Emerson Spice Hotel

3.5 star property
Zanzibar Town hotel in Stone Town with 2 restaurants and free breakfast
your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Emerson Spice Hotel

Room (Violetta)
2 restaurants, lunch, dinner served; seafood
Room (Belle)
Room (Camille)
Front of property

Reviews

9.8 out of 10

Exceptional

Guests liked:

Friendly staff

Popular amenities

  • Bar
    Bar
  • Breakfast included
    Breakfast included
  • Room service
    Room service
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping
    Housekeeping
  • Laundry
    Laundry

Explore the area

Map
Stone Town, Zanzibar Town
  • Christ Church Cathedral
    3 min walk
  • Malindi Mosque
    3 min walk
  • House of Wonders
    3 min walk
  • Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.)
    17 min drive

Room options

Room (Camille)

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Ceiling fan
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Room (Violetta)

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Ceiling fan
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Room (Semele)

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

Design Twin Room (Mimi)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Ceiling fan
Shower/bath combination
  • 32 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Large Single Beds

Room (Belle)

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Ceiling fan
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Similar properties

About the area

Zanzibar Town

Emerson Spice Hotel puts you in the heart of Zanzibar Town, within steps of Shakti Temple and Hamamni Persian Baths. Highlights at this hotel include 2 restaurants and free continental breakfast. .The seafood restaurant, Rooftop restaurant, serves seafood and is open for lunch and dinner. For a drink, you can stop by the hotel's own lounge bar. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas and laundry facilities. Each morning free breakfast is served. There's also the convenience of an airport shuttle. .Places within a 5-minute walk of this 3.5-property class Stone Town hotel include Christ Church Cathedral and Malindi Mosque.

What's nearby

  • Slave Market - 3 min walk
  • Old Fort - 6 min walk
  • Shangani Beach - 6 min walk
  • Forodhani Gardens - 6 min walk
  • Zanzibar Ferry Terminal - 8 min walk

Getting around

  • Zanzibar (ZNZ-Zanzibar Intl.) - 17 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cape Town Fish Market - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Passing Show Hotel - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Meeting Point Cafe - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Lukmaan - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Livingstone Beach Restaurant - ‬7 min walk

About this property

Emerson Spice Hotel

Zanzibar Town hotel in Stone Town with 2 restaurants and free breakfast
There are 2 restaurants on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Free breakfast is available daily. Public spaces have free WiFi.

A terrace, tour/ticket assistance, and a garden are also featured at Emerson Spice Hotel. An airport shuttle (available 24 hours) is available for a fee.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 3.5-star Zanzibar Town hotel.

  • 1 building
  • 10 guestrooms or units
  • 5 levels
  • 2 dining venues
  • Built in 1870
  • Continental breakfast (free)
  • Towels for the beach
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Bellhop
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Bar or lounge
Emerson Spice Hotel offers 10 air-conditioned accommodations with complimentary bottles of water and free toiletries. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. This Zanzibar Town hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Rooms have partially open bathrooms. Bathrooms include a combined bath/shower unit with a deep soaking bath. Additionally, rooms include a ceiling fan and blackout curtains. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered on a daily basis. Amenities available on request include hairdryers.

Languages

English, Swahili

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • No on-site parking available
  • 24-hour return airport shuttle on request for a surcharge

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • 2 restaurants
  • A bar/lounge

Restaurants on site

  • Rooftop restaurant
  • Secret Garden

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Guidebooks
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service

Outdoors

  • Beach towels
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • No lift

More

  • 1 building
  • 5 floors
  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • At least 80% organic food
  • Biodegradable coffee stirrers available
  • Biodegradable drinking straws available
  • Built in 1870
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Local artist showcase
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soft drink bottles
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Traditional architecture
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Partially-open bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Electrical adapters
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Laptop workspace
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between 21 April and 20 May.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at Emerson Spice Hotel

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • A tax is imposed by the city: USD 4.00 per person, per night
  • Deposit is payable by bank transfer and is due within 24 hours of booking the reservation.

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 25 per vehicle (one-way)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve cots/infant beds and high chair
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. No on-site parking is available. Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve cots/infant beds and high chair. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, debit cards and cash. This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products. Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit in all accommodation.

We should mention

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.

Property is also known as

Emerson Spice Hotel Hotel
Emerson Spice Hotel Zanzibar Town
Emerson Spice Hotel Hotel Zanzibar Town

Frequently asked questions

Are there any beaches close to Emerson Spice Hotel?

