Skip to main content

Zanzibar Serena Hotel

5.0 star property
Zanzibar Serena Hotel on Nakupenda Beach offers turquoise waters, white sand, sunshine, fine dining by day, and evening cocktails.

Choose dates to view prices

The Zanzibar Serena Hotel provides a peaceful escape on Nakupenda Beach. Travelers can book facials at the spa, relax by the outdoor pool, or savor seafood at either of the two restaurants. The hotel includes a complimentary daily manager's reception and offers WiFi in all rooms.
VIP Access

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
The current price is ￥39,623
￥48,268 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 18 - Mar 19

Get more when you're a member

  • Save 15% or more on select VIP Access properties when you reach Silver tier or above
  • Experience top-rated quality and exceptional service
  • Get an in-stay perk at select properties, plus free room upgrades, early check-in, and late check-out when available

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 3 of 3 rooms

View all photos for Standard Double room

Standard Double room | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually furnished

Standard Double room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(9 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
LCD TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
  • Partial ocean view
  • 26 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Superior Double or Twin Room, Ocean View

Superior Double or Twin Room, Ocean View | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually furnished

Superior Double or Twin Room, Ocean View

Highlights

Balcony
Individually furnished
Air conditioning
LCD TV
Premium bedding
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
Designer toiletries
  • Ocean view
  • 28 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Executive Suite

Executive Suite | Living room | 21-inch LCD TV with satellite channels, TV

Executive Suite

Highlights

Balcony
Individually furnished
Air conditioning
LCD TV
Premium bedding
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
Designer toiletries
  • 58 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
Mod logo
Sign in to view eligible discounts and perks. More rewards for more adventures!
Sign inSign up, it's free

About the neighborhood

Located on the beach, Zanzibar Serena Hotel is in Stone Town neighborhood and is connected to a shopping center. Zanzibar Ferry Terminal and Kidichi Spice Farm are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Nakupenda Beach and Forodhani Gardens. Slave Market and Hamamni Persian Baths are two other places to visit that come recommended. Snorkeling and windsurfing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and hiking/biking trails nearby. Visit our Zanzibar Town travel guide
Map
Zanzibar Town, Kelele Square, Stone Town

What's nearby

  • Stone Town is a great place to roam and see a side of Africa that is seldom seen. A place where cultures have mixed and co-exist. It is somewhat in decay and not very well kept, but it is extremely interesting to visit the sights and experience Stone Town while looking for souvenirs and just observing the Swahili culture and Zanzibar architecture. Amazing sunsets by the harbour! #GoldenHour #blue
    Shangani Beach
    1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Old Fort
    Old Fort
    3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Forodhani Gardens
    Forodhani Gardens
    5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Slave Market
    Slave Market
    10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Nakupenda Beach
    2 min walk - 0.2 km

Getting around

  • Zanzibar Intl. Airport (ZNZ)
    21 min drive

Restaurants

  • Forodhani Park
    7 min walk
  • House of Karafuu
    6 min walk
  • Livingstone Beach Restaurant
    4 min walk
  • Zenji Garden Café
    7 min walk
  • Mama Mia Gelato - Stone Town
    4 min walk

About this property

Zanzibar Serena Hotel

Luxury family-friendly hotel near Nakupenda Beach
Located close to Shangani Beach and Old Fort, Zanzibar Serena Hotel provides a poolside bar, a free daily manager's reception, and a terrace. With amenities like a beachfront location and sun loungers, this hotel is the perfect place to soak up the sun. Treat yourself to a massage, a body treatment, or a facial at the onsite spa. At the two on-site restaurants, enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and seafood. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with a coffee shop/cafe and a garden.
You'll also enjoy perks such as:
  • An outdoor pool and a children's pool, along with pool umbrellas and a lifeguard on site
  • Free self parking
  • Bike rentals, a roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), and babysitting (surcharge)
  • A banquet hall, tour/ticket assistance, and beach umbrellas
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the helpful staff
Room features
All 51 individually furnished rooms feature comforts such as 24-hour room service and premium bedding, as well as thoughtful touches like laptop-compatible safes and air conditioning.
More amenities include:
  • Designer toiletries, separate tubs/showers, and hair dryers
  • 21-inch LCD TVs with premium channels
  • Balconies, childcare services, and electric kettles

Similar properties

Junior Suite with Balcony and Ocean view | Beach/ocean view
Tembo House Hotel
  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Kids pool
  • Parking included
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, 955 reviews
Tembo House Hotel
Compare similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Free self parking on site
  • Onsite parking includes off-street options

Food and drink

  • 2 restaurants
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A poolside bar
  • Couples/private dining
  • Free daily manager's reception
  • Private picnics
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Baharia Restaurant
  • Terrace Restaurant

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Children's pool
  • Full-service spa
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Children's pool
  • In-room babysitting (surcharge)
  • Laundry facilities
  • Lifeguards on site
  • Outdoor pool
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service

Business services

  • 24-hour business center
  • 621 square feet of conference space
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Garden
  • On the beach
  • Picnic area
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • 2 treatment rooms
  • Body scrubs
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Facials
  • In-room massages
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Spa open daily

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • 1 building
  • 3 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Lifeguards
  • Mosquito nets

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 21-inch LCD TV with premium satellite channels

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service
  • Champagne service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Individual furnishings
  • Laptop-compatible safe
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: noon; Check-in end time: midnight
Early check-in subject to availability
An early check-in fee will be charged
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 48 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 48 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after noon please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • A tax is imposed by the city: USD 5.00 per person, per night

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 90800 per person (one-way)
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Property Registration Number Z0000010668

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property

Property is also known as

Hotel Serena Zanzibar
Serena Hotel Zanzibar
Serena Zanzibar
Serena Zanzibar Hotel
Zanzibar Serena
Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Zanzibar Serena Hotel Hotel
Zanzibar Serena Hotel Zanzibar Town
Zanzibar Serena Hotel Hotel Zanzibar Town

Frequently asked questions

Does Zanzibar Serena Hotel have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool and a children's pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Zanzibar Serena Hotel?

