How to choose
| Hotel | For whom | Indicative price | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emerson Spice | A charming stay with a rooftop restaurant | about 112 $ per person (one agency, 2026/27) or about 225 $ a night (one blog), 2-night minimum | 11 rooms, the terrace is a highlight, possible noise |
| The Seyyida Hotel | A boutique hotel at the best price | from about 81 $ per person (one agency, 2026/27) | Check the room and the noise |
| Jafferji House & Spa | Reasonable budget with character | about 50 to 65 $ a night (guides) | Figures not recent |
| Beyt al Salaam | Same, budget | about 50 to 65 $ a night (guides) | Same |
| Emerson on Hurumzi | Rooftop dinner | Price not found | Reviews mention the rooftop dinner |
If you want the beach and a pool rather than the alleys, a large seafront hotel such as the Park Hyatt Zanzibar (67 rooms, including 11 suites, about 856 Australian dollars a night on Trip.com) is another category: it is not a boutique hotel in the sense of restored houses.
Where to sleep in Stone Town
The historic centre, a UNESCO site, is a maze of alleys: on foot everything is close (the Darajani market, the Forodhani night market, the House of Wonders), but cars cannot reach everywhere. Ask the hotel how it handles luggage, and about the call to prayer if noise matters to you.
Our booking advice
Always compare the package (breakfast, taxes, airport transfer) and the cancellation policy: the prices above are not confirmed for your dates. For 2 to 3 nights in Stone Town, then the beach, see where to stay in Zanzibar and our day in Stone Town.
FAQ
What is the best boutique hotel in Stone Town?
Emerson Spice is the most cited; compare with Seyyida and Jafferji House depending on your budget.
How much does a boutique hotel cost?
From 50 to 65 dollars a night for the cheapest to over 100 dollars for Emerson Spice, depending on the source and season.
Do I need to book ahead?
Yes, especially in high season: small houses have few rooms.
Is there a beach in Stone Town?
No real swimming beach: see the beaches of Zanzibar.
For a group or family, renting a villa can replace the hotel: see available places on Vrbo.
Going further
See Stone Town, the Stone Town guide and the restaurants.
