Introduction
To help you book the best hotel in Zanzibar that fits your needs, travel style, and budget, we have already done the research for you.
For each destination, we spend hours categorizing and filtering hotels to each specific area and budget tier, reading and analyzing the reviews in detail, and comparing the reviews between qualifying hotels.
We specifically also study the negative reviews. It is important to determine whether it was a once-off bad experience of one guest or whether it is a recurring problem also mentioned in other reviews.
We also evaluate the enthusiasm with which reviews were written. You could have two hotels, both with a 9.3 guest rating, but most of the reviews of the one might be along the lines of “It was good”, whereas most of the reviews of the other might be explaining how wonderful it was, how it was the best hotel experience they have ever had and why they would return to this hotel or why they are already on a repeat visit. Both hotels have 9.3, but surely the enthusiastic 9.3 should weigh heavier.
Last but not least, we consider the convenience of the location, the amenities provided, the proximity to public transport, and the value for money offered.
Only after this lengthy process, our selection is made.
Making it Easy for You to Choose
We have selected four geographical areas, each with its own character and benefits, making it easy for you to choose the area where you want to stay. In each area, we have selected one hotel in each of four budget tiers, to easily allow you to make a choice according to your specific travel style and budget. Hotels were only selected after careful consideration, as explained above, from qualifying hotels holding a guest rating of 9/10 or higher as at time of writing.
About the Guest Ratings
Trip.com guest ratings (as at time of writing and updated periodically) are quoted for each hotel selected, but for a hotel to have been considered for selection, it should have had a guest rating of 9/10 or higher on both Trip.com and Expedia and it should have demonstrated broadly positive review trends across other major booking platforms. Guest ratings change from time to time and might, therefore, be different from the one quoted, at the time you do your booking.
The Four Budget Tiers
- Economy (under US$180 per night): Reliable hotels offering comfort, excellent location and exceptional value for money.
- Premium Economy (US$180-US$350 per night): Quality hotels providing a step up in comfort and design with better amenities.
- Business Class (US$350-US$650 per night): Full-service hotels perfect for both leisure and business travelers seeking high-end facilities, stylish interiors, and premium service.
- First Class (above US$650 per night): World-class luxury with signature addresses at premium locations and with exceptional amenities.
While the tiers above remain the same for each destination, the nightly price ranges for each tier may differ from destination to destination. The price ranges above are for this destination specifically and were valid at the time of writing. Due to the fact that hotel rates fluctuate constantly depending on factors such as season, demand, and promotions, the price ranges might be different or a specific hotel might have moved outside the price range at the time when you do your booking. The budget tiers and price ranges are, therefore, to be used as a general guide to provide an overall sense of value and positioning.
The Four Geographical Areas
- North Coast – Nungwi, Kendwa, Resort strip, Calm beaches, Sunset views
- East Coast – Matemwe, Pongwe, Kiwengwa, Lagoon waters, Boutique resorts
- South East Coast – Paje, Jambiani, Kitesurfing hub, Lifestyle beaches, Modern boutiques
- West Coast – Stone Town, Western shoreline, Private islands, Cultural heritage, Exclusive resorts
1. North Coast
Centred around Nungwi and Kendwa and extending eastward toward northern Matemwe, this area is known for calm swimming conditions, broad sandy beaches, and some of the island’s largest beachfront resorts. This area is popular with first-time visitors and those seeking a traditional island resort experience.
