 2015

Verified traveler

Welcome drink was a nice touch. Very helpful staff. Good location.

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jan 2015

Verified traveler

Lovely staff and hotel

Really nice stay.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Dec 2014

Brittany

We were looking for a boutique hotel with a Swahili feel that would allow us to rest after busy days exploring Stonetown, and this was it! Kisiwa House was a perfect choice to be our home base. They were accommodating and always offering suggestions of things to do, see, and eat. All of the staff were quite friendly and personable. We felt well taken care of.

10/10

Exceptional

02 Nov 2014

hina

Charming boutique hotel

Charming hotel with excellent staff. Be aware that like most small hotels housed in what used to be Arab homes it does not have an elevator so be prepared to climb 3 flights of stairs if your room is on the top floor. Since the hotel has just 11 rooms and the hotel' s restaurant is meant primarily for hotel guests the dinner menu is limited but there are many good restaurants nearby.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

27 Oct 2014

Richard

Good location and comfortable surroundings

Friendly Staff and surroundings . Nice breakfast . Bar area is not great but very close to other great locations

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Aug 2014

Cam

Great Stonetown location

Kisiwa House was a fantastic place to stay, great staff and location and a lovely house, well worth the money.

8/10

Excellent

16 Aug 2014

Verified traveler

Very good service by staff at reception desk, however, the service offered by the staff at restaurant during breakfast section still have room for improvement.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Aug 2014

Paula

Comfort in Stonetown

What a beautiful hotel! We were greeted with juice and a cool face cloth. The room had AC and comfortable beds with mosquito nets. Staff very friendly and helpful. We loved the restaurant on the roof for dinner as well as breakfast!! Huge bathroom had the best shower of our entire trip!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jul 2014

Verified traveler

Traditional Beautiful Hotel

This is really the best hotel I've stayed so far in Zanzibar! Out of five hotels I've stayed, this is the best. So traditional, beautiful structured and beautifully built. It has a lot o history behind as well. Located very conveniently in the heart of Stone Town where you can easily get to anywhere. Staff is awesome and breakfast is amazing!

8/10

Excellent

04 Jul 2014

Verified traveler

Kisiwa House is a pretty hotel with large, comfortable rooms. The rooms are well-appointed and well-furnished. The bed is very firm though. The location in Stone Town is good and it is convenient to walk to sights and restaurants.

The service at the hotel is just ok though. The staff are nice but there were a lot of communication issues. The breakfast that comes with the room is very generous, but not as tasty as it is big.

Overall it is a good place to stay, it's just a shame the staff and food can't be as nice as the building and rooms are.

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jul 2014

Verified traveler

Excellent hotel. Ideal location.

Staff were particularly helpful. All amenities. Very good breakfast included. We had dinner also, on the rooftop - very nice. Overall very highly recommended.

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jun 2014

Great location in the heart of Stonetown.

Unique, historic hotel with an Arabic influence. Greeted with cold drink and wet cloth to refresh us in the lovely courtyard. The rooftop has a great view and is a peaceful retreat for meals or drinks.

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jun 2014

Verity

Lovely hotel in the middle of Stone Town

My husband and I spent two nights at Kisiwa House and thought it was excellent. The room was lovely and very clean, and it was always nice to come back in the evening to find the room ready for the night. The staff were also helpful when we wanted to arrange a spice tour. We didn't eat at the restaurant, but enjoyed having breakfast on the rooftop in the mornings (the food was fairly standard). Good wifi throughout.

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jun 2014

JamieShea

Wonderful Experience

This hotel is wonderful! We stayed here after 3 weeks travelling in other parts of Africa. The staff will go out of their way to accomodate your requests. The roof-top dining is great, and the food is really good! Huge, very clean rooms, with glorius air conditioning, and a quaint, comfortable feel. I would definitely stay here again if I return to Stone Town!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jun 2014

Verified traveler

Great location and modern rooms

Fabulous hotel right in the thick of it. Rooms were very clean and the hotel seemed quite new. The air conditioning was amazing.

8/10

Excellent

08 May 2014

Bob

Good clean hotel in good location in Shanghani.

Nice hotel but possibly a little overpriced as it's smaller than a similarly priced hotel I stayed in previously. In particular the 'roof top' is small and doesn't quite afford the views that hotel info might suggest.
Also, the front door was shut at 10.30. Ok, no real problem to knock up an attendant, but a little inconvenient. The tv did not work consistently.
That said, my stay was comfortable, the room was clean, the bed was nice, breakfast was quite good.

10/10

Exceptional

12 Apr 2014

Verified traveler

Zanzibar Best

Enjoyable, resfful; friendly staff

Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Apr 2014

Ken

Just Beautiful

Lovely hotel with polite and casual service located just off Kenyatta Road (the main tourist drag). Away from the bustle, which was quiet during the low season. Breakfast is continental, with eggs available. Picturesque rooftop with views over the ocean. Rooms simple, nicely appointed, comfortable firm bed. Very glad we stayed here.

8/10

Excellent

07 Apr 2014

Barbara

Lovely hotel but hot water was on/off

This hotel is beautiful and very new, and in a great location, walking distance from the ferry. The two twin bed room was large, with a beautiful bath tub and a separate shower. However, the hot water was unpredictable, so I could never take a bath. Also, we were given a ground floor room and the wifi did not work in this room. The service was just okay--we tried to book tours through the hotel, and my son was asked \"what price would you like to pay?\" This was not a helpful response. I am not sure I can recommend, even though the hotel is gorgeous.

Family