Yep, Emerson Spice Hotel is a short 6-minute walk from Shangani Beach. Fun beach activities include snorkelling, scuba diving and kayaking. You can also find boat tours.

What makes Emerson Spice Hotel a romantic place to stay?

Al fresco dining and a lounge bar, as well as deep-soaking baths in the guestrooms, all help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Emerson Spice Hotel.

Are there hot tubs in the rooms at Emerson Spice Hotel?

No, but there are deep-soaking baths in the guestrooms.

Does Emerson Spice Hotel serve breakfast?

Sure does, free continental breakfast is available daily between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Emerson Spice Hotel?

No, but there's an airport shuttle that runs 24 hours a day on request for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Emerson Spice Hotel?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and 2 restaurants. Pre dinner cocktails anyone?

What time are check-in & check-out at Emerson Spice Hotel?

Check-in begins at 1:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Emerson Spice Hotel?

No, pets and service animals are not allowed.

Emerson Spice Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 54 out of 66 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 66 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 66 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 66 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 66 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Alan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Secret Gem
Really authentic building. The building is old and the owners have tried to keep the originality of the building by keeping original features . Its in the winding streets of the old town , so no vehicles except scooters allowed. The staff are great , everyone smiles and are so helpful. The room we stayed in Lamore had a outside shower on a balcony , seems strange, but it was very private and great to have a shower outside
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marcela A., Portland

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff are beyond friendly
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nancy

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing historic hotel
Beautiful histric hotel in the heart of Stonetown. Lots od stairs and no elevator but the views are amazing! Great breakfast too!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael, Emeryville

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
An older building, filled with antiques. Incredible service. Thoroughly loved our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

6/10 Okay

Anil

Travelled with group
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
This hotel does not have elevator, not good for older people.The area is too crowded and loud, but if you are looking for antique hotel this might be for you.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cinzia Marina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Martha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was fantastic! Special thanks to Rashid and Wakili for going above and beyond to insure that I had everything I needed and then some! The rooms were spacious, clean, and, beautifully decorated.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

saorlaith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fabulous and unforgettable stay in Stone Town
Staying two nights at Emerson Spice Hotel was such a memorable experience that I would happily recommend to anyone visiting Stone Town. The property itself is gorgeous; all of the walking tours stop in front of the hotel to point it out. Each of the guest rooms is unique and truly spectacular, and it was such a pleasure being encouraged to explore the unoccupied ones during our time there. The front desk staff was so helpful with everything from airport transfers, ferry ticket purchases, restaurant reservations, taxis, and laundry services. We loved the generous breakfasts on the rooftop each morning and thought that our dinners at the Tea House and the Secret Garden were both excellent. We weren't so lucky with the weather during our visit, so we were extra grateful to pass the time in such a beautiful and friendly hotel. Thank you to the entire team for making our stay so lovely.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alexa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing
Amazing. The best hotel experience I have ever had. I’ve traveled to 52 countries and stayed at many places. This is the best so far. I will be back. Amazing staff so kind .
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lena

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent stay in a place immersed in history.

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Victoria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was welcoming and friendly. The hotel was clean and elegant. The atmosphere was perfect but the call to prayer at 5:15 was a bit disturbing.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Kulendran, Lugarno

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The Emerson Spice Hotel used to be the Swahili Sultan's place. The rooms are beautifully appointed. Rustic furniture adds to the ambiance. My room was on the top floor which means 3 flights of stairs. The hotel is located on a narrow street. This means that taxis cannot come up to the hotel.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Hannah

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Selvamuthu, Bellevue

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great service, elegant & clean rooms, friendly & professional staff. They made our stay extremely comfortable and pleasant. The roof top breakfast/dinner experience was magical which we had meals in both hotels. There is no elevator in both hotels - so, it's a big hike. Will definitely come again!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Donna, San Jose

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The house is spectacular…as is the service! It’s a “living museum” reminiscent of the bygone era of a Sultan’s exquisite existence.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mei

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Greg

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A wonderful hotel
Lovely hotel Really good and friendly service Fabulous ambience Beautiful breakfast
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Erica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the character of the building. The details were tasteful and well designed. Such a unique place to stay!

8/10 Good

Richard

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
It is a very nice old hotel which maintains the feel of past times. The only problem for me, as an old man with bad knees is having to climb more than 70 stairs to my room, the last part on very creaky stairs. The view is magnificent from the roof and the breakfast was excellent with a great variety of frutis
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gary, Surrey

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
From a warm and professional welcome through to the art as if antiques in the room, Emerson Spice was a most positive and enjoyable experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022