Zanzibar Serena Hotel

酒店比較舊，房間佈局差，衞生間小。地段非常好，海邊景色優美。

As a 35 year veteran of the hotel industry, I was impressed by the hospitality and thoughtfulness of the team at the Serena Hotel, Zanzibar. From the moment we arrived, we were made to feel welcome. The bellman and front desk team outdid themselves. For example, Suleiman, the bellman, walked with me to a pharmacy when my husband was ill. He wanted to make sure I found my way and was able to purchase the correct meds. One night, the executive chef Sunil Dutt, prepared a special dinner at The Terrace restaurant where we ate under the stars with waves lapping at the Shore. The food was outstanding, maybe some of the best lamb chops we have ever had. The sunsets over the ocean were spectacular. Highly recommend staying here on your next visit to Stone Town.

I had changed my plans to experience Stone Town at the end of my trip. I had chosen to stay at Verde Hotel but, whilst there, had a few regrets that I had not chosen a hotel right in Stone Town. As it happened, my flight ended up being cancelled and I had to spend an unexpected additional night in Stone Town so decided to book the Serena which I was quite excited about. It looked a lot more traditional than the Verde and more ‘quintessential Zanzibar’. First of all, they charge $40 for an airport transfer. Total rip off. Be aware of this. The Verde charged $25 and it’s much further away. Secondly, the rooms are very disappointing for the price you pay. Quite cramped and dark. I asked if I could change rooms as mine was the first on the corridor with no view at all. They couldn’t. Some of the staff on reception were more friendly than others but, overall, the reception service was poor. That said, Amina and ‘Big Joe’ were both lovely and very helpful. The pool area was nice and I enjoyed my swim after 8 hours stuck at Zanzibar airport going nowhere. It’s right by the sea so you get some great views of the ocean and the sunset. I dined in the restaurant - food (buffet) was good but the restaurant is quite hot. The worst aspect of this hotel was the noise at night. I woke up around 2am to someone shouting in the corridor outside my room. This went on for ages and I couldn’t get back to sleep. All in all, I wouldn’t recommend this hotel.

The hotel is simply delightful. The outdoor patio bar at sunset with the music was superb. Lovely staff. The breakfast was very good and the ambiance watching the fishing boats come in cannot be matched. The rooms were very comfortable and loved the balconies. Great stay.

Zanzibar is magical and the Serena is the icing on the cake. From the moment you enter and are greeted by Sulaiman Nanji, you are made to feel at ease. The space is beautiful, the location is great, and you can catch the best sunsets on the island from the hotel. The chef, Sunil Dutt, was wonderful and ever so happy to oblige to all requests. The only downside was the water pressure in the shower. We cannot wait to plan our next trip and would love to be staying at the Serena again.

Perfect place to base yourself when visiting stone town. It has a great location to walk everywhere, and the best pool area of any stone town hotel (I’ve visited them all while living there!). The hotel itself has so much charm being such an old building, and the balconies on the sea view rooms are incredible. Perfect place to watch the sunset! Breakfast was a superb buffet and staff were great.