Zanzibar Serena Hotel

★★★★★ · Not Available

8.6Very good · 568

Shangani Street, Stone Town, Zanzibar City · Map ·

“Excellent service” · 10.0, Mon 17 Aug

Excellent waterfront/location with sea and pool viewsGuests say so in their reviews.

Friendly, accommodating and helpful staffGuests say so in their reviews.

Beautiful historic building and well-designed rooms/balconiesGuests say so in their reviews.

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Amenities

WiFi availableFree WiFi FreeParking {'selfParking': True, 'free': Free Parking {'selfParking': True, 'free': Non-smoking roomsAir conditioningSwimming pool24-hour front desk

Location 9.6Excellent location

Shangani Street, Stone Town, Zanzibar City · · Open in Google Maps

From the airport (ZNZ)
our transfer with a named driverBook

What guests say

8.6

Very good
568 verified reviews

Cleanliness8.7

Service9.3

Location9.6

Room Quality9.0

Amenities9.2

Value for Money6.5

Food and Beverage7.3

Overall Experience9.2

In short. Generally reported as clean and well maintained, but a notable complaint about visible trash on the small beach area seen from the breakfast room lowered perception slightly.

schmitz, BE · Solo9.0

Fri 16 Oct Very good hotel, very well situated + The reception, the location of the room with see view, the breakfeast

Harvey, AU · Couple10.0

Tue 13 Oct Wonderful relaxing stay + Great property and staff service. wonderful relaxing break.

Karen, United States · Family10.0

Sun 11 Oct Overall service at the hotel was great. Staff very friendly, food good and the location + Breakfast was good and the location great. − Only putting plastic mats in the bathtub.

Wendy, United States · Solo10.0

Fri 9 Oct Very enjoyable experience staying at Serena. + Beautiful, great location, and friendly helpful staff.

Birgit, CH · Couple9.0

Mon 14 Sep + Was directly next to the sea. Close to Stonetown. − Nothing not to like

Shehnaz, CA · Solo10.0

Sun 13 Sep A beautiful hotel in Stone Town location overlooking the Indian Ocean, stunning architecture + Zanzibar Serena Hotel has a fabulous location, right in the heart of historic Stone Town, yet directly facing the Indian Ocean. It really gives you the best of both worlds: easy access to Stone Town combined with beautiful ocean views and a wonderfully...

Gary, Singapore · Solo9.0

Thu 10 Sep A wonderful experience in Zanzibar. + Excellent location and facilities. Very well maintained grounds. Dining area next to the beach. Unblocked sunset views. Generally attentive staff.

Vincent, United Arab Emirates · Solo10.0

Fri 21 Aug + Very typical hotel with an amazing see view especially on the balcony. Food was great and the location is nice − Nothing

Sameer, Tanzania · Couple10.0

Mon 17 Aug + Excellent service

Sameer, Tanzania · Solo10.0

Mon 17 Aug + Great architecture n location Great service

Questions

What time is check-in?From 12:00 PM

Can my child stay?Children welcome

Are pets allowed?No

Is there parking?{'selfParking': True, 'free': True, 'chargeMode': 'free', 'feeAmount': None, 'feePeriod': None, 'location': None, 'reser

Host

Not Available
Hotels · You book through Elite Trip; the desk answers on WhatsApp before and during your stay.

About the hotel

Luxurious 5-Star Accommodation :

Zanzibar Serena Inn, located in the heart of Stone Town, offers exquisite 5-star accommodation overlooking the stunning Indian Ocean. Each room is elegantly decorated with traditional furnishings and modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Dining with a View :

Indulge in a culinary journey at Zanzibar Serena Inn's restaurants, offering a variety of international, Swahili, and seafood dishes. Enjoy breathtaking ocean views from the Terrace Seafood Restaurant's rooftop terrace while savoring delicious meals prepared by talented chefs.

Relaxation and Activities :

Unwind by the outdoor pool or on the beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying refreshing drinks from the Pool Terrace Bar. For the adventurous guests, snorkeling, kayaking, and diving activities are available nearby, promising an unforgettable experience.

Book your stay at Zanzibar Serena Inn for a luxurious and memorable retreat by the sea.

Good to know

Check inFrom 12:00 PM

Check outBefore 10:00 AM

Children and cotsWelcome

PetsNot allowed

Resort fee{'amount': None, 'currency': None, 'period': None}

Managed byNot Available

Before you go

From the hotel

Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Payment before arrival by bank transfer is required. The property will contact you after you book to provide instructions.

A deposit may be required at the property.

Bring the passport you book with; the hotel checks it at check-in.

Paid to the government of Tanzania, not to us 5 things travellers pay or do themselves: visa, insurance, taxes, fees. Tap to see.

These are not in your Elite Trip price and we do not sell them. You pay each one to the authority named, on its own site or at the gate. Checked 2026-10-25; rules change, so read the official page before you fly.

Mandatory travel insurance USD 44 per adult, USD 22 per child

Who
Every foreign visitor. Residents of EAC and SADC countries are exempt.

Where
inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz (mainland) or inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz (Zanzibar) or inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz

When
Before you arrive. In force from 1 October 2026 (Government Notice 256/2026).
AfyaMsafiri online health declaration Free

Who
Every traveller, one declaration each, including children.

Where
afyamsafiri.moh.go.tz

When
Before you arrive. Mandatory since 17 October 2026. Keep the QR code on your phone for the health desk.
Tanzania e-visa or visa on arrival USD 50 ordinary (single entry), USD 100 multiple entry

Who
Most nationalities. Visa on arrival is available to most passports; US passports must hold the multiple-entry visa.

Where
visa.immigration.go.tz

When
Apply online before you travel, or at the airport on arrival where it is allowed.
Zanzibar infrastructure tax USD 5 to 10 per person per night (official sources differ; the hotel collects it)

Who
Every guest staying in Zanzibar, per person per night.

Where
Collected by your hotel for the Zanzibar Revenue Authority

When
At check-out, on top of the room price, unless the hotel says it is included.
Zanzibar marine conservation fees USD 10 per adult per day, USD 25 for Mnemba

Who
Every adult entering a marine conservation area (Mnemba, Menai Bay, Chumbe and others).

Where
Paid at the site or through the boat operator, for the Zanzibar Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries

When
On the day of the trip. Elite Trip does not include it in a tour price unless the tour says so.

Elite Trip is not a government agency and does not issue visas, insurance or permits.

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