Economy: Alladin Boutique Beach Hotel and Spa Zanzibar
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Trip.com Guest Rating: 9.6/10
Location:
- Kigomani 47, Matemwe, Unguja North Region
- 52 km from the Airport
- 24.5 km from Nungwi Beach
- 12.2 km from Kiwengwa Beach
- Less than 100m from Kibwana Divers Zanzibar
Hotel Highlights:
- Beachfront setting
- Complimentary full breakfast
- Memory foam bed with Egyptian cotton sheets
- Outdoor pool, full-service spa, 24-hour fitness centre, and massage room
- Shuttle service and currency exchange
What Guests Loved:
- Super delicious food
- Spacious, very clean room with a great view and very comfortable bed
- Kind, respectful and genuinely helpful staff
- Direct access to very long, stunning beach with white sand
- Nice rooms with superb views, crisp white linen, good food, and very attentive staff
Premium Economy: Zanzibar Queen Hotel
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Trip.com Guest Rating: 9.4/10
Location:
- Kigomani, Matemwe, Zanzibar North, Tanzania
- 50.8 km from the Airport
- Less than 100m from Scubafish Dive Centre Ltd
- 8.9 km from Mapenzi Beach
- 23.8 km from Nungwi Beach
Hotel Highlights:
- On the beach
- 24-hour Roundtrip airport shuttle and a ferry terminal shuttle
- Breakfast can be included depending on room selection
- Outdoor pool, spa, gym, and massage room
- Currency exchange and free bicycle rental
What Guests Loved:
- Perfect setting, excellent food, very comfortable rooms, and top-notch staff
- Flexible transportation to and from the airport and Stone Town
- Perfect location for exploring the area
- Absolute commitment to guest satisfaction
- Beautiful stretch of beach, perfect for walks
Business Class: Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar – All Inclusive
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Trip.com Guest Rating: 9.1/10
Location:
- Nungwi Rd, Nungwi, North Coast Zanzibar, Kaskazini A, Zanzibar North
- 62 km from the Airport
- 720m from Kendwa Beach
- 620m from Skydive Zanzibar
- 29.7 km from Kiwengwa Beach
Hotel Highlights:
- All-inclusive (food/beverages/snacks)
- Private beach area
- 3 Outdoor swimming pools, spa, sauna, gym, and sunbathing area
- Rooms have private balconies or patios
- Currency exchange
What Guests Loved:
- Very nice staff, excellent food, very clean room
- Amazing service, extremely friendly staff, amazing rooms and food
- Clean and beautiful beach
- Exceptional food in quality and quantity
- Never feels crowded, even at full capacity
First Class: Kilindi Zanzibar
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Trip.com Guest Rating: 9.4/10
Location:
- 67VV+X76, Kendwa, Kaskazini A, Zanzibar North, Tanzania
- 45.7 km from Airport
- 710m from Kendwa Beach
- 440m from Apa Divers
- 700m from Zanzibar Watersports
Hotel Highlights:
- Pristine beachfront cabanas
- 24-hour Roundtrip airport shuttle
- All-inclusive (food/beverages/snacks)
- Outdoor swimming pool, spa, and massage room
- Private beach area
What Guests Loved:
- A beautiful setting with great accommodation, food, and staff
- Stunning villas with absolute privacy
- Atmosphere of pure comfort and relaxation
- Extremely good butlers
- Outstanding food
2. East Coast
If you are seeking peace, intimacy, and scenic coastal landscapes, and prefer boutique-style resorts over large commercial developments, then you should consider this area. It stretches along a quieter section of Zanzibar’s shoreline, encompassing Matemwe and the sheltered bays around Pongwe and is characterised by coral lagoons and tidal flats.
