Known for turquoise waters, spice-scented streets, and powdery white beaches, Zanzibar blends tropical beauty with centuries of Swahili culture and history. We have handpicked the best hotels in Zanzibar based on expert recommendations and thousands of guest reviews. All of our recommended hotels have a review rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars.
Best cheap hotel: The Garden
Best boutique hotel: Kizikula
Best luxury hotel: Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa
This cozy little escape feels like a tropical secret wrapped in palm trees and ocean breeze. The rooms are simple but charming, and the peaceful garden gives the whole place a laid-back island rhythm. It’s the kind of spot where mornings drift by slowly with coffee and birdsong.
What really makes the hotel stand out is the warm atmosphere and friendly staff. The beach is close, the food is fresh, and everything moves at Zanzibar’s wonderfully unhurried pace. Perfect for travelers who want calm days, salty air, and sunsets that look painted by hand.
Value for Money
94.29 %
Zanzibar City already feels distant from much of the world, but Kiwengwa Beach on Unguja’s northeast coast is even more secluded. Nestled between jungle and white sand, Mvuvi Boutique Resort stands out with its traditional thatched design and peaceful atmosphere, creating the feeling of a hidden tropical retreat.
Blending Swahili heritage with modern comfort, the resort features local décor, contemporary amenities, and free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy diving, snorkeling, cultural excursions, and wildlife visits to Jozani Forest. Mediterranean-Swahili cuisine is served on a terrace overlooking the Indian Ocean, completing the resort’s calm and immersive island experience.
Value for Money
88.53 %
Kizikula is a striking boutique hotel on Zanzibar’s south coast, created by friends from Dubai with global design influences. Collaborating with architects from Mumbai and a landscape designer from Auckland, they crafted a distinctive retreat using locally sourced coral limestone, raw concrete, warm wood, and local textiles, blending modern minimalism with island character.
Set along a rocky shoreline, the hotel features sweeping sea views, an infinity pool, and a dramatic staircase leading into crystal-clear waters. Guests can enjoy a lively poolside bar and restaurant, a relaxing spa, and private, secluded rooms, while families benefit from a dedicated children’s pool.
Value for Money
94.08 %
Tucked within the maze-like alleys of Stone Town, Sharazad Wonders is the urban counterpart to Jambiani’s laid-back beach retreat. Created by Italian hotelier Francesca Scalfari, the hotel combines elegant hospitality with traditional Swahili design, featuring carved shutters, brass-studded doors, coral stone, and rich, moody interiors.
With just eight rooms, the hotel offers a calm, intentional atmosphere far removed from the city’s bustle. Its plant-based restaurant attracts both travelers and locals, while the overall experience focuses on simplicity, comfort, and quiet charm.
Value for Money
89.11 %
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