KISIWA HOUSE, Zanzibar – A Smart Stay in the City
About the Hotel
Rooms with Ocean Views
Kisiwa House offers 22 villas with large open-plan bedrooms and private verandas facing the Indian Ocean. Each suite includes a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, mosquito nets, a minibar, and air conditioning. Bathrooms feature standalone showers and freestanding baths. Antique furniture, brass fixtures, Persian rugs, and original photographs decorate the rooms.
Dining with Panoramic Views
Darini restaurant serves traditional Zanzibari and continental dishes inspired by local spices. The rooftop restaurant offers panoramic views of Stone Town and the Indian Ocean, serving local and international cuisine. The open-walled restaurant with a traditional Makuti roof provides outdoor evening dining. The bar serves evening drinks.
Spa and Beach Access
The spa includes two treatment rooms set in a courtyard planted with frangipanis, bougainvillea, jasmine, and tropical flowers. Stone Town beach is within walking distance, where guests can board dhow boats for island tours, swim in the Indian Ocean, or watch sunsets. The beachfront features three 80m² villas with direct ocean access.
Stone Town Location
Kisiwa House is on a quiet street in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is 500 meters from the Old Fort of Zanzibar, Christ Church Cathedral, and the Old Slave Market. Craft shops selling local jewelry, fabrics, paintings, and carvings line the streets. Staff can arrange transfers to Jambiani Beach, Jozani Forest Reserve, Kwale Island, and Kizimkazi Beach.
Concierge and Transfers
Front-desk staff arrange taxi transfers for island exploration, including Prison Island for snorkeling and swimming. They can recommend and book dhow boat trips for swimming with marine life. Ironing facilities, tea and coffee makers, and free toiletries are provided in rooms.
Choose the Room
Check Dates & Room Rates
Getting around
All Transportation Options at a Glance
Amenities
General
- No smoking on site
- Free Wi-Fi
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- No pets allowed
- Security
- Luggage storage
- Fire extinguishers
- Key access
Services
- Paid airport shuttle
- Room service
- Laundry
- Dry cleaning
Dining
- Restaurant
Spa & Leisure
- Sun terrace
- Garden area
Room features
- Air conditioning
- Mini-bar
- Sitting area
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Location
Guest Ratings & Reviews
To my big surprise, the hotel had very nice rooms but no views from windows. They were a bit stuffy and with little light, not exactly what I expected. The service was perfect with friendly and very helpful staff. The location was very convenient, right in the middle of Stone Town, perfect for exploring everything on foot. The dining experience was out of this world with delicious food and wonderful views.
The hotel offers spacious and well-appointed rooms with everything you need for a comfortable stay, although there are no views from the ground floor. The service is top-notch, with friendly and attentive staff who pay great attention to cleanliness. The location is convenient for exploring Stone Town and enjoying nearby dining options, despite some challenges with direct vehicle access. The dining experience is excellent, with delicious offerings, although there might be room for improvement in barista training. The facilities provided enhance the overall guest experience, making it a great choice in Stonetown.
Staying in the junior suite on the 1st floor at this hotel was fantastic. The room was not only spacious and well-ventilated but also had a massive bathroom with both a bath and a walk-in shower. The huge bed provided a comfortable night's sleep, and having access to hot water round the clock was a big plus. The service was top-notch with friendly and helpful staff who were happy to arrange anything we needed. The location was excellent, super close to all the attractions of Stone Town, and we will definitely be coming back. However, be aware that the hotel may be a bit tricky to find, and there was a strange smell in the area. Although the dining options were limited, enjoying a meal on the rooftop restaurant was a nice experience. The facilities were great, providing everything we needed for a pleasant stay.
I had a delightful stay at the hotel. The rooms were clean, spacious, and well ventilated, with a huge bed and a large bathroom, offering easy access to hot water round the clock. The charming old renovated house with antique furniture added a special touch to the ambiance. The service was friendly and helpful, although the front desk was a bit hit and miss at times. The location was perfect for exploring the old city on foot, but could offer a little more in terms of amenities. The dining experience was lovely overall, but with some room for improvement in the breakfast options.
My stay at the hotel was a mixed experience. The rooms, though comfortable, were in a noisy position on the street. The service was welcoming and helpful, particularly from Suomu and Ali. The central location was convenient but a bit off. The dining on the roof deck was a delight. Overall, it was a decent stay with a few drawbacks.