Best Hotels in Zanzibar
The island offers everything from luxury beachfront resorts and romantic boutique hotels to affordable guesthouses and family-friendly resorts. However, with so many options across different beach areas, choosing the right hotel can feel overwhelming.
To help travelers make better decisions, we’ve created curated hotel guides based on different travel styles and budgets.
Before exploring those guides, here are a few well-known hotels that travelers consistently rate highly.
Our Quick Picks: Top Hotels in Zanzibar
Riu Palace Zanzibar - Lively Beach Resort
An adults-only all-inclusive resort located near Nungwi, offering a lively atmosphere and easy access to one of the island’s best swimming beaches.
Pongwe Bay Resort - Romantic Boutique Resort
A peaceful boutique resort located on a secluded bay on Zanzibar’s east coast, ideal for couples looking for a relaxing and romantic atmosphere.
Zuri Zanzibar - Luxury Beach Resort
Located on the beautiful beach of Kendwa, this award-winning resort is known for its private bungalows, tropical gardens, and one of the best swimming beaches on the island.
Emerson on Hurumzi - Historic Boutique Hotel
Located in the heart of Stone Town, this unique hotel is famous for its traditional architecture and rooftop restaurant overlooking the historic town.
Quick Hotel Comparison Table
| Travel Style | Best For | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| First-Time Visitors | Easy beach areas | Best Hotels for First-Time Visitors |
| Honeymoon | Romantic boutique resorts | Best Honeymoon Hotels |
| Luxury Travelers | 5-star beachfront resorts | Best Luxury Resorts |
| Budget Travelers | Affordable guesthouses | Best Budget Hotels |
| Families | Kid-friendly resorts | Best Hotels for Families |
| Quiet Beaches | Peaceful coastal stays | Quiet Beach Hotels |
| All-Inclusive | Stress-free resort stays | Best All-Inclusive Resorts |
| Beach Lovers | Direct beachfront hotels | Best Beach Resorts |
| Boutique Hotels | Small stylish properties | Best Boutique Hotels |
| Adults Only | Romantic resorts for couples | Adults-Only Resorts |
| Small Stone Town Hotels | Historic boutique hotels | Small Hotels Near Stone Town |
| Stone Town Hotels | Cultural city stays | Best Stone Town Hotels |
Find the Best Hotel for Your Type of Trip
Zanzibar offers a wide variety of accommodation, from luxury beachfront resorts and romantic boutique hotels to affordable guesthouses and family-friendly beach resorts.
Because different travelers are looking for different experiences, the best hotel for one visitor may not be the best choice for another.
To help you plan your stay more easily, we’ve created detailed hotel guides based on different travel styles and types of trips. Each guide highlights the best areas to stay and recommends hotels that match that type of experience.
Below are our most helpful hotel guides to help you choose the perfect accommodation in Zanzibar.
Best Hotels for First-Time Visitors
If it’s your first time visiting Zanzibar, choosing the right location is especially important. Many first-time visitors prefer areas with easy beach access, restaurants, and a lively atmosphere.
Our guide focuses on hotels in traveler-friendly locations such as Nungwi and Kendwa, where the beaches are beautiful and easy to enjoy.
➡ Read the guide: Best Hotels in Zanzibar for First-Time Visitors
Best Honeymoon Hotels in Zanzibar
Zanzibar has become one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the Indian Ocean. Couples are drawn to the island’s romantic beaches, boutique resorts, and peaceful atmosphere.
In this guide we highlight resorts that are perfect for honeymooners, including hotels located in quiet and scenic areas like Matemwe, Pongwe, and Michamvi.
➡ Read the guide: Best Honeymoon Hotels in Zanzibar
Quiet Beach Hotels in Zanzibar
Some travelers come to Zanzibar specifically to relax on peaceful beaches away from busy tourist areas.
This guide highlights hotels located in calm coastal areas such as Bwejuu, Dongwe, and Michamvi, where the atmosphere is slower and more tranquil.
➡ Read the guide: Quiet Beach Hotels in Zanzibar
Best Luxury Resorts in Zanzibar
Zanzibar is home to several world-class luxury resorts offering beautiful beachfront settings, private villas, spa facilities, and exceptional service.
Many of the island’s most luxurious properties are located in exclusive areas like Kendwa, Nungwi, and Matemwe.
➡ Read the guide: Best Luxury Resorts in Zanzibar
Best Budget Hotels in Zanzibar
Traveling to Zanzibar doesn’t have to be expensive. The island offers many affordable guesthouses, small hotels, and beachfront lodges that provide excellent value for money.
Budget travelers often stay in lively coastal villages like Paje and Jambiani, where there are plenty of affordable accommodation options and restaurants.
➡ Read the guide: Best Budget Hotels in Zanzibar
Best Hotels in Zanzibar for Families
Families visiting Zanzibar often look for resorts with spacious rooms, swimming pools, and beaches that are safe for swimming.
Areas such as Kendwa and Nungwi are particularly popular with families because the tide does not recede as dramatically as on the East Coast.
➡ Read the guide: Best Hotels in Zanzibar for Families
Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Zanzibar
All-inclusive resorts are a popular choice for travelers who prefer a relaxed and hassle-free holiday where meals, drinks, and activities are included in the price.
Many of Zanzibar’s all-inclusive resorts are located along the northern beaches near Nungwi and Kendwa.
➡ Read the guide: Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Zanzibar
Best Beach Resorts in Zanzibar
One of the main reasons travelers visit Zanzibar is to enjoy its beautiful white-sand beaches and warm turquoise waters.
This guide focuses on resorts located directly on some of the island’s best beaches in places like Kendwa, Matemwe, and Paje.
➡ Read the guide: Best Beach Resorts in Zanzibar
Best Boutique Hotels in Zanzibar
Boutique hotels are perfect for travelers who prefer smaller properties with character, personalized service, and unique design.
Many of Zanzibar’s best boutique hotels are found in scenic areas such as Matemwe, Pongwe, and Michamvi.
➡ Read the guide: Best Boutique Hotels in Zanzibar
Best Adults-Only Resorts in Zanzibar
Adults-only resorts are ideal for couples and honeymooners looking for a peaceful atmosphere without the presence of children.
These resorts often focus on romantic experiences such as private beach dinners, spa treatments, and sunset views.
➡ Read the guide: Best Adults-Only Resorts in Zanzibar
Best Small Hotels Near Stone Town
Some travelers prefer staying in smaller hotels close to the historic center of Zanzibar so they can easily explore the island’s cultural attractions.
This guide highlights charming small hotels located near Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar.
➡ Read the guide: Best Small Hotels Near Stone Town
Best Stone Town Hotels
Staying in Stone Town is the best way to experience Zanzibar’s history, architecture, and vibrant markets.
This guide highlights the best hotels located within the historic center, close to famous landmarks such as Forodhani Gardens and the Old Fort.
➡ Read the guide: Best Stone Town Hotels
Planning Your Trip to Zanzibar
After choosing your hotel, the next step is arranging transportation from the airport.
Most beach destinations are located about one hour from the airport, so many travelers arrange a private transfer in advance.
➡ Read: Zanzibar Airport Transfers & Getting Around the Island
Not sure which part of Zanzibar to stay in?
Different parts of the island offer very different experiences — from lively beaches in Nungwi to peaceful villages like Matemwe.
➡ See our full guide: Where to Stay in Zanzibar (Best Areas Explained)
Need Help Choosing the Right Hotel in Zanzibar?
Not sure which area or hotel is best for your trip? As locals with years of experience in Zanzibar’s hotel industry, we’re happy to help you choose the right place to stay and arrange private airport transfers if needed.