As of Mar 6, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Zanzibar Serena Hotel on Mar 18, 2026 start from ￥39,623, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is Zanzibar Serena Hotel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Zanzibar Serena Hotel?

Check-in start time: noon; Check-in end time: midnight. A fee applies for early check-in (subject to availability). Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Zanzibar Serena Hotel?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM. Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability).

Does Zanzibar Serena Hotel provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of USD 90800 per person applies.

Where is Zanzibar Serena Hotel located?

Located in Stone Town, this beachfront hotel is in the city center, just steps from Nakupenda Beach and Shangani Beach. Forodhani Gardens and Old Fort are also within 10 minutes.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Reviews

Zanzibar Serena Hotel Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

9.6

Cleanliness

9.4

Location

9.4

Staff & service

9.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 165 out of 247 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 55 out of 247 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 15 out of 247 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 247 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 247 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sumaiya

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing place, good location and nice staff
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Eve

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were lovely, the hotel is beautifully located on the ocean with a great pool. Lots of character
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Teresa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great Stay

Wonderful hotel on the beach in Stone Town. Very friendly staff, excellent breakfast buffet. Nice views and pool.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The room was beautiful and very clean. Staff were very pleasant and helpful. The food was wonderful. And a great location for walking around Stone Town which was very safe. In all an excellent stay.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

katherine

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property, great service, delicious food!!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hotel was marvelous - great location, fabulous views of the ocean and the friendliest staff we've ever had
Our balcony overlooking the Indian Ocean
Wonderful room
Interesting decor
Architectural delight
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nesan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property Amazing Staff Shoutout to David and the breakfast staff they are amazing!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

catriona

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This is a lovely hotel in a historic building. It’s walking distance to all the sights of Stonetown. Our room was clean and comfortable. The balcony looked out to the Indian Ocean. Staff were very helpful and friendly, particularly the receptionist who helped us with booking our transfer to the airport at the end of our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nancy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly staff, beautiful hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Angela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location and pool were great. The restaurant food was excellent, free breakfast excellent. Pool service from Damian especially was fabulous.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Diana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Absolutely amazing! I will definitely be back. Everyone treats you like family. Excellent service. Fabulous food. Beautiful accommodations.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Aateqa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful, historic property with amazing views. Everyone working there was friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, staff very courteous. I had a great room with a balcony facing the ocean. Very comfortable. Breakfast was plentiful and delicious.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent

Excellent service from the time we arrived to the time we left.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laureen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My third stay here! I love Zanzibar and love staying here. It's so convenient to everything and the staff are exceptional. Big Joe is always there to welcome us! And Johannes and Suliman also are great. Food is good, view is spectacular, rooms are big and have an "Old World" feel. I love it here!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bashir

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Fantastic Amazing

Excellent Service with excellent Friendly Staff
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kara

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property is immaculate. Staff are utterly courteous. The hotel itself is beautiful and carefully maintained.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alka

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Superbly helpful and friendly staff. Located in a very central area….easy to walk to nearby attractions like Freddie Mercury house etc. Plenty of taxis right outside the hotel. Hotel staff very very friendly and helpful for organizing any tours/taxis.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jean A

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful staff. Responsive and friendly. Charming room. Well furnished and cared for. Pool is clean and attractive.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

6/10 Okay

Lisbeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Really nice hotel - needs an upgrade

The hotel has a great location, and a really nice pool. But there are stairs to get everywhere. No elevators. The staff was exceptionally service minded - and helpful. But we did not get any recognition for the Hotels.com membership - we should have gotten a bottle of wine and som discount on the VIP membership.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

cindy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely property in a quiet corner of Stonetown. Great swimming pool. Historic quality of hotel added a charming feel. Most rooms overlook the ocean. The amenities were complete and the room was very comfortable. Spend a little extra to get an outside balcony or verandah. The staff was wonderful and helpful. There are lots of restaurants nearby. I can't speak for the food at the on property restaurant since I had to leave early and skipped the breakfast. I would definitely stay here again on a Stonetown visit.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

4/10 Poor

Ian

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The property is in a good location but is extremely tired and old fashioned. They are installing an elevator but this was right next to our room so very noisy works. The entire facilities need a major renovation. The staff were wonderful especially Johannes in the concierge.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Alastair

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service

Great location

Excellent location next to the beach with a very nice pool. Shame the sea has some litter in it. The bar service around the pool is very slow. The young staff in particular need to learn more English and a sense of urgency. Stone town is very interesting but beware fake guides
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anne G

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Zanzibar Serena Hotel is a gem. The staff is extremely helpful and courteous. They helped us find guides, get to Prison Island, find places to shop for certain items, the list goes on. The room was quiet and very comfortable with a large balcony. The food was excellent. The location is fabulous -- right on the water. Also, we had a late flight out and were able to store our luggage and use the all the amenities of the hotel. We could even shower before leaving! I highly recommend this hotel. I can't imagine finding a better one.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

2/10 Terrible

Igor

Disliked: Cleanliness
Upon check out I received the bill which had 2 same numbers in it. When I argued, they cancelled one of them but afterwards, on the way to ferry they called the driver and started asking for more moneys. Even after check out. Hotel after all is good, most of the staff are friendly. But guys, check the bills and be careful.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024