Economy: Salama & Mbuyuni Bungalows
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Trip.com Guest Rating: 9.4/10
Location:
- Unnamed Road, Matemwe, Zanzibar North, Tanzania
- 48.9 km from Airport
- 800m from Muyuni Beach
- 730m from Abdillah excursions
- 750m from Chris Zanzibar Explorer
Hotel Highlights:
- Complimentary full breakfast included
- 2 Bars/lounges, 20 beach bars, and 2 poolside bars
- 3 Outdoor pools, spa, massage room, and sunbathing area
- Shuttle service and free bicycle rentals
- English, Kiswahili, French, Spanish, and Catlan spoken
What Guests Loved:
- Excellent service and no power or internet outages
- Kindness of the owners and their incredible staff
- Beautifully landscaped garden offering a verdant oasis
- Only a short walk to the beach
- Delicious food and breakfast buffet
Premium Economy: Pongwe Beach Hotel
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Trip.com Guest Rating: 9.5/10
Location:
- Pongwe Beach, Kati, Zanzibar South, Tanzania
- 48.8 km from Airport
- 2.6 km from Pongwe
- 5.6 km from Kiwengwa
- 980m from Dive Horizons Zanzibar
Hotel Highlights:
- Located on the waterfront and on the beach with private beach area
- 24-hour Roundtrip airport shuttle
- Rooms have private patios
- Outdoor pool, spa, and massage room
- English, French, and Kiswahili spoken
What Guests Loved:
- Exceptional food and outstanding service, always delivered with a smile
- Personal boutique feel with a quiet private beach
- Large room with a lovely terrace, plunge pool and view of the sea
- Delicious breakfasts, a different special every day
- Wonderful location, secluded private beach, and stunning views
Business Class: The Island Pongwe – Adults Only
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Trip.com Guest Rating: 9.7/10
Location:
- pongwe, Pongwe, Zanzibar South, Tanzania
- 48 km from Airport
- 1.9 km from Pongwe
- 440m from Dive Horizons Zanzibar
- 6.2 km from Uroa public beach
Hotel Highlights:
- Private beach area
- 24-hour Roundtrip airport shuttle
- Rooms have private furnished balconies
- Outdoor pool, spa, and massage room
- Complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast
What Guests Loved:
- Fabulous African villas/rooms with beautiful views over the sea, well-equipped, and spotless
- Amazing place, superb staff, and fantastic food
- Perfect service, very kind, everything is clean and tidy
- Incredible restaurant with delightful menu
- Authenticity, relaxation, personalized service, and a paradise setting
First Class: Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort
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Trip.com Guest Rating: 9.7/10
Location:
- Pongwe, Zanzibar South, Tanzania
- 48.9 km from Airport
- 2.7 km from Pongwe
- 6.2 km from Kiwengwa Beach
- 1 km from Dive Horizons Zanzibar
Hotel Highlights:
- Luxury lodge on private beach
- Complimentary 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle
- Complimentary full breakfast
- 2 Outdoor swimming pools, spa, and gym
- Rooms have private furnished patios
What Guests Loved:
- Freshest ingredients for all the food from own vegetable garden
- Incredible staff, top-notch amenities, and service above and beyond
- Perfect staff, food, garden, services, spa, and entertainment
- Amazing food and drinks and large rooms set in most beautiful greenery
- Calm, elegant, and relaxing atmosphere, never loud or busy
3. South East Coast
This area, including Paje, Jambiani, and surrounding villages, is famous for its kitesurfing, long open beaches, and relaxed, creative atmosphere. If you enjoy a more informal environment, with easy access to cafés, beach bars, and water sports, this area might be the right choice for you.
Economy: Paje Blu Boutique Hotel
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Trip.com Guest Rating: 9.5/10
Location:
- Beach Road, Kusini, Zanzibar South, Tanzania
- 51 km from Airport
- 1.3 km from Paje Beach
- 350m from Mwani Zanzibar
- 710m from Zanzikite
Hotel Highlights:
- Complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast
- Outdoor pool, spa, and massage room
- Memory foam beds and private furnished balconies
- Shuttle service, currency exchange, and childcare service
- English, Ukranian, Kiswahili, Serbian, Russian, Macedonian, Spanish, and Bulgarian spoken
What Guests Loved:
- Very clean, good wifi, and good air conditioning
- Beach only a 2-minute walk away
- Incredible food and the best fruit juices
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Spacious, fully equipped rooms and a gorgeous pool
Premium Economy: Ocean Boutique Hotel
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Trip.com Guest Rating: 9.6/10
Location:
- Dongwe, Zanzibar South, Tanzania
- 59.2 km from Airport
- 1.1 km from Sun Diving Centre
- 2.5 km from Soundscapes Zanzi
- 4.1 km from Pingwe Beach
Hotel Highlights:
- Half board included
- Located on the beach
- Full-service spa
- Private beach area
- Outdoor swimming pool and beach bar
What Guests Loved:
- Extremely well located, magnificent view, attentive staff
- Clean, lovely rooms, spectacular view
- Delicious food prepared by talented chef
- Peace and relaxation, no sunbed dash, and virtually no hawkers on the beach
- Location right on the beach and the facility is clean and well designed
Business Class
No Business Class hotel in this area currently meets our rating standard to be considered for inclusion in this guide.
