Emerson Spice Hotel

We made reservations based on website, travel agent recommendations and TripAdvisor. The place is highly rated. It is hard to believe this was the same hotel. We had to walk a few blocks since the van wouldn’t fit the narrow streets. Despite the cozy~looking internet pictures, the place is a musty dump furnished with well-worn furniture and rugs. The plumbing fixtures and electrical plugs appear recent. The shower is in a long narrow tub that was narrow and rough. No curtain or glass to keep the water contained. Some kind of rough homemade soap. No shampoo. We decided to get a car and head to the Park Hyatt nearby. In spite of our abrupt but cordial departure, the staff was pleasant and helpful getting our luggage etc to the car we summoned. We tipped them and didn’t look back.

Originally hadn't planned to stay in Stone Town, but arriving in Zanzibar a day earlier made for a cheaper flight, so we went for it. Stayed at the Emerson Spice, and what a pleasant surprise. Loved the rooftop restaurant, the courtyard reminding me of a Moroccan Ryad, the architecture, the kind staff. The hotel organized a guided tour of the old Stone Town and we made a lot of wonderful discoveries.

We stayed here for a week. The positive aspect here is that the breakfast served on the terrace was very good and the staffs are friendly and helpful. The price paid at $225 per night is not worth it. The hotel room is very basic with minimum amenities. This is first hotel I have stayed at where there are no coffee or tea making facilities. There is no TV for the evening relaxation. They provide you with a broken wooden safe. That meant that we had to carry our valuables with us all the time. No shower cubicle and so the water splashed everywhere. The room has awful lighting making it impossible to read. The website has deceiving images. Liquid shampoo is not provided and the tiny bars of soap do not lather. Threadbare towels make wiping oneself cumbersome. They do not have a concierge. No privacy in the toilet as the toilet is not a sealed unit. Upholstery on seats was extremely stained. It was difficult to get a good night’s sleep because the locals make noise throughout the night. No tissue paper. There is no phone in the room and so you need to walk to the reception for service. This establishment is not geared up to be a hotel. Not recommended.

Very charming and unique hotel. Friendly and attentive staff who can help arrange excursions. Dining experience on the rooftop for both breakfast and dinner is an absolute treat! After the exquisite dinner is when I fell in love with the hotel😊

We stayed in a room called Kate after Katherine Hepburn, it has to be the most stunning room we've stayed in. The decor is beautiful, the bed super comfy and the outside bath a shower a unique treat. The staff are polite, helpful and couldn't do enough for us. We had cocktails on the roof top at sunset and also sampled the 7 course taster menu also all cooked on the roof by an amazing chef. A beautiful oasis in the centre of old Stone Town.

Excellent spot in Stonetown. Had a great meal and a day stay before our flight back. Service was tremendous and the food at lunch was delicious. Felt like we traveled back in time and had a great experience resting before our flight home to the US.