The Swahili House Hotel Zanzibar, Zanzibar
About the Hotel
The Swahili House is a handcrafted villa located on the beach of Vasco De Gama in Malindi, Zanzibar. This hotel merges authentic Swahili design with modern amenities, offering guests a unique cultural experience in the heart of Old Town. The property boasts five floors surrounding a traditional Zanzibar courtyard, highlighting the craftsmanship of local artisans. Guests can combine their stay with nearby Fumba Beach Lodge or Selous Wilderness Camp for a broader exploration of the region.
Location
Situated in the bustling heart of Stone Town, The Swahili House is conveniently located near market areas, shops, and cultural sites like the Christ Church Cathedral and Forodhani Park. Kisauni Airport is 6 miles away, providing easy accessibility for travelers. The hotel acts as a gateway for guests beginning or ending their safaris in Kenya, enhancing its appeal as a versatile accommodation option.
Rooms
Each guestroom features an en-suite bathroom equipped with hot and cold water, hair dryer, and complimentary toiletries. The rooms are designed to ensure comfort, with options for air conditioning and mosquito nets over the beds. Some rooms can accommodate an extra single bed upon request, allowing for flexible occupancy. Most of the hotel has been restored to maintain its original charm, reflecting the historic atmosphere of Stone Town.
Eat & Drink
The hotel’s rooftop restaurant serves fresh seafood and Mediterranean tapas, providing a scenic dining experience with views of the Indian Ocean. Guests can also enjoy a diverse menu of international dishes, enhancing their culinary experience. The airy bar offers a wide selection of wines and cocktails, making it a perfect spot to unwind. Breakfast is included, featuring delicious local flavors to start the day.
Leisure & Business
The Swahili House provides opportunities for leisure activities such as spice tours, visits to the Jozani Forest, and explorations of Stone Town upon request. The rooftop terrace features a plunge pool and sundeck area for relaxation. Business facilities are available, ensuring a comfortable environment for both leisure and work needs. With its family-friendly ambiance, the hotel caters to various guest preferences.
Select your room type
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Getting around
A list of all available modes of transport
Facilities
General
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free Wi-Fi in public areas
- No parking
- Safe deposit box
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Concierge desk
- No pets allowed
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- Wheelchair access
- 24-hour security
- Baggage storage
- Elevator
- Currency exchange
- Fire extinguishers
Sports & Fitness
- Diving
- Snorkeling
Services
- Paid airport shuttle
- Room service
- Housekeeping
- Car rental
- Laundry
- Dry cleaning
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Welcome drink
- Happy hour
Dining
- In-room breakfast
- Restaurant
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Special diet menus
Business
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Babysitting/Child services
- Board games
- Children's menu
Spa & Leisure
- Rooftop pool
- Plunge pool
- Beach umbrellas
- Sun loungers
- Sun terrace
Room features
- Air conditioning
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Location
Reviews and Ratings
I stayed at the hotel in Stone Town, and it was a unique experience. The rooms had traditional Swahili features and a very interesting bathroom decoration, offering a decent size for a comfortable stay. The service exceeded my expectations with friendly and helpful staff. The location was great, authentic to its historical roots, though it took me a bit to navigate around. The dining had its ups and downs but ended on a positive note. The facilities were good overall, adding to a pleasant stay.
I absolutely loved my stay at this hotel! The location is superb, with easy access to explore the city on foot. The rooms were spacious, clean, and situated in an interesting building that added to the experience. While the amenities were basic, the convenience and cleanliness made up for it.
My stay at the hotel was truly enjoyable. The rooms were spacious and comfortable, adorned with traditional Swahili features, albeit with an odd-smelling anti-insect spray. The service was exceptional, with staff members being very accommodating and friendly. The location was perfect for exploring Stone Town, just a short walk from the ferry terminal. The dining experience was basic but satisfactory. Overall, a great value for money.
The hotel room was spacious and clean with the nice fragrance, providing comfortable accommodation. However, it lacked windows, and there was some mold present. The service was exceptionally friendly, helpful, and accommodating, ensuring a top-notch experience. The location was convenient with a great view from the restaurant, but it was noisy at night. The dining experience was simple but satisfactory, except for the weak WiFi connection. Overall, the facilities were adequate, offering a decent value for money.
I had a mixed experience at the hotel. The rooms, unfortunately without windows, were clean but had a lingering scent of a nice fragrance. It was good to find a double and a single bed in the room. Mosquito repellent spray was a thoughtful touch but needed regularly to combat the mold.