First Class: Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa – Relais & Chateaux
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Trip.com Guest Rating: 9.5/10
Location:
- Paje Beach, Kusini, Zanzibar South, Tanzania
- 51.3 km from Airport
- 190m from Zanzibar Kite Paradise
- 700m from Maalum Cave
- 790m from Hi Beach Club Zanzibar
Hotel Highlights:
- On the beach
- Private butler service and childcare service
- Half board included
- 2 Outdoor swimming pools, tennis court, spa, and sauna
- 24-hour Roundtrip airport shuttle
What Guests Loved:
- Perfect spa, excellent food, peaceful and relaxing atmosphere
- Extremely well-appointed villas, marvelous food, clean and modern facilities
- Stunning villa with large private pool, exceptional food
- Huge villas, postcard-perfect beach, and wonderful staff
- Beauty, peace, and pure luxury
4. West Coast
Centred on historic Stone Town and extending to nearby offshore islands offering highly exclusive resort experiences, this area might be a good choice for you if you are interested in Zanzibar’s history and urban life or would enjoy ultra-exclusive island retreats.
Economy: Emerson Spice Hotel
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Trip.com Guest Rating: 9.4/10
Location:
- 1494, Tharia Street TZ, 1497 Kiponda, Zanzibar, Stone Town, Zanzibar West
- 8.5 km from Airport
- 110m from Stone Town
- 250m from East Africa Slave Trade Exhibition
- 330m from Old Fort
Hotel Highlights:
- Complimentary continental breakfast
- 24-hour Roundtrip airport shuttle
- Rooftop restaurant
- Central location in Stone Town
- Some rooms feature private balconies
What Guests Loved:
- Welcoming and pleasant staff
- Spacious and unique rooms
- Absolutely lovely decor and ambience
- Lovely balcony overlooking a garden
- Beautiful historic building that has been thoughtfully and tastefully decorated
Premium Economy
No Premium Economy hotel in this area currently meets our rating standard to be considered for inclusion in this guide.
Business Class: Zanzi Resort Private Paradise
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Trip.com Guest Rating: 9.5/10
Location:
- L13632008, West, Zanzibar South, Tanzania
- 22.3 km from Airport
- 1.4 km from Cheetah’s Rock
- 1.7 km from Zanzibar Horse Safaris
- 2.1 km from Sea Cliff Golf Course
Hotel Highlights:
- Nestled in rainforest on a private beach
- Area shuttle operating within 20 km
- 24-hour Roundtrip airport shuttle and a ferry terminal shuttle
- Half board included
- Spa, outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, and childcare service
What Guests Loved:
- Exceptional staff, cleanliness, great location, delicious food, comfortable rooms
- Beautiful and secluded villas – pure paradise
- Amazing food and wonderful service
- Private and well maintained
- Different dinner menu every night
First Class: Bawe Island Zanzibar
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Trip.com Guest Rating: 9.6/10
Location:
- Zanzibar 2319, West, Zanzibar South, Tanzania
- 12.6 km from Airport
- 260m from Bawe Beach
- 3.1 km from Nakupenda Beach
- 5 km from Pange Island
Hotel Highlights:
- Private island resort – guestrooms featuring private pools and private balconies or patios
- Half board and butler service included
- Ferry Terminal shuttle
- Spa, health club, outdoor pool, and tennis court
- Beds with down comforters and Frette Italian sheets
What Guests Loved:
- Spacious and luxurious villas with private pools
- Amazing food and incredible butler service
- Exceptional accommodation, breathtaking surroundings, and highly professional staff
- Large, spacious, and clean rooms with complete privacy in each room
- A stunningly beautiful island, perfect for relaxing
Planning the Next Stop on Your Itinerary
If your itinerary includes other destinations in Africa, you may also want to explore our guide on Where to Stay in Cape Town or visit our Destinations page for more exciting destinations across the globe.
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Our Editorial Methodology
Every hotel featured on HelpYouBook is selected using the same editorial methodology and quality standards. Our destination guides are designed to make comparing destinations easier by applying a consistent curation process, geographical areas, and budget tiers throughout the site.
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